Choosing the right private school for your child is one of the most significant decisions a parent can make, involving a balance of academic excellence, holistic development, and family values. Johannesburg is home to some of the country’s most prestigious private schools, each offering unique strengths in academics, sport, and culture.
Based on current data, this guide ranks the top 10 schools by academic performance (recent Matric results), including the latest available fees for the current academic year and key details about each institution.
Top 10 Best Private Schools in Johannesburg (Current Year)
1. St John’s College
Location: Houghton, Johannesburg
Type: Boys (Co-ed Sixth Form)
Annual Fees (Current Year): R232,974 – R376,589 (depending on grade)
Recent Average Distinctions: 4.13
Founded in 1898, St John’s College is an Anglican Diocesan College with a rich heritage. It consistently ranks as one of the top academic schools in the country.
The school blends classic charm with academic rigour and global leadership programmes, focusing on values-based education and producing well-rounded, community-minded young men. The Sixth Form is co-educational.
Notable features: Strong music and drama programmes, extensive sports facilities, and a beautiful, expansive campus in Houghton.
2. SAHETI School
Location: Senderwood, Bedfordview
Type: Co-educational
Annual Fees (Current Year): R148,252 – R169,458
Recent Average Distinctions: 4.5 (Highest in SA)
SAHETI School was established in 1974 under the leadership of the late human rights lawyer George Bizos. It is renowned for its exceptional academic record and multicultural, Hellenic-rooted ethos.
In the most recent academic year, SAHETI was a top-performing private school in South Africa with an exceptional number of distinctions, averaging 4.5 per matriculant. Every child in that year’s class achieved at least one distinction.
Notable features: Contemporary teaching methods, award-winning campus design, strong cultural life, and a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds.
3. Redhill School
Location: Morningside, Sandton
Type: Co-educational
Annual Fees (Current Year): R192,000 – R211,200 (depending on curriculum)
Recent Average Distinctions: 4.30
Redhill School is the only school in South Africa offering both the IEB (South African National Senior Certificate) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programmes.
The school provides a dynamic, inclusive environment focusing on creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship. Its recent Matric results placed it at the top of the rankings for co-educational schools.
Notable features: Forward-thinking teaching methods, strong arts culture, and a diverse student body.
4. Roedean School for Girls
Location: Parktown, Johannesburg
Type: Girls (Day & Boarding)
Annual Fees (Current Year): R233,104 – R413,095 (boarding inclusive)
Recent Average Distinctions: 4.21
A prestigious girls’ school with a legacy of over a century, Roedean fosters female leadership and academic excellence in a nurturing environment. Founded as a sister school to Roedean in Brighton, England, it provides a global perspective on girls’ education.
Notable features: On-site boarding facilities, extensive sports and cultural programmes, and a commitment to empowering young women with strong leadership skills.
5. St Mary’s School, Waverley
Location: Waverley, Johannesburg
Type: Girls (Day & Boarding)
Annual Fees (Current Year): R218,425 – R232,600+
Recent Average Distinctions: 4.15
Established in 1888, St Mary’s is the oldest school in Johannesburg. This Anglican school is known for its strong academics, caring ethos, and cultural richness. Its brother school is St John’s College.
Notable features: Historic campus, strong music and arts programmes, and a well-regarded boarding house.
6. St David’s Marist Inanda
Location: Inanda, Sandton
Type: Boys (Catholic)
Annual Fees (Current Year): R120,508 – R204,840
Recent Matric Result: 100% Bachelor’s Degree pass
A leading independent Catholic boys’ school rooted in Marist values (humility, simplicity, family spirit), St David’s strikes a balance between high academic standards and strong pastoral care.
Its recent Matric class achieved a 100% pass rate and a 100% Bachelor’s Degree pass, with several boys averaging above 90%.
Notable features: World-class sports facilities (cricket, water polo, rugby), award-winning music and choir, and a satellite campus in Alexandra as part of its community outreach.
7. Kingsmead College
Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg
Type: Girls (Christian ethos)
Annual Fees (Current Year): R207,535
Recent Average Distinctions: 3.80
Kingsmead College was founded in 1933 by educationalist Doris Vera Thompson. It is a well-established girls’ school with a Christian foundation, renowned for leadership-focused programmes and a tight-knit community.
Notable features: Close to the Gautrain station for convenience, strong emphasis on holistic development and character building.
8. King David High School Linksfield
Location: Linksfield, Johannesburg
Type: Co-educational (Jewish Day School)
Annual Fees (Current Year): R204,840
Recent Average Distinctions: 3.87
King David Schools are a proud community institution established in the mid-20th century. While grounded in Jewish values, they are known for academic excellence and are open to the broader community.
The school has a long-standing reputation as one of the top academic schools in the country, achieving excellent IEB results consistently.
Notable features: Strong Jewish culture and traditions, excellent debating and chess programmes.
9. St Peter’s College
Location: Sunninghill, Johannesburg
Type: Co-educational (Anglican)
Annual Fees (Current Year): R164,661 – R176,300
Recent Matric Result: 100% pass, strong distinctions per candidate
Part of the St Peter’s Anglican Diocesan school family, St Peter’s College has grown from a boys’ school founded in the mid-20th century into a leading co-educational College. It is known for achieving excellent results at a lower cost than many traditional top-tier private schools, making it a notable value proposition.
Notable features: Modern campus, balance of high academic standards with sport and culture, and a Pre-Prep for girls added in recent years.
10. Crawford College Sandton
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Type: Co-educational
Annual Fees (Current Year): R153,500 – R178,000
Recent Average Distinctions: 3.70
Crawford is part of a nationwide network of schools known for its progressive, modern approach to education, encouraging creativity, innovation, and individuality. It is a popular choice for globally-minded families seeking a forward-thinking curriculum.
Notable features: Modern facilities, focus on technology and the arts, and a diverse, inclusive environment.
Summary Table: Top 10 Private Schools in Johannesburg
| # | School Name | Location | Type | Approx. Annual Fees | Key Academic Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St John’s College | Houghton | Boys (Co-ed Sixth Form) | R232,974 – R376,589 | 4.13 avg distinctions |
| 2 | SAHETI School | Bedfordview | Co-ed | R148k – R169k | 4.5 avg distinctions (Top in SA) |
| 3 | Redhill School | Sandton | Co-ed | R192k – R211k | 4.30 avg distinctions |
| 4 | Roedean School | Parktown | Girls | R233k – R413k | 4.21 avg distinctions |
| 5 | St Mary’s Waverley | Waverley | Girls | R218k – R232k+ | 4.15 avg distinctions |
| 6 | St David’s Marist Inanda | Sandton | Boys | R120k – R204k | 100% Bachelor’s pass (recent) |
| 7 | Kingsmead College | Rosebank | Girls | R207,535 | 3.80 avg distinctions |
| 8 | King David Linksfield | Linksfield | Co-ed | R204,840 | 3.87 avg distinctions |
| 9 | St Peter’s College | Sunninghill | Co-ed | R164,661 – R176,300 | 100% pass, strong distinctions |
| 10 | Crawford College Sandton | Sandton | Co-ed | R153k – R178k | 3.70 avg distinctions |
Understanding the Costs
Private school fees in Johannesburg are structured in different ways, and comparing them accurately is important.
– Early Payment Discounts: Most schools offer a discount (typically 3% to 5%) if you pay the full year’s fees in advance, usually by January.
– Hidden and Additional Costs: The base tuition rarely covers everything. Be sure to budget for levies (building, technology, or development fees), boarding fees (which can add significantly to annual costs), and extras like hot lunches, aftercare, sports tours, and bus services.
– Non-refundable Deposits: Upon acceptance, you are generally required to pay a deposit equivalent to one term’s tuition to secure your child’s place.
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Choosing the Right School
Academic rankings are important, but the best school is one that fits your child’s specific needs, personality, and aspirations. Consider the following when making your decision:
– Boys’ vs. Girls’ vs. Co-educational: The top-performing schools are often single-sex, but many prefer co-ed environments. St John’s has a co-ed Sixth Form, while Redhill and SAHETI are fully co-ed.
– Curriculum: Are you looking for a purely IEB pathway, or do you want the option of the International Baccalaureate (IB) offered uniquely by Redhill in Johannesburg?
– Religious Ethos: Schools like St John’s (Anglican), St David’s (Catholic), and King David (Jewish) have strong religious foundations that shape their values and community. SAHETI has a strong Hellenic (Greek) heritage.
– Special Needs and Support: Some schools have specific support structures for students requiring additional help. Always enquire about this if relevant.
Disclaimer: All fees are subject to change. Contact the school directly for official confirmation of current costs and application procedures.