- Download our Cape Town Schools Guide
- Download our Moving to Cape Town Guide (PDF)
Private schools in Cape Town are often excellent and range from historied co-educational institutions to schools offering alternative education models and curricula. Annual fees for tuition and boarding can be extremely pricey at the most elite schools. However, in return, students are exposed to high-quality teaching and exceptional facilities including cutting-edge science labs, well-tended sports fields and dedicated spaces for the arts.
Private schools in Cape Town
Bishops Diocesan College
This independent all-boys school has a long and prestigious history. Set on a magnificent campus in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch, Bishops offers an excellent education. Boarding facilities are available.
Gender: Boys only
Curriculum: South African
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.bishops.org.za
Cedar House
This intimate Kenilworth school keeps class sizes small in order to celebrate individuality and provide an academically rigorous education in a warm environment. Individuality and critical thinking are actively fostered and encouraged.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: South African (IEB)
Ages: 9 to 18
Website: www.cedarhouse.co.za
Constantia Waldorf School
Set in vast, lush grounds in the upmarket suburb of Constantia, this school's curriculum is based on the educational ideas of Rudolf Steiner and aims to produce well-rounded men and women.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Waldorf/South African
Ages: 1 to 18
Website: www.waldorfconstantia.org.za
Herschel Girls School
Founded in 1922, Herschel Girls is based in Claremont and is known for being one of the best schools in Cape Town. Equal emphasis is placed on academics, culture and sport, with the school especially enjoying a good reputation for the latter.
Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: South African/IEB
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.herschel.org.za
Herzlia Middle School and Herzlia High School
Situated in Oranjezicht, Herzlia Middle School and Herzlia High School are part of the United Herzlia Schools group. The group has three primary schools in Cape Town as well as a number of feeder pre-schools. Students are required to learn Hebrew and Jewish Studies, although all creeds are welcome.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: South African
Ages: 13 to 18
Website: www.herzlia.com
Parklands College
This non-denominational school on the Atlantic Seaboard has an excellent academic reputation and offers a good range of extra-curricular activities. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: South African
Ages: 1 to 18
Website: www.parklands.co.za
St Cyprian's School
A member of the Round Square educational group, St Cyprian's is a girls-only Christian school with boarding facilities available. The campus is in Oranjezicht in central Cape Town.
Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: South African (IEB)/Cambridge
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.stcyprians.co.za
St Joseph's Marist College
St Joseph's is a Catholic school with Montessori options and a good special-needs programme. Pre-primary and junior school students can be enrolled in either a traditional or a Montessori curriculum. The school's campus is in Rondebosch.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Montessori/South African
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.maristsj.co.za
Download the free Expat Arrivals Cape Town Schools Guide for an overview of what expat parents can expect from the school system in Cape Town. Read about a typical school day, the difference between public and private schools, and everything you need to know about the admissions process.
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