Best High Schools in Pretoria
Complete guide to choosing the perfect high school for your child. Compare top schools, fees, admission requirements, and make an informed decision.
50+
High Schools in Pretoria
R15k-R150k
Annual Fee Range
Mar-May
Application Period
Grade 8
Entry Level
Filter Schools
Top High Schools in Pretoria
Pretoria Boys High School
Public Boys School
English and Afrikaans
R25,000 - R35,000
1901
Contact Information
📞 012 484 2600
📧 info@pbhs.co.za
🌐 www.pretoriaboys.co.za
Key Subjects
- • Mathematics
- • Physical Sciences
- • Life Sciences
- • Accounting
- + 4 more
Extracurriculars
- • Rugby
- • Cricket
- • Athletics
- • Swimming
- + 4 more
Achievements
- ✓ Top academic results in Gauteng
- ✓ Strong rugby tradition
- ✓ Excellent university placement rates
Admission Requirements
- • Academic excellence (top 20%)
- • Entrance examination
- • Interview process
Location: Brooklyn, Pretoria
Grades: 8-12
Hostel Fees: R85,000 - R95,000
Pretoria High School for Girls
Public Girls School
English and Afrikaans
R24,000 - R33,000
1902
Contact Information
📞 012 430 7300
📧 info@phsg.co.za
🌐 www.girlshigh.co.za
Key Subjects
- • Mathematics
- • Physical Sciences
- • Life Sciences
- • Accounting
- + 5 more
Extracurriculars
- • Netball
- • Hockey
- • Swimming
- • Athletics
- + 4 more
Achievements
- ✓ Consistently high matric pass rates
- ✓ Strong cultural programs
- ✓ Excellent sports facilities
Admission Requirements
- • Academic merit (top 25%)
- • Entrance assessment
- • Application interview
Location: Hatfield, Pretoria
Grades: 8-12
Hostel Fees: R82,000 - R92,000
Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool
Public Boys School
Afrikaans
R22,000 - R30,000
1920
Contact Information
📞 012 440 4200
📧 info@affies.co.za
🌐 www.affies.co.za
Key Subjects
- • Wiskunde
- • Fisiese Wetenskappe
- • Lewenswetenskappe
- • Rekeningkunde
- + 4 more
Extracurriculars
- • Rugby
- • Krieket
- • Atletiek
- • Swem
- + 4 more
Achievements
- ✓ Top Afrikaans school in Pretoria
- ✓ Strong academic tradition
- ✓ Excellent sports programs
Admission Requirements
- • Afrikaans proficiency
- • Academic excellence
- • Entrance examination
Location: Pretoria Central
Grades: 8-12
Hostel Fees: R75,000 - R85,000
Pretoria Girls High School
Public Girls School
English
R23,000 - R32,000
1905
Contact Information
📞 012 329 5400
📧 info@pghs.co.za
🌐 www.pretoriagirlshigh.co.za
Key Subjects
- • Mathematics
- • Physical Sciences
- • Life Sciences
- • Accounting
- + 5 more
Extracurriculars
- • Netball
- • Hockey
- • Tennis
- • Swimming
- + 4 more
Achievements
- ✓ Excellent academic performance
- ✓ Strong leadership programs
- ✓ Outstanding sports achievements
Admission Requirements
- • Academic merit
- • Entrance assessment
- • Interview process
Location: Pretoria Central
Grades: 8-12
Hostel Fees: R80,000 - R90,000
Hoërskool Wonderboom
Public Co-ed School
Afrikaans
R18,000 - R25,000
1975
Contact Information
📞 012 567 8900
📧 info@wonderboom.co.za
🌐 www.wonderboom.co.za
Key Subjects
- • Wiskunde
- • Fisiese Wetenskappe
- • Lewenswetenskappe
- • Rekeningkunde
- + 4 more
Extracurriculars
- • Rugby
- • Netbal
- • Atletiek
- • Swem
- + 4 more
Achievements
- ✓ Strong community school
- ✓ Good academic results
- ✓ Active sports programs
Admission Requirements
- • Residence in catchment area
- • Afrikaans language proficiency
- • Academic performance
Location: Wonderboom, Pretoria
Grades: 8-12
Cornwall Hill College
Private Co-ed School
English
R85,000 - R125,000
1998
Contact Information
📞 012 667 2222
📧 admissions@cornwallhill.co.za
🌐 www.cornwallhill.co.za
Key Subjects
- • Mathematics
- • Physical Sciences
- • Life Sciences
- • Accounting
- + 5 more
Extracurriculars
- • Rugby
- • Hockey
- • Swimming
- • Athletics
- + 4 more
Achievements
- ✓ IEB curriculum excellence
- ✓ 100% matric pass rate
- ✓ Outstanding facilities
Admission Requirements
- • Academic assessment
- • Psychometric testing
- • Interview process
Location: Irene, Pretoria
Grades: R-12
Hostel Fees: R180,000 - R220,000
Types of High Schools
Public Schools (Model C)
Former Model C schools with excellent facilities and academic standards
Advantages
- ✓ Lower fees than private schools
- ✓ High academic standards
- ✓ Good facilities and resources
- ✓ Strong alumni networks
- ✓ Diverse student body
Disadvantages
- ✗ Competitive admission process
- ✗ Higher fees than regular public schools
- ✗ Limited spaces available
- ✗ Additional costs for activities
Private Schools
Independent schools with premium facilities and small class sizes
Advantages
- ✓ Excellent facilities and resources
- ✓ Small class sizes
- ✓ Individual attention
- ✓ High academic standards
- ✓ Extensive extracurricular programs
Disadvantages
- ✗ Very high fees
- ✗ May lack diversity
- ✗ Financial pressure on families
- ✗ Competitive environment
Government Schools
State-funded schools with basic facilities and no school fees
Advantages
- ✓ Free education
- ✓ No school fees
- ✓ Community-based
- ✓ Mother-tongue instruction available
- ✓ Accessible to all
Disadvantages
- ✗ Limited resources
- ✗ Large class sizes
- ✗ Basic facilities
- ✗ Teacher shortages
- ✗ Variable quality
High School Application Process
Research Schools
Identify schools that match your requirements and budget
Timeframe: January - March (for following year)
- • Visit school websites and gather information
- • Attend school open days and information sessions
- • Compare fees, facilities, and academic programs
- • Consider location and transport options
- • Read school policies and requirements
Prepare Documents
Gather all required documentation for applications
Timeframe: March - April
- • Obtain certified copies of birth certificate
- • Get latest school reports and academic records
- • Prepare immunization records
- • Obtain character references if required
- • Prepare financial documentation
Submit Applications
Complete and submit applications to chosen schools
Timeframe: April - May
- • Complete application forms accurately
- • Submit required documents
- • Pay application fees where required
- • Meet application deadlines
- • Confirm receipt of applications
Entrance Assessments
Participate in entrance exams and interviews
Timeframe: May - July
- • Prepare for entrance examinations
- • Attend scheduled interviews
- • Complete psychometric assessments if required
- • Provide additional information if requested
- • Follow up on assessment results
Acceptance and Enrollment
Accept offers and complete enrollment process
Timeframe: August - October
- • Review acceptance letters and conditions
- • Accept offers within specified timeframes
- • Pay enrollment deposits
- • Complete final enrollment documentation
- • Arrange uniforms and school supplies
How to Choose the Right School
Academic Performance
Critical- • Matric pass rates and university exemptions
- • Performance in key subjects
- • Average class sizes
- • Teacher qualifications and experience
- • Academic support programs
School Fees and Costs
High- • Annual school fees
- • Additional costs (uniforms, books, activities)
- • Hostel fees if applicable
- • Payment terms and bursary options
- • Total cost of education
Facilities and Resources
Medium- • Science laboratories and libraries
- • Sports facilities and fields
- • Computer labs and technology
- • Arts and cultural facilities
- • Safety and security measures
Location and Transport
Medium- • Distance from home
- • Available transport options
- • Traffic and travel time
- • Safety of the area
- • Boarding facilities if needed
Culture and Values
Medium- • School values and ethos
- • Disciplinary policies
- • Diversity and inclusivity
- • Parent-school relationship
- • Alumni network and reputation
Subject Choices Guide
Core Subjects (Compulsory)
Home Language
English, Afrikaans, or other approved language
First Additional Language
Second language requirement
Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy
Pure Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Life Orientation
Life skills and citizenship education
Commercial Subjects
Accounting
Financial accounting and business principles
Business Studies
Business management and entrepreneurship
Economics
Economic principles and market systems
Consumer Studies
Consumer rights and financial literacy
Sciences
Physical Sciences
Physics and Chemistry combined
Life Sciences
Biology and life processes
Agricultural Sciences
Farming and agricultural practices
Computer Applications Technology
Computer skills and applications
Humanities
History
South African and world history
Geography
Physical and human geography
Tourism
Tourism industry and travel
Religion Studies
World religions and ethics
Creative Arts
Visual Arts
Drawing, painting, and art history
Dramatic Arts
Theatre and performance studies
Music
Music theory and performance
Dance Studies
Dance techniques and choreography
Tips for Parents
Start Early
CriticalBegin researching schools in Grade 6 to allow adequate preparation time
Visit Schools
HighAttend open days and arrange personal visits to get a feel for the school culture
Consider Multiple Options
HighApply to several schools to ensure you have backup options
Budget Carefully
CriticalFactor in all costs including fees, uniforms, transport, and activities
Check Requirements
HighUnderstand admission requirements and prepare accordingly
Involve Your Child
MediumInclude your child in the decision-making process and visit schools together
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start applying for high school?
Applications typically open in March/April for the following year. Start researching schools in Grade 6 to allow adequate preparation time for entrance exams and interviews.
What are the typical school fees in Pretoria?
Public schools range from R15,000-R35,000 annually, while private schools can cost R80,000-R150,000. Additional costs for uniforms, books, and activities should also be considered.
Do all schools require entrance exams?
Not all schools require entrance exams. Top-performing public schools and most private schools have competitive admission processes, while government schools typically admit based on catchment areas.
Can my child change schools during high school?
Yes, but it's not recommended unless necessary. Changing schools can disrupt academic progress and social development. If required, plan the move carefully and ensure credit transfer.
What subjects should my child choose?
Subject choice depends on your child's career aspirations. For university admission, choose Mathematics and at least one science. Consider your child's strengths and interests when deciding.
Are there bursaries available for high school?
Many schools offer bursaries based on academic merit or financial need. Contact schools directly to inquire about bursary opportunities and application processes.
What if my child doesn't get accepted to their first choice school?
Having backup options is crucial. Apply to multiple schools and consider schools with different admission criteria. Remember that a good education depends more on the student's effort than the school's reputation.
How important are extracurricular activities?
Extracurricular activities are important for holistic development and university applications. Choose activities that align with your child's interests and career goals.
Ready to Find the Perfect School?
Use our comprehensive guide to research, compare, and choose the best high school for your child's future success.