List of the best high schools in Cape Town. High school is the education received between the ages of 12-17 years. Just like many other cities in the World, Cape Town also houses numerous high schools for its citizens.
South Africa’s Educational system has been known to be of the standard type with numerous international students coming into the country to study. In addition, the curriculum adopted in most of the schools is in line with the international standard curriculum of learning.
However, the level of standard education provided by these schools differs and this is the reason why some schools are better than others in Cape Town. The top 10 best high schools in Cape Town include the following:
Top 10 Best High Schools in Cape Town
1. Westerford High School
Westerford High School is a co-educational public school that consistently outperforms most private institutions in South Africa. It stands as the top-performing government school in the Western Cape and arguably the best high school in Cape Town based on academic outcomes.
Academic Performance: Westerford achieved a remarkable 3.12 distinctions per student on average in the 2025 NSC exams, placing it among the top co-educational schools nationally. The school maintained its perfect 100% pass rate and achieved a 100% bachelor’s degree pass rate, meaning every single matric student qualified for university entrance. The school recorded outstanding subject averages, including 82% in Mathematics, 80% in Accounting, and 80% in English Home Language—all exceeding their historical averages.
Facilities and History: Established in 1953, Westerford has only had five headmasters in its history, reflecting remarkable stability and consistent leadership. The campus features an indoor sports centre, seminar rooms, computer laboratories, swimming pool, Imhoff sports grounds, astroturf, and a dedicated music centre. With over 900 pupils, the school has built a reputation for high achievement across academic, cultural, and sporting spheres.
Location: Claremont, Cape Town.
2. Star College Cape Town
Star College Cape Town has firmly established itself as one of the province’s elite academic institutions, ranking among the top three schools in the Western Cape for the second consecutive year.
Academic Performance: The school secured second place in the category for schools with 80 or fewer candidates writing the NSC examinations. Several learners achieved exceptional individual results: Zariah Parker achieved 9 distinctions, Emine Nuriye Inal achieved 8 distinctions, Amarah Amod achieved 8 distinctions, and Saleha Hamied achieved 7 distinctions.
Facilities and History: Principal Osman Karaayvaz attributes the school’s success to the dedication of teachers, the determination of learners, and strong parent support. Student reflections highlight a school environment that prioritises both academic achievement and personal development, with common themes including discipline, balance, resilience, and curiosity.
Location: Cape Town (specific suburb not specified).
3. Star College Bridgetown (Athlone)
Star College Bridgetown secured third place in the Western Cape for schools with 80 or fewer candidates, matching its sister school’s outstanding performance.
Academic Performance: The school achieved a perfect 100% average matric pass rate over three years according to provincial data. This consistency places it among the top-performing schools in the province.
Facilities and History: As a sister school to Star College Cape Town, it shares the same commitment to academic excellence, discipline, and holistic development. The school serves the Bridgetown community in Athlone with distinction.
Location: Bridgetown, Athlone, Cape Town.
4. Rustenburg Girls’ High School
Rustenburg Girls’ High is one of Cape Town’s most prestigious all-girls schools, with a three-year average matric pass rate of 100%.
Academic Performance: The school consistently produces exceptional academic results, with a strong track record of bachelor’s degree passes and subject distinctions across all disciplines.
Facilities and History: Founded in 1894, Rustenburg has a long and proud history of developing young women of substance and confidence. The school offers extensive extracurricular programmes in sports, culture, and leadership, complementing its strong academic foundation.
Location: Rondebosch, Cape Town.
5. South African College High School (SACS)
SACS, one of the oldest schools in South Africa, maintains a perfect 100% three-year average matric pass rate.
Academic Performance: This prestigious boys’ school (with a separate girls’ school) consistently delivers outstanding academic results, with the majority of learners achieving bachelor’s degree passes.
Facilities and History: Founded in 1829, SACS boasts a rich heritage and tradition of excellence. The school offers outstanding academic programmes and extensive extracurricular opportunities across sports, culture, and community service.
Location: Newlands, Cape Town.
6. Bishops Diocesan College
Bishops is one of South Africa’s most elite private boys’ schools, achieving a 99.80% three-year average matric pass rate.
Academic Performance: The school is renowned for its rigorous academics, with consistently high bachelor’s pass rates and subject distinctions. It also offers IGCSE pathways for international families seeking an internationally recognised curriculum.
Facilities and History: Founded in 1849, Bishops is steeped in tradition and offers exceptional facilities including extensive sports fields, modern classrooms, cultural centres, and boarding options. The school emphasizes holistic development across academic, sporting, and cultural domains.
Location: Rondebosch, Cape Town.
7. Rondebosch Boys’ High School
Rondebosch Boys’ High is a top-performing public school for boys with a 99.60% three-year average matric pass rate.
Academic Performance: The school offers strong academic programmes and is recognised for its consistent performance in national examinations. It also provides international curriculum options for families seeking Cambridge pathways.
Facilities and History: With a history dating back to 1897, Rondebosch Boys’ has built a strong reputation for developing young men of character and achievement. The school offers extensive sports, cultural activities, and leadership programmes.
Location: Rondebosch, Cape Town.
8. Stellenberg High School
Stellenberg High School consistently ranks among Cape Town’s best co-educational public schools, with a 99.53% three-year average matric pass rate.
Academic Performance: The school delivers strong academic results year after year, with high bachelor’s pass rates and subject distinctions across multiple disciplines.
Facilities and History: Located in Durbanville, Stellenberg serves the northern suburbs of Cape Town with excellence. The school offers a comprehensive range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community engagement.
Location: Durbanville, Cape Town.
9. Star of the Sea Secondary School (Silikamva High School)
Silikamva High School in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, achieved an historic 100% matric pass rate in 2025—its first since opening in 2013. This remarkable turnaround from a 40% pass rate in 2019 makes it one of the most inspiring success stories in South African education.
Academic Performance: Of 154 students, 117 achieved bachelor passes (76%), 28 achieved diploma passes, and 9 achieved higher certificate passes. The school recorded 100% pass rates in eight subjects, including Physical Sciences and Business Studies.
Facilities and History: Deputy Principal George Gwazawafa explained that predictable routines, strong discipline, and data-driven instruction transformed the school culture. “When you come into a class, the first thing that they do is take out their books, and they are ready to learn.” Principal Siphatisiwe Nkala-Nkonhla emphasised that teacher commitment was the key: “The teachers are the ones that do the work at the end of the day. For them to come on a Saturday, for them to do extra lessons, we need their buy-in.”
Location: Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, Cape Town.
10. Pinelands High School
Pinelands High School is a well-regarded co-educational public school with a 99.27% three-year average matric pass rate.
Academic Performance: Known for its balanced approach to academics, sports, and culture, the school consistently produces strong results with high bachelor’s pass rates and subject distinctions.
Facilities and History: Serving the Pinelands community and surrounding areas with distinction, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience. It provides extensive opportunities in sports, cultural activities, and leadership development.
Location: Pinelands, Cape Town.
How to Apply to High Schools in Cape Town
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) manages all high school applications through an online portal. Here is what you need to know for 2026 admissions.
Application Timeline
The application period for Grade 8 typically runs from March to April for the following academic year. For example, applications for 2027 will likely open around March–April 2026. Always check the WCED website for exact dates.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Apply Online: All applications must be submitted via the official WCED online admissions portal. Parents are strongly advised to apply to a minimum of three schools, including the school closest to your residence.
Submit Required Documents: When applying, you must upload certified copies of:
– ID Document or Birth Certificate (learner and parent/caregiver)
– Latest official school/academic report
– Proof of residence (rates account, lease agreement, or affidavit)
– For foreign learners: Passport or refugee/asylum seeker permit
Track Your Application: Log into your profile regularly to monitor application status. Schools make final placement decisions based on their admission policies, not the WCED.
Confirm Acceptance: If accepted, you must confirm online by the deadline (typically mid-June). Within 7 days of confirming, provide certified hard copy documents to the selected school.
Important: If accepted at multiple schools but do not confirm by the deadline, the system will automatically activate your first-ranked choice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a High School
Academic Performance
Look beyond raw pass rates. Consider distinction averages, bachelor pass percentages, and subject-specific outcomes. Westerford’s 3.12 distinctions per student demonstrates exceptional depth of achievement.
School Type and Culture
Decide whether a single-sex or co-educational environment suits your child. Schools like Rustenburg Girls’ and Bishops offer single-sex education with strong traditions, while Westerford and Stellenberg provide co-educational settings.
Location and Accessibility
Consider proximity to home and transport options. Schools like Pinelands High serve specific communities, while others draw from across the city.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Top schools offer extensive programmes in sports, culture, and leadership. Westerford’s facilities include indoor sports, swimming, music, and more.
Curriculum Options
For international families, schools like Bishops, Rondebosch, and several Curro campuses offer IGCSE and Cambridge pathways.
Values and School Ethos
Some schools emphasise religious or philosophical foundations. Star College Cape Town’s success is built on discipline, balance, and resilience, while Silikamva High demonstrates the power of partnership and community focus.
Why These Schools Stand Out
The schools on this list were selected based on:
Consistent Academic Excellence: All have three-year average pass rates above 99% or have achieved perfect results in 2025.
Depth of Achievement: Schools like Westerford and Star College produce exceptional numbers of distinctions and bachelor passes.
Inspirational Stories: Silikamva High’s turnaround from 40% to 100% demonstrates that excellence is possible regardless of resources.
Diverse Options: The list includes public schools, private institutions, single-sex and co-educational options, serving different communities across Cape Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best high school in Cape Town?
Based on academic outcomes, Westerford High School is widely considered the top-performing public school, with 3.12 distinctions per student and a 100% bachelor pass rate. However, “best” depends on your child’s individual needs.
2. How do I apply to Cape Town high schools?
All applications are submitted online through the WCED portal during the application window (typically March-April). Apply to at least three schools and submit all required documents.
3. When do applications open for 2027?
Applications for 2027 will likely open in March–April 2026. Check the WCED website for exact dates.
4. Do I need to pay to apply?
No. Schools are not permitted to charge registration fees before accepting a learner.
5. What if my child is not accepted anywhere?
Stay on waiting lists and contact schools directly. If still unsuccessful, the WCED will assist in finding placement, typically during the third term.
6. Are there excellent no-fee schools in Cape Town?
Yes. Silikamva High School in Hout Bay achieved 100% pass rate in 2025 despite being a no-fee school, proving that quality education is possible in all communities.
7. Which schools offer international curricula?
Bishops, Rondebosch Boys’ High, several Curro campuses, and Crawford schools offer IGCSE and Cambridge pathways.
8. What documents are needed for foreign learners?
Foreign learners need a valid passport or a copy of the parent’s refugee/asylum seeker permit with the learner’s name. If born in South Africa to foreign parents, a DHA 19 form is required.
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- List Of Autistic Schools In Cape Town
- List Of Nursing Colleges In Cape Town
- List of Boarding Schools In Cape Town
By understanding these options, application processes, and success stories, you can make an informed decision about the best high school for your child in Cape Town for 2026.