Born in 2009: What Grade in 2027?
In 2027, a child born in 2009 has finished school if their birthday is on or before 30 June, or is in Grade 12 if it’s from 1 July.
| Year | Born Jan–Jun | Born Jul–Dec |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Grade R | Not yet in school |
| 2015 | Grade 1 | Grade R |
| 2016 | Grade 2 | Grade 1 |
| 2017 | Grade 3 | Grade 2 |
| 2018 | Grade 4 | Grade 3 |
| 2019 | Grade 5 | Grade 4 |
| 2020 | Grade 6 | Grade 5 |
| 2021 | Grade 7 | Grade 6 |
| 2022 | Grade 8 | Grade 7 |
| 2023 | Grade 9 | Grade 8 |
| 2024 | Grade 10 | Grade 9 |
| 2025 | Grade 11 | Grade 10 |
| 2026 | Grade 12 | Grade 11 |
| 2027 | Finished | Grade 12 |
How it works
Public schools in South Africa admit children to Grade 1 in the year they turn six, as long as they turn six by 30 June. That’s why the table has two columns: a child born from 1 July starts a year later than a child born earlier in the same year.
Independent schools may use different rules, so check with your school. Other birth years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.
Questions
When does a child born in 2009 start Grade 1?
Birthday on or before 30 June: Grade 1 in 2015, Grade R in 2014. Birthday from 1 July: Grade 1 in 2016, Grade R in 2015.
When does a child born in 2009 write matric?
Birthday on or before 30 June: Grade 12 in 2026. Birthday from 1 July: Grade 12 in 2027. This assumes they don’t repeat or skip a grade.
Why does 30 June matter?
Public schools admit children to Grade 1 if they are five turning six by 30 June of that year, so children born in the second half of the year usually start a year later.