What is Private Schools?
A private school is a school not administered or funded by the government, unlike a public school. They are also known as independent schools, non-governmental, privately funded, or non-state schools.
Top Performing Private Schools In South Africa
Below are some of the Top Performing Private Schools.
The top girls’ schools
| # | School | Location | Average distinctions | 2023 fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roedean | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 4.64 | R191 181 |
| 2 | St Cyprian’s School | Cape Town, Western Cape | 3.90 | R148 900 |
| 3 | Durban Girls’ College | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal | 3.70 | R140 800 |
| 4 | St Mary’s Waverly | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 3.58 | R176 640 |
| 5 | St Andrew’s Senderwood | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 3.26 | R161 095 |
| 6 | Kingsmead College | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 3.23 | R170 365 |
| 7 | Brescia House | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 3.20 | R148 105 |
| 8 | St Mary’s DSG Kloof | Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal | 3.03 | R146 820 |
| 9 | St Stithians Girls College | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 3.03 | R161 480 |
| 10 | St Anne’s Diocesan College | Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal | 3.02 | R147 060 |
The top boys’ schools
| # | School | Location | Average distinctions | 2023 fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St John’s College | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 3.10 | R194 148 |
| 2 | Hilton | Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal | 2.43 | R369 920* |
| 3 | St Benedict’s College | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 2.41 | R150 670 |
| 4 | MichaelHouse | Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal | 2.30 | R347 680* |
| 5 | St David’s Marist Inanda | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 2.13 | R160 230 |
| 6 | Kearsney | Botha’s Hill, KwaZulu-Natal | 2.00 | R224 620 |
| 7 | St Alban’s College | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 1.85 | R174 750 |
| 8 | Clifton School | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal | 1.80 | R179 119 |
| 9 | St Stithians Boys College | Johannesburg, Gauteng | 1.70 | R161 480 |
| 10 | Andrew’s College | Makhanda, Eastern Cape | 1.50 | R152 364 |
What is the most prestigious school in South Africa?
Hilton College is reputed as the most expensive school in South Africa in 2023. It is located in the KwaZulu-Natal province. It is a private boarding school that offers luxurious lifestyle treatment to those that attend it. The current fee structure of the Hilton College stands at 369,920 South African Rands as of now.
Are private schools better than public schools in South Africa?
Private education in South Africa is much more expensive than public education, but standards are (generally) higher. These schools are attended mostly by children from middle and high-income families. School fees and the parent body fund private schools (or independent schools).
How much does a private school cost in South Africa?
Typically, sending your child to a good state-sponsored school costs anywhere from R8,000 to R20,000 yearly. These fees are relatively cheaper than private institutions, where average annual fees range between R30,000 and R70,000, with additional costs for boarders.