Located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg has many excellent schools, each with its own style and strengths. Some are long-established institutions that focus on full child development, while others use modern approaches that highlight academics or creativity.
Parents can choose between co-educational, single-gender, private, and public schools. Because there are so many options, the decision can feel confusing. This guide makes it easier by explaining what to look for from teacher-to-student ratios and academic programs to school values and facilities.
The goal is to help families pick a school that matches their values and gives every child a strong, happy start to learning.
Choosing a Primary School in Pietermaritzburg
Selecting a school in Pietermaritzburg requires careful thought. Start by looking at the academic program. Most schools follow South Africa’s CAPS curriculum, while some private ones use different systems. Make sure the teaching method fits your child’s learning style.
What is the class population like? Smaller class sizes often mean teachers can give more personal help. A good school also offers activities like sports, music, and art helping children build confidence and discover their talents.
Take a walk to the school, if you can. See the classrooms, playgrounds, and computer labs. A clean, friendly setting makes a big difference. Also, consider travel time; long rides can tire young learners.
Fees can vary widely depending on whether the school is private or public. Ask for a list of all expenses, including uniforms and books. Strong communication between parents and teachers is also vital. Talk to other parents to hear their experiences it helps paint a real picture of what daily school life is like.
Top 10 Primary Schools in Pietermaritzburg and Their Fees
1. Little Footprints Schools
Little Footprints Schools use a fun, play-based approach to learning. Children explore, ask questions, and learn by doing turning every day into an adventure.
The school’s program supports a child’s full growth social, emotional, physical, and mental. Parents often praise the teachers for being kind, patient, and creative. Each classroom feels warm and welcoming, helping children feel safe to learn and play.
Many branches follow an in-house, project-based curriculum that adjusts to children’s interests. This keeps learning fresh and exciting. Through play, children develop problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills. They also learn independence by following simple routines on their own.
Attending Little Footprints gives young learners a solid start before Grade R or Grade 1. They enter primary school already confident and comfortable in a school setting.
| Little Footprints Schools Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 21 870 1801 |
| School Fees | R 4 620 |
| Grades | KK to1 |
| admin@little-footprints.co.za | |
| Address | Main Road, Paarl, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | littlefootprints.co.za |
2. Northern Park Primary School
Founded in 1966, Northern Park Primary School sits in the northern suburbs of Pietermaritzburg. Its goal is to help every learner reach their full potential and grow into confident, independent thinkers.
The school focuses on strong academics, supported by social and creative learning. Teachers encourage teamwork, respect, and curiosity in every class.
Northern Park maintains a balanced environment that includes academics, sports, culture, and spiritual growth. Learners enjoy a wide range of activities that help them build new skills and friendships. This combination of structure and creativity ensures that children leave with the confidence and ability to face life’s challenges both in and out of school.
| Northern Park Primary School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 33 342 3222 |
| School Fees | R 21 500 |
| Grades | RR to 7 |
| northernparkps@npps.co.za | |
| Address | Chase Valley, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | npps.co.za |
Pre-primary Schools in Pietermaritzburg
3. Coolwinds Pre-primary School
Located in Hilton near Pietermaritzburg, Coolwinds Pre-Primary School offers a caring start for very young learners from four months old up to Grade R. The school provides a warm, home-like environment where children feel safe to explore and learn through guided play. Each activity is carefully planned to match a child’s stage of development.
Coolwinds blends structure with creativity. Lessons are fun and filled with play, music, and storytelling. These experiences help children build language, thinking, and social skills.
Parents love the family-style atmosphere and the teachers’ genuine care for every child. With its strong early-learning foundation, Coolwinds makes the transition to primary school smooth and enjoyable.
| Coolwinds Pre-primary School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 71 608 6124 |
| Grades | KK to 1 |
| coolwindspreprimaryschool@gmail.com | |
| Address | Dale Rd, Hilton, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | coolwindspreprimary.co.za |
4. Epworth Pre-primary School
Epworth Pre-Primary School, based in Scottsville, is one of Pietermaritzburg’s most trusted schools for early education. This Christian co-educational school welcomes boys and girls from Grade RRR to Grade R on a safe 15-hectare campus. Children learn, play, and explore freely within a secure, well-supervised space.
In the younger grades, learners discover the basics of reading, counting, and writing through fun group lessons. Art, music, and outdoor activities help them grow emotionally and socially.
Starting from Grade R, lessons become more structured, preparing children for Grade 1. They also attend special classes in computers, music, and physical education. Visits to the main primary campus help make the move to big school easy.
Since Epworth is a private institution, fees can vary. Parents should contact the school directly for updated costs and information about aftercare. Epworth’s nurturing approach gives children confidence, curiosity, and joy in learning.
| Epworth Pre-primary School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 33 846 2500 |
| Grades | KK to 12 |
| marketing@epworth.co.za | |
| Address | Golf Road, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | epworth.co.za |
5. Maritzburg Preparatory School
Maritzburg Preparatory School is an independent school that focuses on caring and balanced learning. It offers a safe environment where children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Teachers help learners build strong foundations in reading, writing, and math, while encouraging curiosity and creativity. Lessons are interactive and fun, keeping students engaged and motivated.
The school also values manners, kindness, and respect. Children are taught to care for others and act responsibly.
Art, music, and sports are part of daily life, helping learners express themselves and develop teamwork. Parents are welcome partners in their child’s learning journey. Maritzburg Preparatory truly helps every child discover their strengths and reach their full potential.
| Maritzburg Preparatory School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 79 275 5828 |
| School Fees | R 2 820 – R 3 700 |
| Grades | KK to 3 |
| admin@maritzburgprep.co.za | |
| Address | Alexandra Road, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | maritzburgprep.co.za |
Private Primary Schools in Pietermaritzburg
6. Gateway Christian School
Gateway Christian School is a private primary school in Pietermaritzburg that teaches from Grade RR to Grade 7. Founded through Project Gateway, it blends solid academics with Christian values.
The school follows the CAPS curriculum but adds a strong spiritual focus, teaching faith, honesty, and compassion alongside academics.
Gateway’s mission is to help learners grow spiritually, intellectually, and socially. Lessons are practical and hands-on, encouraging curiosity and creativity. A new computer center introduces coding and robotics preparing learners for a digital future.
| Gateway Christian School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 33 880 0521 |
| School Fees | R 1 200 – R 2 100 |
| Grades | RR to 7 |
| admin@gatewaychristianschool.co.za | |
| Address | Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | gatewaychristianschool.co.za |
7. St. Nicholas Diocesan School
St. Nicholas Diocesan School is an Anglican co-educational school serving learners from Grade RR to Grade 12. It combines Christian principles with a strong academic focus.
In the junior grades, the school follows the CAPS curriculum, emphasizing reading, writing, and math. Learners also enjoy exciting programs like science experiments and field trips.
As learners grow older, they prepare for the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams, known for their high standards. The school encourages critical thinking and leadership through a wide range of academic and cultural activities.
Admissions require forms, identity documents, school reports, and proof of residence. A non-refundable application fee is paid when applying, and a registration fee secures a spot once accepted.
Fees are paid monthly or termly, and extra costs cover stationery, school trips, and magazines. St. Nicholas remains one of Pietermaritzburg’s most respected Christian schools, known for producing confident, well-rounded learners.
| St. Nicholas Diocesan Primary School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 33 345 1566 |
| School Fees | R 32 500 – R 58 200 |
| Grades | RR to 12 |
| admissions@stnicholas.co.za | |
| Address | Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | stnicholas.co.za |
8. Longmarket Girls’ School
Longmarket Girls’ School has served Pietermaritzburg for more than 130 years. This public school for girls offers education from Grade RR to Grade 7 under the motto Loyalty, Honour, and Truth.
The school provides a warm, disciplined environment where girls develop both academic and personal confidence.
Facilities include a media center, computer lab, swimming pools, and an aftercare service. In the early years, called the LINKS phase, learners build readiness skills through play and creative projects.
As girls move to primary grades, they focus on literacy, numeracy, and life skills that prepare them for future studies. Extracurricular options such as netball, hockey, arts, crafts, and computer clubs add balance and fun.
| Longmarket Girls’ Primary School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 33 394 2581 |
| Grades | RR to 7 |
| pr@longmarketschool.co.za | |
| Address | Bulwer St, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | longmarketschool.co.za |
9. Riverwood College Primary School
Riverwood College in Pietermaritzburg offers a full educational path from pre-primary to Grade 12. It was created by merging three schools Voortrekker High, Gert Maritz Primary, and Siembamba Pre-Primary forming one connected learning community.
At the primary level, Riverwood follows the CAPS curriculum, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and life skills. Lessons combine classroom teaching with digital tools through Google Classroom for blended learning.
Teachers give personalized attention, helping each learner succeed. The school also promotes extracurricular activities that build teamwork, creativity, and leadership.
Parents applying must provide ID copies, proof of residence, and a completed form. Admissions depend on available space, with priority given to siblings of current students. Riverwood College offers a stable and nurturing environment that helps children grow with confidence.
| Riverwood College Primary School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 33 342 2214 |
| School Fees | R 30 470 – R 44 990 |
| Grades | RR to 12 |
| info@riverwoodcollege.co.za | |
| Address | Cordwalles Road, Clarendon, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | riverwoodcollege.co.za |
10. Maritzburg Christian School
Maritzburg Christian School (MCS) is an independent co-educational school in Pelham, Pietermaritzburg. Established in 1987, it teaches from Grade RRR to Grade 12 with strong Christian foundations.
As a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), MCS combines faith and learning to build character and excellence.
The primary section follows the CAPS curriculum, while high school learners prepare for IEB exams. Class sizes are small no more than 26 learners so teachers can focus on individual strengths.
Every lesson includes Christian values, guiding students to live with honesty, discipline, and compassion.
To apply, parents must submit an application form, school reports, birth certificates, and ID copies. MCS remains one of the best primary schools in Pietermaritzburg, offering a faith-based education that develops both the mind and the heart.
| Maritzbury Christian Primary School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 33 386 3370 |
| Grades | RR to 12 |
| marketing@mcschool.co.za | |
| Address | Topham Rd, Pelham, Pietermaritzburg |
| Website | mcschool.co.za |
