Our Selection of Top Girls' Schools Across South Africa
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Choosing the right school for your daughter is a pivotal decision for any family. Beyond delivering academic success, an all-girls' school shapes her character, values, and potential to lead. South Africa's top girls' schools offer more than just impressive results; they foster environments where young women grow into future leaders, critical thinkers, and compassionate global citizens.
What Makes a School Stand Out for Families?
When choosing a school, families often seek a well-rounded education that encompasses:
- Academic Excellence: A rigorous academic program that encourages critical and creative thinking.
- Leadership Development: Opportunities to build leadership skills both inside and outside the classroom.
- Extracurricular Activities: A diverse range of sports, arts, and cultural programs that support personal growth.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging students to make a positive impact in their communities and nurture a sense of responsibility.
These schools are not merely focused on academic achievement; they are dedicated to shaping young women of integrity, who will become leaders, colleagues, community contributors, and future role models. This guide takes you through some of the country's most respected girls' schools in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, and the Free State.
Each of these institutions is known for its commitment to academic rigour and holistic development, making them ideal places for young women to thrive.
Gauteng
Gauteng is known for housing some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country, and its all-girls schools are no exception. The following schools provide an enriching environment designed to foster both academic prowess and personal development.
St Mary's School, Waverley
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Established in 1888, St Mary's School is one of South Africa's oldest and most respected independent schools for girls. Located in the heart of Johannesburg, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum that emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. The diverse extracurricular programme includes art, music, and a strong sports department, enabling girls to pursue their passions outside the classroom. St Mary's stands out for its extensive focus on social responsibility. The school's Community Partnership Programme is one of the largest in Johannesburg, providing students with hands-on opportunities to give back and engage in service learning.
Roedean School (SA), Parktown
Roedean School is synonymous with both tradition and innovation. With a strong foundation in the liberal arts, Roedean balances academic excellence with a comprehensive STEM programme, preparing girls for careers in science and technology. The school's renowned Maths and Science Centre provides girls with cutting-edge resources to excel in technology-driven fields. Roedean's ethos emphasises service to the community, with students regularly involved in outreach initiatives across Johannesburg.
Pretoria High School for Girls
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Known for its consistent academic achievements, Pretoria High School for Girls boasts a dynamic curriculum that allows students to excel in both arts and sciences. The school is renowned for its cultural diversity, promoting inclusivity and unity among students. Additionally, PHSG has an outstanding reputation for its drama and music departments, making it a hub for artistic expression alongside academic success.
St Andrew's School for Girls, Bedfordview
St Andrew's prides itself on nurturing individual growth. The school fosters a close-knit community atmosphere where students receive personalised attention. Leadership and life skills are an integral part of the education process, with girls encouraged to take on leadership roles throughout their schooling years, thereby fostering confidence and preparing them for success beyond the academic sphere.
Kingsmead College
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Located in Rosebank, Kingsmead College focuses on creating a progressive learning environment where academic, cultural, and physical development is equally emphasised. Kingsmead's commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness is also notable, with its Green School programme inspiring students to become responsible global citizens.
St Stithians Girls' College
St Stithians Girls' College, is part of the larger St Stithians College campus. The school's ethos of "Honour God, honour others, honour self" is reflected in its academic, social, and spiritual programmes, which aim to develop principled young women. Its approach to education is distinctly forward-thinking, with a curriculum that encourages girls to engage with real-world issues, preparing them to be principled and active contributors to society.
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is home to several top-tier all-girls schools that provide both academic excellence and a deep sense of community engagement.
Durban Girls' College, Durban
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Durban Girls' College (DGC) is one of KwaZulu-Natal's premier schools, known for its impressive academic record and holistic approach to education. With a range of cultural and sports programmes, DGC fosters an environment where students can thrive both in and out of the classroom. DGC places a strong emphasis on fostering independence in young women. Its leadership programmes are particularly robust, offering girls opportunities to develop critical thinking and public speaking skills that set them apart in competitive environments.
St Anne's Diocesan College, Hilton
Set in the scenic Midlands, St Anne's Diocesan College offers a challenging academic programme alongside rich extracurricular activities. Known for its strong pastoral care system, the school creates a nurturing environment where girls are encouraged to grow into confident leaders. The school's strong support system ensures that students are well-cared for, emotionally and academically, making it a standout institution for those seeking a supportive atmosphere.
St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls, Kloof
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Established in 1906, St Mary's DSG is deeply rooted in Christian values and strives to create well-rounded individuals. With a curriculum that emphasises academics, leadership, and service, St Mary's DSG has a proud legacy of producing graduates who go on to excel in various fields. The school stands out for its commitment to community service; and its extensive outreach initiatives, especially in underprivileged areas of KwaZulu-Natal, are central to its ethos of service, ensuring that students leave with a strong sense of social responsibility.
St John's Diocesan School for Girls, Pietermaritzburg
St John's DSG is well known for its nurturing community that places a strong emphasis on personal growth and academic excellence. The school also boasts an impressive array of sports and cultural opportunities, making it a well-rounded institution. It also boasts a state-of-the-art equestrian centre. This rare feature sets it apart from other schools, providing students with unique opportunities to engage with horsemanship and equine sports.
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape's educational landscape is dotted with historic institutions that offer a rich blend of tradition and modernity.
The Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), Makhanda (Grahamstown)
Established in 1874, DSG is a leading independent boarding school for girls. With a focus on academic excellence, leadership, and service, DSG provides an environment that encourages young women to thrive in all areas of life. The school offers an extensive leadership curriculum that spans all grades, empowering girls to take on leadership roles in school and their future careers.
Collegiate Girls' High School, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
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Collegiate Girls' High School offers a wide range of cultural and sports programmes, giving students ample opportunity to excel outside the classroom. The school has a strong reputation for academic success, particularly in science and technology and it has a particularly strong robotics programme. This cutting-edge offering allows students to develop skills in innovation and engineering, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the modern world.
Western Cape
The Western Cape is home to a number of well-established all-girls private schools that have consistently produced top achievers both locally and globally.
Herschel Girls' School, Claremont
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Herschel Girls' School is an Anglican institution offering a rigorous academic programme coupled with a strong emphasis on music and sports. Located in Claremont, Cape Town Herschel Girls' School is unique for its forward-thinking approach to education. The school's innovative teaching methods, particularly in STEM subjects, prepare girls for dynamic careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, making it a leader in academic excellence.
Rustenburg Girls' High School, Rondebosch
Situated in Rondebosch, Cape Town, Rustenburg Girls' High School has a proud history of academic excellence, consistently ranking among the top schools in South Africa. The school also offers a vibrant cultural scene, including art, drama, and music programmes, and provides students with ample opportunities to explore their creative talents.
Springfield Convent School, Wynberg
Founded in 1871, Springfield Convent School is a Catholic girls' school known for its commitment to spiritual growth alongside academic and personal development. It offers a strong academic curriculum along with opportunities for personal growth through spiritual and community engagement, ensuring students are well-rounded and grounded in values of service and compassion.
St Cyprian's School, Oranjezicht
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St Cyprian's is one of Cape Town's most respected independent schools, offering a wide range of subjects from the humanities to the sciences. What truly sets it apart is its culture of independent thinking. The school encourages curiosity and innovation, fostering an environment where girls are encouraged to challenge norms and think critically about the world around them.
Free State
The Free State is home to a select few, top-tier all-girls' schools that combine a rich heritage with a commitment to modern educational practices. These institutions offer a supportive environment where academic excellence and character development go hand in hand.
St Michael's School for Girls, Bloemfontein
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Founded in 1874, St Michael's School for Girls is one of the oldest and most respected institutions in the Free State. It offers a balanced education that integrates a strong academic curriculum with spiritual growth, as the school maintains its Anglican traditions. Known for its close-knit community, with its small class sizes, St Michael's emphasises individual attention and personal development, creating a nurturing atmosphere where students can thrive. The school also offers a robust extracurricular programme, including sports, music, and drama, which encourages students to explore their talents and interests.
Eunice Girls' School, Bloemfontein
Eunice Girls' School, established in 1875, is synonymous with academic distinction in the Free State and beyond. Recognised for its consistent top performance in national exams, Eunice provides a challenging academic environment that prepares students for higher education and future careers. Beyond academics, the school focuses on cultivating leadership skills and a sense of social responsibility, offering numerous community service opportunities. The extensive range of sports, arts, and cultural activities ensures that students receive a holistic education, fostering well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on society.
When selecting an all-girls' school in South Africa, families must weigh multiple considerations that extend beyond academics and extracurricular options. Issues like safety, inclusivity, mental health support, religious alignment, affordability, and how schools address social issues can deeply influence their decision-making. These considerations are essential to ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment where their daughters can thrive.
Families prioritise schools that provide a balanced experience, where their daughters feel safe, understood, and encouraged to excel both academically and personally. The right school will align with a family's values and expectations, offering a foundation where young women can grow into confident, compassionate, and accomplished individuals. By choosing an environment that values holistic development, families ensure that their daughters are not only prepared for academic challenges but are also equipped with the skills and resilience needed to navigate life beyond the classroom.
Our articles and 'Top Picks' series of articles published by Hamilton's Property Portfolio are based on information collected from client feedback and internal data. These articles are not based on qualitative research. While we strive to provide accurate and useful recommendations, Hamilton's Property Portfolio cannot be held responsible for the venues, schools, or products mentioned. Furthermore, we are not affiliated with any of the organizations or entities featured in the articles. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research when making decisions based on our content.
Hamilton's Property Portfolio: Serving South Africa's Upmarket Property Market
For over 20 years, Hamilton's Property Portfolio has been dedicated to meeting the needs of South Africa's upper property market. Specialising in luxury homes in prime regions such as Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Garden Route and Winelands, Hamilton's is committed to providing personalised service and expert advice. Our team of professional agents understand the importance of finding the perfect home near South Africa's top schools, and we're here to help you every step of the way.
This article is part of a three-part series, which includes our top picks of All-Boys' Schools, All-Girls' Schools and Co-Ed Schools throughout South Africa.
Our Selection of Top Boys' Schools Across South Africa - https://tinyurl.com/tv7ybddw
Read our previous articles here
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Author: Marc Ries