SPARK Schools
Verified Business
|1.2|70 Reviews (last 12 months)|Responds in 51h 10m
SPARK Schools
Verified Business
|1.2
70 Reviews (last 12 months)
Responds in 51h 10m
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
SPARK Schools
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Based on recent customer reviews, SPARK Schools is facing significant parent dissatisfaction, primarily centred on its accounts and administration functions. While isolated praise exists for individual enrolment agents, the dominant narrative describes billing errors, ignored communications, contested termination fees, and refund disputes. Concerns also extend to academic support and how struggling learners are managed, suggesting systemic operational issues that overshadow the school's educational brand promise.
Replied to 84% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 52h 30m
TrustIndex
2.4
Ranking
#24
in Colleges & Universities
Reply Time
51h 10m
NPS Score
-82
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 84% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 52h 30m
Sep '25 - Aug '26
Based on recent customer reviews, SPARK Schools is facing significant parent dissatisfaction, primarily centred on its accounts and administration functions. While isolated praise exists for individual enrolment agents, the dominant narrative describes billing errors, ignored communications, contested termination fees, and refund disputes. Concerns also extend to academic support and how struggling learners are managed, suggesting systemic operational issues that overshadow the school's educational brand promise.
The most common complaint about SPARK Schools, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Administration, Registration & Communication. Parents repeatedly describe ignored emails, unanswered calls, dropped transfers, and chaotic enrolment and deregistration processes. Transfer letters are delayed or withheld, head office is unreachable, and tickets are marked resolved without response. Administration (1.9) is consistently cited as the school's most damaging weakness.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Dec 2021
I would like to lodge a complaint because it seems like SPARK is running a ***** accounts department. I understand I've been late for payments and have made payment arrangements monthly to catch up. I spoke to Vusi Makhubo to advise of the payment arrangement. I'm shocked to see the statement is now inflated R13 000 as if i'm not making any monthly payment I was late with only R4000 & that's the amount I know very well I was behind with. I don't understand How can R130 of interest make my arears to come up to R13 000 in just 4 months??? when I'm only suppose to be owing R 6000 to the school. SPARK is a ***** school and I hope no parent enrolls their child in that school they did the same thing 2023 I had to get my children out of the school because they inflated the school fees to R30 000 because of the problem of government schools always being full I had no choice but to put them back to this **** of a school. They inflate amounts like it's going out of fashion and when you ask for their superiors they block you so you don't speak to management
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2021
I would like to lodge a complaint because it seems like SPARK is running a ***** accounts department. I understand I've been late for payments and have made payment arrangements monthly to catch up. I spoke to Vusi Makhubo to advise of the payment arrangement. I'm shocked to see the statement is now inflated R13 000 as if i'm not making any monthly payment I was late with only R4000 & that's the amount I know very well I was behind with. I don't understand How can R130 of interest make my arears to come up to R13 000 in just 4 months??? when I'm only suppose to be owing R 6000 to the school. SPARK is a ***** school and I hope no parent enrolls their child in that school they did the same thing 2023 I had to get my children out of the school because they inflated the school fees to R30 000 because of the problem of government schools always being full I had no choice but to put them back to this **** of a school. They inflate amounts like it's going out of fashion and when you ask for their superiors they block you so you don't speak to management
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2017
After writing a review on hello peter, spark school resolve my issue. I am very gratefull for the spark school on hello peter. you are amazing.Thank you
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2017
After writing a review on hello peter, spark school resolve my issue. I am very gratefull for the spark school on hello peter. you are amazing.Thank you
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2018
This is Mr. Lebaka Tsotetsi. In January 2025, after my daughter was not placed by the Department of Education in a nearby school, I registered her online at Sparks Randburg to start Grade 8. My daughter’s name is Paballo Tsotetsi (School Ref: TSO7762; Date of Birth: 28 September 2011). All registration processes were completed online. I paid the registration fee, the first month’s school fees, and purchased her uniform. She only attended school for one week. Thereafter, she was required to choose an African language as her first language. She had never studied any African language before, as she had been taught English as a first language from Grade 1 and Afrikaans as a second language. We visited the school to request that she continue with English as her first language and explained her educational background. However, the school informed us that it is their policy for learners to take an African language as a first language. We also explained that she did not understand isiZulu, while her classmates were already proficient in the language, having studied it since Grade 1. As a result, we had no choice but to discontinue her studies at Sparks Randburg. We returned to the school to request assistance in selling her nearly new uniform to another learner. The teacher advised us to contact parents through the class WhatsApp group, which had been created by the school, and informed us that all other matters would be handled by the school. The school also sincerely apologised for not being able to assist us with the language issue. In February 2025, my daughter began homeschooling for the remainder of the year. However, in June 2025, we unexpectedly received a progress report from Sparks, along with a request for payment for a calculator that was allegedly issued to her in March 2025. This was surprising, as she had stopped attending at the end of January, and the school had been informed. I contacted the school, and the person I spoke to confirmed that they would forward the matter to the accounts department to correct the error, as they were aware that she was no longer attending. In September 2025, I received an account statement from Sparks reflecting an outstanding balance of R39,711.61, sent by Boitumelo. I sent several emails explaining the situation, and she informed me that a ticket had been opened regarding the matter. I did not receive any feedback until last week, when I was again notified that I owe R39 711.61 on my daughter’s school account. I kindly request your assistance in resolving this matter, as my daughter has not attended the school since January 2025. School Contact Details: Telephone: *** Email: *** My Contact Number: ***
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2018
This is Mr. Lebaka Tsotetsi. In January 2025, after my daughter was not placed by the Department of Education in a nearby school, I registered her online at Sparks Randburg to start Grade 8. My daughter’s name is Paballo Tsotetsi (School Ref: TSO7762; Date of Birth: 28 September 2011). All registration processes were completed online. I paid the registration fee, the first month’s school fees, and purchased her uniform. She only attended school for one week. Thereafter, she was required to choose an African language as her first language. She had never studied any African language before, as she had been taught English as a first language from Grade 1 and Afrikaans as a second language. We visited the school to request that she continue with English as her first language and explained her educational background. However, the school informed us that it is their policy for learners to take an African language as a first language. We also explained that she did not understand isiZulu, while her classmates were already proficient in the language, having studied it since Grade 1. As a result, we had no choice but to discontinue her studies at Sparks Randburg. We returned to the school to request assistance in selling her nearly new uniform to another learner. The teacher advised us to contact parents through the class WhatsApp group, which had been created by the school, and informed us that all other matters would be handled by the school. The school also sincerely apologised for not being able to assist us with the language issue. In February 2025, my daughter began homeschooling for the remainder of the year. However, in June 2025, we unexpectedly received a progress report from Sparks, along with a request for payment for a calculator that was allegedly issued to her in March 2025. This was surprising, as she had stopped attending at the end of January, and the school had been informed. I contacted the school, and the person I spoke to confirmed that they would forward the matter to the accounts department to correct the error, as they were aware that she was no longer attending. In September 2025, I received an account statement from Sparks reflecting an outstanding balance of R39,711.61, sent by Boitumelo. I sent several emails explaining the situation, and she informed me that a ticket had been opened regarding the matter. I did not receive any feedback until last week, when I was again notified that I owe R39 711.61 on my daughter’s school account. I kindly request your assistance in resolving this matter, as my daughter has not attended the school since January 2025. School Contact Details: Telephone: *** Email: *** My Contact Number: ***
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2015
Spark Schools has a very terrible and horrible administration especially in their accounts department. I am being harassed by their accounts or collections departments since the beginning this year. I have made phone calls and inquiries about the money they say I owe them from last year and even offered to send them proof of payment for the months that they are alleging I did not pay. I received an email from one of the agents informing me that my matter has been escalated for a further investigation. Its been more than a month now and I am still waiting for the outcome of that escalation. I have sent them numerous emails regarding the outcome of the escalation and have not received any response instead i am being harassed by their accounts departments about an outstanding account and that they are giving me a final opportunity to settle the balance which i perceive as threats i do not deserve. I have seen a number of negative reviews about their accounts department even before i enrolled my first child with them but i took a leap and i regret it very much. The school operates in a very disorganized and unproffesional manner and they only care about what they can get from people and they are not eager to resolve their client quiries. I pray this gets resolved before Spark Schools spoil my credit record.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2015
Spark Schools has a very terrible and horrible administration especially in their accounts department. I am being harassed by their accounts or collections departments since the beginning this year. I have made phone calls and inquiries about the money they say I owe them from last year and even offered to send them proof of payment for the months that they are alleging I did not pay. I received an email from one of the agents informing me that my matter has been escalated for a further investigation. Its been more than a month now and I am still waiting for the outcome of that escalation. I have sent them numerous emails regarding the outcome of the escalation and have not received any response instead i am being harassed by their accounts departments about an outstanding account and that they are giving me a final opportunity to settle the balance which i perceive as threats i do not deserve. I have seen a number of negative reviews about their accounts department even before i enrolled my first child with them but i took a leap and i regret it very much. The school operates in a very disorganized and unproffesional manner and they only care about what they can get from people and they are not eager to resolve their client quiries. I pray this gets resolved before Spark Schools spoil my credit record.
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2023
Had an incident this morning during drop off whereby a teacher, she totally refused to open my car and there was a lot of traffic due to the weather. Mr who was working with her told her to open the car as I was in the front of line. She refused. The other teacher had to come to the front queue to assist me, and she was just standing there. My question is, why did she refuse to open my car does she has a problem with me or my kids? Why is she working at drop-off? May she kindly explain her problem with why she didn't open my car, as I was also late for work? I respect her time. She must also do the same with mine? I always complain to the school about my incident which I know they won't do anything as always .
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2023
Had an incident this morning during drop off whereby a teacher, she totally refused to open my car and there was a lot of traffic due to the weather. Mr who was working with her told her to open the car as I was in the front of line. She refused. The other teacher had to come to the front queue to assist me, and she was just standing there. My question is, why did she refuse to open my car does she has a problem with me or my kids? Why is she working at drop-off? May she kindly explain her problem with why she didn't open my car, as I was also late for work? I respect her time. She must also do the same with mine? I always complain to the school about my incident which I know they won't do anything as always .
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2012
I am extremely disappointed with Spark School lack of response to my emails sent to the principal and teachers regarding serious concerns about school communication. Being completely ignored sends a clear message that the school does not value or respect parent engagement at all. Communication is a basic expectation and silence is unacceptable.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2012
I am extremely disappointed with Spark School lack of response to my emails sent to the principal and teachers regarding serious concerns about school communication. Being completely ignored sends a clear message that the school does not value or respect parent engagement at all. Communication is a basic expectation and silence is unacceptable.
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2026
Terrible billing system and no body to account whatsoever. I have a billing issue that goes back 2018, that's how long I have been a customer to this school. You deal with one "credit control agent" today, confirm that the problem has been resolved. They resign, then the problem resurface, one has to breakdown the same issue with their new recruit, very frustrating. 2025 December 09, I was called for a meeting at the Randburg offices with (Nthabiseng and Gcina), when I got there, they were not ready with the spreadsheet and had to drive back with no solution. January, my child had to change school and I was told that my child was not going to get a transfer from SPARK Centurion to SPARK Theresa Park due to the very issue. They told me to submit a 2018 POP that they assumed to be missing and not processed, which I sent. They ultimately allowed my child to be moved to SPARK Theresa Park pending a formal clearance of my account. On the 11th of February 2026, Gcina calls me from SPARK Office to assure me that the problem has been resolved and the statement has been cleared to R0.00, I should be expecting an updated statement shortly, as she is the one who sent it. She further apologised for the frustration caused and assured me that as of March 2026 my statement would reflect current invoice only, meaning all was in order. However, as I share this ordeal with the public, I'm still receiving the statement that has +180days, +90days overdue amounts and on top of that, interest is being added monthly. Looking at the Hellopeter reviews on SPARK School around their billing system, clearly the school does not take these frustrating challenges serious and funny the same names appears to be attached to pertinent issues. FRUSTRATED
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2026
Terrible billing system and no body to account whatsoever. I have a billing issue that goes back 2018, that's how long I have been a customer to this school. You deal with one "credit control agent" today, confirm that the problem has been resolved. They resign, then the problem resurface, one has to breakdown the same issue with their new recruit, very frustrating. 2025 December 09, I was called for a meeting at the Randburg offices with (Nthabiseng and Gcina), when I got there, they were not ready with the spreadsheet and had to drive back with no solution. January, my child had to change school and I was told that my child was not going to get a transfer from SPARK Centurion to SPARK Theresa Park due to the very issue. They told me to submit a 2018 POP that they assumed to be missing and not processed, which I sent. They ultimately allowed my child to be moved to SPARK Theresa Park pending a formal clearance of my account. On the 11th of February 2026, Gcina calls me from SPARK Office to assure me that the problem has been resolved and the statement has been cleared to R0.00, I should be expecting an updated statement shortly, as she is the one who sent it. She further apologised for the frustration caused and assured me that as of March 2026 my statement would reflect current invoice only, meaning all was in order. However, as I share this ordeal with the public, I'm still receiving the statement that has +180days, +90days overdue amounts and on top of that, interest is being added monthly. Looking at the Hellopeter reviews on SPARK School around their billing system, clearly the school does not take these frustrating challenges serious and funny the same names appears to be attached to pertinent issues. FRUSTRATED
SPARK Schools scores 1.1 out of 5 on Hellopeter's AI analysis of service quality in Colleges & Universities, compared to the Colleges & Universities industry average of 3.2. Their strongest theme is Teaching Quality (1.5); their weakest is Fees & Refunds (0.9). The top AI-rated Colleges & Universities business on Hellopeter is HyperionDev (4.5). How is the AI Score calculated? →
SPARK Schools has a TrustIndex of 2.4 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 70 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 84% of negative reviews, typically within 52 hours 30 min. Hellopeter has tracked SPARK Schools across 591 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →