15 leading high schools in Gauteng: What is the biggest school?
Gauteng is home to well-known institutions such as Pretoria Boys High School, Hoërskool Monument, and King Edward VII School. They are among the leading high schools in Gauteng in terms of academic performance, reputation, and school size. This article highlights 15 top schools in the province while examining which one is the biggest.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Leading high schools in Gauteng - Top 15
- 1. Barnato Park High School
- 2. Hillview High School
- 3. Pro Arte Alphen Park
- 4. Springs Boys High School
- 5. Lyttelton Manor High School
- 6. Willowridge High School
- 7. Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School
- 8. Germiston High School
- 9. Athlone Boys High School
- 10. Holy Family College
- 11. King Edward VII School
- 12. Liberty Community School
- 13. Northcliff High School
- 14. St Stithians College
- 15. Kingsmead College
- How many schools are in South Africa?
- How many high schools are in SA?
- How many public schools are in Gauteng province?
- How many public schools are in Johannesburg?
- What are the best high schools in Roodepoort?
- What are the top schools in Gauteng?
- What are the top 10 high schools in South Africa?
- What is the top 10 in high school?
- Which school is the biggest in Gauteng?
- What qualifies a school to be leading?
- What should you look for in a high school?
- What is the oldest high school in South Africa?
- What is the biggest high school in South Africa?
- What are the admissions requirements for schools in Gauteng?
- How do I choose the right school for my child?
- Which school is famous in South Africa?
- Which school has the highest fees in South Africa?
- What are Curro school fees?
Key takeaways
- School size varies significantly among the leading high schools in Gauteng, affecting daily operations and learner experience.
- Larger schools often have broader subject offerings and extracurricular programmes.
- Smaller schools may deliver stronger individual support and closer teacher–learner engagement.
- When choosing a school, you should prioritise performance and reputation over enrolment numbers.
Leading high schools in Gauteng - Top 15
The top high schools in South Africa help their children to explore their talents and academic potential to the fullest. They provide standard education that improves a child's creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and other vital skills that enable them to thrive in society worldwide. Discover the 15 best schools in Gauteng below:
No. | School name | Location | thrive |
1 | Barnato Park High School | Johannesburg | Public (Government) |
2 | Hillview High School | Johannesburg | Public (Government) |
3 | Pro Arte Alphen Park | Pretoria | Public (Specialist Arts School) |
4 | Springs Boys High School | Springs | Public (Government) |
5 | Lyttelton Manor High School | Centurion | Public (Government) |
6 | Willowridge High School | Pretoria | Public (Government) |
7 | Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School | Alberton | Public (Government) |
8 | Germiston High School | Germiston | Public (Government) |
9 | Athlone Boys High School | Johannesburg | Public (Government) |
10 | Holy Family College | Johannesburg | Private (Catholic) |
11 | King Edward VII School | Johannesburg | Public (Government) |
12 | Liberty College | Johannesburg | Private |
13 | Northcliff High School | Johannesburg | Public (Government) |
14 | St Stithians College | Johannesburg | Private |
15 | Kingsmead College | Johannesburg | Private |
1. Barnato Park High School
Source: UGC
- Address: Barnato St, Berea, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
- Tel: +27 11 642 4657
Park High is a state school established in 1990. The school holds about 1000 students with an average class population of 45. The school is famous for its high-quality education. Its students are disciplined, confident, fluent in expression, and exhibit critical thinking abilities.
The school's alumni consistently perform well and excel in different careers. Its long-standing academic tradition places it among the list of government high schools in Gauteng with strong urban enrolment numbers.
2. Hillview High School
Source: UGC
- Address: 72 Franzina Street, Roseville, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa
- Tel: 012 335 2271
- Email: hillview@hillviewhigh.co.za
- Website: www.hillviewhigh.co.za
Hillview is among the best public high schools in Gauteng. This English medium co-educational school was established in 1955 in a beautiful landscape and a calming environment. Hillview High School has around 1500 students. It is often mentioned among the top 10 public high schools in Johannesburg due to its scale and accessibility.
3. Pro Arte Alphen Park
- Address: 146 Roeline St, Alphen Park, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa
- PO Box: 36294, Menlo Park, 0102
- Tel: +27 12 460 6221
- Fax: +27 12 346 1740
- Email: admin@proarte.co.za
- Website: proarte.co.za
Pro Arte Alphen Park is a boarding and private bilingual institution in Pretoria. It was established in 1994 and has continually excelled in national exams. Pro Arte Alphen Park is a top choice for many parents in Gauteng province. While smaller in size, it is frequently recognised among the top 20 best high schools in Gauteng for creative excellence rather than enrolment numbers.
4. Springs Boys High School
- Address: Federal Rd, Selcourt, Springs, 1567, South Africa
- Tel: +27 11 818 2175
- Fax: +27 86 424 3381
- Email: sbhs@sbhs.co.za
- Website: sbhs.co.za
Springs Boys High is among the best public high schools in Johannesburg. It was established in 1940 and currently has about 800 students. The Springs Boys High School consistently performs well in national exams. Moreover, it has produced several great leaders and businesspeople in SA.
5. Lyttelton Manor High School
Source: Facebook
- Address: Corner Selborne & Langebrink Avenue, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, 0157
- PO Box: 14640 Lyttelton, 0140
- Tel: +27 12 664 5698
- Fax: +27 12 664 5039
- Email: info@lmhs.co.za
- Website: lmhs.co.za
Lyttelton Manor is a public institution in Centurion, Pretoria. It is among the oldest learning institutions in SA, for it was established in 1962. Lyttelton Manor has quality learning infrastructure and produces high flyers in national exams.
6. Willowridge High School
- Address: 518 Verkenner Avenue, Die Wilgers, 0143, Pretoria
- PO Box: 72262, Lynwoodridge, 0040
- Tel: +27 12 807 3423
- Website: www.willowridge.co.za
Willowridge was established in 1987 in Pretoria and currently has around 1000 students. The institution provides quality education and physical activities. Willowridge High School has modern sporting facilities that enhance the students' physical development and nurture their sports careers. Its broad subject selection supports its inclusion among the top 20 leading high schools in Gauteng.
7. Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School
Source: Facebook
- Address: Cradock St, Alberante, Alberton, 1449, South Africa
- Tel: +27 11 907 9013/4
- Email: info@maraisviljoen.co.za
- Website: maraisviljoen.co.za
Hoërskool Marais Viljoen is a public boarding institution in Johannesburg. It was established in 1961 and now has over 1500 students. Marais Viljoen offers quality education in ultra-modern learning facilities. It also provides a conducive environment for learning, making it a centre of academic excellence. It is frequently cited when discussing the best high schools in Johannesburg's South Suburbs and surrounding areas.
8. Germiston High School
- Address: Rand Airport Rd, Germiston, Johannesburg, 2043, South Africa
- PO Box: 95, Germiston, 1401
- Phone: +27 11 827-8860
- Fax: +27 11 827-8317
- E-mail: info@germistonghs.co.za
- Website: www.germistonhs.co.za
Germiston is among the best high schools in Johannesburg. It was established in 1917, hence becoming one of the oldest schools in the country. Germiston High School has high-standard facilities that enable learners to perform excellently in their studies. Many successful people in SA are studied here.
9. Athlone Boys High School
Source: UGC
- Address: 70 Bezuidenhout Ave, Bezuidenhout Valley, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa
- Tel: +27 11 618 3537
- Fax: +27 11 624 3038
- Email: athloneboys@tiscali.co.za
Athlone is a boys' public learning institution in Johannesburg. It was established in 1915 and has continuously performed well in national exams. Athlone Boys High School has produced several prominent people in Mzansi.
10. Holy Family College
- Address: 40 Oxford Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
- PO Box: 87159, Houghton, 2041
- Tel: 011 486 1104
- Fax: 011 486 1017
- Email: admissions@holyfamily.co.za
- Website: holyfamily.co.za
Holy Family College (initially known as Parktown Convent) is among the oldest girls' high schools in South Africa. It was established in 1905 in Parktown. Holy Family College takes pride in its modern facilities and quality education. It is often included among the best private high schools in Johannesburg for academic discipline rather than size.
11. King Edward VII School
Source: UGC
- Address: 44 St Patrick Road, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198, SA
- PO Box: 44 St Patrick Road, Houghton, 2198
- Tel: +27 11 551 5800
- Email: info@kes.co.za
- Website: www.kes.co.za
King Edward VII School is also on the most expensive Gauteng high schools list. It is a boys' boarding high school in Johannesburg. The school was established in 1902 and has over 1,100 boys from grades 8 to 12.
King Edward VII School offers holistic education combined with teaching leadership skills and high moral standards. With extensive facilities and a high enrolment, it is a strong contender for the biggest school on this list and regularly appears in the top 5 best high schools in Johannesburg.
12. Liberty Community School
- Address: 2 10th Rd, Bramley, Johannesburg, 2018, South Africa
- Tel: +27 11 440 1137 / 1182
- Fax: +27 11 885 3704
- Email: info@libertycollege.co.za
- Website: libertycollege.co.za
Messrs B. Ndlovu and F. Ndlovu established the Liberty Community School as an independent school in 1993. It uses the GDE curriculum for Grades 1 – 12, and most learners come from Alexandra Township.
13. Northcliff High School
Source: Getty Images
- Address: Mountainview Drive, Northcliff, Johannesburg, 2195, South Africa
- Tel: +27 11 476 1544
- Fax: +27 11 476 2585
- Email: info@northcliffhigh.co.za
- Website: www.northcliffhigh.com
Northcliff is on the list of government high schools in Gauteng. It was established in 1969 and has become one of the top public English-medium schools in Johannesburg.
The school accommodates 14 to 18-year-olds. Northcliff High School provides pupils with the best opportunities to develop their full potential. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 leading high schools in Gauteng due to academic results and infrastructure.
14. St Stithians College
Source: Facebook
- Address: 40 Peter Place, Lyme Park, Sandton, 2191
- PO Box: Private Bag 2, Randburg, 2125
- Tel: +27 11 577 6000
- Website: www.stithian.com
St Stithians College is a private Methodist school in Johannesburg. It is two schools in one, St Stithians Boys' College and St Stithians Girls' College.
The school was established in 1953 on a beautiful, eco-friendly campus of 105 hectares. St Stithians College has eight schools, comprising day students, boarders, and online learners. It is frequently listed among the top 10 private schools in Johannesburg and is one of the biggest private institutions in the province.
15. Kingsmead College
- Address: 132 Oxford Rd, Melrose, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2121, South Africa
- Email: senior@kingsmead.co.za / junior@kingsmead.co.za
- Website: kingsmead.co.za
Kingsmead College is a private Christian primary and high school for girls only. It accommodates grades 000 to G2 children and has around 870 students. Rarely do parents and students regret choosing Kingsmead College. While not the largest, it ranks highly among the top 5 best schools in Johannesburg for academic excellence and leadership development.
How many schools are in South Africa?
South Africa has over 25,000 schools, and 23,000 are public schools (schools overseen by trustees or boards of governors).
How many high schools are in SA?
South Africa has around 6,000 high schools (Grades 7 to 12) and almost 20,000 primary schools (Grades 0 to 6).
How many public schools are in Gauteng province?
Gauteng has the highest number of learning institutions in SA. It has 2606 schoolsacross 83 cities and towns, and around 365 are independent schools.
How many public schools are in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg has 269 schools in all the suburbs and townships. They range from pre-schools, primary schools, high schools, and beyond.
What are the best high schools in Roodepoort?
The best five high schools in Roodepoort, Gauteng, are Allen Glen, Florida Park, West Ridge, Hoërskool Florida, and Roodepark School.
What are the top schools in Gauteng?
1st: Lufhereng Secondary School – Johannesburg West District.
2nd: Letsebogo School of Specialisation – Johannesburg West District.
3rd: Wiseman Cele Secondary School – Johannesburg West District
What are the top 10 high schools in South Africa?
- Grey College (Bloemfontein)
- Hilton College (KwaZulu-Natal)
- St John’s College (Johannesburg)
- Redhill School (Johannesburg)
- Roedean School for Girls (Johannesburg)
- Bishops Diocesan College (Cape Town)
- Herschel Girls’ School (Cape Town)
- St Mary’s School, Waverley (Johannesburg)
- Paarl Boys’ High School (Western Cape)
- St Stithians College (Johannesburg)
What is the top 10 in high school?
Based on 2025/2026 matric results and academic performance, South Africa’s top private high schools—often recognised for high distinction rates—include Redhill School, Roedean School for Girls, Midstream College, St Mary's Waverly, Somerset College, Durban Girls' College, Herschel Girls' School, King David Linksfield, Kingsmead College, and St John's College.
Which school is the biggest in Gauteng?
Ebomini Primary School in Gauteng was previously identified as the largest school in the province by learner numbers, with 2,289 students. Other very large, prominent schools in the region include Johannesburg Polytech Institute (2,271 learners) and Tembisa Secondary School (2,214 learners).
What qualifies a school to be leading?
The leading learning institutions are defined by their academic and co-curricular activities, infrastructure, modern technology in education, well-structured curriculum, and furnished facilities, among other things.
What should you look for in a high school?
Parents and their children consider different things when selecting high schools. The key things to consider should be the school's matric records and the availability of the subjects and sports facilities your child wants.
What is the oldest high school in South Africa?
The South African College Schools (SACS) was established in September 1829 in Cape Town, Western Cape province. It is the oldest institution in South Africa.
What is the biggest high school in South Africa?
Ngangolwandle Senior Secondary is the biggest school in South Africa. It had 3795 learners and 66 teachers in 2016. The school is in Elliotdale, Eastern Cape province.
What are the admissions requirements for schools in Gauteng?
Admission requirements depend on the school. Most schools in South Africa will request your child to take an entrance exam or an interview. Hence, it is important to contact the learning institution to find out its admissions requirements.
How do I choose the right school for my child?
You should find a school that meets your child's needs and preferences. Besides schools for normal kids, SA also has many schools for problem children. Visit the institution of your choice to confirm if it has an excellent environment, facilities, and infrastructure for learning.
Which school is famous in South Africa?
King Edward VII is one of the most famous schools in SA.
Which school has the highest fees in South Africa?
Hilton College is a boys' school and the most expensive learning institution in South Africa. The school is near Hilton town in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Hilton College's annual fee is R369 920,00.
What are Curro school fees?
DDrChris van der Merwe established Curro schools in 1998. There are over 177 Curro branches in SA, and the head office is in Durbanville, Cape Town, Western Cape province. These schools accommodate children from 3-month-olds to Grade 12. Curro school fees start from R1 255 (Grade R) to R120 (Grade 12).
Among the leading high schools in Gauteng, size can influence access to facilities, subject choices, and extracurricular activities. However, being the biggest school does not automatically mean being the best fit. Each institution offers distinct strengths that appeal to different learners. Choosing the right school ultimately depends on individual needs rather than scale alone.
Review Disclaimer: The information provided about the schools listed above is intended for general informational and editorial purposes only. School details, including classification, location, and status, are based on publicly available sources and may change over time. This list does not represent an official ranking, endorsement, or comprehensive evaluation of any institution.
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