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Dobsonville has 12 public primary schools, three public secondary schools, three special schools and two independent schools, according to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) master list of Gauteng schools (2025 data). The public high schools are Forte Secondary, George Khosa Secondary and PJ Simelane Secondary. All the ordinary public schools on the list are quintile 4 no-fee schools in the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) Johannesburg West district.
Use this page to find a school, check its official address, and see how Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions work. Places at public schools are applied for online through the GDE, not at the school gate. School lists were checked on 13 September 2026.
Public high schools: Forte Secondary, George Khosa Secondary, PJ Simelane Secondary
Public primary schools: 12, including Boikanyo, DSJ, Thabang and Hector Peterson (Ext 3)
School fees: the ordinary public schools are listed as no-fee schools (DBE master list, 2025)
2027 Grade 1 and 8 admissions: the GDE online window ran from 5 August to 4 September 2026. The GDE calendar lists late applications from 4 December 2026 to 31 January 2027
GDE help: 0800 000 789 or 011 355 0000 | [email protected]
Last checked: 13 September 2026
Browse Dobsonville Schools
Start with these guides:
- Dobsonville Primary Schools: all public and independent primary schools in the area
- Dobsonville High Schools: Grade 8 to 12 options compared
- Forte High School Dobsonville: Forte Secondary School, Mmesi Park
- Boikanyo Primary School Dobsonville: Mashao Drive
- Thabang Primary School Dobsonville: Mashao Drive
- Kiddies Hope Academy Dobsonville: early learning for children aged two to five
- Kiddies Hope Academy Dobsonville School Fees and Kiddies Hope Academy Dobsonville Fees: what to ask about fees before you enrol
Other school guides include PJ Simelane Secondary School, DSJ Primary School, Makhoarane Primary School and Thathezakho Primary School.
Popular Options
Forte Secondary School
The largest school in Dobsonville, with 2,274 learners in 2025 according to the DBE master list. In the DBE’s 2025 NSC School Performance Report, Forte achieved 97.3% in 2023, 100% in 2024 and 99.6% in 2025. It is often searched as Forte High School. See Forte High School Dobsonville.
George Khosa and PJ Simelane secondary schools
Both are on the DBE list as quintile 4 no-fee schools. The same DBE report shows George Khosa at 96.9% in 2024 and 93.6% in 2025, and PJ Simelane at 94.4% in 2024 and 92.4% in 2025.
Primary schools
Margaret Gwele Primary (869 learners) and DSJ Primary (636) had the most learners among the older Dobsonville primary schools in 2025, while Hector Peterson Primary in Ext 3 had 1,178. For a guide to each, see Dobsonville Primary Schools.
Contact Details & Opening Hours
Addresses and phone numbers below are as listed in the DBE master list of Gauteng schools (2025 data). Numbers in the list may be out of date, so if a number does not work, contact the GDE Johannesburg West district or visit the school during school hours. The list does not include office hours, so phone or visit during school hours on a school day.
| School | Type | Address (DBE list) | Phone (DBE list) | Learners 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte Secondary School | Public secondary, no-fee | 1 Jonas Moabi, Mmesi Park, Dobsonville | 078 300 7103 | 2,274 |
| George Khosa Secondary School | Public secondary, no-fee | 2331 Mashao Drive, Dobsonville | 011 988 1757 | 1,319 |
| PJ Simelane Secondary School | Public secondary, no-fee | 3024 Zungu Street, Dobsonville | 010 065 5108 | 1,169 |
| Boikanyo Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 3712 Mashao Drive, Dobsonville | Not listed | 438 |
| DSJ Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 4057 Mmutle, Dobsonville Ext 2 | 011 988 1065 | 636 |
| Enkolweni Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 27 Khoza Street, Dobsonville | 082 553 1397 | 307 |
| Hector Peterson Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 8853 Mbalo Drive, Dobsonville Ext 3 | 011 931 1140 | 1,178 |
| Ithembalihle Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 3289 Khoza, Dobsonville | 082 557 4901 | 261 |
| Lodirile Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 11 Masuku Street, Dobsonville | 069 829 5673 | 364 |
| Makhoarane Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 3670 Vuzane, Dobsonville | 082 557 4737 | 361 |
| Margaret Gwele Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 14 Matomela, Dobsonville | 010 006 7145 | 869 |
| Samuel Mangala Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 11 Sebigi Street, Dobsonville | 010 229 0402 | 288 |
| Senyamo Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 3670 Vuzani Street, Dobsonville | 011 988 1084 | 409 |
| Thabang Primary School | Public primary, no-fee | 2761 Mashao Drive, Dobsonville | 010 065 5821 | 383 |
| Thathezakho L.P. School | Public primary, no-fee | 3023 Simelane Street, Dobsonville | 082 557 7045 | 375 |
| Dr Mary Malahlela Primary School | Public special school | 16 Vuzani, Dobsonville | 011 988 1100 | 406 |
| Sizwile School for the Deaf | Public special school | 4339 Jonas Moabi Drive, Mmesi Park | 011 988 1017 | 198 |
| Mezodo Vocational Skills Centre | Public special school | 5604 Elias Motsoaledi Road, Mmesi Park | 011 989 0446 | 183 |
| St Angelas Primary Private School | Independent primary | 1 Maikanyi Street, Dobsonville | 011 988 1104 | 243 |
| Thari-Imbeleko Christian School | Independent primary | 7 Luthuli Street, Dobsonville | 081 731 1827 | 69 |
Browse by Location or Type
By type
- Early learning (under Grade R): creches and ECD centres such as Kiddies Hope Academy. These are not on the DBE school master list.
- Public primary schools (usually Grade R to 7): 12 schools, all listed as no-fee.
- Public secondary schools (Grade 8 to 12): Forte, George Khosa and PJ Simelane.
- Special schools: Sizwile School for the Deaf, Dr Mary Malahlela Primary (for learners with severe intellectual disabilities) and Mezodo Vocational Skills Centre (for learners with mild intellectual disabilities). Placement is arranged through the GDE district, not the online Grade 1 and 8 system.
- Independent schools: St Angelas Primary Private School and Thari-Imbeleko Christian School charge fees set by the school.
- After school: the TVET college in Dobsonville is SWGC Dobsonville Campus. See Education in Dobsonville.
By area
- Mmesi Park (near Dobsonville Mall): Forte Secondary, Sizwile School for the Deaf, Mezodo Vocational Skills Centre.
- Mashao Drive area: Boikanyo Primary, George Khosa Secondary and Thabang Primary.
- Dobsonville Ext 2: DSJ Primary.
- Dobsonville Ext 3: Hector Peterson Primary.
- Nearby areas: the DBE list also has schools in Thulani, Doornkop, Braamfischerville and Mofolo North that use Dobsonville postal addresses. These are outside Dobsonville itself.
Driving schools
Driving schools are private businesses, not part of the school system, and we have not yet verified any in Dobsonville. Our Dobsonville driving school guide explains what to check, such as whether the instructor is registered and which licensing centre you will test at.
How to Choose
- Check the feeder zone. For Grade 1 and 8, proof of residence is the key document used to decide feeder zones and placement. Use the feeder zone search on gdeadmissions.gov.za before you choose.
- Choose three to five schools. The 2027 guidance reported by Sowetan asked parents to apply to three to five public schools. List only schools you would accept.
- Look at results carefully. For high schools, the DBE School Performance Report shows pass rates and how many learners wrote. One year’s result does not tell the whole story.
- Visit. Ask about class sizes, subjects offered in Grade 10 to 12, transport and learner support.
- For special needs: speak to the school and the GDE Johannesburg West district about assessment and placement.
- Independent schools and ECD centres: ask for the fee structure in writing, the registration number and what is included.
Related Local Services
- Education in Dobsonville: schools, early learning and SWGC Dobsonville Campus
- SWGC Dobsonville Campus: college options after Grade 9 or matric
- Dobsonville Library: study space and books
- Public Services in Dobsonville: certify documents for applications at the police station
Recently Updated Pages
- This page: school list, addresses and learner numbers checked against the DBE master list on 13 September 2026
- SWGC Dobsonville Campus Courses & Fees: checked 13 September 2026
- Forte High School Dobsonville: checked 13 September 2026
- Kiddies Hope Academy Dobsonville: checked 13 September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which high schools are in Dobsonville, Soweto?
The DBE master list has three public secondary schools in Dobsonville: Forte Secondary School, George Khosa Secondary School and PJ Simelane Secondary School. Sizwile School for the Deaf and Mezodo Vocational Skills Centre are special schools that also serve older learners.
Are Dobsonville public schools free?
The ordinary public schools on the DBE list are marked as no-fee schools, so parents do not pay compulsory school fees. You may still pay for uniforms, and schools may ask for voluntary contributions. Special schools and independent schools are not marked no-fee.
How do I apply for Grade 1 or Grade 8 in Dobsonville?
Apply online at gdeadmissions.gov.za during the application window. For 2027 it ran from 5 August to 4 September 2026. The GDE admissions calendar lists late applications from 4 December 2026 to 31 January 2027 at schools that still have space. A Sowetan report on 28 July 2026 said the province warned late applications would not be accepted, so check with the GDE before relying on the late window.
What documents do I need?
Proof of residence is the key document, because it decides your feeder zone. For 2027, parents were told to upload or submit supporting documents within seven school days of applying, and warned that fraudulent addresses or documents can lead to prosecution. The GDE FAQ lists which documents count as proof of address, and schools will also ask for the learner’s birth certificate and latest report.
Is there a private school in Dobsonville?
Yes. St Angelas Primary Private School on Maikanyi Street and Thari-Imbeleko Christian School on Luthuli Street are listed as independent primary schools.