South Africa has some great high schools in Gauteng, where your children can get the right education to unlock their potentials and help them on their way to where you want them to be in life. With so many schools, we realize that it may be difficult to make a choice.
In order for a child to develop his potentials, he must be given quality education, so as to help develop his mind, increase his critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and help him learn how to deal with pressure, as well as relationships with other members of society. The paragraphs below are a compilation of the best high schools in Gauteng.
Top 10 Best High Schools in Gauteng
1. Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (Pretoria)
Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, commonly known as Affies, was named the top school in Gauteng for the class of 2025 .
Academic Performance: The school achieved the highest overall performance in the province. Carla Venter from the school was also recognised as the top learner in English First Additional Language .
Facilities and History: As one of Pretoria’s most prestigious Afrikaans girls’ schools, Affies has a long-standing tradition of academic and cultural excellence. The school is known for its strong emphasis on holistic development and leadership.
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng.
2. Hoërskool Menlo Park (Pretoria)
Hoërskool Menlo Park secured second place among the top schools in Gauteng for the 2025 academic year .
Academic Performance: This co-educational Afrikaans-medium school consistently ranks among the province’s top performers. Its second-place ranking in the province-wide assessment reflects its commitment to academic excellence.
Facilities and History: Menlo Park is well-known for its modern facilities, strong sports culture, and balanced approach to education. The school serves the eastern suburbs of Pretoria.
Location: Menlo Park, Pretoria, Gauteng.
3. Hoërskool Waterkloof (Pretoria)
Hoërskool Waterkloof was ranked third among Gauteng’s top schools for the class of 2025 and achieved the second-highest number of bachelor’s passes in Pretoria .
Academic Performance: The school’s consistent performance places it among the elite public schools in the province. It recorded an exceptionally high number of learners qualifying for university admission.
Facilities and History: Located in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria, Waterkloof is known for its strong academic programmes, extensive sports offerings, and cultural activities. The school has a proud tradition of producing well-rounded graduates.
Location: Erasmuskloof, Pretoria, Gauteng.
4. Redhill School (Sandton)
Redhill School recorded some of the strongest results in its history in 2025 across both IEB and International Baccalaureate (IB) pathways .
Academic Performance: Redhill’s IEB class achieved an average of 4.3 distinctions per pupil. Top achievers included Chad Bacher (IEB dux with 95% average and eight distinctions) and Rohan Curtis (93% average with nine distinctions). On the IB pathway, Yian Xu achieved 44 points out of 45, well above the world average of 29.30 .
Facilities and History: Executive head Joseph Gerassi attributes the school’s success to supporting students “as whole people — intellectually, socially and emotionally.” The school offers both IEB and IB curricula, allowing students to choose the pathway that best suits their needs .
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
5. Saheti School (Senderwood)
Saheti School in Senderwood achieved a 100% pass rate, maintaining its unbroken record of excellence.
Academic Performance: Of 71 candidates, 92% achieved distinctions, with 30% achieving a distinction average. Six pupils achieved full-house distinctions, and a further 10 achieved six distinctions each. Dux scholar Chrisovalandis Coundouris achieved nine distinctions with an overall average of 92%. Greek is a compulsory subject at the school .
Facilities and History: Saheti’s dean of matrics, Daniela Pitt, said the results reflected “a strong partnership between pupils, families and staff.” The school is known for its strong cultural identity and academic rigour.
Location: Senderwood, Germiston, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
6. St John’s College (Houghton)
St John’s College is widely regarded as one of Johannesburg’s premier boys’ schools and consistently ranks among the top educational institutions in Gauteng .
Academic Performance: The school is known for its exceptional academic outcomes, with a strong track record of bachelor’s degree passes and subject distinctions. It frequently features in lists of top-performing schools in the province .
Facilities and History: Founded in 1898, St John’s is an Anglican school with a rich tradition and beautiful campus in Houghton. It offers both IEB and Cambridge curricula and is known for its outstanding sports, cultural, and leadership programmes.
Location: Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
7. Roedean School (Parktown)
Roedean School is one of South Africa’s most prestigious independent girls’ schools and consistently ranks among the top in Gauteng .
Academic Performance: The school maintains exceptional academic standards with consistently high matric pass rates and bachelor’s degree passes. It is widely recognised as a leader in girls’ education .
Facilities and History: Founded in 1903, Roedean offers a world-class education on a beautiful campus in Parktown. The school emphasises academic excellence, leadership development, and holistic growth for young women.
Location: Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
8. Pretoria Boys High School (Pretoria)
Pretoria Boys High is one of South Africa’s most prestigious public boys’ schools, with a long history of academic excellence and leadership development.
Academic Performance: The school consistently achieves outstanding matric results, with the majority of learners qualifying for bachelor’s degree studies. Its strong academic reputation draws applications from across the province .
Facilities and History: Established in 1901, the school boasts extensive sports fields, modern classrooms, cultural facilities, and boarding options. The school receives approximately 1,500 applications annually for only 200 day pupil places, reflecting its high demand .
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng.
9. St Stithians College (Sandton/Randburg)
St Stithians College operates as both a boys’ college and a girls’ college on one campus, following the Methodist ethos and a value framework ingrained in their identity .
Academic Performance: The school is consistently ranked among the top independent schools in Gauteng. Staff are committed to offering an all-inclusive curriculum, ensuring all students receive the best education .
Facilities and History: The college is situated on the border of Sandton and Randburg, offering extensive facilities for academics, sports, and culture. The Methodist ethos guides the school’s approach to holistic education.
Location: Border of Sandton and Randburg, Gauteng.
10. Parktown Boys’ High School (Parktown)
Parktown Boys’ High School is one of Johannesburg’s top public schools for boys, known for its consistent academic performance and values-based education .
Academic Performance: The school’s matric classes have achieved a pass rate of 98-100%, making it one of the top public high schools in Gauteng. It is also considered one of the most affordable high schools in Johannesburg .
Facilities and History: The school encourages all boys to practice honesty, integrity, gentlemanly conduct, tolerance, empathy, respect, and self-discipline. It offers a balanced education with strong sports and cultural programmes .
Location: Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
How to Apply to High Schools in Gauteng
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) manages all Grade 8 applications through an online portal. Here is what you need to know for 2026 admissions.
Application Timeline
The online admissions application period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 in Gauteng officially opened on 24 July 2025 at 8am and closed on 29 August 2025 . Within the first hour alone, the system recorded 46,061 Grade 8 applications .
Step-by-Step Application Process
Apply Online: All applications must be submitted via the official GDE online admissions portal at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za . Parents are advised to apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools .
Submit Required Documents: Parents must upload supporting documents within seven days of application via the GDE portal. Required documents include :
– Parent/Guardian ID (South African ID or valid passport)
– Child’s birth certificate or passport
– Proof of home address (utility bill, lease agreement, or official correspondence)
– Proof of work address (if applying based on workplace proximity)
– Latest Grade 7 school report
Document Certification: All copies must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths, police official, or magistrate. Ensure documents are recent (no older than three months) .
Application Status: Parents will be advised by SMS of their application status and can check the online portal. Placement is based on specific criteria including feeder zone, siblings, and proximity .
Acceptance: Successful applicants receive SMS placement offers and must accept online within seven days to secure a place .
Admission Criteria
Placement is prioritised based on the following order :
1. The applicant’s place of residence is closest to the school within its designated feeder zone
2. The applicant has a sibling attending the school
3. The place of employment of at least one parent is within the feeder zone
4. The applicant’s place of residence is within a 30-kilometre radius
5. The applicant’s place of residence is beyond a 30-kilometre radius
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. Schools like Saheti (92% distinctions) and Redhill (4.3 distinctions per pupil) demonstrate exceptional depth of achievement .
School Type and Curriculum
Decide whether a single-sex or co-educational environment suits your child. Also consider curriculum options—some schools offer IEB, NSC, or Cambridge/IB pathways. Redhill offers both IEB and IB, allowing students to choose the best fit .
Location and Feeder Zones
Admission priority is given to applicants living within the school’s feeder zone. Schools like Pretoria Boys High receive far more applications than places available, with feeder zone applicants prioritised .
Extracurricular Opportunities
Top schools offer extensive programmes in sports, culture, and leadership. Consider what opportunities align with your child’s interests.
School Fees
Fees vary significantly between public and private schools. Fourways High School, a public fee-paying school, charges annual fees ranging from R58,000 to R62,500 for 2026, with discounts for early payment .
Why These Schools Stand Out
The schools on this list were selected based on:
Official Top School Rankings: Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, Hoërskool Menlo Park, and Hoërskool Waterkloof were officially named as the top three schools in Gauteng for 2025 .
Exceptional 2025 Matric Results: Schools like Saheti (92% distinctions) and Redhill (4.3 distinctions per pupil) demonstrated outstanding academic outcomes .
Consistent Excellence: Schools like St John’s, Roedean, and Pretoria Boys High have long-standing reputations for academic excellence .
Diverse Options: The list includes public schools, private institutions, single-sex and co-educational options, serving different communities across Gauteng.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best high school in Gauteng?
Based on official rankings, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria was named the top school in Gauteng for the class of 2025 . However, “best” depends on your child’s individual needs and the curriculum that suits them best.
2. How do I apply to Gauteng high schools?
All applications are submitted online through the GDE portal at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. The application window for 2026 opened on 24 July 2025 and closed on 29 August 2025 .
3. When do applications open for 2027?
Applications for 2027 will likely open around July 2026. Check the GDE website for exact dates closer to the time.
4. What documents are needed for application?
Required documents include certified copies of parent/guardian ID, child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of home address, proof of work address (if applicable), and the latest Grade 7 school report .
5. How are applicants placed?
Placement follows a strict order: feeder zone residents, siblings, parents working in feeder zone, residents within 30km, and finally those beyond 30km .
6. What if my child is not accepted at any school?
If unsuccessful, contact schools directly to be placed on waiting lists. The GDE also assists with placement, typically during the third term.
7. Do Gauteng schools offer international curricula?
Yes. Schools like Redhill offer both IEB and IB pathways . Various private schools also offer Cambridge and other international curricula.
8. What was Gauteng’s overall matric pass rate for 2025?
Gauteng achieved a 89.06% pass rate, the highest ever for the province .
By understanding these options, application processes, and success stories, you can make an informed decision about the best high school for your child in Gauteng for 2026.
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Conclusion:
The list above already gives you what you need to know about the best high schools in Gauteng, South Africa. However, making a choice now depends on other factors such as your proximity to the schools, the kind of transportation you have, and the ability to afford the tuition fees. Whatever school you choose, you will get a very high-quality education to help your child excel.