South Africa’s private school fees are set to rise again in 2026, with increases expected to outpace inflation. Private schools remain a top choice for many families seeking smaller class sizes, stronger discipline, and a broader range of extracurricular opportunities. However, parents are facing another steep rise in fees, raising questions about affordability.
Expected Fee Increases
According to Jacaranda FM, South Africa’s inflation rate in September 2025 stood at 3.4 per cent. Yet private school fees are expected to rise by between 5 and 8 per cent in the new year.
“I do think parents are struggling to pay fees, and we are seeing an increase in defaulting parents. I believe this is a trend in independent schools across all fee categories.”
William Bester, Chairperson of the National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations (NAISA)
Bester said the roughly 1600 independent schools represented by the alliance’s nine associations are working to strike a difficult balance.
“I believe schools are working hard to deliver high-quality education, maintain high standards of infrastructure and academics, while balancing the need for fair remuneration for their staff.”
William Bester
He added that the rise in the number of independent schools has intensified competition, while reduced government subsidies are putting pressure on lower-fee schools.
The Price of Excellence
Elite boarding schools continue to command some of the highest fees in the country. The table below shows 2025 fees for ten of South Africa’s most expensive private schools:
| Rank | School | Location | 2025 Fees (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hilton College | Hilton, KZN | R420,729 |
| 2 | Michaelhouse | Balgowan, KZN | R392,000 |
| 3 | St Andrew’s College | Makhanda, EC | R387,531 |
| 4 | Roedean School for Girls | Johannesburg, GP | R387,093 |
| 5 | St John’s College | Johannesburg, GP | R376,589 |
| 6 | Kearsney College | Botha’s Hill, KZN | R374,330 |
| 7 | Bishops | Cape Town, WC | R364,680 |
| 8 | St Mary’s | Johannesburg, GP | R358,665 |
| 9 | St Alban’s College | Pretoria, GP | R353,580 |
| 10 | Diocesan School for Girls | Makhanda, EC | R345,630 |
For many parents, these fee numbers highlight a growing financial strain. Despite rising costs, demand for private education remains strong, indicating that many families still view it as a worthwhile investment in their children’s future. The challenge in 2026 will be deciding how much families are willing and able to pay for high-quality education.
