In very brief terms, a school is registered with the Department of Basic Education as a formal educational institution. A registered school will receive an EMIS number from the DBE which proves their registration. As such, the school can then register learners with the DBE, take over the responsibilities for assessments and invigilation and more. School learners typically attend a school during specific school hours, adhere to a school term timetable, wear school uniforms and pay school fees.

A tutor is not a legal school and may not operate as a school. A tutor may offer subject-specific support on an ad-hoc basis to learners attending a school or being home-educated. A cottage school or any tutor business operating as a school is considered an illegal school. Tutors may not take over any responsibilities from the parent/legal guardian. 

The above is not an exhaustive explanation. Parents/legal guardians are advised to consult the policy on home education when considering homeschooling.