21 BEST BOARDING SCHOOLS IN SOUTH AFRICA|COST AND LOCATION

2024 Best Boarding Schools in South Africa & Tuition

Parents and guardians can now explore this list of best boarding schools in South Africa as the next school year is around the corner, for review and possible application.

To begin, understand that boarding schools in South Africa comes in shapes and in sizes and you are about to get the list of best options for students, parents and guardians.

In South Africa, there is no doubt that one of the best things parents and guardians can offer their younger ones include strong education background.

Without need for study proof, what every parent desired for their children is the best and when it comes to education, enrolling younger boys or girls into descent boarding school is one way to get started.

In this review, we are listing the best boarding schools in South Africa, their tuition, location and some of the opportunities that most user ask about.

First things first, what are these schools?

Top 20 Boarding Schools in South Africa [Based on Location]

From this section, the review of the best boarding schools in South Africa begins and we are reviewing based on their location:

S/NSouth African Boarding SchoolPlace in South Africa
1Hilton CollegeHilton, KwaZulu-Natal
2St Andrew’s School for GirlsJohannesburg
3MichaelhouseBalgowan
4Kearsney CollegeOuter West Durban
5St Charles CollegePietermaritzburg
6Roedean Senior SchoolJohannesburg
7St. Alban’s CollegePretoria
8Herschel Girls SchoolCape Town
9Parktown Boys’ High SchoolJohannesburg
10Epworth SchoolPietermaritzburg
11Glenwood High SchoolDurban
12St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls,Kloof
13St. John’s Diocesan School For GirlsPietermaritzburg
14The Wykeham CollegiatePietermaritzburg
15St Mary’s School, WaverleyJohannesburg
16Inkamana High SchoolVryheid
17 St Stithians CollegeRandburg
18Durban Girls’ CollegeDurban
19Queen’s College Boys’ High School Queenstown
20King Edward VII SchoolJohannesburg

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE RELATED GUIDES/REVIEWS:

Top 10 Boarding Schools in South Africa

including the tuition and other important reviews that will help students, parents and guardians make the most informed decision for the next academic year or for those who are seeking transfer from their original schools.

Michaelhouse

Michaelhouse is a private boarding school in Balgowan, South Africa, for boys with known reputation in quality education and extracurricular activities. This school is part of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa, Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference and was founded in 1896 with, currently, over 615 boys students.

Tuition Information

Here is a summary of tuition the Michaelhouse:

  • Non-refundable registration fee: ZAR 950
  • Annual Board and Tuition E to A Block: ZAR 347 680
  • Voluntary Development Levy: ZAR 6100
  • Debtors Admin Fee: ZAR 4929
  • (For SA residents not paying by debit order)
  • (For Non SA residents that do not pay fees in advance)
  • Non-refundable acceptance fee:
  • RSA resident: ZAR 75 000 for 2023
  • Non-resident: ZAR 106 920 for 2023
  • Non SA resident refundable deposit: ZAR 66 920
  • Fees after 3.5% discount for payment in advance: ZAR 335 511

Michaelhouse School Website: https://www.michaelhouse.org/

Kearsney College

The Kearsney College is a private boarding medium High School for boy in Botha’sHill, outer West Durban, South Africa. As an English taught school, Kearsney College provides a unique boarding offering, with flexible boarding arrangements catering to the needs of the modern family.

Tuition Information

School Fee ( Including boarding fee) for Grades 8 and 9 (Middle School) is R 260,590 while for Grades 10, 11 and 12 (Senior School), the tuition is R 277, 200. On the other side of the payment equation, school fees for Day Students at the Kearsney College is R174,130 for Grades 8 and 9 (Middle School) while seniors pay R190,740.

Kearsney College Website: www.kearsney.com 

St Charles College

St Charles College is a Christian, independent boys college situated Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, catering per-primary, junior primary, senior primary, middle school and upper school.

This school was founded in 1875 and is located at Harwin Rd, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa.

Tuition Information  

School fees at St Charles College are as follow:

Per term, boarding students (Grades 4 to 12) pay from R42875 to R60975 depending on their peculiarities. To learn more about the current fee for your Grades, simply visit the official website that we are including in this review.

Roedean Senior School

Roedean school is a private English Medium and boarding school for girls only, and is situated at the suburb of Parktown at Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg in the Gauteng province of South Africa.

Tuition Information

Termly boarding costs R48 749 and R146 247 while weekly boarding costs R38 999 per term and R116 997 annually.

St. Alban’s College

St Alban’s College is a private all-boy’s school located in Pretoria, South Africa. In 2023, the St Alban’s College celebrates 60 years of preparing young men for life and this school has remained one of the best boarding schools in South Africa, since its inception.

The institution has boasted of helping all students tap through the opportunity for a positive educational experience that is tailored to meet their evolving stages of cognitive development, and expert Staff ensure high quality learning.

Being featured in this list, it is evident that it has lived up to the claims and expectations of parents and guardians who send their kids for shaping.

Tuition Information

School fees at St Alban’s College for 2023/2024 are as follows:

Day Students pay R174 750 while Boarding students pay R307 350 (All as annual Fees). To learn about the termly school fees and other fees for students at the, parents and students are advised to stick to the official website of the school.

St Alban’s College Website: www.stalbanscollege.com

Hilton College

Hilton, as Hilton College is well refereed to as, is a South African private boarding school for boys only. This school is located near Hilton town in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Hilton was founded in 1872 and has remained one of the best boarding schools in South Africa, that is reserved for boys education.

School Fees Information

School fee at Hilton ( Including boarding) for 2023 is R369 920,00 per annum. This tuition covers tuition, food and board, games, minor medical attention, the use of the sanatorium, library and laundry. There are options for Day students and the fee is well spelt right from the official website of the institution.

Hilton School Website: www.hiltoncollege.com

St Andrew’s School for Girls

St Andrew’s School is one of the leading co-educational boarding and day school for girls in Johannesburg, South Africa. The school was founded in 1902 and has evolved through continuous growth in helping young girls achieve their dreams.

School Fees Information

Here is a summary of school fees at St Andrew’s School:

The boarding fee for senior is R 137, 705 annually, R47,570 Termly and R13,810 per month. Grades 8-8 pay way lesser and prospective students can head over to the website for the fee schedule for the year, depending on when you stumble upon this guide.

St Andrew’s School Website: www.standrews.co.za

Herschel Girls School

Herschel Girls School is an Anglican Church built private boarding school for girls in Western Cape, South Africa – a suburb of South Africa for per-nursery through Grades 12. The School is one of the best boarding schools in South Africa, and has 21 Herschel Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa, as address.

School Fees Information

Herschel Girls School Fees ranges from Nursery (R 67,105 annually) to Grade 12 (R 136,300 annually). This school has schedule for termly and monthly payment across all grades and levels and these schedules can always be downloaded from the school’s portal.

Herschel Girls School Website: www.herschel.org.za

Also see this related post: List of Best Catholic Boarding Schools in America (with Tuition Review)

Parktown Boys’ High School

The Parktown Boys’ High School is a public English medium high school for boys in Parktown, a suburb of Johannesburg in the Gauteng province of South Africa.. Aside being one of the oldest boys schools, Parktown Boys’ High School is one of the best schools with boarding options in south Africa.

School Fees Information

Parktown Boys’ High School has, as at 2023, the following school fee schedule:

  • Tuition Fees R64, 000.00 per annum (6,400 x 10)
  • Boarding Fees:  (Weekly) R75,000 per annum (7,500 x 10) and (Termly) R95 000 per annum (9,500 x 10).

Parktown Boys’ High School Website: www.parktownboys.com

Epworth School

Epworth School is an independent Christian school for boys and girls, located in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This school provide a rich and diverse education for boys and girls from Grade RRR to Grade 7, and girls only from Grade 8 to Grade 12. 12. Epworth takes pride in preparing  pupils for a future where they are confident, knowledgeable and multi-faceted.

School Fee Information

At Epworth School, as at 2023, school fees are scheduled as follow:

The Total Tuition Fee (per month) over 12 months, including Levies is from R4,225  to R11,988  while Total Tuition Fee, including Levies is from R50,694 to R143,857. Note: It depends on students’ grade and options.

Epworth School Website: www.epworth.co.za

Students and Parents are Asking

Based on what users seek to learn regarding the best boarding schools in South Africa, we continue to provide the most appropriate answers too further help you get what you are looking for:

What are the Best Boarding Schools in South Africa?

Here a comprehensive list of globally ranked boarding schools from the 9 provinces that make up South Africa:

1) Hilton College

2) St Andrew’s School for Girls

3) Michaelhouse

4) Kearsney College

5) St Charles College

6) Roedean Senior School

7) St. Alban’s College

8) Herschel Girls School

9) Parktown Boys’ High School

10) Epworth School

11) Glenwood High School

12) St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls, Kloof

13) ST. JOHN’S DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

14) The Wykeham Collegiate

15) St Mary’s School, Waverley

16) Inkamana High School

17) St Stithians College

18) Durban Girls’ College

19) Queen’s College Boys’ High School

20) King Edward VII School

21) St Andrew’s College

22) Beaulieu College

23) Jeppe High School for Boys

24) Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls

25) St Anne’s Diocesan College

26) Diocesan School for Girls

27) Kingswood College

28) St Cyprian’s School

29) Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology

30) Hoërskool Waterkloof

31) Cornwall Hill College

32) Stanford Lake College

33) Woodridge College and Preparatory School

34) Stirling High School, East London

35) Pro Arte Alphen Park Performing and Creative Arts High School

36) Die Hoërskool Menlopark

37) Bridge House School

38) Hoërskool Stellenbosch

39) Worcester Gymnasium

40) Linpark High School

41) Helpmekaar College

42) Westerford High School

43) Cordwalles Preparatory School For Boys

44) Southdowns College

Information: These South African Best Boarding School List is gathered from hundreds of web ranking sources – mostly generated from students’ ratings, tuition review and other sociocultural advantages that each of the school posses. Most importantly, these are the best boarding schools from different 9 provinces that make up South Africa.

Check Also: Best Boarding Schools in the UK [Full Review]

What are the best Universities in South Africa?

Here is a list of Globally recognized universities in South Africa:

  • Stellenbosch University
  • University of Kwazulu Natal
  • University of the Western Cape.
  • University of South Africa.
  • University of the Free State.
  • University of Johannesburg.
  • University of Pretoria.
  • North West University – South Africa.

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Our References

FAQ

Let us now look at some of the common questions people ask around boarding schools in south Africa with a view of helping you make a more informed decision:

Are there boarding schools under 30 in South Africa?

Here is the rearranged list of the most affordable boarding schools in South Africa under 30k; even though the cost may vary:

  1. Northwood School: Located in Durban, known for its academic excellence and sports programs.
  2. Maritzburg Girls’ High School: An all-girls school in Pietermaritzburg with a strong academic focus.
  3. Rustenburg Educational College: Situated in the Magaliesberg, offering a holistic education.
  4. Wartburg Kirchdorf School: A co-ed school emphasizing Christian values and academic achievement.
  5. Maritzburg College: A boys’ high school in Pietermaritzburg with a rich history and diverse curriculum.
  6. Waverley Girls’ High School: In Johannesburg, known for academic success and extracurricular activities.
  7. Parktown Boys’ High School: Located in Johannesburg, renowned for academic and sports achievements.
  8. Pretoria Boys High School: One of the oldest boys’ high schools in Pretoria, focusing on academic and cultural development.
  9. Pretoria Girls High School: An all-girls school in Pretoria, providing a well-rounded education.
  10. Roedean School: A prestigious girls’ school with a strong academic reputation.
  11. King Edward VII School: A boys’ school in Johannesburg, emphasizing academic and sporting excellence.
  12. St Andrew’s School for Girls: Located in Johannesburg, known for academic achievements and a nurturing environment.
  13. St Alban’s College: An all-boys school in Pretoria with a commitment to holistic education.
  14. St Mary’s School: An all-girls school in Johannesburg, offering a balanced education.
  15. St Stithians College: Known for its innovative approach to education and emphasis on values.

Please note that the order is arbitrary and doesn’t reflect any specific ranking.

Are there co-ed boarding schools in South Africa?

  • Yes, South Africa has both single-sex and co-educational boarding schools. Students can choose based on their preferences and educational goals.

It’s important to note that specific details may vary between different boarding schools, and prospective students and parents are encouraged to contact schools directly for accurate and personalized information.

Are scholarships available for boarding schools in South Africa?

  • Some boarding schools offer scholarships based on academic or extracurricular achievements. Check with individual schools for their scholarship programs and eligibility criteria.

How do I apply to a boarding school in South Africa?

  • Application processes vary by school. Generally, you need to complete an application form, submit academic records, provide letters of recommendation, and possibly attend an interview.

Why choose a boarding school in South Africa?

  • Boarding schools in South Africa offer a structured and immersive learning environment. They provide opportunities for academic growth, character development, and exposure to diverse cultures.

What are the Primary Boarding Schools in South Africa?

From sources across the web, here is a list of best primary boarding schools in South Africa?

  1. St Andrew’s School for Girls
  2. St Charles College
  3. Michaelhouse
  4. Hilton College
  5. St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls, Kloof
  6. Kearsney College
  7. Parktown Boys’ High School
  8. ST. JOHN’S DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
  9. The Wykeham Collegiate
  10. Roedean Senior School
  11. St Andrew’s Preparatory School
  12. Epworth School
  13. St Mary’s School, Waverley
  14. St Stithians College
  15. Inkamana High School
  16. St Anne’s Diocesan College
  17. Linpark High School
  18. St Cyprian’s School
  19. Cordwalles Preparatory School For Boys
  20. Queen’s College Boys’ High School
  21. Potchefstroom High School for Boys
  22. Vryburg High School
  23. York High School
  24. St Dunstan’s College
  25. Herschel Girls School
  26. Durban Girls’ College
  27. Bridge House School
  28. King Edward VII School
  29. Cornwall Hill College
  30. Kingswood College
  31. Taal-Net Group Of Schools
  32. Diocesan School for Girls
  33. Woodridge College and Preparatory School
  34. Worcester Gymnasium
  35. Hudson Park High School
  36. Hoërskool Durbanville
  37. Kimberley Boys High School

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