Cape Town is home to many outstanding high schools that provide exceptional educational opportunities to students. From academic excellence to a diverse range of extracurricular activities, these schools cultivate an environment where students can academically and personally thrive. In no particular order let’s look at ten of Cape Town’s high schools, including some of their notable alums.
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Rondebosch Boys’ High School (Public)
Founded in 1897, Rondebosch Boys’ High School is one of the oldest schools in the country, with a strong academic reputation. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various subjects, which aims to prepare students for tertiary education and offers Advanced Programme (AP) subjects for those seeking an extra challenge.
Extracurricular activities include sports, cultural clubs, societies, and community service initiatives. Rondebosch Boys’ High School has a strong sporting tradition and participates in sports such as rugby, cricket, hockey, soccer, athletics, swimming, and more. The school’s teams have achieved considerable success at regional and national levels.
2023 School fees (per annum):
Grade 8 – R71 000 (includes R3 000 iPad pre-payment)
Grades 9-12 – R65 000
R60 000 for Boarding House (in addition to school fees)
- Website: www.rondebosch.com
- Facebook: Rondebosch Boys’ High School
- Twitter: @RondeboschBHS
- Instagram: rondebosch_boys_high
Herschel Girls’ School (Private)
Founded in 1922, it is one of the leading independent schools in the country and has gained a reputation for providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. The academic program is designed to challenge and stimulate students, preparing them for tertiary education and future careers. The school is known for its strong academic results and high university acceptance rates.
Herschel Girls’ School provides a variety of extracurricular activities to complement the academic program and allow students to explore their interests and talents. These include sports, cultural clubs, societies, and community service initiatives. The school encourages students to engage in a well-rounded education and provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and teamwork.
2023 School fees (per annum):
Grade 8 – R 137,470
Grade 9 – R 137,470
Grade 10 – R 137,760
Grade 11 – R 137,940
Grade 12 – R 136,300
- Website: www.herschel.org.za
- Facebook: Herschel Girls’ School
- Twitter: @HerschelGS
- Instagram: herschelgirlsschool
Bishops Diocesan College (Private)
Established in 1849, Bishops is one of the country’s oldest and most renowned independent schools. It provides education from pre-primary (age 3) through to Grade 12 and has a strong reputation for academic excellence, sports achievements, and a well-rounded education. The academic program is designed to challenge and inspire students, preparing them for tertiary education and future careers.
Bishops is known for its outstanding academic results, consistently achieving excellent matriculation results and high university acceptance rates. The school provides a diverse range of extracurricular activities to complement the academic program and foster the holistic development of students. The school also offers cultural clubs, music ensembles, drama productions, debating societies, and community service initiatives.
2023 School fees (per annum):
Grades 8 to 12 – R 185 020 (Tuition), R 126 940 (Boarding) and R 311 960 (Tuition and Boarding).
- Website: www.bishops.org.za
- Facebook: Bishops Diocesan College
- Twitter: @diocesancollege
- Instagram: bishopscollegeza
Westerford High School (Public)
Established in 1953, the school has gained a reputation for its academic excellence, inclusive environment, and strong community spirit. It’s known for its rigorous academic program and provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for tertiary education and future careers. The school also promotes cultural activities, including music, drama, art, and debate, providing students with opportunities to explore their creative and intellectual pursuits.
2023 School fees (per annum):
Grade 8-12: R49, 740.00
- Website: www.westerford.co.za
- Facebook: Westerford High School
- Instagram: westerfordhighschool
Rustenburg Girls’ High School (Public)
Founded in 1894, the school has a rich history and is well-regarded for its academic excellence, strong values, and commitment to empowering young women. Rustenburg Girls’ High School strongly emphasises academic achievement and intellectual growth. The educational program is designed to challenge and inspire students, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love for learning.
Rustenburg has a strong academic record, with many students achieving outstanding results in national examinations. The school provides diverse extracurricular activities to complement the academic program and promote holistic development. The extracurricular activities offer opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build lifelong friendships.
2023 School fees (per annum):
Grade 8 (includes R3 500 iPad pre-payment) – R62 847
Grade 9 – R59 180
Grade 10 – R58 680
Grade 11 – R56 680
Grade 12 – R56 480
- Website: www.rghs.org.za
- Facebook: Rustenburg Girls’ High School
- Twitter: @RustenburgGHS
- Instagram: rustenburggirls
South African College Schools (SACS) High School (Public)
Established in 1829, it is one of the oldest schools in the country and has a rich history and a reputation for academic excellence, sporting achievements, and a well-rounded education. SACS High School is known for its rigorous academic program and aims to develop critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and a love for learning. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities to complement the academic program and promote holistic development, such as music, drama, debating, and art.
2023 School fees (per annum):
Grade 8 – R 59 000
Grade 9 to 11 – R 57 200
Grade 12 (excl extras) – R 57 200
Voluntary Development fund levy – R 2 500
Boarding Fees – R 63 000
- Website: www.sacollege.org.za
- Facebook: SACS High School
- Twitter: @SACS1829
- Instagram: sacshighschool
Wynberg Boys’ High School (Public)
Established in 1841, it is one of the country’s oldest and most reputable schools. Wynberg Boys’ High School has a proud history, strong academic tradition, and a focus on holistic education. The academic program is designed to challenge and inspire students, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for learning. Wynberg Boys’ High School has a strong academic record, with many students achieving outstanding results in national examinations.
Wynberg Boys’ High School has a rich sporting tradition and participates in various sports such as rugby, cricket, hockey, soccer, athletics, swimming, and more. The school also offers cultural activities, including music, drama, debating, and art.
2023 School fees (per annum):
Grade 8 – 12: R58 350
- Website: www.wbhs.org.za
- Facebook: Wynberg Boys’ High School
- Instagram: wynbergboyshighschool_official
Springfield Convent School (Independent)
Founded in 1871, it is a Catholic school with a rich history and a reputation for academic excellence, values-based education, and a nurturing environment. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics, Science, English, Afrikaans, History, Geography, and many others. The academic program is designed to challenge and inspire students, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning.
As a Catholic school, Springfield Convent School provides religious education as an integral part of the curriculum. The school aims to develop students’ spiritual growth, moral values, and understanding of the Catholic faith. However, the school welcomes students of various religious backgrounds and promotes respect and tolerance for different beliefs.
2023 School fees (per annum):
Grade 7 – Grade 11: R93 126-60
Grade 12: R93 126-60
- Website: www.springfieldconvent.co.za
- Facebook: Springfield Convent School
- Instagram: springfieldconvent
The Settlers High School (Public)
Established in 1952, the school serves the surrounding community and is known for its commitment to academic excellence, cultural diversity, and holistic education. The Settlers High School offers a comprehensive academic program that aims to provide students with a solid foundation for their future endeavours. The curriculum challenges and engages students, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for learning.
The Settlers High School celebrates cultural diversity and promotes an inclusive and tolerant environment. The school embraces students from various backgrounds and encourages mutual respect and understanding among students. Cultural events and activities are organised to showcase and appreciate the diverse traditions and heritage of the student body.
School fees:
Grade 8 to 12 – R29 650
- Website: www.settlers.org.za
- Facebook: The Settlers High School
- Instagram: thesettlershighschool
Reddam House Constantia (Private)
Reddam House Constantia is an independent, co-educational school part of the Reddam House Group, a global network of schools that offers education from early childhood through to high school. Reddam House Constantia follows a comprehensive and balanced curriculum based on the South African National Curriculum, supplemented by international elements.
Reddam House Constantia’s academic program emphasises academic rigour and personal growth. It focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning. The school offers various subjects, including languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, arts, and technology.
2023 School fees (per annum):
Grade 8: R153 279
Grade 9-12: R157 883
- Website: www.reddamhouse.com
- Facebook: Reddam House
These ten Cape Town high schools provide students with excellent educational experiences, remarkable alum networks, and numerous opportunities for personal growth. Whether public or private, these institutions offer various programs encouraging academic excellence, sporting achievements, cultural pursuits, and community engagement. For further information about each school, visit their websites or connect with them on social media platforms to stay updated with their latest developments and achievements.
