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Top 10 Boarding Schools In South Africa In 2025
South Africa is home to some of the finest boarding schools on the continent, offering world-class education, excellent extracurricular activities, and state-of-the-art facilities. These schools are known for their academic excellence, leadership development, and strong traditions. If you're looking for the best boarding schools in South Africa for 2025, this list highlights the top 10 institutions that stand out in terms of quality education, student achievements, and overall prestige.
1. Hilton College
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
- Overview: Hilton College, established in 1872, is one of South Africa’s most prestigious all-boys boarding schools. The school is set on a breathtaking 1,762-hectare estate, providing students with a unique learning environment that blends academic excellence with outdoor adventure.
- Academics & Achievements: Hilton consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the country, with students achieving high distinction rates in their final exams.
- Extracurriculars: The school offers a rich array of sports, arts, and cultural activities, ensuring holistic development.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R420,729 per year.
2. Michaelhouse
- Location: Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal
- Overview: Founded in 1896, Michaelhouse is an elite all-boys boarding school renowned for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on discipline, leadership, and camaraderie.
- Academics & Achievements: Michaelhouse students consistently achieve top results, with an average of 2.30 distinctions per student in national exams.
- Extracurriculars: The school is well-known for its rugby, cricket, and music programs.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R392,000 per year.
3. St. Andrew's College
- Location: Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape
- Overview: St. Andrew’s College, established in 1855, is a prestigious all-boys school that blends tradition with modern education to create a world-class learning environment.
- Academics & Achievements: The school has a track record of academic excellence, with students excelling in national and international exams.
- Extracurriculars: Offers a wide variety of sports, cultural activities, and leadership programs.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R387,531 per year.
4. Roedean School (SA)
- Location: Parktown, Johannesburg
- Overview: Roedean School, founded in 1903, is an elite all-girls boarding school known for its exceptional academic results and strong cultural programs.
- Academics & Achievements: It is among the top-performing schools in South Africa, with students achieving an average of 4.64 distinctions each.
- Extracurriculars: The school excels in debating, music, and sports such as swimming and hockey.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R387,093 per year.
5. St. John's College
- Location: Houghton, Johannesburg
- Overview: Established in 1898, St. John's College is one of South Africa’s most respected boys' schools, offering both boarding and day school options.
- Academics & Achievements: The school has a reputation for academic excellence, with students achieving an average of 3.10 distinctions.
- Extracurriculars: St. John's is known for its strong rugby, cricket, and leadership programs.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R376,589 per year.
6. Kearsney College
- Location: Botha’s Hill, KwaZulu-Natal
- Overview: Founded in 1921, Kearsney College is an all-boys boarding school with a strong focus on academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
- Academics & Achievements: Students at Kearsney maintain high academic performance, with an average of 2.00 distinctions per student.
- Extracurriculars: The school is known for its music, drama, and extensive sports programs.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R374,330 per year.
7. Bishops Diocesan College
- Location: Rondebosch, Cape Town
- Overview: Founded in 1849, Bishops is one of the oldest and most prestigious all-boys schools in South Africa, offering both boarding and day school options.
- Academics & Achievements: The school consistently ranks among the best, with a tradition of excellence in both academics and leadership.
- Extracurriculars: Bishops is renowned for its rowing, rugby, and arts programs.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R364,680 per year.
8. St. Mary's School, Waverley
- Location: Waverley, Johannesburg
- Overview: Established in 1888, St. Mary’s is an all-girls boarding school that provides a strong academic foundation alongside a deep commitment to service and leadership.
- Academics & Achievements: The school achieves an average of 3.58 distinctions per student, making it one of the top academic performers in the country.
- Extracurriculars: St. Mary’s excels in public speaking, community service, and performing arts.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R358,665 per year.
9. St. Alban’s College
- Location: Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria
- Overview: Established in 1963, St. Alban’s College is a leading all-boys boarding school with a commitment to academic and personal development.
- Academics & Achievements: The school boasts a strong academic record, with students averaging 1.85 distinctions per student.
- Extracurriculars: Offers a range of sports, leadership programs, and outdoor education activities.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R353,150 per year.
10. Diocesan School for Girls (DSG)
- Location: Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape
- Overview: Founded in 1874, DSG is one of the oldest and most respected all-girls boarding schools in South Africa, known for its rigorous academics and well-rounded development programs.
- Academics & Achievements: DSG has a history of academic excellence, with students excelling in national and international exams.
- Extracurriculars: The school is famous for its music, drama, and various sporting achievements.
- Boarding Fees 2025: R350,000 per year.
Conclusion
South Africa boasts some of the finest boarding schools in Africa, providing students with world-class education, excellent sports programs, and rich cultural experiences. These institutions are known for their strong academic records, leadership development, and extensive extracurricular activities. Whether you’re looking for an all-boys or all-girls institution, the schools on this list offer some of the best educational experiences available in 2025.
When choosing a boarding school, it’s essential to consider factors such as academic reputation, extracurricular opportunities, and personal preferences. With any of these top 10 boarding schools, students are assured of a bright future, equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in the modern world.
