Top Primary and High Schools in Johannesburg 2027 – A Detailed Guide

Johannesburg is home to some of South Africa’s most prestigious primary and high schools, known for their academic excellence, world-class facilities, and holistic education. In 2027, leading institutions such as St John’s College, Roedean School (SA), St Stithians College, and King Edward VII School continue to set high standards in both academics and extracurricular activities. Public schools like Hoërskool Waterkloof and Parktown Boys’ High also rank among the best, while primary schools such as The Ridge School, Brescia House School, and Crawford Preparatory Sandton provide exceptional foundational education. Whether you seek a private, public, or international curriculum (IEB, Cambridge, or CAPS), Johannesburg offers top-tier schooling options to prepare students for future success.

Johannesburg, the economic heart of South Africa, is not only known for its thriving business landscape but also for its exceptional educational institutions. Whether you are relocating to the city or are considering the best school options for your child, Johannesburg boasts a diverse range of world-class primary and high schools. From top public schools to prestigious private institutions, the city offers a wealth of options to help your child achieve academic success.

In this article, we will explore the top primary and high schools in Johannesburg for 2027. We’ll provide an in-depth look at their academic performance, extracurricular offerings, facilities, and unique features to help you make an informed decision on the best school for your child.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a School in Johannesburg

Before we dive into the specifics of the top schools in Johannesburg, it’s important to highlight some key factors that should influence your decision-making process when selecting the best educational institution for your child.

1. Curriculum and Academic Focus Schools in Johannesburg offer a variety of curriculums, including the South African National Curriculum (CAPS), British IGCSE, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Some schools also focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), while others emphasize the arts or holistic education.
2. Facilities and Resources The quality of a school’s infrastructure—such as classrooms, sports facilities, libraries, and technology—is crucial. Schools that invest in state-of-the-art resources tend to provide a more enriching learning environment.
3. Extracurricular Activities Extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and leadership programs play a significant role in a child’s overall development. A school’s commitment to providing diverse and high-quality extracurricular activities is essential.
4. Reputation and Academic Performance Reputation and academic excellence are key considerations. Schools with a strong track record in national and international exams, as well as consistent top-tier matric results, are often preferred by parents.
5. School Culture and Values A school’s culture, values, and approach to discipline can have a profound impact on a child’s development. Some schools prioritize character education, while others emphasize academic excellence or diversity and inclusion.
6. Location and Accessibility Proximity to your home or work is another crucial factor. A school that is easily accessible ensures that your child can attend without long commutes.
7. Tuition Fees Private schools in Johannesburg tend to have higher tuition fees compared to public schools. It’s important to weigh the costs against the quality of education provided and consider financial aid or scholarship opportunities.

Top Primary Schools in Johannesburg for 2027

Johannesburg has a wide array of exceptional primary schools, both private and public, that cater to diverse educational needs. Here are some of the most prestigious ones:

1. St. John’s Preparatory School

Type: Private, Christian, Independent
Curriculum: South African National Curriculum (CAPS)
Location: Houghton, Johannesburg
Facilities: St. John’s Preparatory School is renowned for its strong academic focus and excellent extracurricular offerings. The school has modern classrooms, extensive sports facilities, a well-equipped music and drama department, and a dedicated library.
Overview: As one of Johannesburg’s oldest and most prestigious private schools, St. John’s Preparatory School has a reputation for academic excellence and an emphasis on character development. The school offers a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to become well-rounded individuals, with strong programs in both the sciences and the arts.

2. Hyde Park High School

Type: Private, Co-educational
Curriculum: South African National Curriculum (CAPS)
Location: Hyde Park, Johannesburg
Facilities: The school boasts modern classrooms, an on-site swimming pool, sports fields, and a full range of extracurricular activities including art, drama, and sports.
Overview: Hyde Park High School is known for its excellent academic performance and holistic approach to education. The school fosters a supportive environment, focusing not just on academic success but also on personal development through cultural and sporting activities. Hyde Park has a reputation for producing highly successful students, both academically and in extra-curricular pursuits.

3. The Ridge School

Type: Private, Boys’ School
Curriculum: South African National Curriculum (CAPS)
Location: Morningside, Johannesburg
Facilities: The Ridge offers top-tier facilities, including extensive sports fields, a modern library, science labs, and a computer room equipped with the latest technology.
Overview: The Ridge School is one of Johannesburg’s leading preparatory schools for boys. It combines a rigorous academic curriculum with an emphasis on sports and leadership. The school is known for its exceptional teachers and strong community spirit, providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.

4. King’s School Linbro Park

Type: Private, Christian, Independent
Curriculum: South African National Curriculum (CAPS)
Location: Linbro Park, Johannesburg
Facilities: King’s School features large sports fields, an outdoor adventure center, a media center, and well-maintained classrooms.
Overview: King’s School Linbro Park offers an excellent academic environment and a strong emphasis on moral and character development. The school aims to instill a sense of responsibility, leadership, and community involvement in its students. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports.

5. Roedean School Johannesburg

Type: Private, Girls’ School
Curriculum: South African National Curriculum (CAPS)
Location: Parktown, Johannesburg
Facilities: Roedean boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, a music center, drama studios, and expansive sports grounds.
Overview: Roedean is one of the premier girls’ schools in Johannesburg, with a reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to developing well-rounded young women. The school places strong emphasis on leadership and personal growth, offering students opportunities to excel academically, socially, and in various extracurricular activities.

Top High Schools in Johannesburg for 2027

Johannesburg is home to some of South Africa’s most prestigious high schools, which consistently produce high-achieving students. Here are a few of the best high schools in the city:

1. St. John’s College

Type: Private, Boys’ School
Curriculum: South African National Curriculum (CAPS), IGCSE
Location: Houghton, Johannesburg
Facilities: St. John’s College is equipped with state-of-the-art sports facilities, science and computer labs, a theater for drama productions, and a highly regarded music department.
Overview: St. John’s College is a prestigious all-boys high school known for its academic rigor and its strong focus on character development. The school offers both the South African CAPS curriculum and the IGCSE curriculum for students pursuing international qualifications. St. John’s is also known for its extensive extracurricular programs, which include rugby, cricket, music, and drama.

2. The American School of Johannesburg

Type: Private, International
Curriculum: American Curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB)
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Facilities: The school offers excellent facilities, including sports fields, a gym, modern classrooms, and a range of arts and technology resources.
Overview: For international families, The American School of Johannesburg offers an exceptional American-style education that is globally recognized. The school provides a comprehensive and challenging curriculum, including the highly respected International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, and prepares students for higher education at leading universities worldwide.

3. Redhill School

Type: Private, Co-educational
Curriculum: South African National Curriculum (CAPS), IGCSE
Location: Morningside, Johannesburg
Facilities: Redhill offers top-tier academic facilities, including modern science labs, a computer center, an auditorium, and excellent sports facilities.
Overview: Redhill School is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its strong focus on developing the whole child. Redhill is one of the few schools in Johannesburg offering both the South African CAPS curriculum and the IGCSE program, giving students more flexibility in their education. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and leadership development.

4. King Edward VII School

Type: Public, Boys’ School
Curriculum: South African National Curriculum (CAPS)
Location: Houghton, Johannesburg
Facilities: King Edward VII is known for its well-equipped classrooms, sports facilities, and commitment to developing students in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Overview: King Edward VII School is one of the oldest and most prestigious public boys’ schools in Johannesburg. Known for its strong academic record and a rich history of producing leaders in various fields, King Edward VII offers an excellent education, particularly in mathematics, science, and the arts. The school also has a wide range of sporting and cultural programs.

5. Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Afrikaans Boys’ High School)

Type: Public, Boys’ School
Curriculum: South African National Curriculum (CAPS)
Location: Pretoria, Johannesburg
Facilities: The school features modern classrooms, sports fields, and a comprehensive arts program.
Overview: Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool is another top public boys’ school in Johannesburg, known for producing high

-achieving students and leaders. The school is highly regarded for its academic focus, particularly in languages, science, and technology, and offers a range of extracurricular opportunities.

Johannesburg is home to some of the best primary and high schools in South Africa, with options that cater to a wide range of educational preferences and needs. Whether you are looking for a public or private school, a traditional or more progressive institution, Johannesburg offers a wealth of choices that can provide your child with an outstanding education.

Choosing the right school for your child is a critical decision, and it’s important to take into account factors like curriculum, facilities, extracurricular offerings, and overall school culture. With the schools listed here, you can rest assured that your child will have access to high-quality education in a dynamic and supportive environment.

For more information on admissions or to begin the application process, be sure to visit the individual school websites or contact their admissions departments directly.

Application Link to St. John’s College
Application Link to Hyde Park High School
Application Link to Redhill School