This study aimed to determine how learners were prepared at secondary schools for university life. Fifty (50) first year students were selected using simple random sampling to be participants for this study, with age ranges of 19-21. Questionnaires were employed to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics tests. The findings highlighted the lack of communication and collaboration between secondary schools and universities. University has become more complex, given the increase in student numbers. As a result, from the cohort of students who enrolled in 2011, an average of 29% managed to complete their degree programs within the prescribed three years. Another 29% took more than the prescribed three years, with the 42% dropping out probably due to lack or no preparation for university life. Recommendations are purported to assist the staff of secondary schools and universities to work collaboratively to prepare secondary school learners for university life. Thus, secondary school learners could gain adequate foundational knowledge and skills that will ensure that they are well prepared for university life. It could also be argued that exploring the perceptions of secondary educators and academics collectively might be a step in the right direction towards paving the way for successful learning at university.

Keywords: Teaching and learning, secondary schools, preparedness, University of Technology, South Africa.