South African schools are on a roll! Five of our institutions have just been named among the 100 best private schools in the world.
South Africa (04 May 2026) – Four South African private schools have been named in the
Spear’s Schools Index 2026, the definitive guide to the top 100 private schools in the world. And if you include the highly regarded ‘Top Recommended’ tier, a fifth school makes the list, too.
The Spear’s Schools Index is now in its seventh year and is used by internationally mobile families and ultra-high-net-worth individuals around the globe. Schools are selected based on a wide range of factors, including academics, pastoral care, values, reputation, leadership, and the broader experience they offer students.
The four local schools that made it onto the Top 100 Schools list for 2026 are Cordwalles Preparatory School for boys in Pietermaritzburg, along with Hilton College for boys in the KZN, Michaelhouse for boys in the Midlands and St Anne’s Diocesan College for girls in Hilton.
In the Top Recommended tier, Western Province Preparatory School for boys in Cape Town makes the list.
Three of the top 100 schools are in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands. Hilton College, which was previously listed as a school to watch in another global index this year is now fully in the top 100. Michaelhouse has cropped up again too in its impressive run of international recognition!
St Anne’s Diocesan College brings the girls’ boarding tradition to the list. And Cordwalles Preparatory rounds things out for the younger boys in the midlands.
Western Province Preparatory School in Cape Town earns its place in the Top Recommended tier, putting it on the map for international families considering the Western Cape.
Earlier this year, we reported on Bishops Diocesan College and Michaelhouse being named among the world’s best by Carfax Education. It’s been quite a year for South African schools on the global stage!
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