Top 22 best high schools in Cape Town, South Africa in 2026
The best high schools in Cape Town include The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT), Diocesan College (Bishops), and Reddam House Constantia. These institutions are known for strong academic performance, modern learning facilities, and well-rounded extracurricular programmes. With many options available, this guide highlights the top-rated Cape Town high schools to help parents make an informed decision.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Best high schools in Cape Town
- 22. Claremont High School - R12 800
- 21. The Settlers High School - R29 650
- 20. Fish Hoek High School - R33 500
- 19. Fairmont High School - R39 200
- 18. Bergvliet High School - R41 700
- 17. Camps Bay High School - R45 600
- 16. Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof - R45 720
- 15. Rhenish Girls' High School - R48 460
- 14. Rustenburg Girls’ High School - R50 000 to R57 000
- 13. Westerford High School - R51 698
- 12. South African College Schools (SACS) - R61 000 to R62 800
- 11. Wynberg Boys’ High School - R62 350
- 10. Star College Bridgetown - R67 750
- 9. False Bay High School - R67 800 to R70 500
- 8. Rondebosch Boys’ High School - R68 900
- 7. Constantia Waldorf School - R86 414 to R101 840
- 6. Silvermine Academy - R96 445
- 5. Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary - R100 582,20
- 4. Herschel Girls School - R148 400
- 3. Reddam House Constantia - R170 487
- 2. Diocesan College - R199 650
- 1. The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT) - R226 635
- What are the top 10 schools in South Africa?
- What are the top 10 public high schools in Cape Town?
- What are the top 5 best high schools in Cape Town?
- Which school has the highest pass rate in Cape Town?
- What is the most popular high school in Cape Town?
- How many high schools are in the Western Cape?
- Which school has the highest fees in South Africa?
- What is the #1 best high school?
- What is the biggest high school in South Africa?
- Is Pinelands High School a good school?
- Is UCT online high school free?
- Which is the best homeschooling program in South Africa?
Key takeaways
- Cape Town hosts some of South Africa’s top-performing high schools, offering local and international curricula such as IEB, CAPS, IB, and Cambridge.
- The best schools balance academics, sports, arts, and leadership, ensuring well-rounded student development.
- Private and international schools dominate the rankings, but select public schools remain highly competitive.
- Facilities, class sizes, and extracurricular opportunities are key factors that set top schools apart.
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 well-known nationwide for their academic excellence, modern infrastructure, and affordable fees.
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.
School name | Estimated annual fee |
The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT) | R226,635 |
Diocesan College (Bishops) | R199,650 |
Reddam House Constantia | R170,487 |
Herschel Girls School | R148,400 |
Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary | R100,582 |
Silvermine Academy | R96,445 |
Constantia Waldorf School | R86,414 – R101,840 |
Rondebosch Boys’ High School | R68,900 |
False Bay High School | R67,800 – R70,500 |
Star College Bridgetown | R67,750 |
Wynberg Boys’ High School | R62,350 |
South African College Schools (SACS) | R61,000 – R62,800 |
Westerford High School | R51,698 |
Rustenburg Girls’ High School | R50,000 – 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 |
22. 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 fosters academic excellence among pupils from backgrounds that typically lack access to the best education. The Claremont High School's annual tuition fee for all grades is R12 800.
21. 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
This is a public, English-medium, co-educational school established in 1965. The school has grown in many ways since its humble beginnings and now ranks among the top schools in the Western Cape. The Settlers High School's tuition fee is R29 650 per annum for all grades.
20. 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
The school offers an authentic educational experience, with highly competent and experienced educators, and a culturally diverse environment. This 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. 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, making it one of the most affordable top 50 high schools in the Western Cape.
18. 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 one of the top 20 best high schools in Cape Town, 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 are R41 700.
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
This school offers diverse academic, cultural, and sports activities to help students develop 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.
16. 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.
15. 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 additional R1 260 security levy brings the total to R48 460.
14. 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 ranges between R50,000 and R57,000.
13. 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
The 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.
12. 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 from R61 000 to R62 800.
11. 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.
10. 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 among the top 10 best high schools in Cape Town. It 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. 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 that do not require a uniform. Herman and Lisa Janse van Rensburg founded the school in January 1999. Since 2008, the lowest average for a grade 12 student at this school has been 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 from R67 800 to R70 500.
8. 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. It is one of the top 10 best high schools in the Western Cape that are affordable.
7. 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 top 10 private 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 from R86 414 to R101 840.
6. 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 a maximum of 25 students per grade. Grades 8 - 9 learners do the CAPS curriculum supplemented with ICT integration and 4iR skills. Meanwhile, students in Grades 10-12 study various subjects. Grade 12 students write the IEB NSC exam (a CAPS NSC certificate equivalent, which is accepted by international universities).
The Silvermine Academy's tuition fee for all grades is R96 445 per annum.
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.
4. 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 high schools in Cape Town. The institution offers pre-nursery through 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.
3. 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, a co-educational, non-denominational, independent school, 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.
2. 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.
1. 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 are R226 635 ($12,175).
What are the top 10 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 are the top 10 public high schools in Cape Town?
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
What are the top 5 best high schools in Cape Town?
Some of Cape Town's most expensive high schools, where the annual tuition fee 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
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 the 2022 IEB matric results. It is the only school on the Cape Flats to achieve such a feat.
What is the most popular high school in Cape Town?
The American International School of Cape Town (AISCT) is among Cape Town's most luxurious schools, charging R226 635 in annual tuition 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 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.
Is Pinelands High School a good school?
Pinelands High School is the top choice with exceptional academic performance, innovative programs, and a supportive environment.
Is UCT online high school free?
UCT Online High School offers a free curriculum where every learner can track their unique learning path and data. Learners have full access to a self-paced curriculum.
Which is the best homeschooling program in South Africa?
Some of the best homeschool programs in South Africa include Impaq Education, Cambridge International Curriculum, A.C.E. (Accelerated Christian Education), and Curro Online School.
The best 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 group of independent schools offers an enhanced curriculum that prepares learners for the IEB examinations in Grade 12.
Curro schools offer modern classrooms, fully equipped laboratories, and a range of sports and cultural activities. They accommodate learners up to Grade 12. The preschool phase has children from 3 months to 5 years.
Source: Briefly News
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