Private schools in Cape Town

Private schools in Cape Town are often excellent and range from historical co-educational institutions to schools offering alternative education models and curricula. Annual tuition and boarding fees 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.

Most private schools in Cape Town offer the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) curriculum. This curriculum is recognised globally, with many IEB graduates receiving acceptances into elite global universities. 

Useful links

• Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) – Schoolfinder

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 exceptional education. Boarding facilities are available.

Gender: Boys only
Curriculum: South African
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.bishops.org.za

Cedar House

Cedar House is an intimate Kenilworth school that keeps class sizes small 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 Rudolf Steiner's educational ideas and aims to produce well-rounded young 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 sports, 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. Although all creeds are welcome, students are required to learn Hebrew and Jewish Studies.

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 many extracurricular activities.

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 in Rondebosch. It offers Montessori options and a good special-needs programme. Pre-primary and junior school students can choose between a traditional and a Montessori curriculum.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Montessori/South African
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.maristsj.co.za