Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, is home to some of the finest private schools on the continent. Known for their academic excellence, world-class facilities, and holistic development programs, these institutions prepare students not only for local success but also for global competition.
Whether you’re a parent looking for the best fit for your child or an educational enthusiast, this detailed article dives into the best private schools in Johannesburg based on academic results, reputational excellence, facilities, values, and affordability.
Top 10 Best Private Schools in Johannesburg
1. St John’s College (Houghton Estate – Boys)
St John’s College is a historic Anglican boys’ school founded in 1898, offering a blend of academic rigor and moral integrity. With options for IEB and Cambridge curricula, the school consistently produces excellent matric results. In 2024, its students averaged over 4 distinctions per candidate, affirming its reputation as a top academic performer. Facilities include a robotics lab, modern science blocks, and elite-level sports fields.
Boarding is available, making it suitable for out-of-town students. Tuition fees for 2025 are estimated around R376,600 (including boarding), with day scholars paying approximately R220,000. Beyond academics, St John’s is lauded for its values-driven leadership and cultural development, including choral excellence and community outreach.
2. Roedean School (Parktown – Girls)
Roedean School is one of the top-performing all-girls schools in Johannesburg. Established in 1903, it is known for academic excellence, high distinction rates (4.42 distinctions per candidate in 2024), and a strong focus on empowering young women.
With a serene, historic campus, Roedean provides an ideal learning environment, backed by state-of-the-art science laboratories, a fine arts studio, and world-class aquatic and athletics facilities. Tuition for Grade 12 is expected to reach R387,000 in 2025 (including boarding), while day fees hover around R244,860.
Parents commend the school for nurturing leadership, confidence, and critical thinking. Roedean graduates often pursue degrees at prestigious international universities.
3. St Mary’s School (Waverley – Girls)
St Mary’s, founded in 1888, is Johannesburg’s oldest private school for girls. The institution is deeply rooted in Anglican tradition, emphasizing strong academics, social justice, and spiritual growth.
Its 2024 matric class averaged 4.20 distinctions per learner, showcasing its academic prowess. It also boasts a 100% pass rate for over a decade. With annual fees projected at R358,600 in 2025 (including boarding), St Mary’s remains a popular choice for families seeking tradition combined with innovation.
Facilities include a wellness center, performing arts theater, and impressive sports amenities. St Mary’s focuses on character development as much as academic growth.
4. St Stithians College (Sandton – Co-Ed)
St Stithians College is one of the few elite co-ed private schools in Johannesburg offering a Methodist Christian foundation. The school is divided into boys’ and girls’ colleges, allowing gender-specific education within a unified campus.
With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, it offers a unique educational experience. Matric fees for 2025 are estimated at R186,600. Boarders pay more, but gain access to extensive after-hours programs.
Academically, the school performs consistently with a 100% matric pass rate. It’s renowned for sports, hosting the largest inter-school sports festival in Africa. Music, leadership programs, and social responsibility are key parts of the curriculum.
5. Crawford College Sandton (Sandton – Co-Ed)
Part of the Crawford International Group, this progressive, future-focused school blends academic excellence with creative freedom. Offering both IEB and Cambridge curricula, Crawford Sandton ranked third nationally in 2024 for distinction rates, averaging 4.27 per candidate.
Fees range from R145,000–R165,000, making it relatively more affordable among elite schools. Crawford places emphasis on individualized learning, creativity, and innovation.
Parents and students praise the supportive teaching staff and inclusive environment. While the school has no religious affiliation, it promotes global citizenship and diversity. Its facilities include modern tech labs, drama studios, and entrepreneurial incubators.
6. Redhill School (Morningside – Co-Ed)
Redhill School is generally considered one of the best private schools in Johanessburg because it is a forward-thinking co-educational institution offering both the South African IEB and the International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. This makes it an ideal choice for families looking for global university placement.
Matric fees are about R149,000 (IEB) and R164,000 (IB). Redhill has a longstanding reputation for nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and academic excellence. It’s consistently achieved a 100% matric pass rate and high university acceptance.
Its modern campus includes a black-box theater, STEAM labs, and green learning spaces. The school’s philosophy encourages debate, inquiry, and innovation, producing well-rounded global citizens.
7. St David’s Marist Inanda (Sandton – Boys)
A leading Catholic boys’ school, St David’s is known for producing well-balanced gentlemen with a strong academic, spiritual, and sporting foundation. It achieved an average of 3.0 distinctions per matriculant in 2024 and maintains a 100% pass rate.
Tuition and boarding fees range between R220,000 and R320,000. The school fosters discipline and structure while providing a nurturing and supportive environment.
Its extra-curricular offering is robust, including public speaking, rugby, chess, and entrepreneurship programs. The school is also involved in numerous community initiatives and mission trips.
8. St Benedict’s College (Bedfordview – Boys)
St Benedict’s is the largest all-boys Catholic school in South Africa and has built a strong academic and sporting legacy. Known for its disciplined yet dynamic environment, the school consistently ranks among the top 20 nationally in academic results.
Fees range between R174,000 and R210,000 annually. The school offers extensive programs in academics, arts, and athletics. Sports such as water polo, rowing, and rugby are particularly strong.
The school also emphasizes religious and moral development, community service, and leadership. Its supportive teacher-student relationships are frequently praised by parents.
9. Brescia House School (Bryanston – Girls)
An independent Catholic girls’ school, Brescia House provides a caring, disciplined, and values-based education. It recorded over 3.2 distinctions per matriculant in 2024 and consistently performs in the top quartile for national IEB results.
Annual tuition ranges from R85,000 to R139,000, making it one of the more affordable elite schools. Despite its affordability, it offers excellent facilities including a digital innovation hub, aquatic center, and well-equipped classrooms.
It is also an Apple Distinguished School, integrating technology into daily learning. Brescia House fosters confidence, critical thinking, and compassion.
10. The Ridge School (Westcliff – Boys)
A prestigious boys’ preparatory school, The Ridge is often a stepping stone to St John’s or St Stithians. Catering from Grade 0–7, it focuses on building foundational skills and character in boys.
Annual fees range from R121,000–R158,000. While it doesn’t offer matric, its graduates are highly sought after by Johannesburg’s top high schools.
The Ridge emphasizes holistic growth, encouraging boys to excel in academics, music, drama, and sports. The campus is serene and secure, ideal for young learners.
Summary Table
| Rank | School | Gender | Curriculum | Est. Fees (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St John’s College | Boys | IEB + Cambridge | R220k–R376k |
| 2 | Roedean School | Girls | IEB | R244k–R387k |
| 3 | St Mary’s Waverley | Girls | IEB | R233k–R358k |
| 4 | St Stithians College | Co-Ed | IEB | R177k–R186k |
| 5 | Crawford College Sandton | Co-Ed | IEB + Cambridge | R145k–R165k |
| 6 | Redhill School | Co-Ed | IEB + IB | R149k–R164k |
| 7 | St David’s Marist Inanda | Boys | IEB | R220k–R320k |
| 8 | St Benedict’s College | Boys | IEB | R174k–R210k |
| 9 | Brescia House | Girls | IEB | R85k–R139k |
| 10 | The Ridge School | Boys (Prep) | N/A (Grades 0–7) | R121k–R158k |
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Conclusion
Johannesburg is privileged to host some of the best private schools in Africa, catering to a wide range of learners and educational preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the long-standing traditions of Roedean and St John’s, the modernity of Redhill and Crawford, or the values-driven ethos of St David’s and Brescia House, there’s a school that will meet your needs.
These institutions not only provide exceptional academics but also emphasize leadership, innovation, character, and community. When choosing a school, consider your child’s personality, curriculum preferences, budget, and long-term goals.
Education is a foundational investment—and in Johannesburg, quality private schooling is within reach for those committed to giving their children a world-class start.