List of Schools in Western Cape: The Complete Parent’s Guide

Key Takeaways: The Education Hub

• The Reputation: The Western Cape consistently achieves the highest Matric pass rates in South Africa (often 86%+). This makes competition for spots incredibly fierce.
• The “Model C” Giants: Schools like Westerford, Rondebosch, and Paarl Gim are government schools, but they operate with the facilities and ethos of private schools. They are the “Sweet Spot” for value.
• The Private Sector: Schools like Bishops and Herschel offer world-class facilities but come with fees ranging from R100k to R180k+ per year.
• The Application Rule: You cannot apply to public schools via email or paper. You MUST use the WCED Online Admissions portal.
• The “Radius” Myth: While living near a school helps, many top schools accept students based on academic merit or language, not just address.

If you are moving to the Western Cape or looking for a high school for your Grade 7 child, you have likely heard the stories. Parents sleeping outside schools. Waiting lists that are three years long.

The Western Cape education system is unique. Unlike other provinces where “Private” is almost always better, the Western Cape has a massive network of Public (Model C) schools that rival the best private colleges in the world.

However, finding the right fit for your child is difficult. Do you want the tradition of the Winelands? The academic pressure of the Southern Suburbs? Or the technical skills of a specialized trade school?

Here is the curated list of notable schools in the Western Cape, categorized to help you choose.

1. The “Model C” Giants (Public Academic)

These are government schools. NSFAS does not pay for them, but the fees are significantly lower than private schools (usually R30,000 – R55,000 per year). They are famous for academic rigor and sport.

The “Southern Suburbs” Belt (Cape Town)

These schools are arguably the most sought-after in the country.

• Westerford High School: (Co-ed). Known as the “University of Westerford.” No uniform for Matric students. Intense academic focus.
• Rondebosch Boys’ High School: (Boys). Strong balance of academics and sport (Rugby/Cricket).
• Rustenburg Girls’ High School: (Girls). Consistently in the top 5 for Matric results in the province.
• SACS (South African College Schools): (Boys). The oldest school in South Africa.
• Wynberg Boys’ & Girls’ High Schools: Two separate schools with massive campuses and facilities.

The Winelands Prestige (Paarl & Stellenbosch)

These schools are steeped in tradition and Afrikaans/Dual-medium culture.

• Paul Roos Gimnasium: (Stellenbosch – Boys). Famous for producing Springboks and 100% pass rates.
• Rhenish Girls’ High School: (Stellenbosch – Girls). English medium. Top-tier academics.
• Paarl Boys’ High (Boishaai): (Paarl – Boys). Legendary sporting rivals with Paarl Gim.
• Paarl Gimnasium: (Paarl – Co-ed). An academic and sporting powerhouse.
• La Rochelle Girls’ High: (Paarl – Girls).

The Northern Suburbs (Durbanville/Bellville)

• Durbanville High School: (Dual Medium).
• Fairmont High School: (English). excellent academics and affordable fees compared to the Southern Suburbs.
• The Settlers High School: (Bellville). A designated Maths & Science focus school.
• Stellenberg High School: (Durbanville). Known for its “Stellies” spirit and hockey/rugby success.

2. The Private Sector (Independent Schools)

These schools receive no government funding. You pay for smaller classes (15–20 students) and incredible facilities. Fees often exceed R120,000 per year.

The “Bishops” League

• Diocesan College (Bishops): (Rondebosch – Boys). Anglican tradition. Extremely prestigious.
• Herschel Girls’ School: (Claremont – Girls). Often achieves the highest IEB marks in the province.
• St Cyprian’s School: (Oranjezicht – Girls). Round Square school with a global focus.
• St John’s & Parklands: (Table View).

The “Modern” Private Groups

• Reddam House: (Campuses in Constantia, Atlantic Seaboard, Durbanville). Known for no-uniform policies and a modern curriculum.
• Curro: (Campuses everywhere, including Durbanville, Century City, and Sitari). Offers a consistent standard of private education at various price points.
• Generations Schools: (Imhoff, Sunningdale). Focuses on Cambridge curriculum and innovation.

3. Technical & Focus Schools (Skills Based)

Not every child is an academic. The Western Cape has excellent technical high schools where students learn Fitting & Turning, Electrical Engineering, or Automotive skills alongside their Matric.

• HTS Drostdy: (Worcester). One of the top technical schools in SA. They have massive workshops.
• Langenhoven Gimnasium: (Oudtshoorn).
• Wynberg Boys’ High (Technical Stream): Offers Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD).
• Oaklands High School: (Lansdowne). Strong technical focus.
• Claremont High School: (Claremont). Special Note: This is a Maths & Science focus school designed to be affordable (low fees) for talented students from disadvantaged areas.

4. Affordable Quality (The Hidden Gems)

If you cannot afford R40,000 fees but want a safe, disciplined environment with good results, look at these:

• Livingstone High School: (Claremont). A legacy of resistance and academic excellence.
• South Peninsula High School: (Diep River). Consistently punches above its weight academically.
• Mondale High School: (Mitchells Plain). Famous for its 98%+ pass rates despite limited resources.
• Spine Road High School: (Mitchells Plain). The first township school to achieve a 100% pass rate. Strict discipline.

5. How to Apply: The WCED Online Portal

This is the most critical part of this guide. You cannot walk into Westerford and hand in a CV.

The System:

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) uses a centralized online system.

• Website: wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za
• Dates: Applications usually open in March and close in April for the following year. (e.g., Apply March 2026 for Grade 8 in 2027).

The Process:

1. Register: Create a parent profile on the portal.
2. Select Schools: You must select at least 3 schools (including one close to your home).
3. Upload Documents: Certified copy of birth certificate, report card, and proof of address.
4. Wait: Schools make their decisions by June. You will receive an SMS.

The “Double Parking” Problem:

Parents often accept spots at 3 different schools “just in case.” The WCED now forces you to confirm ONE spot by a certain deadline, or they auto-allocate you to the closest one.

Late Applications:

If you missed the window, you must contact the District Office, not the school. They will place your child where there is space (which might not be your first choice).

6. Language Policy: English vs. Afrikaans

In the Western Cape, language determines your school choice more than in any other province.

• Single Medium (English): e.g., SACS, Wynberg, Rustenburg.
• Single Medium (Afrikaans): e.g., DF Malan, Bellville High.
• Dual Medium: Classes are taught in both languages (often in separate classrooms). e.g., Durbanville High.
• Parallel Medium: Two streams in one school.

Tip: Do not apply to an Afrikaans Single Medium school if your child does not speak Afrikaans fluently. They will struggle.

Summary: Start Early

The “best” school is the one where your child will be happy. A child who loves art will hate a strict rugby school.

Action Plan:

1. Visit Open Days: These happen in February/March. You must see the school to feel the “vibe.”
2. Check the Address: While schools accept out-of-area students, living in the “Feeder Zone” (e.g., living in Rondebosch for Rondebosch Boys) gives you a massive advantage.
3. Prepare the Report: Your Grade 6 (end of year) and Grade 7 (term 1) marks are what High Schools look at.

Disclaimer: School fees and admission policies are set by the School Governing Body (SGB) of each school. Always contact the school directly for the current fee structure.