Lifestyle

Most expensive private schools in South Africa in 2026 – with four now over R400,000 a year

Malcolm Libera

 ·4 Jan 2026

Private education in South Africa has reached new heights in 2026, with at least 13 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 2026 stand at R451,557, reflecting a 5.0% increase from 2025.

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 2026, Hilton College will have more than doubled this figure.

In 2026, all of the boarding schools charge well over R200,000, as well as some of the day schools, which shows how much prices have changed over the past 12 years.

Joining Hilton in the elite R400,000-plus category are Michaelhouse, Roedean School for Girls in Johannesburg, and St Andrew’s College in Makhanda, while St John’s College is toeing the line at R397,302.

For day school learners, the cost trajectory is similarly steep. In 2026, 12 schools will now charge over R200,000 for annual tuition.

Kearsney College leads this segment at R275,000, followed by Roedean School for Girls at R233,104 and St John’s College at R232,974.

Fee increases for 2026 average 6.4% across the assessed schools, outpacing the inflation rate, which ended 2025 at just 3.5%.

Among boarding schools, hikes range from 5.0% to 8.0%, averaging 6.5%. Day schools show a similar pattern, with increases of 6.0% on average among the top 10 most expensive institutions.

These escalating costs raise concerns for families already under financial pressure after a challenging 2025.

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 R400,000-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 2026 fee schedules.

Boarding schools

Day schools