When evaluating a secondary school, certain indicators reveal genuine capacity from pretenders. Hugenote Kollege's matric results matter, but so does the consistency of those results and how they compare across different subjects and cohorts. Teacher retention—whether experienced educators stay long-term or move frequently—signals whether the school invests in staff development and offers conditions that attract qualified people. Facilities tell a story too: science labs equipped for practical work, a library that gets used, sports and arts infrastructure that's maintained. The depth of subject offerings, particularly whether less common subjects like languages or specialised sciences are available, shows institutional ambition. How a school handles learners who struggle academically, whether through support systems or honest counselling about fit, separates schools genuinely committed to learner outcomes from those simply managing enrolment numbers. Paarl schools that maintain strong university placement rates, SAPS clearance certificates for safe conduct, and genuine engagement with the local community usually demonstrate the thoroughness that parents should look for.