Cape Town, known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, is also home to some of South Africa’s finest boarding schools. Parents often look beyond academics. They want good boarding facilities, a serene environment, and a place where children can grow in confidence and character.
For many parents, boarding schools stand out because they offer not just quality education, but also a safe and nurturing home away from home.
Finding the right school for your child can feel like one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. Yet, school fees remain an essential part of this decision, and striking a balance between affordability and quality is not always easy.
That is why this guide on the top 10 boarding schools in Cape Town and their fees was created. It will walk you through schools that combine excellent education with strong boarding facilities, while also showing you options that will not force you to break the bank.
If you are considering a school for boys, for girls, or a government option, this article will help you make the best choice for your child’s future.
Why Choose Boarding Schools in Cape Town?
A time will come in the life of every parent when they have to choose a school for their child to attend. Busy parents often go for schools that have boarding facilities to ensure that not only are they sending their child to acquire formal education, but that their children will do that in a homely, safe, and supportive environment.
Parents living in Cape Town and its environs will be relieved to know that there are good options available.
Boarding schools in Cape Town are known for their strong academic standards, supportive environments, and vibrant extracurricular life, making them a true home away from home. Many of these schools provide a safe and nurturing space where children grow both in knowledge and character.
The boarding facilities are designed to be comfortable and secure, all in a bid to make the students feel cared for and supported.
Parents can also choose from affordable boarding schools in Cape Town, government boarding schools, or boarding schools specifically for boys or girls. These schools offer children an environment where they can truly thrive.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boarding School
The right school can shape a child’s future, so parents need to consider several factors when deciding among the many boarding schools in Cape Town.
Beyond academics, a school should feel like a safe second home where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
The first factor to look at is location and accessibility. Parents should ask if the school is close enough for easy travel or if it is better suited for long-term stays. Next, the values and culture of the school are important. Each school has its own traditions and approach to learning, and these should align with a family’s beliefs.
Budget and fees also matter. Some families may prefer affordable boarding schools in Cape Town, while others may consider government boarding schools in Cape Town that offer a balance of cost and quality. Parents should also inspect the boarding facilities to ensure they are comfortable, safe, and well-supervised.
Ultimately, a good school must strike a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities. In cases where parents are exploring boarding schools in Cape Town for boys or boarding schools in Cape Town for girls, the right choice helps children grow in both character and competence.
Top 10 Boarding Schools in Cape Town and Their Fees
1. St. Cyprian’s School
St Cyprian’s School is a leading girls’ school in Cape Town. It was established in 1871 and it is known for its outstanding academics and nurturing environment. Parents trust this school to provide both academic growth and personal development to their girls.
Katherine House, the school’s boarding facility, is a home away from home to girls who want to immerse themselves in school life, maximise school opportunities on campus, and experience communal living. This newfound home is furnished with a television, table tennis, a pool table, an air-hockey table, and a piano. The girls enjoy these and other pastimes in the evenings.
The classrooms are led by dedicated teachers who encourage critical thinking and excellence. Alongside strong academics, learners enjoy a rich school life through involvement in sports, music, visual arts, drama, and cultural programs.
The school has a reputation for excellence and a history of outstanding results, which makes it an excellent choice for parents who want a supportive and secure environment for their daughters.
| St. Cyprian’s School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 021 300 6500 |
| School Fees | R 147 745 – R 156 815 |
| Grades | 8 to 12 |
| head@stcyprians.co.za | |
| Address | Gorge Road, Oranjezicht, Cape Town |
| Website | stcyprians.co.za |
2. Bishops Diocesan College
Step into Bishops Diocesan College, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in Cape Town, where tradition meets modern education. Bishop Diocesan College is located in the suburb of Rondebosch in Cape Town. It is a private, English medium, boarding and day high school for boys.
Presently, there are about 110 teaching staff and 1440 Students enrolled in the school.
The Diocesan College believes in five key areas of educational practice, which are the academic, sporting, pastoral, cultural, and spiritual activities. This school is fortunate to have an outstanding range of well-maintained outdoor and indoor sporting facilities, which include tennis courts, cricket and hockey fields, basketball courts, etc.
Bishops operates an admission policy where preference is given to black applicants, as well as to sons of ODs and siblings. There are a limited number of scholarships and bursaries that can be applied for based on the ability of parents to pay fees.
| Bishops Diocesan College Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 (0)21 659 1000 |
| School Fees | R 91 170 – R 364 680 |
| Grades | 8 to 12 |
| marketing@bishops.org.za | |
| Address | 65 Campground Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town |
| Website | bishops.org.za |
3. Herschel Girls’ School
Cape Town experienced the establishment of Herschel Girls’ School In 1922. This school has grown into one of Claremount’s most admired independent schools for girls. Parents who desire a blend of outstanding academics, supportive boarding, and a nurturing environment will find Herschel an exceptional choice.
The school is widely known for its high teaching standards. Students are guided by skilled teachers who encourage critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. The learning culture is calm yet inspiring, giving every girl the space to excel academically while developing her individuality.
Boarding is available from Grade 8 to Grade 12, offering a safe and homely space for girls. The boarding houses provide modern, comfortable rooms, shared living spaces, and a family-like atmosphere. Parents often describe it as a true home away from home, where care and discipline go hand in hand.
Beyond the classroom, Herschel shines in sports, music, drama, and cultural activities. Its achievements and reputation extend well beyond Cape Town, making it one of the leading names in South Africa.
| Herschel Girls’ School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 21 670 7500 |
| School Fees | R 160 240 |
| Grades | 000 to 12 |
| info@herschel.org.za | |
| Address | 14 Kenmar Crescent, Claremont, Cape Town |
| Website | herschel.org.za |
4. Rondebosch Boys’ High School
Since opening its doors in 1897, Rondebosch Boys’ High School has remained one of the most respected boarding schools in Cape Town. The school is known for its strong academic standards. Parents find comfort in the school’s warm community where teachers mentor students closely. Learners, on the other hand, balance their academic and social lives by exploring sports, art, music, and cultural activities.
The school has made provision for two boarding houses for students in grades 8 to 12. These modern boarding facilities are ultimately designed to give the boys a calm, safe, and homely space.
The school fees at Rondebosch Boys’ High School remain competitive because of the standard it offers, and the school facilities are well-maintained. With over a century of achievement, Rondebosch continues to give families a trusted place for learning and growth.
| Rondebosch Boys’ High School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 021 686 3987 |
| School Fees | R 143 100 – R 151 100 |
| Grades | 8 to 12 |
| infoline@rondebosch.com | |
| Address | Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch, Cape Town |
| Website | rondebosch.com |
5. Groote Schuur High School
Groote Schuur High School was founded in 1959. It is an English-medium, co-ed High School in Cape Town.
The school has supportive and dedicated teachers who teach students from grades 8 to 12.
The school has unveiled its full hostel facility, which accommodates local and Namibian learners. This facility is tended to by boarder masters and mistresses, matrons and kitchen staff. Feedem handles all the cleaning and catering services.
The school’s classrooms are equipped with whiteboards. There are equipped computer laboratories, science laboratories and the 180 seater Nassau auditorium at the students’ disposal.
Its facilities, teachers, and culture of discipline make it one of the most trusted names in education. Parents also benefit from open communication and the school’s commitment to values that prepare children for life beyond the classroom.
| Groote Schuur High School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +2721 674 2165 |
| School Fees | N/A |
| Grades | 8 to 12 |
| sysop@gshs.co.za | |
| Address | 76 Palmyra Rd, Newlands, Cape Town |
| Website | gshs.co.za |
Affordable Boarding Schools in Cape Town
6. Wynberg Boys’ High School
Wynberg Boys’ High School is a boarding school in Cape Town for boys located in the suburb of Wynberg. This school was established in 1841. It stands as a beacon of tradition and innovation in South African education. The school curriculum is widely based on creativity. This allows for a powerful educational approach tailored to the needs of an ever-changing world.
Wynberg Boys’ brings a blend of modern academic facilities and comfortable boarding houses and creates an environment where students thrive both in and out of the classroom. The school’s focus on academics, sports, and arts is supported by well-maintained resources, while boarders enjoy a secure, welcoming, and serene environment for the students.
The fee structure made available by the academy shows that even with the high level of education dished out by this great school, Wynberg Boys’ remains one of the most affordable boarding schools in Cape Town.
| Wynberg Boys’ High School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | (+27) 21 797 4247 |
| School Fees | R 137 700 |
| Grades | 8 to 12 |
| secretaries@wbhs.org.za | |
| Address | Lovers Walk, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Website | wbhs.org.za |
7. Wynberg Girls’ High School
In the heart of Cape Town stands Wynberg Girls’ High School, a public high school for girls that has been shaping young minds since 1884. This school provides an eco and socially conscious learning environment that actively prepares our young women to take their place in the world.
Wynberg Girls’ High has 60 full-time teachers who cater to about 940 learners in Grades 8 to 12. These teachers train the students to be academically sound.
Are you looking for an affordable boarding school in Cape Town for girls?
WGHS offers only a weekly boarding option at the renowned Protea House, where boarding fees are regulated by the school’s governing body.
The Protea house is strategically located within the school and can accommodate about seventy girls. This strategic location allows the boarders to have full access to all the school facilities and activities. Every boarder is entitled well well-furnished and comfortable bedrooms. The atmosphere of the hostel is lively, modern, and upbeat, and there is unity and warmth amongst the learners.
The school engages the services of a professional food services solutions company to cater to the students and to keep the hostel clean. The hostel staff is committed to ensuring the safety of the girls.
The experiences that the boarders gather in the hostel are for life. They develop a significant number of invaluable personal, social, and leadership skills.
| Wynberg Girls’ High School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 21 764 2200 |
| School Fees | R 125 500 |
| Grades | 8 to 12 |
| admissions@wynghs.co.za | |
| Address | Aliwal Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Website | wynghs.co.za |
8. Hoërskool Durbanville
Hoërskool Durbanville, founded in 1827, stands as the oldest high school in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs, carrying with it a rich tradition of academic excellence and values.
The school takes pride in providing a balanced education, where students are encouraged not only to excel in academics but also to develop their leadership, creativity, and character. Its teaching staff is highly dedicated, ensuring every learner receives personal attention and guidance to achieve their best.
What makes this school special is its boarding facilities. The Durbanville School Boarding House is designed to feel like a true home away from home. With a safe and nurturing atmosphere, boarders from different grades enjoy a structured routine, healthy meals, and a caring environment that helps them focus on both study and personal growth.
Beyond the classroom, Hoërskool Durbanville shines in sports, arts, and culture. Students participate in rugby, hockey, athletics, choir, drama, and other creative outlets, ensuring their talents are nurtured to the fullest. These activities do not just build skills, but also teamwork, discipline, and confidence.
Over the years, the school has built a reputation for excellence and achievement, consistently producing learners who thrive academically and socially.
With its unique blend of tradition, modern education, and a serene boarding environment, Hoërskool Durbanville is not just a school, it is a community where students flourish, friendships are built, and futures are shaped.
| Hoërskool Durbanville Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 021 976 3188 |
| School Fees | R 82 850 |
| Grades | 8 to 12 |
| admin@durbanvillehs.co.za | |
| Address | Langenhoven Street, Durbanville, South Africa |
| Website | durbanvillehs.co.za |
9. Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck
In the Western Cape’s capital city of Cape Town, Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck stands tall as a co-educational public high school. This Afrikaans medium school was established at the foot of Table Mountain in 1926.
The school offers high-quality education to about 500 students in grades 8 to 12. The students are taught by dedicated teachers who encourage the students to develop analytical ability, creative thinking, independence, character, self-confidence and empathy.
Are you looking for a boarding school in Cape Town that combines strong academics with a supportive home-like environment?
Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck offers just that. The school provides comfortable boarding through two boarding facilities namely; House of Merwe for boys and House Jordan for girls. These hostels foster a warm, close-knit environment where students build independence and lifelong friendships.
| Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 21 423 6347 |
| School Fees | R 103 850 |
| Grades | 8 to 12 |
| reception@janvanriebeeck.co.za | |
| Address | 129 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town |
| Website | janvanriebeeck.co.za |
10. Somerset College
Established in 1997, Somerset College is a co-educational independent high school located in the heart of the Western Cape Winelands.
The school is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and great mountain views, where students from grades 000 to matric and even Cambridge A-level students experience a unique academic environment. This safe atmosphere nurtures individual development and prepares students for major success in the future.
Are you looking for a boarding school that provides safe, serene boarding facilities?
Somerset College is a wise option for both parents and students. In Somerset College, there are two boarding facilities available to the senior students namely; Vineyard House for boys and Founders House for girls and together they are called Helderberg House.
These facilities provide a comfortable, caring environment that ensures both the academic and social growth of the students.
Somerset College believes education goes beyond books. The school provides excellent resources that help the students succeed in academics, sports, leadership, and creative activities. This helps produce confident and well-rounded adults who are ready to make a great impact in the world at large.
| Somerset College Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 21 842 8000 |
| School Fees | R 306 700 |
| Grades | 8 to 12 |
| communications@somcol.co.za | |
| Address | Stellenbosch and Somerset West, Cape Town |
| Website | somersetcollege.org |
