How Does SA's Most Expensive School Hilton College Compare to UK's Costliest?

How does SA's most expensive school Hilton College compare to UK's costliest?

Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it’s hitting luxury territory. In 2025, fees at South Africa’s most expensive private boarding school, Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, passed the R420 000 mark. And it’s not an outlier. Michaelhouse down the road costs R392 000 per annum with St Andrew’s College in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) setting parents back R387 531 a year. In terms of what one would ne…

Hilton College vs UK’s most expensive school: how they compare

Private education in South Africa has become more expensive than ever, reaching levels that rival luxury spending. In 2025, Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands became the country’s priciest private boarding school, charging over R420 000 per year. And it’s not alone. Michaelhouse, located nearby, charges R392 000 annually, while St Andrew’s College in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) costs parents R387 531 a year. To afford sending a chi…