Top 20 best high schools in Johannesburg, Gauteng in 2025
Quality education is one of the most valuable things a parent can give their child. Johannesburg is one of the South African cities with some of the best educational institutions. The best high schools in Johannesburg are known for providing optimal learning conditions. They are staffed with qualified teachers.

Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Best high schools in Johannesburg, Gauteng
- 20. Hoërskool Randburg
- 19. Jeppe High School for Boys
- 18. Edenvale High School
- 17. Helpmekaar Kollege
- 16. Abbotts College Johannesburg South
- 15. Holy Family College
- 14. Athlone Boys High School
- 13. St Andrew's School for Girls
- 12. Northcliff High School
- 11. Kingsmead College
- 10. St Peter's College
- 9. St Stithians College
- 8. Beaulieu College
- 7. Lycée Jules Verne
- 6. Barnato Park High School
- 5. Horizon High School
- 4. Parktown Boys’ High School
- 3. Parktown High School for Girls
- 2. Roedean School
- 1. St John's College
- Which is the most prestigious high school in SA?
- What is the #1 high school in America?
- Which is the most elite private high school in the world?
- Which school has the highest pass rate in Johannesburg?
- Are there cheap high schools in Johannesburg?
- Which are the best art high schools in Johannesburg?
- Which is the most expensive school in Johannesburg?
- Which is the best high school in SA?
- How do you choose a high school in South Africa?
- Which is the most popular school in South Africa?
- Which are the top three schools?
Key takeaways
- Education in Johannesburg includes private, international, and public schools.
- The best high schools in Johannesburg ensure all learners achieve their academic and non-academic potential.
- St John's College, Roedean School, Parktown High School for Girls, Parktown Boys’ High School, and Horizon High School are among the best high schools in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Best high schools in Johannesburg, Gauteng
Ranking | Institution |
1 | St John's College |
2 | Roedean School |
3 | Parktown High School for Girls |
4 | Parktown Boys’ High School |
5 | Horizon High School |
6 | Barnato Park High School |
7 | Lycée Jules Verne |
8 | Beaulieu College |
9 | St Stithians College |
10 | St Peter's College |
11 | Kingsmead College |
12 | Northcliff High School |
13 | St Andrew's School for Girls |
14 | Athlone Boys High School |
15 | Holy Family College |
16 | Abbotts College Johannesburg South |
17 | Helpmekaar Kollege |
18 | Edenvale High School |
19 | Jeppe High School for Boys |
20 | Hoërskool Randburg |
Check out the list of the best schools in Gauteng's City of Johannesburg. These schools are selected based on their academic reputation and performance. Note that this list is subjective because opinions vary from one person to another.
20. Hoërskool Randburg
- Location: 183 Malibongwe Dr, Fontainebleau, Johannesburg, 2194, SA
- Contact: +27 11 782 6226
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Public
Hoërskool Randburg is among the best high schools in Gauteng. At Hoërskool Randburg, boys and girls receive top-quality education. There is a focus on personal development that equips them to make the right life choices. Christian values are promoted in this institution.
19. Jeppe High School for Boys

Source: UGC
- Location: Good Hope St &, Roberts Ave, Kensington, Johannesburg, 2094, SA
- Contact: +27 11 614 1938
- Gender: Boys
- Type: Public
Jeppe High School for Boys is among the top 20 best high schools in Gauteng. At Jeppe High School for Boys, students are educated and their talents nurtured. The institution is one of the 23 Milner Schools, and its sister school is Jeppe High School for Girls. This public English medium high school is located in Kensington, a suburb of Johannesburg.
18. Edenvale High School

Source: UGC
- Location: Linksfield Rd, Edenvale, Johannesburg, 1610, SA
- Contact: +27 11 453 9014
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Public
One of the top public high schools in Johannesburg is Edenvale High School. The institution has adequate facilities and teachers. It is a hub for intellectual growth and development. Students' minds are guided, mentored, and nurtured accordingly.
17. Helpmekaar Kollege

Source: UGC
- Location: Empire Rd & Melle St, Johannesburg, 2001, SA
- Contact: +27 11 339 2226/7
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Private
Helpmekaar Kollege is a private medium co-educational high school. Did you know it was the first Afrikaans high school in Johannesburg? At Helpmekaar Kollege, you can take the SAT in Grade 11. SAT is a standardised college admission test used in the United States of America.
16. Abbotts College Johannesburg South
- Location: 27 Ferdinand St, Suideroord, Johannesburg, 2091
- Contact: +27 11 680 4757
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Private
At Abbotts College Johannesburg South, individual needs are supported and academic success is encouraged within a caring learning environment. Educators stay abreast with current educational trends. The institution encourages students to be responsible.
15. Holy Family College

Source: UGC
- Location: 40 Oxford Rd, Parktown
- Contact: +27 11 486 1104
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Private
Holy Family College is a mixed Catholic school situated on Oxford Road in Parktown. It follows the CAPS and IEB academic curricula, with Grade 12 also writing the IEB NSC examinations. All teachers at Holy Family College are encouraged to remain lifelong learners. The college has a preschool and a preparatory School.
14. Athlone Boys High School
- Location: 70 Bezuidenhout Avenue - Bezuidenhout
- Contact: +27 11 618 3538
- Gender: Boys
- Type: Private
Athlone Boys' High School is a boys-only school located on Bezuidenhout Avenue. Lawyer George Bizos, musician Johnny Clegg, and businessman Sol Kerzner are among the notable Athlone Boys High School alumni.
13. St Andrew's School for Girls
- Location: St Andrew's Ave, Senderwood, Germiston, 2145,
- Contact: (011) 453 9408
- Gender: Girls
- Type: Private
St Andrew's School for Girls is one of the best private high schools in Johannesburg. The institution moulds grounded, accomplished, and confident young women. Teachers at St Andrew's School for Girls are encouraged to offer a challenging yet imaginative education that extends beyond the classroom.
12. Northcliff High School

Source: UGC
- Location: Blackheath
- Contact: +27 11 476 1544
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Private
Northcliff High School is one of the top-performing schools in Gauteng. The institution is focused on developing a child by offering a balance of academics, cultural activities, and sports.
The Northcliff High School was established in 1969 and offers a secure, disciplined, and caring environment for learners.
11. Kingsmead College
- Location: Melrose
- Contact: +27 11 731 7300
- Gender: Girls
- Type: Private
Kingsmead College is a leading Christian girls' institution situated on beautiful grounds in Melrose. It encourages girls to take risks to grow in confidence and courage. The girls at Kingsmead College are taught the importance of academics, cultural activities, community service, and sports.
10. St Peter's College

Source: UGC
- Location: Off Maxwell Dr, Sunninghill, Sandton
- Contact: +27 (0)11 807 5315
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Private
St Peter's College is an Anglican day high school. It is one of the leading independent schools in the country. The institution has norms and values that have been maintained since it was established
Every child’s potential at St Peter's College is achieved through exposure to various academic, sporting, creative, cultural, and community activities.
9. St Stithians College
- Location: Border of Sandton and Randburg
- Contact: +27 (0)11 577 6000
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Private
St Stithians College has a boys' college and a girls' college. The colleges follow the Methodist ethos and are guided by a value framework richly ingrained in their identity. All staff members at St Stithians College are committed to offering an all-inclusive curriculum, ensuring all students get the best education.
8. Beaulieu College
- Location: 107 Maple Rd, Kyalami AH, Midrand
- Contact: 011 468 2114
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Private
Beaulieu College allows all learners to explore and fulfil their talents. The environment is caring, innovative, and stimulating. It is one of the top 20 best high schools in Johannesburg. Beaulieu College is a member of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) and the Independent Examination Board (IEB).
7. Lycée Jules Verne
- Location: Cnr Bauhinia Road & Cestrum Ave, Morningside Ext.40, Sandton,
- Contact: +27 (0)11 884 8936/ +27 (0)10 025 0956
- Gender: Boys and girls
- Type: Private
Lycée Jules Verne is a French international school whose main campus is located in Sandton, South Africa. The school is adapted to this era. Lycée Jules Verne favours modern languages, culture, and general knowledge. All students at the school are taught to be accountable and responsible.
6. Barnato Park High School
- Location: Berea
- Contact: +27 12 348 1221
- Gender: Girls
- Type: Public
Barnato Park High School is one of the top 10 best high schools in Johannesburg. It was built on the mansion site initially designed for Barney Barnato, a mining millionaire. Barnato Park High School offers quality education to all learners and nurtures their talents and abilities.
5. Horizon High School

Source: UGC
- Location: 9-13 Pieter Wessels St, Stafford
- Contact: 011 434 52 34
- Gender: Boys
- Type: Private
At Horizon High School, students are supported and encouraged to be the best version of themselves. Empathy, critical thinking, and self-direction are also encouraged. This institution was established by Horizon Educational Trust.
4. Parktown Boys’ High School
- Location: Parktown
- Contact: (011) 642 4531
- Gender: Boys
- Type: Public
At Parktown Boys’ High School, all boys are encouraged to practice honesty, integrity, gentlemanly conduct, tolerance, empathy, respect, and self-discipline. The institution's matric classes have achieved a pass rate of 98-100%, making it one of the top public high schools in Gauteng. Parktown Boys' High School is also one of the most affordable high schools in Johannesburg.
3. Parktown High School for Girls
- Location: 55 Tyrone Ave, Parkview
- Contact: 011 593 5900
- Gender: Girls
- Type: Public
Parktown High School for Girls supports all students in reaching for the stars. The school is one of the top 10 best high schools in Gauteng. It is in a peaceful area and maintains a healthy balance of tradition and discipline. Teachers at Parktown High School for Girls use a progressive approach to contemporary education.
2. Roedean School

Source: UGC
- Location: Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown
- Contact: +27 11 647 3202
- Gender: Girls
- Type: Private
Roedean School for Girls is one of the top 5 best high schools in Johannesburg. It is a private boarding school for girls situated in the suburb of Parktown. Education is offered in English. Roedean School has a longstanding heritage and an exceptional reputation.
1. St John's College
- Location: St David Rd, Houghton Estate
- Contact: 010 492 0300
- Gender: Boys
- Type: Private
St John's College ranks first on the list of the best high schools in Johannesburg. It is a leading Christian school founded in 1898. St John's College accepts boys from pre-preparatory, preparatory, and college. Girls are only accepted in The Bridge Nursery School and sixth form.
Which is the most prestigious high school in SA?
The most prestigious institutions include Hilton College, St. Andrew’s School, Marist Brothers School, Oakham School, St. John’s College, Swiss International Academy Zurich, and The Hill Foundation.
What is the #1 high school in America?
The top American high schools include Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Carnegie Vanguard High School, Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School, Design and Architecture Senior High School, and Gilbert Classical Academy.
Which is the most elite private high school in the world?
Some of the most elite private high schools in the world are Westminister School in London, School for Advanced Studies in America, The Davidson Academy of Nevada, and Academic Magnet High School.
Which school has the highest pass rate in Johannesburg?
In 2024, Hoërskool Randburg in Johannesburg North had a 100% matric pass rate. Other schools with impressive pass rates are St John's College, Roedean School, Parktown High School for Girls, and Parktown Boys’ High School.
Are there cheap high schools in Johannesburg?
Yes, there are affordable high schools in the city. Generally, public schools are cheaper than private ones.
Which are the best art high schools in Johannesburg?
Some of the top-rated art schools in Johannesburg are Espoir Academy, Greenside High School, Helen O'Grady Drama Academy, National School of the Arts (NSA), and Taal-International School Johannesburg.
Which is the most expensive school in Johannesburg?
Hilton College, St Mary's, Michaelhouse, St John's College, and Roedean School for Girls are among the most expensive schools in Johannesburg.
Which is the best high school in SA?
The best high schools in SA include St John's College, Roedean School, Parktown High School for Girls, Parktown High School for Boys, and Horizon High School.
How do you choose a high school in South Africa?
You should choose a school that offers a curriculum that will meet your needs and interests. You should also consider your budget.
Which is the most popular school in South Africa?
Some of the most popular high schools in SA are Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, Star College Cape Town, Al-Falaah College, Holy Family College, Collegiate Girls High, and Westville Girls High.
Which are the top three schools?
The top three high schools in SA, arguably, are St John's College, Roedean School, and Parktown High School for Girls.
The best high schools in Johannesburg are designed and equipped for optimal learning and teaching. These institutions offer high-quality education and a wide array of extracurricular activities.
Briefly.co.za recently published a list of the best private schools in Johannesburg. Education is one of the most priceless gifts for children. They need good schools that offer quality education.
The school environment you choose for your kids impacts their academic and extracurricular performance, behaviour, psychology, and so on. It is important to pick institutions that nurture your child's potential.
Source: Briefly News

Salma Rashid Salma Rashid is a journalist with over three years experience in the digital world space. She holds a Degree in Purchasing and Procurement Management from Mount Kenya University. Salma has been writing for Briefly since 2019 and has grown to become a specialist at creating stimulating blog posts. Email: salmarashidabdul@gmail.com

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