Four KwaZulu-Natal schools rank among the best in the world
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
St Anne's Diocesan College in the Midlands is among four prestigious KwaZulu-Natal schools which have been acknowledged in the 2025 Spears School Index.
Image: Facebook
In a commendable feat for South African education, four prestigious KwaZulu-Natal schools have been acknowledged in the 2025 Spears School Index, which highlights elite private schools globally. This Index, established in 2020, serves as a critical resource for families selecting educational institutions for their children and is respected for its stringent criteria that focus prominently on child development and academic excellence.
The schools celebrated in this year's Index are Cordwalles Preparatory School, Hilton College, Michaelhouse, and St Anne's Diocesan College, all distinguished under the 'Rest of the World' category. Their inclusion underscores the region's commitment to nurturing future leaders through top-tier education.
Cordwalles Preparatory School, an Anglican Independent Boys’ Preparatory School located in Pietermaritzburg, boasts a blend of day and boarding facilities tailored for young boys. It offers a comprehensive education with tuition fees starting at R42,200* for Grade RRR, and topping out at R153,300* for Grade 7. The school prides itself on fostering an environment rich with academic and personal development.
Hilton College stands out as the most expensive school in South Africa, with annual fees reaching approximately R430,054*. Nestled in Hilton, KZN, this private boarding school for boys is renowned for its rigorous academic programmes and commitment to character-building, leaving a lasting impression on its scholars.
Pupils and staff of Cordwalles Preparatory School in Pietermaritzburg celebrate the school's centenary. The Anglican Independent Boys’ Preparatory School was distinguished under the 'Rest of the World' category in the 2025 Spears School Index.
Image: Shan Pillay
Located in the tranquil KZN Midlands, Michaelhouse caters to boys from Grades 8 to Matric. With tuition fees starting from R392,000*, the school offers a holistic educational experience which includes various development levies and fees aimed at enhancing the pupil's journey.
Completing this illustrious quartet is St Anne's Diocesan College, an esteemed all-girls school that was founded in 1877 in Pietermaritzburg before relocating to Hilton Village in 1904. The college’s fees are approximately R314,600* for boarders and R169,640* for day scholars, reflecting its legacy of providing quality education and empowerment for young women.
This recognition by the Spears School Index not only highlights the individual excellence of these institutions but also positions KwaZulu-Natal as a key player in the global educational landscape, attracting families looking for quality educational opportunities.
Fees taken from schools' websites.
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