South Africa’s 2025 matric results once again confirmed the dominance of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) sector — and the schools at the top are also among the most expensive in the country.
In our earlier analysis — 2025 Matric Results: Top 10 Best Performing Private Schools and Students in South Africa — we ranked institutions by average distinctions per candidate, Bachelor pass rate and overall academic consistency.
Now we answer the question every parent is asking:
👉 What will it cost in 2026 to send your child to these elite schools?
IEB vs NSC: the performance gap
- IEB (Private): 98.31% pass rate | 89%+ Bachelor entry
- NSC (Public): 88% pass rate | record high from 87.3%
Need to check results?
🏆 TOP 10 PRIVATE SCHOOLS — 2025 RESULTS + OFFICIAL 2026 FEES
Ranked strictly by 2025 academic performance
1. Redhill School – Johannesburg
2025 ranking: 4.30 avg distinctions | 100% pass | 100% Bachelor
2026 Fees
- Grade 10–12 IEB: R192,000 annually (early payment)
- IB Diploma (DP2): R211,200 annually
- Monthly option: R22,000 – R24,200
- Range from R102,000 (ELC) to senior phase
Why they lead:
Only SA school offering both IEB & IB, 309 distinctions from 88 candidates.
2. Roedean School for Girls – Johannesburg
4.21 avg distinctions | 100% pass
2026 Fees
- Grades 10–12: R81,791 per term → R233,104 annually
- Grades 8–9: R211,775 annually
- Boarding: R47,998/term → R143,994 annually
- Total boarding package ± R413,095
- Building Levy: R8,340/year
- Insurance: R195/year
3. Midstream College – Gauteng
4.20 avg distinctions | 99% Bachelor
2026 Fees
- Grade 8: R88,900
- Grade 9: R94,100
- Grade 10–12: R98,200
- Monthly: R9,820 x10
- IT Levy: R1,680
- Deposit: R11,000
- 5% discount if paid in January
4. St Mary’s Waverley – Johannesburg
2026 Fees
- Grade 8–9: R200,500 annually
- Grade 10–12: R218,425 annually
- Monthly: R23,310
- Boarding: R149,600 weekly / R163,790 termly
- Development Levy: R9,300
Interest of 2% monthly on overdue accounts.
5. Somerset College – Western Cape
2026 Fees
- Grade 12: R173,900
- Cambridge A/AS: R194,000
- Grades 4–7: R121,500 (R115,425 with discount)
- Grade 000: R72,010 (R67,590 with discount)
6. Durban Girls’ College – KZN
2026 Fees
- Grades 8–12 tuition: R170,900
- Advance payment: R163,210 (by 14 Jan)
- Acceptance: R21,363
- Development Levy: R1,550/term
- Boarding: R139,400 annually
7. Herschel Girls School – Cape Town
2026 Fees
- Grades 8–11: R171,450 annually
- Grade 12: R20,225 monthly / R58,920 per term
- Grade 12 levy: R817/month
- 3% discount for full payment by 31 Jan
8. King David Linksfield – Johannesburg
2026 Fees
- Matric: R204,840 annually
- Monthly: R17,070
- Advance: R196,134 (3.75% discount)
- Ariel deposit: R55,700
📧 Financial aid: TshukuduF@sabje.co.za
9. Kingsmead College – Johannesburg
2026 Fees
- Grades 10–12: R207,535
- Early payment: R197,160
- Development Levy: R8,975
- Securing fee: R22,000
IEB exam fees excluded.
10. St John’s College – Johannesburg
2026 Fees
- Tuition: R232,974 annually (Grade 8-12)
- Monthly: R22,708
- Boarding: R155,761/term
- Development Levy: R1,158/month
- Meals: R1,638 lunch | R1,231 tea
What these fees tell us
- Top-tier schooling now ranges R170,000 → R233,000+
- Boarding can push costs beyond R400,000/year
- Early-payment discounts save 3–5%
- Levies add R9,000–R15,000+
Also read: 2025 IEB Results: Lowest in Three Years — Pass Rate Still Above 98%
While the official Top 10 is largely led by co-ed and girls’ schools — with St John’s College the only boys’ institution in that ranking — the extended 2025 IEB data confirms that St Stithians Boys’ College and St Benedict’s College remain among the three highest-performing boys’ private schools in South Africa, despite not appearing in the overall Top 10.
Not the result you hoped for?
👉 Failed matric? 4 viable options to rewrite your future
👉 Private Schools 2026 Calendar – Fewer Days, Flexible Terms
Have your say
Are these fees still worth it? Email us: info@nowinsa.co.za
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