Top 22 best high schools in Cape Town, South Africa in 2024
Parents who want the best for their children send them to schools with quality education, where they also nurture talents and have opportunities to propel kids into their dream careers. Considering the many institutions available in Cape Town, making the right choice for your child can be a daunting task. This article lists some of the best high schools in Cape Town to make it easier for you when choosing schools for your children.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Best high schools in Cape Town
- 1. Herschel Girls School - R148 400
- 2. Westerford High School - R51 698
- 3. Diocesan College - R199 650
- 4. Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof - R45 720
- 5. Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary - R100 582,20
- 6. Rustenburg Girls’ High School - R50 000 to R57 000
- 7. Claremont High School - R12 800
- 8. Star College Bridgetown - R67 750
- 9. Rondebosch Boys’ High School - R68 900
- 10. Rhenish Girls' High School - R48 460
- 11. The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT) - R226 635
- 12. False Bay High School - R67 800 to R70 500
- 13. Wynberg Boys’ High School - R62 350
- 14. South African College Schools (SACS) - R61 000 to R62 800
- 15. Reddam House Constantia - R170 487
- 16. The Settlers High School - R29 650
- 17. Camps Bay High School - R45 600
- 18. Fish Hoek High School - R33 500
- 19. Silvermine Academy - R96 445
- 20. Constantia Waldorf School - R86 414 to R101 840
- 21. Fairmont High School - R39 200
- 22. Bergvliet High School - R41 700
- Which are the top 20 best high schools in Cape Town?
- Which are the top 10 best high schools in Cape Town?
- What are the top 5 best high schools in Cape Town?
- What are the top 10 private schools in South Africa?
- What is the best high school in South Africa?
- Which school has the highest pass rate in Cape Town?
- What is the most elite school in Cape Town?
- What is the biggest high school in South Africa?
This article samples high schools in Cape Town based on their academic reputation and performance in sports and other interschool co-curricular competitions over the years. The majority are well-equipped with contemporary amenities.
Best high schools in Cape Town
Cape Town is in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The province has over 380 high schools, and the most popular ones are in Cape Town. Most schools in Cape Town are famous countrywide due to their academic excellence, modern infrastructure, and affordable fees. This article discusses the following high schools:
- Herschel Girls School
- Westerford High School
- Diocesan College
- Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof
- Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary
- Rustenburg Girls’ High School
- Claremont High School
- Star College Bridgetown
- Rondebosch Boys’ High School
- Rhenish Girls High School
- The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT)
- False Bay High School
- Wynberg Boys’ High School
- South African College Schools (SACS)
- Reddam House Constantia
- The Settlers High School
- Camps Bay High School
- Fish Hoek High School
- Silvermine Academy
- Constantia Waldorf School
- Fairmont High School
- Bergvliet High School
The following high schools in Cape Town have consistently performed well in the IEB matric national exams. This article reveals each school's Grade 8 – 12 annual tuition fees per child.
1. Herschel Girls School - R148 400
Source: UGC
- Address: 14 Kenmar Crescent, Claremont, 7708, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 670 7500
- Email: info@herschel.org.za
- Website: www.herschel.org.za
Herschel Girls is a weekly day and boarding school founded in 1922. It is among the affordable private high schools in Cape Town. The institution has pre-nursery through to grade 12 and is affiliated with the Anglican church. Herschel Girls offers an IEB curriculum, which focuses on sharing knowledge, cultivating 21st-century skills, and developing essential attitudes and values.
The Herschel Girls' Grades 8 – 12 annual tuition fee is R148 400.
2. Westerford High School - R51 698
Source: UGC
- Address: 220 Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
- Phone: +27 (0) 21 689 9154
- Email: admin@westerford.co.za
- Website: www.westerford.co.za
Westerford High School was established in 1953. It is one of the best English medium co-educational public high schools in Cape Town. The institution has the main buildings in Rondebosch and a secondary campus in Newlands for sports.
The Westerford High School's annual tuition fee for all grades is R51 698.
3. Diocesan College - R199 650
Source: UGC
- Address: 65 Campground Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
- Phone: +27 (0) 21 659 1000
- Email: admissions@bishops.org.za
- Website: www.bishops.org.za
The Diocesan College (or Bishops) is a private Anglican boarding and day school for boys. It boasts a strong academic ethos, a commitment to all-roundedness, and a proud record of achievements. The school comprises a Pre-preparatory school, a Preparatory school, and the College.
The Bishops' annual tuition fee for Grades 8 – 12 is R199 650.
4. Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof - R45 720
Source: UGC
- Address: Koch Road, Krigeville, Stellenbosch, 7600, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 887 3044
- Email: admin@bloemhofschool.co.za
- Website: www.bloemhofschool.co.za
Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof was established in 1875 as an English girls' school. It became a public Afrikaans medium high school for girls in 1925. The school is next to the Rhenish Girls' High School and opposite the Paul Roos Gymnasium for boys.
The annual tuition fee at Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof for Grades 8 – 12 is R45 720.
5. Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary - R100 582,20
Source: UGC
- Address: St Johns Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800
- Phone: +27 (21) 797 6169 | +27 (21) 797 9637
- Email: snrpost@springfieldconvent.co.za | jnrpost@springfieldconvent.co.za
- Website: www.springfieldconvent.co.za
Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary is among the leading independent Catholic girls' schools in Cape Town. The school looks upon education as an integrated whole. It prepares students to reach their potential – spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially – so that they may take their place in society.
The annual tuition fee at Springfield Convent for Grades 7 – 12 is R100 582,20.
6. Rustenburg Girls’ High School - R50 000 to R57 000
Source: UGC
- Address: 44 Campground Road, Rosebank, Cape Town, 7700
- Phone: +27 (21) 686 4066
- Email: info@rghs.org.za
- Website: www.rustenburggirls.org.za
Rustenburg Girls' High School and Rustenburg Girls' Junior School are two separate public schools with a shared history, situated in the suburb of Rondebosch in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. The institution provides a diverse, supportive, and conducive learning environment.
Rustenburg Girls’ annual tuition fee for Grades 8 – 12 range between R50 000 to R57 000.
7. Claremont High School - R12 800
Source: UGC
- Address: Molteno Road, Claremont, 7708, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 671 0645
- Email: admin@claremonthigh.co.za
- Website: claremonthigh.co.za
Claremont High School opened on 19 January 2011. The public school's environment produces academic excellence among pupils from backgrounds that do not typically allow access to the best education.
The Claremont High School's annual tuition fee for all grades is R12 800.
8. Star College Bridgetown - R67 750
Source: UGC
- Address: 126 Tarentaal Road, Bridgetown, Cape Town, 7764
- Phone: +27 (21) 699 0606
- Email: info.bs@starcollegecpt.co.za
- Website: starcollegebrt.co.za
Star College Bridgetown is an independent English medium school established by Horizon Educational Trust. It focuses on academics, mainly math, science, and computer technology, giving students the academic benefits for a promising future. The students are also taught about multiculturalism, diversity, and universal morals.
The Star College Bridgetown's annual tuition fee for all high school grades is R67 750.
9. Rondebosch Boys’ High School - R68 900
Source: UGC
- Address: Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch 7700, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 686 3987
- Email: infoline@rondebosch.com
- Website: rondebosch.com
Rondebosch Boys' High School is an English medium school. It is one of the top academic schools in South Africa and one of the oldest public high schools in Cape Town and countrywide. It was established in 1897.
The Rondebosch Boys’ tuition fee is R68 900 per annum for Grades 11 – 12.
10. Rhenish Girls' High School - R48 460
Source: UGC
- Address: 10 Koch Road, Krigeville, Stellenbosch, 7600, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 887 6807
- Email: admissions@rhenish.co.za
- Website: www.rhenish.co.za
Rhenish Girls’ High School is a boarding government school. Founded in 1860, it is among the oldest girls’ schools in South Africa. Rhenish Girls is committed to offering an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning.
Rhenish Girls' tuition fee is R47 200 per annum, but the extra R1 260 security levy makes the total fees R48 460.
11. The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT) - R226 635
Source: UGC
- Address: 42 Soetvlei Avenue, Constantia 7806, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 713 2220
- Email: aisct@aisct.org
- Website: www.aisct.org
AISCT is among the top private high schools in Cape Town. The not-for-profit co-educational institution was founded in 1997. The school educates learners aged 2 to 18 years. Additionally, it has an average class size of 16 students with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1.
AISCT's annual tuition fees for Grades 9 – 12 is R226 635 ($12,175).
12. False Bay High School - R67 800 to R70 500
Source: UGC
- Address: 27 van der Merwe Street, Strand 7140, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 853 7314
- Email: hoof@falsebayhigh.co.za | lisa@falsebayhigh.co.za
- Website: www.falsebayhigh.co.za
False Bay High is among the small private high schools in Cape Town with no uniform. Herman and Lisa Janse van Rensburg founded the school in January 1999. Since 2008, the lowest average obtained by a grade 12 student at this school was 47%. The school has a strong Christian foundation and fosters respect and understanding of other religions.
False Bay High's annual tuition fee for Grades 8 – 12 ranges between R67 800 to R70 500.
13. Wynberg Boys’ High School - R62 350
Source: UGC
- Address: Lovers Walk, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800
- Phone: +27 (21) 797 4247
- Email: secretaries@wbhs.org.za
- Website: www.wbhs.org.za
Wynberg Boys' High School is a public English medium school founded in 1841. The school's sporting facilities include an astro turf area, tennis and squash courts, a swimming pool, four rugby fields, and a cricket field. Additionally, the WBHS music bands get professional training.
The Wynberg Boys' tuition fee for all grades is R62 350 annually.
14. South African College Schools (SACS) - R61 000 to R62 800
Source: UGC
- Address: Newlands Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700
- Phone: +27 (21) 689 4164
- Email: reception@sacollege.org.za
- Website: sacshigh.org.za
South African College Schools (SACS) was founded in September 1829 at the foot of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak. The public school strives for excellence in all spheres of school life and strongly emphasizes high moral values.
The SACS' annual tuition fee for Grades 8 – 12 ranges between R61 000 to R62 800.
15. Reddam House Constantia - R170 487
Source: UGC
- Address: Reddam Avenue, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806
- Phone: +27 (21) 702 2322
- Email: info.constantia@reddam.house
- Website: www.constantia.reddamhouse.com
Reddam House Constantia is a co-educational, non-denominational, independent school. It welcomes children from 1 year old to matric. The school has world-class facilities, including art, drama, dance, and music studios, computer and science labs, a vast hall, and a well-resourced library.
The Reddam House Constantia's annual tuition fee for Grades 8 – 12 is R170 487.
16. The Settlers High School - R29 650
Source: UGC
- Address: Settlers Street, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530
- Phone: +27 (21) 948 6116
- Email: info@settlers.org.za
- Website: settlers.org.za
The Settlers High School is a public English medium co-educational school established in 1965. The school has grown in more ways than one since its humble beginnings and now rates it as one of the top schools in the Western Cape.
The Settlers High School's tuition fee is R29 650 per annum for all grades.
17. Camps Bay High School - R45 600
Source: UGC
- Address: Lower Kloof Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 438 1507
- Email: admin@campsbayhigh.co.za | campsbayschools@gmail.com
- Website: www.campsbayhigh.co.za
Camps Bay High School offers diverse academic, cultural, and sports activities to develop students to their full potential. The public English medium co-educational school has highly trained and professional staff fully committed to their work.
The Camps Bay High School's tuition fee for all grades is R45 600 annually.
18. Fish Hoek High School - R33 500
Source: UGC
- Address: 13th Avenue, Fish Hoek, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 782 1107
- Email: admin@fishhoekhs.com
- Website: fishhoekhighschool.co.za
Fish Hoek High School offers an authentic educational and culturally diverse experience with highly competent and experienced educators. The public school creates opportunities to equip pupils with lifelong skills before sending them into the world.
The Fish Hoek High School's tuition fee for all grades is R33 500 annually.
19. Silvermine Academy - R96 445
Source: UGC
- Address: 44 Brigantine Avenue, Sun Valley, Fish Hoek, 7975, Cape Town
- Phone: +27 (21) 788 6903
- Email: enrolment@sma.education
- Website: www.sma.education
Silvermine Academy has 25 students at most per grade. Grades 8 - 9 learners do the CAPS curriculum supplemented with ICT integration and 4iR skills. Meanwhile, students in Grades 10 - 12 learn various subjects. Grade 12 students write the IEB NSC exam (a CAPS NSC certificate equivalent and is accepted by international universities).
The Silvermine Academy's tuition fee for all grades is R96 445 per annum.
20. Constantia Waldorf School - R86 414 to R101 840
Source: UGC
- Address: Spaanschemat River Road, Belle Constantia, Cape Town, 7806
- Phone: +27 (21) 794 2103
- Email: admin@waldorfconstantia.co.za
- Website: www.waldorfconstantia.org.za
Constantia Waldorf School is among the small private high schools in Cape Town with no uniform. The co-educational institute was established in 1967. It offers a modern, comprehensive Waldorf Curriculum from Playgroup to Matric. Furthermore, the school has numerous extracurricular activities, including basketball, cricket, soccer, dancing, and music.
The annual tuition fee for Grades 8 – 13 ranges between R86 414 to R101 840.
21. Fairmont High School - R39 200
Source: UGC
- Address: Medway Cres, Durbell, Cape Town, 7550
- Phone: +27 (21) 976 1147
- Email: contact@fairmont.co.za
- Website: www.fairmont.co.za
Fairmont High School is a public English medium co-educational school established in 1977. It has an enclosed aquatic center, with two community swimming clubs and a water polo sports facility.
Other facilities at Fairmont include 8 tennis courts, 2 soccer fields, 2 rugby fields, several netball courts, 2 cricket fields, a cross–fit gym, and an indoor sports center for hockey, netball, basketball, and Futsal events. Additionally, the school's cultural and music program is the envy of many schools.
Fairmont High School's tuition fee for all grades is R39 200 annually.
22. Bergvliet High School - R41 700
Source: UGC
- Address: Firgrove Way, Bergvliet, Cape Town, 7806
- Phone: +27 (21) 712 0284
- Email: info@bhs.org.za
- Website: bhs.org.za
Bergvliet High School is a public high school founded in 1957. The institute develops well-rounded individuals who will thrive in the diversity of South African society and worldwide.
Bergvliet High's tuition fees for all grades is R41 700.
Which are the top 20 best high schools in Cape Town?
Some of the best high schools in Cape Town and their annual tuition fees per child for Grades 8 – 12 are:
| High schools in Cape Town | Annual tuition fees (Grade 8 – 12) |
| The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT) | R226 635 |
| The Diocesan College | R199 650 |
| Reddam House Constantia | R170 487 |
| Herschel Girls School | R148 400 |
| Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary | R100 582,20 |
| Silvermine Academy | R96 445 |
| Constantia Waldorf School | R86 414 to R101 840 |
| Rondebosch Boys’ High School | R68 900 |
| False Bay High School | R67 800 to R70 500 |
| Star College Bridgetown | R67 750 |
| Wynberg Boys’ High School | R62 350 |
| South African College Schools (SACS) | R61 000 to R62 800 |
| Westerford High School | R51 698 |
| Rustenburg Girls’ High School | R50 000 to R57 000 |
| Rhenish Girls' High School | R48 460 |
| Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof | R45 720 |
| Camps Bay High School | R45 600 |
| Bergvliet High School | R41 700 |
| Fairmont High School | R39 200 |
| Fish Hoek High School | R33 500 |
| The Settlers High School | R29 650 |
| Claremont High School | R12 800 |
Which are the top 10 best high schools in Cape Town?
Some of the most affordable high schools in Cape Town are:
| High schools in Cape Town | Annual tuition fees (Grades 8 – 12) |
| Westerford High School | R51 698 |
| Rustenburg Girls’ High School | R50 000 to R57 000 |
| Rhenish Girls' High School | R48 460 |
| Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof | R45 720 |
| Camps Bay High School | R45 600 |
| Bergvliet High School | R41 700 |
| Fairmont High School | R39 200 |
| Fish Hoek High School | R33 500 |
| The Settlers High School | R29 650 |
| Claremont High School | R12 800 |
What are the top 5 best high schools in Cape Town?
Some of Cape Town's most expensive high schools, where the annual tuition fees per child is over R100 000, are:
- The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT)
- The Diocesan College
- Reddam House Constantia
- Herschel Girls School
- Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary
What are the top 10 private schools in South Africa?
Some of the best private high schools in Cape Town, South Africa, are:
- The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT)
- Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary
- Constantia Waldorf School
- Herschel Girls School
- The Diocesan College
- Star College Bridgetown
- False Bay High School
- Reddam House Constantia
- Silvermine Academy
- Constantia Waldorf School
What is the best high school in South Africa?
Some of the best public high schools in Cape Town, South Africa, are:
- The Diocesan College
- Reddam House Constantia
- Rondebosch Boys’ High School
- Wynberg Boys’ High School
- Rustenburg Girls’ High School
- Rhenish Girls' High School
- Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof
- Camps Bay High School
- Bergvliet High School
- Fairmont High School
Which school has the highest pass rate in Cape Town?
Spine Road High School in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, achieved a 99% matric pass rate in 2022 IEB matric results. It is the only school on the Cape Flats to achieve such a feat.
What is the most elite school in Cape Town?
The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT) is among Cape Town's most luxurious schools, with R226 635 annual tuition fees per child.
How many high schools are in the Western Cape?
The Western Cape province has 1,449 public schools, of which 984 are primary, and 384 are high schools. 80 schools are intermediate or combined.
Which school has the highest fees in South Africa?
Hilton College in KwaZulu Natal is considered the most expensive school in SA. Its 2024 annual tuition fee per child is R397 660.
What is the #1 best high school?
Hilton College in KwaZulu Natal is considered the best high school. It is a private boarding school for boys, with annual tuition fees of R397 660 per child.
What is the biggest high school in South Africa?
Ngangolwandle Senior Secondary in Elliotdale is considered the biggest school in SA. Its student population was 3,795 in 2016.
High schools in Cape Town not only focus on helping students succeed academically. They also prioritize building talents and encouraging students to develop social and spiritual lives. Note that the annual tuition fees listed in this article are subject to revision by the school's governing body.
Briefly.co.za listed Curro schools in South Africa. This is a group of independent schools offering an enhanced curriculum system that prepares learners for the IEB examinations in Grade 12.
Curro schools have modern classrooms, fully-equipped laboratories, and various sports and cultural activities. They accommodate learners upto Grade 12. The preschool phase has children from 3 months to 5 years.
Source: Briefly News
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Bennett Yates (Lifestyle writer) Bennett Yates is a content creator with over five years of working experience in journalism and copywriting. He graduated from the University of Nairobi (2017) with a Bachelor's in Information Technology. In 2023, Bennett finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. He started working for Briefly in 2019. You can reach him via email at bennetyates@gmail.com.
