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Best 10 International Schools in Cape Town

International Education in Cape Town

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Considering a move to Cape Town, with kids in tow? Then here’s some good news: South Africa has the cheapest fees in the world for international schools. As well as enjoying the views of Table Mountain and the South Atlantic ocean, the intriguing mix of cultures and the affordable cost of living, you can rest assured your children will get a stellar education too.

Cape Town is the second biggest city in South Africa and is no stranger to expats. There is a wide range of international schools to choose from in various neighbourhoods of the city. While you will find a handful in or close to the city centre, the southern suburbs of Kenilworth, Claremont and Rosebank offer more choice. Just outside the city, the beautiful coastal town of Bloubergstrand also has several international schools.

With its history as a British colony, it’s unsurprising that Cape Town’s international schools mainly teach the British curriculum. This city is a true melting pot of cultures and nations however, so you’ll also find South African, French, German, and the Waldorf curriculum on offer. All schools cater for children up to the age of 18. While most teach primary and secondary levels, some will only cater for second level students (from age 12 or 13).

South Africa’s state schools have a pretty poor reputation when it comes to standards of education. International schools in the country are privately run however, so you can expect similar standards to international schools around the world. In big cities like Cape Town, schools also come with impressive facilities and smaller than average class sizes.

The academic year in international schools in Cape Town begins in August and finishes in June. In general the school day begins at around 8am and finishes at 2 or 3pm. Most schools offer a range of extracurricular activities, or ‘supervised study’ for the older students.

Many International schools in South Africa make religion a core part of their approach. In Cape Town there are several Catholic, Anglican or more general Christian schools. Boarding schools also have a long history here and you will find a selection in or around Cape Town. These schools are generally the most well-established and traditional, but don’t worry if boarding isn’t desirable; they also have ‘day school’ options for students too.

The newer international schools in Cape Town tend to be more modern. They emphasise a ‘global education’ for students, preparing them for university education and for life anywhere in the world. Both types of school, long-established and traditional or new and modern, will provide your child with a top-class education. Neither category is better than the other - it all depends on you and your child.

Below, we have compiled the top 10 international schools in Cape Town according to our users. However, there are another 19 schools to choose from in the city. You can find the best international school for your child by personalising your results. Just fill in your search criteria, and we will calculate a personal score for every international school in Cape Town based on your requirements.

Best 10 International Schools in Cape Town

Out of a total of 29 International Schools in Cape Town.

Based on the aggregated preferences of our users in the last 30 days.

Bishops Diocesan College

Bishops Diocesan College is an independent boys’ school in Cape Town with a long history, a strong academic ethos combined with a commitment to all-roundedness, and a proud record of achievements
Curriculum
Anglican, South African
Language of instruction
English
Ages
5 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: R 85,910
to: R 199,650
Reviews
(1 review)

American International School of Cape Town

We aim to instill a strong sense of community among our students, while equipping them with the skills to be curious, life-long learners.
Curriculum
American
Language of instruction
English
Ages
2 to 18
This school does not make their fees public.
Reviews
(1 review)

Cape Town French School

Located in the heart of City of Cape Town, the Cape Town French School provides French and Cambridge English education from pre-primary to grade 12. Our students are fully bilingual (French-English), they also learn a third language (German or Spanish) and obtain the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI), which is recognised by over 400 universities (in Europe, the USA, Canada, the UK, and in all French speaking and English speaking countries).
Curriculum
British, French
Languages of instruction
English, French
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2023/2024
from: R 88,000
to: R 116,000

German International School Cape Town

As a bilingual German school abroad we follow the German and South African (IEB) curriculum. Graduating with a South African and European university entrance qualification gives our learners a broader choice for their tertiary education in South Africa, Germany or in other countries, opening doors to an international career.
We teach German mother-tongue learners from Grades 1 - 12 and English-speaking learners from Grades 5 - 12, respectively.
The German International School Cape Town is not just a place for academic, sporting and artistic achievements. It is a community, where we welcome learners and families from more than 40 nationalities of different social and cultural backgrounds.
Intercultural learning is an important aspect in our learners’ holistic development. The act of building bridges between societies and cultures fosters understanding, mutual respect and open-mindedness.
Curriculum
German, South African
Languages of instruction
English, German
Ages
6 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: R 78,920
to: R 78,920
Reviews
(1 review)

Liberté School

Liberté School provides a learning environment where children are allowed the freedom to learn in a manner most suited to them individually. Our educational approach is based on Cognitive Science principles: the science of learning and thinking with a strong focus on the development of executive functioning skills.
Curriculum
British, Montessori
Language of instruction
English
Ages
1 to 11
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: R 46,800
to: R 61,200

Parklands College & Christopher Robin Pre-Primary

Parklands College & Christopher Robin Pre-Primary is a Top 20 school that was established to provide a world class education from the early childhood years to the final compulsory schooling exit point at Grade 12. Parklands College offers complete peace of mind, not only preparing the child academically but also emotionally, socially, morally and physically, in preparation for life’s challenges. As both an Apple Distinguished School and one of only two Google Reference Schools in Africa Parklands College & Christopher Robin Pre-Primary is recognised as global learning innovation leaders.
Curriculum
South African
Language of instruction
English
Ages
1 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: R 56,435
to: R 133,375

Somerset College

As a school with a Christian foundation, the staff and students work in an environment based on strong values, spiritual development, and a commitment to community service – all of which play a fundamental role in the development of responsible, caring individuals. At Somerset College, there is a keen focus on educating the whole child. Academics, Sport, Cultural Activities, Leadership and Spiritual Development, Environmental and Outdoor Programmes ensure that every student can flourish and explore individual talent in any number of spheres.
Curriculum
British, Christian, South African
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: R 58,300
to: R 169,900

Constantia Waldorf School

Constantia Waldorf School was established in 1967 on a farm in what was then rural Constantia, in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. It was the first Waldorf school in Africa. Constantia Waldorf School is co-educational and offers a modern, comprehensive Waldorf Curriculum from Playgroup to Matric, designed to meet the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of the growing child at various stages of development.
Curriculum
Waldorf
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: R 51,450
to: R 103,286
Reviews
(2 reviews)

Auburn House Montessori School

We provide an open environment for children 3-12yrs. The curriculum and educational structure give children the freedom to develop to their fullest socially, intellectually and creatively. The ethos of the school is founded on a strong philosophy, the essence of which is the Montessori principle of respect for the well being of each individual, contributing towards a sustainable and healthy society.
Curriculum
Montessori
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 13
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: R 51,370
to: R 78,045

Peak Academy High School

We offer relational education where we are focused on building relationship with the students and work with them to achieve their goals.
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
13 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: R 73,956
to: R 92,100

Find the Best International School in Cape Town FOR YOU!

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