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15 Most Expensive Schools in South Africa | 2025 Update
In South Africa, private education is a major investment in a child’s future. With high-quality boarding options, globally recognized learning programs, and excellent facilities, the country’s top schools are setting a high standard.
These schools offer more than just classes; they combine strong traditions with modern teaching methods to provide students with the best education possible in 2025.
If you’re asking which school is the most expensive in South Africa, you should definitely read to the end.
15 Most Expensive Schools in South Africa
Below is a list of the top 15 most expensive schools in South Africa for 2025. Each school is ranked based on yearly tuition fees.
| Rank | School Name | Location | 2025 Yearly Fees |
|---|
| 1 | Hilton College | KwaZulu-Natal | R410,000 |
| 2 | Michaelhouse | KwaZulu-Natal | R385,000 |
| 3 | St. Andrew’s College | Makhanda (Grahamstown) | R380,000 |
| 4 | Roedean School (SA) | Johannesburg | R375,000 |
| 5 | St. John’s College | Johannesburg | R370,000 |
| 6 | Kearsney College | KwaZulu-Natal | R360,000 |
| 7 | Bishops Diocesan College | Cape Town | R355,000 |
| 8 | St. Stithians College | Johannesburg | R350,000 |
| 9 | St. Mary’s School, Waverley | Johannesburg | R345,000 |
| 10 | Reddam House Waterfall | Johannesburg | R340,000 |
| 11 | Crawford College Sandton | Johannesburg | R330,000 |
| 12 | Kingswood College | Makhanda (Grahamstown) | R325,000 |
| 13 | Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) | Makhanda (Grahamstown) | R320,000 |
| 14 | Somerset College | Western Cape | R315,000 |
| 15 | Bridge House School | Franschhoek | R310,000 |
1. Hilton College
Founded in 1872, Hilton College is a full boarding school for boys located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Hilton College is the only school in South Africa that offers full-time boarding just for boys. It sits on a large 1,762-hectare property with sports fields, nature areas, and even an observatory.
The school fees, which is R410,000, cover everything from classes, boarding, books, uniforms, and laundry.
2. Michaelhouse
Michaelhouse was founded in 1896 and is located in Balgowan, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. It is a boys-only school that offers full boarding, meaning students live on campus during the school term.
This is one of the most expensive schools in South Africa because it follows the style of traditional British boarding schools. It focuses strongly on values like discipline, leadership, and tradition, which helps build its strong reputation.
The school also offers excellent facilities, a structured environment, and a high-quality all-round education.
3. St. Andrew’s College
St. Andrew’s College is one of the oldest private schools in South Africa, with a long and proud history. The school combines its strong traditions with modern teaching methods to give students a well-rounded education.
Founded in 1855, the high fees reflect the excellent learning environment, comfortable accommodation, and wide range of opportunities offered to the boys.
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4. Roedean School (SA)
Roedean School (SA) was started in 1903 and is one of the most respected girls’ schools in Johannesburg. It was built to follow the model of its sister school in the United Kingdom, and it carries a long history of high standards in both academics and character development.
The school offers two types of learning paths; Cambridge and IEB, giving students a strong foundation for both local and international university entry.
Its high fees are due to its strong reputation, excellent teaching, modern learning spaces, and focus on building well-rounded, confident young women.
5. St. John’s College
St. John’s College was founded in 1898 and is located in Houghton, Johannesburg. It is a boys-only school that offers both boarding and day options, with yearly fees of over R370,000 in 2025.
Known for its strong Anglican roots and high-quality teaching, many parents see it as one of the best schools in South Africa for boys.
6. Kearsney College
Kearsney College was started in 1921 and is a leading boys’ school in Botha’s Hill, KwaZulu-Natal.
It offers both boarding and day options, with school fees of about R360,000 per year. The school is well known for its strong academics, rugby, and leadership programs, making it one of the best schools in South Africa.
7. Bishops Diocesan College
The next school on our list of the most expensive schools in South Africa is Bishops Diocesan College.
As an only boys school located in Rondebosch, Cape Town, this school offers both day and boarding options with an annual fee of about R355,000.
Known for its strong performance in academics, sports, and the arts, and many people see it as one of the best schools in South Africa for boys in the Western Cape.
8. St. Stithians College
It’s impossible to think of the most expensive schools in South Africa without having St. Stithians College make the list.
This is because of its belief in strong values and balanced focus on academics. With an annual fee of about R350,000, this co-ed school equips its students with the right skills to be exceptional in sports, academics, and character.
9. St. Mary’s School, Waverly
St. Mary’s School was started in 1888 and is a well-known Anglican school for girls. It offers both day and boarding options, with school fees of about R345,000 in 2025.
The school is known for good academic results, a strong music program, and helping girls become confident leaders, making it one of the best schools in South Africa for girls.
10. Reddam House Waterfall
Reddam House Waterfall is a modern co-educational day school in Waterfall Estate, Johannesburg, opened in the 2010s.
It follows the IEB curriculum and is part of the global Inspired Education group, which adds to its strong reputation. With top facilities and creative teaching methods, it is one of the most expensive schools in Johannesburg.
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11. Crawford College Sandton
Crawford College Sandton is a private school for both boys and girls, where students attend during the day.
Known for its modern way of teaching that focuses on each student’s needs, this school costs more than R330,000.
12. Kingswood College
Kingswood College is a Methodist school for both boys and girls that offers day and boarding options, with yearly fees around R325,000.
The school teaches strong Christian values and helps students grow in leadership and academics. With a long history and steady performance, it’s seen as one of the best schools in South Africa for well-rounded education.
13. Diocesan School for Girls (DSG)
DSG is a leading girls’ school that offers both day and boarding options, with 2025 fees of about R320,000. The school works closely with St. Andrew’s College and provides a caring environment where girls can grow and do well in their studies.
14. Somerset College
As a mixed gender school offering both day and boarding options, Somerset College ranks as one of the most expensive schools in South Africa.
With a yearly school fee starting from R315,000, it focuses on producing well-rounded students and strong IEB results. You can never go wrong enrolling your ward here.
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15. Bridge House School
Bridge House School, established in 1995 in Franschhoek, Western Cape, is a co-educational school that offers both day and boarding options, with annual fees beginning at R310,000.
Surrounded by scenic mountains and vineyards, the school is praised for its international outlook and creative teaching style. Its outstanding programs and premium location make it the last on our list of the most expensive schools in South Africa.
What is the Most Expensive School in South Africa?
As of 2025, Hilton College in KwaZulu-Natal is the most expensive school in South Africa, with yearly fees going over R400,000.
Why is Hilton College so expensive?
- It offers full-time boarding, including meals, accommodation, and personal care.
- The school sits on a huge 1,762-hectare property that even includes a nature reserve.
- It has a long history and focuses strongly on building students’ values and leadership.
- Lessons and activities are tailored to suit each student’s needs and interests.
What is the Most Expensive School in Johannesburg?
When it comes to the most expensive school in Johannesburg, Roedean School (SA) is at the top in 2025, with boarding fees going over R375,000 per year.
Why is Roedean School special?
- Offers both the Cambridge and IEB curriculum choices for students
- Has a strong connection to British traditions combined with a South African approach
- Focuses on helping girls become strong leaders and do well in their studies
- Blends beautiful old buildings with modern classrooms and facilities
Which is the Best School in South Africa?
Choosing the best school in South Africa means looking at things like how well students do in their studies, sports activities, school culture, and international reputation.
Based on regular rankings and the success of their former students, these schools are some of the most well-known:
Top Schools in South Africa:
- Hilton College is known for offering a complete education with full-time boarding.
- Michaelhouse focuses on strong values, discipline, and building character.
- Bishops Diocesan College is popular for being excellent in academics and sports.
- St. John’s College comes top as a school with rich traditions and strong leadership training.
- Roedean School (SA) is one of the best schools for girls, with a strong focus on academics and international standards.
Is Education Expensive in South Africa?
Yes, private schools in South Africa can be very costly, especially when they offer boarding, international programs, and top-quality facilities.
Below is a table showing how much a typical year looks like for each of these types of schools in South Africa.
| Type of School | Typical Yearly Cost |
|---|
| Government or Public Schools | R5,000 – R30,000 |
| Middle-Level Private Schools | R50,000 – R150,000 |
| High-End Private Schools | R300,000 – R400,000 |
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Are these Schools only for the Wealthy?
While these schools cost a lot, many of them give scholarships and bursaries to students who do very well in school or come from poor families.
Some schools also have non-profit programs or charity projects that help students from disadvantaged backgrounds get a better education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these schools offer value for money?
Yes. They provide a comprehensive education, global opportunities, and influential networks.
Can a middle-income family afford these schools?
Only through scholarships, bursaries, or external sponsorships. Full tuition is typically unaffordable for average-income households.
Is IEB more difficult than the public CAPS curriculum?
IEB is more analytical, critical-thinking based, and prepares students better for university-level study.
Are boarding schools better than day schools?
Depends on the student. Boarding fosters independence, while day schooling promotes family time.
Conclusion
What is it you’re looking for, the most expensive school in South Africa, the top school in Johannesburg, or just the best school overall, These schools are among the top choices.
Even though the fees are high, many of these schools offer scholarships to help students from different backgrounds attend. If you’re checking out school rankings for 2025, this guide can help you choose the right school.
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References
- Techcentral.co.za – The 10 most expensive private schools in South Africa in 2025
- MSN.com – Top 10 most expensive schools in South Africa
- YouTube.com – Top 10 Most Expensive Schools in South Africa 2025
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