High schools in Cape Town are a crucial part of the education system in South Africa. The city has a diverse range of schools, including both public and private institutions. With over 100 secondary schools in the Western Cape, Cape Town has a variety of options for students looking to continue their education beyond primary school.
Some of the top high schools in Cape Town include Westerford High School, Rondebosch Boys’ High School, and Herschel Girls’ School. These schools are known for their academic excellence and high pass rates. Additionally, there are specialized schools in Cape Town, such as Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology, and Cape Town High School of the Arts, that offer unique programs for students with specific interests and talents.

However, the cost of attending these schools can be expensive, with some private schools charging upwards of R200,000 per year. Despite the high costs, many parents are willing to invest in their children’s education, believing that a good education is the key to success in life. Overall, high schools in Cape Town offer a range of opportunities for students to learn and grow, and are an important part of the educational landscape in South Africa.
Overview of High Schools in Cape Town
Cape Town is home to some of the best high schools in South Africa, offering top-notch facilities and academic programs. The city has a wide range of high schools, both public and private, catering to different needs and interests of students.
The secondary schools in Cape Town are known for their excellent academic standards, and many of them are internationally recognized. They offer a wide range of subjects, including science, arts, commerce, and technology, and provide students with opportunities to excel in their chosen fields.
Some of the top public high schools in Cape Town include South African College High School (SACS), Wynberg Boys’ High School, Wynberg Girls’ High School, and Trafalgar High School. These schools have a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama.
Private high schools in Cape Town are equally renowned and offer world-class facilities and academic programs. Herschel Girls’ School, Bishops Diocesan College, and Cannons Creek Independent School are some of the top private high schools in the city. These schools offer smaller class sizes and a more personalized approach to education.
Cape Town also has specialized high schools that cater to specific interests and talents. Westerford High School, for example, specializes in the performing arts, while Bergvliet High School focuses on science and technology. These schools provide students with a unique learning experience and help them develop their skills and talents.
In conclusion, Cape Town is home to some of the best high schools in South Africa, offering world-class facilities and academic programs. Whether you are interested in public or private education, or have a specific talent or interest, there is a high school in Cape Town that caters to your needs.
Public High Schools
Cape Town is home to some of the best public high schools in South Africa. These schools offer quality education and are known for their excellent academic performance. In this section, we will take a look at three of the top public high schools in Cape Town.
Claremont High School
Located in the suburb of Claremont, Claremont High School is a co-educational public school that offers education to learners from grade 8 to grade 12. The school has a strong academic record and is known for its excellent NSC results. In addition to academics, Claremont High School offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports such as cricket and rugby.
Wynberg Boys’ High School
Wynberg Boys’ High School is a public school for boys located in the suburb of Wynberg. The school has a rich history and has been in existence for over 175 years. Wynberg Boys’ High School is known for its academic excellence and has consistently produced excellent NSC results. In addition to academics, the school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports such as cricket and rugby.
Wynberg Girls’ High School
Wynberg Girls’ High School is a public school for girls located in the suburb of Wynberg. The school has a strong academic record and is known for its excellent NSC results. In addition to academics, the school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports such as netball and hockey.
These public high schools in Cape Town offer quality education and a range of extracurricular activities. Students who attend these schools have access to world-class facilities and are well prepared for their NSC exams.
Private High Schools
Cape Town is home to several private high schools that offer quality education to students. These schools are known for their academic excellence, exceptional facilities, and experienced teachers. Here are some of the top private high schools in Cape Town:
Diocesan College
Diocesan College, also known as Bishops Diocesan College, is a prestigious private school located in Rondebosch. The school offers a co-educational learning environment for students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. Diocesan College is known for its academic excellence, with a 100% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate exams. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama.
Westerford High School
Westerford High School is a private school located in Newlands. The school offers a co-educational learning environment for students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. Westerford High School is known for its exceptional academic performance, with a pass rate of over 95% in the National Senior Certificate exams. The school offers a diverse curriculum that includes Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programmes.
International School of Cape Town
The International School of Cape Town is a private school located in Wynberg. The school offers a co-educational learning environment for students from Grade 1 to Grade 12. The International School of Cape Town is known for its international curriculum, which includes the International Baccalaureate programme. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama.
Herschel Girls School
Herschel Girls School is a private school located in Claremont. The school offers a single-sex learning environment for girls from Grade 0 to Grade 12. Herschel Girls School is known for its academic excellence, with a 100% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate exams. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and the arts.
Private schools in Cape Town generally have higher tuition fees compared to public schools. However, they offer quality education, experienced teachers, and excellent facilities. Some private schools also offer boarding facilities for students who live far away from the school. Overall, private schools in Cape Town are a great option for parents who want to provide their children with a quality education.
Curriculum and Academics
When it comes to academic excellence, Cape Town has some of the best high schools in the country. Most of these schools follow the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy (CAPS) in all subjects, except for AS and A-level Cambridge subjects. The qualifying certificate at the end of Grade 12 is the National Senior Certificate (NSC) General Education and Training (GET).
One of the top schools in Cape Town, the American International School of Cape Town (AISCT), offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which is recognised worldwide and highly respected by universities. The IB programme provides students with a broad and balanced education that prepares them for university and beyond.
For students who are interested in pursuing a career in business, commerce, or accounting, there are several schools that offer subjects such as Accounting, Business Studies, and Economics. These subjects provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of business and commerce, and prepare them for further studies in these fields.
In addition to the NSC, some schools also offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These courses are recognised by universities around the world and allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. Students who take AP courses are better prepared for university-level work and are more likely to succeed in their chosen field of study.
Overall, the high schools in Cape Town are known for their academic prowess and excellent academic performance. Whether students are interested in pursuing a career in business, science, or the arts, there is a school in Cape Town that can provide them with the education and skills they need to succeed.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities play a significant role in the development of students in high schools in Cape Town. Schools offering a wide range of activities, such as sports, music, drama, and community service, are likely to be top schools.
Sports are an integral part of the extracurricular activities offered by high schools in Cape Town. Most schools offer a variety of sports, including cricket, rugby, tennis, water polo, hockey, netball, and squash. These sports not only promote physical fitness but also teach teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Music is another popular extracurricular activity offered by high schools in Cape Town. Students can participate in choirs, orchestras, and bands, and may have opportunities to perform at various events throughout the year. Music can help students develop creativity, discipline, and self-expression.
Drama is also a popular extracurricular activity in high schools in Cape Town. Schools typically offer drama clubs, productions, and competitions. Drama can help students develop their public speaking and communication skills, as well as their creativity and confidence.
Community service is another important aspect of extracurricular activities offered by high schools in Cape Town. Schools often encourage students to participate in community service projects, such as volunteering at local charities or participating in environmental cleanup efforts. This can help students develop a sense of social responsibility and empathy for others.
Overall, high schools in Cape Town offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to help students develop personal and social skills, as well as to pursue their interests and passions outside of the classroom.
Facilities and Environment
Cape Town boasts of some of the finest high schools in South Africa. These schools offer a conducive learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that students receive a world-class education.
Most high schools in Cape Town have excellent sporting facilities that cater to a wide range of sports. These facilities include athletics tracks, soccer fields, cricket pitches, hockey fields, and swimming pools. These facilities are well-maintained and provide students with the opportunity to develop their sporting skills.
Apart from sporting facilities, high schools in Cape Town also have beautiful gardens that provide a serene and peaceful environment for students to learn. These gardens are well-maintained and provide a perfect place for students to relax and unwind after a long day of learning.
The classrooms in high schools in Cape Town are equipped with modern technology such as interactive whiteboards, projectors, and high-speed internet. This allows teachers to deliver their lessons in an engaging and interactive manner, ensuring that students remain focused and interested in the subject matter.
In conclusion, high schools in Cape Town offer a world-class education with state-of-the-art facilities and a conducive learning environment. These schools are equipped to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their academic and professional lives.
School Fees and Affordability
When it comes to choosing a high school in Cape Town, one of the most significant factors to consider is the cost of education. Tuition fees can vary widely depending on the type of school, facilities offered, and location. While some schools are more affordable, others can be quite expensive, and it’s essential to understand the costs involved before making a decision.
For the 2023 academic year, the fees for model C and private schools in Cape Town range from approximately R50,000 to R300,000 per year. The most expensive schools in South Africa can cost over R400,000 per year. These high fees may seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that they often include additional costs such as textbooks, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.
While the cost of education can be a significant concern for many families, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of attending a good school. A quality education can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers.
For families who are struggling to afford the high costs of private schools, there are some options available. Some schools offer scholarships or bursaries to students who demonstrate academic excellence or financial need. It’s also worth considering attending a model C school, which is a public school that offers a higher standard of education and facilities than regular public schools.
In conclusion, the cost of education is an important factor to consider when choosing a high school in Cape Town. While some schools may be more expensive than others, it’s important to weigh the costs against the long-term benefits of a quality education. Families who are struggling to afford private school fees may want to consider scholarships, bursaries, or model C schools as alternatives.
Conclusion
Cape Town has a variety of high schools that offer quality education to learners. The top high schools in Cape Town are Star College, Bishops Diocesan College, Abbotts College, Reddam House, and Westerford High School. These schools are known for their excellence in education, talent development, and leadership.
The high schools in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, student clubs, and sports teams. These activities provide students with the opportunity to discover and develop their passions, hone their talents, stay fit, and build meaningful relationships.
High school graduates in Cape Town have a greater chance of finding successful careers than those who don’t attend high school. Not only do they receive an excellent education, but they also develop critical workplace skills that can help them achieve success.
Integration and safety are also important factors to consider when choosing a high school. Cape Town’s high schools are known for their diverse student bodies and welcoming environments. The schools also prioritize the safety of their students, ensuring a secure learning environment.
Overall, Cape Town’s high schools offer a high level of education that prepares students for tertiary education and successful careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 high schools in the Western Cape?
The top 10 high schools in the Western Cape are determined by the provincial education department based on academic performance. As of 2023, the top 10 high schools are:
- Rondebosch Boys’ High School
- Rustenburg Girls’ High School
- Bishops Diocesan College
- Herschel Girls’ School
- Westerford High School
- SACS High School
- Wynberg Boys’ High School
- Springfield Convent School
- Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard
- St Cyprian’s School
What are some affordable high schools in Cape Town?
There are several affordable high schools in Cape Town, including:
- Tafelberg School
- Zonnebloem Nest Senior School
- Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology
- Claremont High School
- Langa High School
What are the best high schools in Cape Town?
The best high schools in Cape Town are subjective and depend on individual preferences. However, some of the most well-regarded high schools in Cape Town include:
- Rondebosch Boys’ High School
- Rustenburg Girls’ High School
- Bishops Diocesan College
- Herschel Girls’ School
- Westerford High School
How many high schools are there in the Western Cape?
As of 2023, there are approximately 650 high schools in the Western Cape.
What is the fee structure for Cape Town high schools?
The fee structure for Cape Town high schools varies depending on the school. Public schools are free, but some may charge fees for extracurricular activities or facilities. Private schools can range from affordable to expensive, with fees ranging from R20,000 to over R200,000 per year.
What is the age of Cape Town High School?
There is no specific “Cape Town High School.” The age range for high school students in South Africa is generally between 14 and 18 years old.