Private schools in Johannesburg

Private schools in Johannesburg are a popular choice among expat parents as they offer a happy medium. They have more resources and offer a better quality of education than public schools, but their fees are not as exorbitant as international school fees.

Many of the private schools in Johannesburg have religious origins, but are now mostly either non-denominational or tolerant of other beliefs. Private schools in the city are registered with the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA).

Final-year private school students generally write the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matric exam, which is held in higher regard than the state matric qualification known as the National Senior Certificate (NSC). Some private schools offer alternative qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate.

Useful links

• ISASA Schoolfinder

Below is a list of some of the most prominent private schools in Johannesburg.

Private schools in Johannesburg

Brescia House School

Established in 1966, this Catholic girls' school is considered one of the best schools in the country. The campus is in Bryanston and has recently opened an early childhood centre for toddlers aged 3 to 5. Read more

Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: South African (IEB)
Ages: 3 to 18

Redhill School

Redhill is over 100 years old and has around 1,100 students. The campus is in the affluent Morningside, Sandton area. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: South African (IEB) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

Roedean School

A prestigious girls' school with a hundred-year-long history, modelled on the school of the same name in Brighton, UK. The school is located in Parktown on a beautiful campus, with state-of-the-art facilities. Read more

Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: South African (IEB)
Ages: 5 to 18

St David's Marist Inanda

St David's is a boys' school in Sandton that has a Catholic ethos. The school has a strong sporting tradition. Read more

Gender: Boys only
Curriculum: South African (IEB)
Ages: 4 to 18

St Peter's Boys School

With a history that goes back to 1950, St Peter’s Boys School is an Anglican primary school, accepting students from Grade 0 to 7. Read more

Gender: Boys only
Curriculum: South African (IEB)
Ages: 4 to 13 

St Peter's Girls School

St Peter’s Girls School is an Anglican Diocesan primary school, accepting students from Grade 0 to 7. Read more

Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: South African (IEB)
Ages: 4 to 13

St Peter's College

Although the independent high school has operated since 1998, St Peter's College is an Anglican prep school that was established in 1950. The school's campus is in Sunninghill. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: South African (IEB)
Ages: 14 to 18