Most expensive private schools in South Africa in 2025 – with one over R400,000 a year

Private education in South Africa has reached new heights in 2025, with at least nine schools now charging over R350,000 annually for tuition and boarding.

Leading the pack is Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, which has cemented its position as the country’s most expensive school.

Its annual fees for 2025 stand at R420,729, reflecting a 5.8% increase from 2024.

When BusinessTech first began to track the most expensive schools in 2014, Hilton College was the only school priced over R200,000 for boarding and tuition. In 2025, Hilton College will have doubled this figure.

Joining Hilton in the elite R350,000-plus category are Michaelhouse, St Andrew’s College in Makhanda, Roedean School for Girls, St John’s College, Kearsney College, Bishops College, St Mary’s, and St Alban’s College.

For day school learners, the cost trajectory is similarly steep. In 2025, nine schools will now charge over R200,000 for annual tuition.

Kearsney College leads this segment at R257,510, followed by St John’s College at R220,828 and Roedean School for Girls at R218,877.

Fee increases for 2025 average 6.9% across the assessed schools, outpacing the inflation rate, which ended 2024 at just 2.9%.

Among boarding schools, hikes range from 3.2% to 8.5%, averaging 6.9%. Day schools show a similar pattern, with increases spanning 6.8% on average among the top 10 most expensive institutions.

These escalating costs raise concerns for families already under financial pressure after a challenging 2024.

With private school fees far outpacing inflation, the affordability of elite education in South Africa remains a pressing issue for many households.

As more schools join the R350,000-plus club, the gap between private education costs and inflation underscores the financial strain on parents striving to secure top-tier education for their children.

Note: The fees listed below are as they appear on the various schools’ web pages and cover termly board and/or annual tuition only. The total fees demanded may vary based on discounts and other once-off charges as outlined by the relevant institution. Fees are for the highest level of learning available (up to grade 12). We’ve included the annual increase for schools where we have historical data. Lists are not comprehensive as some schools have not publicly published 2025 fee schedules.

Boarding schools

Day schools

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