Despite South Africa’s well-documented problems with crime, corruption and utilities, the ‘Mother City’ continues to attract economic investment, and the workers to go with it, from all over the world (Amazon's Africa headquarters for example). There are few other cities where the high quality of life (think Mediterranean climate, world class restaurants, wine farms and beaches set against the backdrop of stunning Table Mountain) is paired with such a low cost of living; a bottle of the delicious local Chenin Blanc can be half the price of a glass in London or New York. And for those lucky enough to live and work here, whether for a few years or longer term, there is a huge choice of schools.
- Education in Cape Town
- Choosing a school in Cape Town
- Special education needs in Cape Town
- Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Cape Town
- Best schools in Cape Town
Education in Cape Town
The international schools here might not be the biggest or best in the world; there are no famous names setting up satellite campuses. However, there is a great range of small to medium sized schools, with academic standards ranging from respectable to excellent and sport that may not be played at the highest level, but will at least keep children active and healthy. In and around the city are schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB), UK/Cambridge, American, French and German curricula to a diverse student population.
Many families staying long term or South Africans moving back from a stint overseas, opt for one of the local curriculum schools with an international contingent. Depending on the school, students graduate with either the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) leaving ‘matriculation’ qualification, called the National Senior Certificate (NCS), or the equivalent NCS issued by the private Independent Examinations Board (IEB). Both are known simply as ‘matric’, also the name given to the final year of school (grade 12), with the IEB considered the more demanding and robust of the two.
Similar in breadth, if not depth, to the International Baccalaureate, students take at least seven subjects including four compulsory ones; maths/maths literacy; a home language (English or perhaps Afrikaans); a first additional/official SA language (usually Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu or Sepedi depending on location); and life orientation (basically human and social studies). In addition, at least three options ranging from a (second additional) language; geography; history; life sciences; and physical sciences (chemistry and physics) to hospitality studies; accounting; tourism; sports and exercise science; nautical science; equine studies; and engineering graphics and design, where offered. At top-performing schools it's common to choose up to 10 subjects (though some schools including Curro, charge extra for each subject beyond seven).
Those gaining the highest level 'bachelor's pass' in the IEB or NSC embark on degrees in well-respected institutions in South Africa (especially University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University) as well as in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and beyond. In the UK only Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London (ICL) don't accept it on its own; they will normally ask for an A level or other qualifications to be taken in addition, or for a pre-degree foundation course to be completed.
Choosing a school in Cape Town
Although a smallist city, Table Mountain looms large, bang in the middle of it, meaning in the rush hour traffic it can be quite a trek from one side to the other, or top to bottom. With no safe public transport, apart from perhaps the MyCiTi bus along the Atlantic Seaboard for teenagers, and with children generally not allowed to walk or cycle on their own, they are dependent on their parents, an informal carpool or a private school bus. The school run, especially if combined with a commute to the office, becomes a crucial factor when considering where to live and send kids to school.
Another consideration is the school year runs from January to December, with the long holiday over Christmas (the South African summer), and only a couple of weeks off in June/July, when many international families want to head north to spend time with families and friends during their long summer break. It’s a bigger problem for international families with older kids moving from one system to the other, especially with the two-year Cambridge IGCSE and A level and the IB diploma courses where children must either join halfway through a school year, missing some crucial learning, or repeat six months. Lycée Français du Cap and American International School of Cape Town (AISCT) have adopted the northern hemisphere’s school calendar, with some parents choosing them for this reason.
All the big schools attract international as well as local families, often with a 30/70 split respectively. Even the local students often have two passports, and parents on an international career path, or just wanting to keep their options open for the future. Only the winelands' schools currently have boarding facilities, though HBIS and AISCT both have boarding in their sights.
The beautiful Cape winelands region (broadly covering Durbanville, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Paarl and including the huge Val de Vie lifestyle estate), long frequented by wine-tasting tourists, is now home to an increasing number of South African and international families able to work from home (or flexibly). It might be an hour or two into town, and no joy in rush hour, but high-flyers enjoy easy access (30-60 minutes) to Cape Town's busy international airport east of the city centre, and there are plans afoot to develop Durbanville's small airfield into a commercial Cape Winelands airport. Top school choices here are Bridge House School outside Franschhoek (an IEB school, with boarding), Somerset College with a choice of IEB or Cambridge A levels (also boarding), Curro Durbanville (new, flagship school of the huge Curro Group, offering IEB), Helderberg International School (Cambridge A levels), Generation Schools Somerset West (currently phasing out the IEB in favour of Cambridge IGCSE and A levels) and Green School South Africa, sister school of the famous one in Bali.
An alternative option in town is one of the many renowned local curriculum single-sex schools such as SACS (South African College School), Wynberg High Boys, Rondebosch Boys and Bishops Diocesan College (‘Bishops’) for boys, and Herschel Girls, Wynberg High Girls, Sans Souci and St Cyprian’s for girls. Some of these are public and some independent – the distinction is blurred as standards are similar and confusingly public schools, or at least those in wealthier areas, charge fees here.
These schools can be quite traditional, with knee-length socks, blazers and strict discipline, and they will probably require pupils to learn Afrikaans as a first additional language, though an exemption may be available for students arriving from grade 8 onwards. They generally have a great reputation for sport and amazing facilities, which attract international students wanting to play rugby, cricket, waterpolo and more at a high level. They are balanced by long-established Capetonian families, where successive generations attend the same school, akin to Eton or Harrow in the UK. Most of these schools have boarding houses, attracting pupils predominantly from elsewhere in South Africa and other sub-Saharan countries, as well as local pupils with busy schedules.
The WCED-mandated school year runs to 43 weeks, spread over four terms, which can be a shock to those used to around 36-38 weeks of school elsewhere, though it can also be helpful for working parents. Even the independent schools above follow a similar calendar.
One note of caution; the country is in a state of load shedding; planned power cuts of two to four hours at a time on a rolling basis, often multiple times a day, to prevent the complete shutdown of the national grid. Caused by decades of underinvestment, combined with widespread corruption and organised theft of everything from coal destined for the power stations to the cables supposed to be carrying the electricity, it's here to stay for the foreseeable future. Most schools have invested in a combination of generators, inverters and (increasingly) solar panels to prevent disruption, but it's worth checking individually.
Special education needs in Cape Town
The schools all say that they cater for children with special educational needs on a case-by-case basis and will admit a child if they think they can provide the necessary support to allow them to thrive in their school. Some, like AISCT, have a clearly stated policy on their website detailing the five levels of support available; only level one (minimal support from the classroom teacher and learning support specialist) is included in fees. Most schools will allow and organise a one-on-one facilitator if required, paid for by the parents.
Schools with established ELL (English Language Learners) programmes will accept pupils without fluency in English (up to a specified grade) if they believe the child can thrive with the extra help provided.
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Cape Town
Schooling in South Africa is not compulsory until the year a child turns six (grade R or 0), but many families start their children much younger than this, with pre-school classes often called 00, 000, and even 0000 (pronounced as 'quad nought') for little ones turning three.
Most schools, except Bishops and the German International School, accept children into their early years programme from age two or three, with Reddam House even taking babies from one year old, and HBIS accepting toddlers in nappies.
Another option is to choose from the plethora of private pre-schools dotted around the city, often run out of residential homes and catering for a handful of children. Here, personal recommendations are the best way, and if you don’t know anyone yet, local ‘expat’ Facebook groups can be a good source of information. Do try and visit several to find the best fit, and ensure that it’s properly registered with the Western Cape Government as an ‘early childhood development facility’.
Although some pre-schools include a reception class, don’t expect your child to start to learn to read. Unlike in the UK, phonics is not taught until grade 1 (age six) in local schools, although children may start to recognise letters and numbers. This can be a barrier to families wanting their children to enter international schools from the local system at age six to eight, as their prospective classmates have been reading for several years already.
Best schools in Cape Town
American International School of Cape Town 
Advanced Placement/ American Elementary Curriculum/ American Middle School Curriculum/ US High School Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; 500 students; Independent: private non-profit
The American International School Cape Town for age 2-18 runs a US credit-based system leading to WASC-accredited high school diploma and includes AP classes. Follows northern hemisphere school calendar.
Click here to read our full review of American International School of Cape Town
Bridge House School
IEB South African curriculum/ IEB South African National Senior Certificate; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; 820 students; Independent: private non-profit
Popular with South African and international families, and leading to the IEB matric qualification, coed Bridge House School enjoys fabulous facilities outside Franschhoek in the Cape winelands region.
Click here to read our full review of Bridge House School
Hout Bay International School
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme/ International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme/ International Baccalaureate Diploma; ages3-18; co-ed; 400 students; day; Independent: privately owned
Situated in a southern suburb of Cape Town popular with expat families, Hout Bay International School offers the IB curriculum from Primary Years Programme through to the two-year Diploma.
Click here to read our full review of Hout Bay International School
International School of Cape Town
Cambridge International Secondary 2 Programme/ IGCSE/ National Curriculum for England/ International A levels; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; 470 students; Independent: privately owned
International School of Cape Town (ISCT) offers UK national curriculum to year 9 and Cambridge curriculum from year 10 to 13, divided between two nearby campuses in leafy Wynberg.
Click here to read our full review of International School of Cape Town
Lycée Francais International du Cap
French National Curriculum/ Brevet/ Bac; ages 3-18; co-ed; 380 students; day; Independent: private non-profit
Bilingual Lycée Francais International du Cap, known as The French School, split between two city-centre sites (primary and senior) with external sporting facilities. Popular with expats for northern hemisphere calendar.
Click here to read our full review of Lycee Francais International du Cap
Reddam House Constantia
IEB (South African) curriculum; ages 1-18; co-ed; day; Independent: privately owned
Serving families in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, Reddam House Constantia’s beautiful campus has fantastic facilities. A top-performing IEB (South African) curriculum school for children 1-18 years old.
Cilck here to read our full review of Reddam House Constantia
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Ambleside School of Hout Bay
IEB (South African) curriculum; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; Independent; privately owned
A Christian school with small classes from pre-school to grade 12 (IEB matric), Ambleside School of Hout Bay is in a popular location for international families, south of the city.
Bishops Diocesan College
Ages 4-18; boys only; day and boarding; Independent: privately owned
Bishops Diocesan College, known as Bishops, is a traditional boys Anglican independent school offering South African matriculation only. Excellent reputation in Cape Town and further afield for sport and discipline.
Blouberg International School
Cambridge curriculum; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; Independent: privately owned
Located in a popular residential area north of Cape Town, Blouberg International School (age 3-18) offers the Cambridge Curriculum and attracts a diverse mix of local and international families.
Curro Century City
IEB (South African) curriculum; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately-owned
In the Cape Town suburbs convenient for the airport and winelands, Curro Century City comprises a preschool (from 3 years), primary and high school. IEB matriculation and extensive facilities.
Curro Durbanville High School
IEB (South African) curriculum; ages 13-18; co-ed; day; independent: privately owned
Located in northern suburbs close to winelands, Curro Durbanville High School is the flagship Curro school (G8 to IEB matriculation) with extensive facilities. Afternoon classes option (to G10 only).
Curro Somerset West
IEB (South African) curriculum; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent: privately owned
Curro Somerset West comprises a preschool (from 3 months), primary and high school in winelands area east of Cape Town. IEB matriculation and extensive facilities including indoor cycling centre.
Generations School Sandown
Cambridge IGCSE/ AS / A levels; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent: privately owned
Generation Schools Sandown is a new (2020) middle and high school with expansive sports facilities, located near the Sunningdale primary school campus. Offers Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A levels.
Generations School Sunningdale
Montessori and Cambridge International Primary Programme; ages 18 months -12; co-ed; day; independent: private non-profit
Generation Schools Sunnningdale was the original school in the Generation group, teaching Montessori and Cambridge curriculum in non-graded, mixed age groups from 18 months to age 12.
German International School Cape Town
Bilingual German and English programmes; ages 6-18; co-ed; day and boarding; Independent: private non-profit
The city-centre bilingual German International School Cape Town (G1-12) offers qualifications for both South African and European universities. English speakers with no German may join in grade 5 only.
Green School South Africa
American high school diploma; ages 1-17; co-ed; day; independent: privately owned
Opened in 2021, Green School South Africa is sister to the famous school in Bali, with focus on sustainability and environment. Currently to grade 11, expanding upwards.
Helderberg International School
A Cambridge curriculum school situated on a secure estate below the mountains in Somerset West, Helderberg International School is a small school from nursery (age 2.5) to A levels
Herschel Girls School
Located in Claremont, a popular part of town, Herschel Girls School is an Anglican day and boarding school for girls from nursery, leading to IEB matriculation exams (from 2024)
Parklands College
Incorporating Christopher Robin Pre-Primary school from age 1, Parklands College is a large private co-ed school on three campuses in the northern suburbs with great sports facilities, offering NSC matric.
Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard
South African IEB curriculum; ages 1-18; co-ed; day; Independent: privately owned
Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard offers the South African IEB curriculum from age one to eighteen. This compact city-centre school in Greenpoint makes use of local sporting and other facilities.
Reddam House Durbanville
On two campuses in norther suburbs, Reddam House Durbanville is one of eight Reddam House schools. Offers Cambridge curriculum (from primary years up) and AS/A levels or IEB matriculation.
Somerset College
Somerset College is a modern all-through co-ed Anglican school in the winelands, offering choice of IEB matric or Cambridge AS and A levels. Two boarding houses for grades 8-12.
South African College School (SACS)
Famous boys' school (always known as SACS) comprises Junior School and High School on separate campuses. Matric (NSC) plus some optional Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A levels. Boarding available.
St Cyprian's Diocesan School for Girls
St Cyprian's is a well-respected private girls' school from age 2-18. Nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain, it offers the IEB matriculation or Cambridge AS/A levels.
St Geroge's Grammar
St George's Grammar is an Anglican co-ed school from pre-reception to grade 12 with specialist classes for children with SEN, integrating with mainstream for activities. Member of Round Square oganisation.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international search.