Curro Faces Drop in Learner Numbers but Keeps Eyes on the Future

South Africa’s largest private school group, Curro Holdings, has reported a decline in student numbers in its latest financial results. Yet, the education giant remains confident that better economic conditions will help steady the ship.

A Numbers Story Behind the Classrooms

Curro, which has been listed on the JSE since 2011, revealed that its average number of learners slipped by 1.4% to 71,749 during the first half of 2025. This dip came despite the group opening new schools, bringing its total to 189 across 81 campuses.

On the surface, the drop in enrolments may raise eyebrows. However, the group’s revenue still grew by 4.7% to R2.7 billion, largely cushioned by annual school fee increases.

Economic Strain Meets Education Choices

The numbers highlight a bigger issue many South African families are facing: the rising cost of quality education. While more parents are turning to private schools as an alternative to struggling public institutions, the economic reality of higher fees has forced some to rethink affordability.

“Delivering quality private education is our core mission. We are balancing educational excellence with financial sustainability and resilience, despite a challenging operating environment,” said Curro CEO Andries Greyling Loubser.

It’s a balancing act that’s not unique to Curro. Across the country, private schools are grappling with the same question: how do you keep delivering excellence when household budgets are under siege?

Social Reaction: Parents Feel the Pinch

On social media, reactions have been mixed. Some parents expressed relief that Curro is expanding facilities to meet high school demand, while others voiced concern that fee increases are shutting out families who once saw private schools as an attainable option.

One Johannesburg parent posted: “We want our kids in a safe, quality learning environment, but at this rate, private schooling feels like a luxury, not an option.”

A Future Still in Focus

Despite the short-term hurdles, Curro is still investing heavily. The group spent R264 million in the past six months and plans to invest up to R630 million over the next year to expand and upgrade facilities. The goal? To capture the strong demand for high school places once economic conditions begin to ease.

While earnings per share dropped by 36.1% due to a property impairment, the group’s recurring headline earnings held steady at R224 million, demonstrating financial discipline even in a tough market.

Why It Matters

Education in South Africa is at a crossroads. With the public system under immense pressure, private providers like Curro are playing an increasingly critical role. But as the country battles economic strain, the affordability of these schools is coming into sharper focus.

For now, Curro remains resilient, betting on South Africa’s recovery to lift its numbers and cement its role as a cornerstone of private education.

Source:Business Tech 

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com