Are you searching for the best high schools in Cape Town, South Africa, and want to know what each has to offer? As parents, we understand the pivotal role that high school education plays in shaping our children’s futures.
Cape Town, renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is not just a picturesque destination; it’s also home to some of the country’s finest educational institutions. In this quest for excellence, we embark on a journey to explore the top 10 high schools in Cape Town.
So, which schools stand out in this vibrant city, providing students with an education that empowers them academically and prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow?
Let’s delve into the world of education in Cape Town and discover the high schools that shine the brightest.
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What are Schools Like in Cape Town?
Regarding schools in Cape Town, you’ll find a diverse range of options. These educational institutions come in all sizes, from minor to medium, offering a spectrum of academic standards from respectable to excellent.
Additionally, sports play a significant role in ensuring children receive a quality education and stay active and healthy.
Top High Schools in Cape Town
Here are the top 10 most reputable high schools in Cape Town:
1. Wynberg Boys’ High School (Public)
- Tuition: R55,100 per annum
Wynberg Boys’ High School, a historic institution established in 1841, is one of South Africa’s oldest and most esteemed schools. Renowned for its rich heritage, the school strongly emphasizes holistic education, nurturing academic excellence, critical thinking, problem-solving, and a genuine passion for learning among its students.
It boasts a distinguished academic record, with numerous students achieving outstanding results in national examinations.
This institution also boasts a proud sporting tradition, actively engaging in sports like rugby, cricket, hockey, soccer, athletics, swimming, and more. Beyond sports, Wynberg Boys’ High School offers a diverse range of cultural activities, including music, drama, debating, and art.
How much are the fees at Wynberg Boys High School?
The school fees at Wynberg Boys’ High School amounting to R55,100 per annum, providing flexible payment options on an annual, termly, or monthly basis. For a comprehensive breakdown of fees and additional details, you can refer to our website under Admissions.
Is Wynberg Boys private?
It’s worth noting that Wynberg Boys’ High School is a public English medium boys’ high school located in the Wynberg suburb of Cape Town within the Western Cape province of South Africa.
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2. South African College Schools (SACS) High School (Public)
- Tuition: R 57 200
- Boarding: R 63 000
Founded in 1829, SACS High School is one of the country’s oldest educational institutions, boasting a storied history and a renowned standing for academic brilliance, remarkable sporting accomplishments, and a comprehensive approach to education.
At SACS High School, the hallmark is its rigorous academic curriculum, meticulously designed to cultivate critical thinking abilities, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine passion for learning among its students.
Alongside academic pursuits, the school offers diverse extracurricular activities to complement the educational experience and foster holistic development, encompassing music, drama, debating, and art.
How much are SACS junior school fees?
Regarding SACS junior school fees for 2023, each boy must pay R53,300 annually, with an additional Voluntary Building Fund Levy of R3,250 per family year. The preferred payment method is by debit order, which can be spread over ten months, running from February to November.
Is SACS an English School?
As for the language of instruction, The South African College Schools (commonly referred to as “SACS”) is a public institution that employs English as its medium of instruction.
This esteemed primary and high school is in Newlands, in the Southern Suburbs area of Cape Town, Western Cape province, South Africa. With its founding dating back to 1829, it is the oldest school in the country.
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3. Westerford High School (Public)
- Tuition: R44,991
Westerford High School is a distinguished public English medium co-educational high school in the picturesque suburbs of Rondebosch and Newlands in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
The school boasts a main campus in Rondebosch, where you’ll find its primary academic facilities, and a secondary campus in Newlands, primarily used for sporting activities.
The school’s strategic location is close to renowned landmarks such as the Newlands Rugby Ground and the iconic Table Mountain. Founded on 21 January 1953, Westerford High School celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on 7 March 2013.
Notably, Westerford holds a significant place in the local community and has been honored to host esteemed individuals like South Africa’s former President, Nelson Mandela, and distinguished guest speakers, including the former Minister of Education, Kader Asmal.
Furthermore, in 2009, Westerford High School earned recognition from the Sunday Times newspaper, ranking as the top state school in South Africa.
It’s also worth mentioning that Westerford is one of the largest feeder schools for the prestigious University of Cape Town. These accolades solidify its standing as one of the finest high schools in Cape Town.
4. Rustenburg Girls’ High School (Public)
- Tuition: R53,000 – R59,000
- Boarding: R62,939 pa
Rustenburg Girls’ High School and Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School, both public institutions, share a common history, originating from the vibrant suburb of Rondebosch in Cape Town, South Africa.
The roots of Rustenburg trace back to its foundation in 1894, and it later evolved into two distinct entities: the junior and high schools, established separately in 1932.
Notably, in 2010, Rustenburg Girls’ High School earned a remarkable third-place ranking among the top schools in the Western Cape, following its sixth-place ranking in the preceding year.
Moreover, a 2013 survey conducted by Fairlady magazine recognized Rustenburg Girls’ High School as one of the top 25 schools in the entire country. The school’s commitment to excellence persisted in 2014 when it secured a prominent sixth-place position in the official full 20 schools list.
Is Rustenburg Girls’ High School (Public) a boarding school?
For those students seeking a boarding option, Rustenburg Girls’ High School accommodates them at Erinville House, conveniently situated on the school grounds. This provision underscores Rustenburg’s dedication to providing comprehensive educational opportunities.
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5. Bishops Diocesan College (Private)
- Tuition: R158,000 (tuiton)
- Boarding: R278,000 (boarding)
Founded in 1849, Bishops is one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious independent schools. From pre-primary education, starting at the tender age of 3, to Grade 12, it has garnered a distinguished reputation for academic excellence, athletic accomplishments, and a comprehensive education that shapes well-rounded individuals.
The school’s academic curriculum is intentionally designed to both challenge and inspire students, equipping them for higher education pursuits and future career aspirations.
Bishops boast an exceptional track record of academic achievements, consistently producing outstanding matriculation results and boasting high university acceptance rates. Beyond academics, the institution offers diverse extracurricular activities, enriching the student experience and nurturing holistic development. These offerings encompass cultural clubs, music ensembles, drama productions, debating societies, and community service initiatives.
As for residential options, Bishops encompasses eight Houses, three dedicated to boarding, while the remaining five cater to day students. Each House is under the guidance of a House Director, with a grade 11 student appointed as the Head of the House annually in September, providing leadership within the House for the subsequent year. This approach reflects Bishops’ commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community for its students.
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6. Herschel Girls’ School (Private)
- Tuition: R62,550 – R127,100
- Boarding: R110,600
Situated in Claremont, a vibrant southern suburb of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Herschel Girls School is a distinguished private educational institution.
This girls-only school offers weekly boarding and day schooling options, accommodating students from pre-nursery to grade 12. Affiliated with the Anglican church, the institution is housed within its auspicious premises.
Herschel Girls School holds a prestigious position and is recognized as “one of the country’s best-known schools for girls.” It consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in South Africa, notably achieving the highest academic results in the country for National Senior Certificate exams in 2019.
The school’s core mission revolves around providing girls with an empowering education, cementing its position as a trailblazer in girls’ education, and a staunch advocate for women in South Africa.
It’s worth noting that Herschel Girls School is amongst the most exclusive and high-priced schools in South Africa, which is reflected in its extensive waiting lists for enrollment across all grades, including pre-nursery.
This emphasis on excellence and empowerment continues to make Herschel Girls School a sought-after educational institution.
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7. Rondebosch Boys’ High School (Public)
- Tuition: R61 500-00
- Boarding: R56 000
Located in the picturesque suburb of Rondebosch in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Rondebosch Boys’ High School is a prominent public English medium institution dedicated to boys’ education. This distinguished establishment has a rich history, tracing its roots back to 1897, making it one of the oldest schools in the country.
While Rondebosch Boys’ High School is sometimes viewed as distinct from other boys’ schools in the southern suburbs, it has carved a unique reputation as a sports antagonist.
Notably, it is the sole school in the Western Cape to have produced a Nobel Prize laureate. The esteemed laureate, Allan M. Cormack, was honored for his contributions to Physiology and Medicine.
This legacy of excellence and competition solidifies Rondebosch Boys’ High School’s position as a respected institution in the realm of boys’ education in South Africa.
8. Reddam House Constantia
- Tuition: R157 883
Reddam House Constantia, a distinguished member of the global Reddam House Group, is an independent co-educational institution in Constantia. Catering to students from early childhood to high school, this esteemed school is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education.
Aligned with the South African National Curriculum, Reddam House Constantia’s curriculum encompasses international components, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced educational experience. At its core, the academic program prioritizes academic excellence and personal growth.
This educational journey is marked by a strong emphasis on nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an enduring passion for learning. The school offers diverse subjects, spanning languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, arts, and technology, all contributing to a holistic educational experience.
9. The Settlers High School
- Tuition: R29 650
Established in 1952, The Settlers High School is deeply rooted in its local community and celebrated for its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, cultural inclusivity, and a holistic approach to education. The institution offers a well-rounded educational program to equip students with a strong foundation for their future pursuits.
This curriculum is intentionally crafted to challenge and captivate students, fostering essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, all while nurturing a genuine love for learning.
The Settlers High School proudly upholds cultural diversity as one of its core values, actively fostering an inclusive and harmonious atmosphere. Welcoming students from various backgrounds, the school is committed to promoting mutual respect and understanding among its diverse student body.
To further celebrate this diversity, the school regularly organizes cultural events and activities, providing a platform to showcase and honor its students’ rich traditions and heritage.
10. Camps Bay High School
- Tuition: R42600
Nestled in the breathtaking coastal suburb of Camps Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, Camps Bay High School epitomizes academic excellence and personal growth.
With a storied history from its inception, this institution has cultivated a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to explore their passions, cultivate critical thinking abilities, and embrace a global outlook.
Camps Bay High School boasts a renowned faculty and a comprehensive curriculum, offering an extensive array of subjects and extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. This approach nurtures well-rounded individuals who are fully equipped to confront the challenges of the future.
Set against the majestic Atlantic Ocean backdrop, the school’s scenic surroundings further enhance its appeal, providing an inspirational canvas for each student’s educational journey.
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Best Private High Schools in Cape Town
- Springfield Convent School
- Riverside College
- Helderberg International School
- Constantia Waldorf School
- Somerset College
- DSK German School
- Newberry House Montessori School
- Cannons Creek Independent School
- St. George’s Grammar School
- St Cyprian’s School
Is Cape Town good for international students?
For international students, Cape Town is an excellent destination. The city boasts a well-established selection of public universities, with the renowned University of Cape Town consistently ranking among the top 250 worldwide. Given this academic reputation and Cape Town’s breathtaking beauty, it’s no wonder that so many international students are drawn to study in this city.
How much is a private school in Cape Town?
When considering private education in Cape Town, the costs can vary significantly from school to school. Monthly fees for private high schools typically range from R5,800 to R10,000, depending on the institution’s type. At the top end, prestigious private high schools may have an annual fee structure ranging from R75,000 to R99,700, reflecting the investment in a high-quality education.
Which School Has the Highest Pass Rate in Cape Town?
Westerford High School in Cape Town has solidified its reputation as one of the nation’s premier schools by maintaining an unwavering 100% pass rate for several consecutive years.
High Schools in Cape Town (Summary)
Cape Town boasts a diverse and exceptional array of high schools, each with unique strengths and offerings.
Cape Town’s high schools have much to offer, from institutions like Westerford High School, consistently achieving a 100% pass rate, to renowned schools like Bishops and Herschel Girls School, celebrated for their academic excellence and holistic education.
These schools shape young minds and prepare students for a bright future, whether it’s academic rigor, a strong sporting tradition, or a commitment to cultural diversity.
Choosing the right high school in Cape Town is a significant decision, and these top 10 schools provide a glimpse into the remarkable educational opportunities available in this vibrant city.
