Four KZN schools recognised among the world's top private institutions

Four KwaZulu-Natal schools have been featured among the best in the world.

This is according to the 2025 Spears School Index, which looks at a range of private schools across the world, including South Africa, Brazil, India and the United Kingdom.

The Index looks at a range of factors when choosing these schools and these institutions top the list mainly due to their learner development and academic excellence.

Formed in 2020, the Index is recognised as a leading point of reference when it comes to international families and is considered as a definitive index of the world’s leading private schools.

Falling in the category of 'Rest of the World, the schools are Cordwalles Preparatory School, Hilton College, Michaelhouse School, and St Anne's Diocesan College.

Situated in Pietermaritzburg, Cordwalles Preparatory School is an Anglican Independent Boys’ Preparatory School, offering both day and boarding facilities for learners. Tuition fees range from R42 200* for Grade RRR to R153 300* for Grade 7.

Hilton College is a private boarding school for boys based in Hilton, KZN. Fees cost around R430 054* per annum. Hilton College is also considered the most expensive school in South Africa. 

Michaelhouse, another boys' school situated in the KZN Midlands, is for learners from Grades 8 to Matric. As per the school's website, tuition fees range from R392,000* with other costs including development levies and non-refundable fees.

Next on the list is St Anne's Diocesan College, an all-girls school in KZN. 

"The College was founded in Pietermaritzburg in 1877, before moving to Hilton Village in 1904," the school's website stated. Fees cost around R314,600* for boarders and R169,640* for day scholars. 

*Fees as per the school's website in 2025

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