Five South African private schools have earned spots in the Spear’s Magazine 2025 Schools Index, which lists the top 100 private schools around the world.
The annual Spear’s Schools Index, now in its sixth year, is compiled by a panel of international education experts.
It assesses schools on academic results, reputation, and a range of cultural and social factors.
Five South African private schools make top 100 list
The KwaZulu-Natal province is home to four private schools that made the list: Hilton College, Michaelhouse, St Anne’s Diocesan College, and Cordwalles Preparatory School.
They were joined by the Western Province Preparatory School in Cape Town.
Launched in 2020, the Spear’s Schools Index has become a respected global reference for families seeking premier private education.
It is widely used by international parents, family offices, and advisors to ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Amid rapid change in the education sector, Spear’s describes the index as “the definitive ranking” of the world’s leading private institutions.
Also the most expensive
While these top institutions may be the best, they’re also some of the most expensive in the country.
According to data from January 2025, private education costs in the country have reached new heights this year, with at least 10 private schools now charging over R340 000 per year for tuition and boarding.
| Rank | School | Location | 2025 fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hilton College | Hilton, KZN | R420 729 |
| 2 | MichaelHouse | Balgowan, KZN | R392 000 |
| 3 | St Andrew’s College | Makhanda, EC | R387 531 |
| 4 | Roedean School for Girls | Johannesburg, GP | R387 093 |
| 5 | St John’s College | Johannesburg, GP | R376 589 |
| 6 | Kearsney College | Botha’s Hill, KZN | R374 330 |
| 7 | Bishops College | Cape Town, WC | R364 680 |
| 8 | St Mary’s | Johannesburg, GP | R358 665 |
| 9 | St Alban’s College | Pretoria, GP | R353 580 |
| 10 | Diocesan School for Girls | Makhanda, EC | R345 630 |
