Are you looking for the best high schools in South Africa?
If yes, then you’re in the right place.Â
Choosing the right school can shape your child’s future in so many ways. The truth is, school isn’t just about books and exams. It’s also where young people learn life skills, build friendships, and grow in confidence.
In South Africa, there are many high schools. But only a few stand out for excellence, values, and results.
In this amazing post, we’ll outlist the top best high schools in South Africa. We’ll explain everything in a simple way, so whether you’re a parent, student, or just curious, this will help you understand what each school offers and how to get in
Let’s get started!
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About South Africa’s Education System.
South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Southern Africa, Africa at large, and among the most developed countries in the world. It has one of the best infrastructure network in Africa and largest economy.
South Africa provides free education in Public Schools. However, tuition fees are paid in Private Schools. Education is compulsory from Grade R to Grade 9. From Grades 10 to 12, education is optional.
The country has both public and private schools. The system is divided into different phases. High school falls under the “Further Education and Training” phase, which covers Grades 10 to 12.
The National school curriculum is called CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement). Most schools follow it. But some private schools offer international curriculums like IEB(Independent Examinations Board), Cambridge, or IB.
In South Africa, high schools usually offer a mix of subjects like Maths, Sciences, Languages, and Life Orientation. Also, Private schools tend to have smaller classes, more activities, and better resources. But they also cost more.
Having explain that, now let’s look at the best high schools in South Africa.
Top 10 Best High Schools in South Africa.
Below is the list of the top 10 best high schools in South Africa you should enroll your child:
1. Hilton College
Hilton College is one of the best high schools in South Africa and a boys-only boarding school in KwaZulu-Natal.
It’s known for its world-class campus set on a huge estate. The school mixes top academics with strong sports and leadership training.
Hilton College also focuses on nature and conservation. Boys who are studying there learn discipline, respect, and teamwork through outdoor education and group living.
Location: Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal
Email: info@hiltoncollege.com
Type: Private, Boys, Boarding
Classes Available: Grades 8 to 12
Annual School Fees:Â Around R369,920. Website
2. St John’s College.
St John’s is one of the oldest high schools in South Africa, located in Johannesburg precisely that offers modern learning. Students of this school are pushed to think, explore, and do well in leadership roles.
The school offers both the IEB(Independent Examinations Board) and Cambridge A-levels and has excellent arts, music, sports programs, and lots more.
Location: Houghton, Johannesburg
Email: info@stjohnscollege.co.za
Type: Private, Boys, Day and Boarding
Classes Available: Grades 0 to 12
Annual School Fees: Around R198,000 to R300,000. Website
Read Also: Top 14 best secondary schools in South Africa
3. Roedean School (SA).
Roedean is also another top best high schools for girls in Johannesburg. It’s popular for empowering young women through strong academics and leadership skills.
The school has a good record and promotes independence, social responsibility, and creativity. In this amazing School, girls can also take part in global exchange programs.
Location: Parktown, Johannesburg
Email: info@roedeanschool.co.za
Type: Private, Girls, Day and Boarding.
Classes Available: Grades 0 to 12
Annual School Fees: R136,000 to R292,000. Website
4. Rondebosch Boys’ High School
Located in Cape Town, Rondebosch, it’s a top public boys’ school which provides high-quality education at a more affordable fee than some private schools.
It’s popular choice for many students because its offers maths, science, and different sports programs. If you want a school that has a strong culture of excellence and a huge alumni network, then this is the best fit for you.
Location: Rondebosch, Cape Town
Email: info@rondebosch.com
Type: Public, Boys, Day
Classes Available: Grades 8 to 12
Annual School Fees: Around R65,000. Check website
5. Bishops Diocesan College.
Bishops is a private Anglican school for boys in Cape Town. If you’re a parent looking for the best high Schools in South Africa that focuses on embedding academic excellence and strong moral values, then this is the right school to enroll your child and be glad you did.
Furthermore, the school also has top-class sports, well-trained staff, calm and secured learning environment, and music facilities for athletes students. Many boys after acquiring knowledge from this great School further their studies at top Universities around the world.
Location: Rondebosch, Cape Town
Email: principal@bishops.org.za
Type: Private, Boys, Day and Boarding
Classes Available: Grades 8 to 12
Annual School Fees: R173,000 to R306,000. See Website
Also see 7 simple ways to prepare for Jamb exams
6. St Mary’s School for Girls.
St Mary’s is among the top best high schools in South Africa in our list and the oldest girls’ schools in Johannesburg that has been doing so well when it comes to raising academically balanced kids.
It has a warm, family-like feel environment, modern facilities, and qualified teachers who also pushes students to do their best.
In St Mary’s School, Girls here learn to be confident, kind, and brave. The school also offers great arts, music, and sporting activities, making it easy for your girl child to learn and thrive.
Location: Waverley, Johannesburg
Email: info@stmary.co.za
Type: Private, Girls, Day and Boarding
Classes Available: Grades 0 to 12
Annual School Fees: from R150,000 to R290,000
7. Michaelhouse School
Michaelhouse is a full-boarding school for boys in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. It has a beautiful and peaceful setting, clean campus, and well-trained staff whose mission is to ensure their students succeed academically and otherwise.
It’s known for its balance of academics, sports, and spiritual growth. Obviously, life at Michaelhouse high school is about brotherhood and leadership.
Location: Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal
Email: admissions@michaelhouse.org
Type: Private, Boys, Boarding
Classes Available: Grades 8 to 12
Annual School Fees: Around R373,000
Recommended: 7 Best all-girls boarding schools in Zambia
8. Pretoria Boys High School.
This is one of the biggest boys’ high schools in South Africa. It’s a public school, but it has a private school feel with certified and friendly teachers.
The school is respected for offering top-tier education, and sports programs like rugby and cricket.
Location: Pretoria
Email: admissions@boyshigh.com
Type: Public, Boys, Day
Classes Available: Grades 8 to 12
Annual School Fees: Around R64,000. Website
9. Herschel Girls School.
Herschel is another top-rated private school for girls in Cape Town. It has a modern campus and great academic support.
The school focuses on building leadership and confidence in young women.
Meanwhile, It also has great art, sports programs, great laboratories, furnished classrooms, library, and outstanding teachers who ensure that students learn and grow up to become responsible individuals.
Location: Claremont, Cape Town
Email: admissions@herschel.org.za
Type: Private, Girls, Day
Classes Available: Grades 0 to 12
Annual School Fees: R105,000 to R176,000
10. Crawford College Sandton.
Crawford College is the last that made it to our list of the top 10 best high schools in South Africa, as it’s popular for having both IEB(Independent Examinations Board) and international subjects in a relaxed but serious setting.
If you’re a parent or student looking for a school that builds creativity and innovation, where students feel supported and taken care of, then Crawford College should be your final bus stop.
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Email: sandton@crawfordschools.co.za
Type: Private, Co-ed, Day
Classes Available: Grades 8 to 12
Annual School Fees: Around R140,000 to R180,000. Check out Website
Admission Requirements for Best High Schools in South Africa.
Although each school has its own process of admitting students. But the following admission requirements listed below are mostly required for all of them:
– A completed application form.
– School reports from the past year.
– Copy of the student’s birth certificate.
– Proof of residence.
– Application fee (non-refundable).
– Interview and/or entrance assessment.
Meanwhile, keep in mind also that some schools may request for letters of motivation or reference letters before registering your child. Just letting you know, so you prepare ahead of time.
How to Apply to the Best High Schools in South Africa?
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to follow if you want to enroll your child in any of the above Schools:
1. Visit the school’s website.
2. Download the application form.
3. Gather all documents.
4. Pay the application fee.
5. Submit your application.
6. Prepare your child for interviews or assessments.
7. Wait for feedback from the school.
Advise: It’s best to apply at least a year in advance. Some schools even take applications two or three years early.
What’s the Application Fees for High Schools in South Africa?
The application fees for high schools in South Africa can vary depending on whether the school is public or private, and whether you’re applying online or submitting a paper application.
Here’s a guide to follow:
a. Public Schools Application Fees:
Many public schools do not charge an application fee. However, some may require a small fee to process your application. It’s best to check directly with the school for specific details.
b. Private Schools Application Fees:
Private schools mostly charge an application fee. For example, the International School of South Africa charges R350 for primary applicants and R700 for secondary applicants.
c. Additional Costs:
In addition to the application fee, private schools have other costs such as enrolment fees, term fees, sport fees, and boarding fees.
Advise: Please note that these application fees are usually non-refundable and must be paid at the time of application. It’s important to confirm the exact fees with the school you’re interested in, as they can change and may differ based on your choice.
What is the Most Expensive High School in South Africa?
The most expensive school in South Africa goes to Michaelhouse.
Their fees are around R373,000 per year. Though it covers everything. From boarding fees, meals, sports, and tuition to activities and personal development.
The best part is that you’re paying for quality and a once-in-a-lifetime school experience.
That being said, now let’s discuss further, perhaps you may also want to know the best private schools in South Africa to enroll your child. Here they’re.
What’s the best private high schools in South Africa?
Though there are many great Private schools in South Africa, here’s a list of the 2 Top Private High Schools in South Africa:
1. St John’s College.
St John’s College just as we mentioned above has a warm and welcoming community. It is an all-boys school that offers Christian values and outstanding education.
St John’s College has modern-day technologies, extracurricular programs which help students explore their passions and develop new skills.
Though it offers the premium education, yet affordable for all backgrounds to attend. Fees are around R352,616 (approximately £14,700) for tuition and termly boarding.
2. SAHETI School.
SAHETI School is a co-educational institution that embeds a love for learning and creativity. With contemporary teaching methods and a rich cultural life, students are encouraged to think outside the box and reach their full potential.
This school is the best place for creativity and innovation. School Fees are reasonable compared to the world-class education they offer. Fees are from R148,252.25 to R169,458 per session.
The best part is that these 2 Private high schools in South Africa offer more than just academics; they provide a nurturing environment that helps students grow into well-to-do individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) for Best High Schools in South Africa.
Q1: Are private schools better than public high schools in South Africa?
A: Not always. Private schools often have smaller classes, better facilities, and more activities.
However some public schools like Rondebosch or Pretoria Boys High still offer excellent education and results. It depends on the school, not just the type.
Q2: Can I get a scholarship to one of these top schools in South Africa?
A; Yes, many of these schools offer scholarships for academics, sports, music, or leadership. Check each school’s website or contact them directly to ask about scholarships and bursaries.
Q3: When should I start applying for high schools in South Africa?
A: As early as possible. Some high schools in South Africa accept applications up to three years in advance, especially boarding schools.
It’s recommended you try to apply at least one year before your child starts Grade 8.
Q4: What curriculum do these schools follow?
Most private schools follow the IEB (Independent Examinations Board). A few offer Cambridge or IB curriculums. Public schools mostly follow the CAPS curriculum set by the government.
Q5: What if my child doesn’t speak English well?
A: Most of these top high schools in South Africa teach their Students in English. Some offer extra English support.
If your child is not fluent yet, don’t panic. It’s good to ask the school how they can help during the adjustment period.
Wrapping up.
Having seen and read the list of the top high schools in South Africa here.
Each school offers something special; excellent academic programs, extracurricular activities, leadership training, and a supportive environment, these schools help shape bright futures.
Think about what matters most to you and your child. Is it academics? Sports? Culture? Or boarding life? Once you know, choosing becomes a lot easier.
It’s advisable you start early, ask questions, and visit the schools if you can. The right high school in South Africa can set your child on a path to success and you’ll be glad you took the time to find it.
Hope you find this helpful.
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Good luck!
