Global Recognition: Two South African Private Schools Named Among World’s Elite

In the rarefied world of global elite education, two South African institutions have again secured their place among the very best. Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town and MichaelHouse in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands have been named in the prestigious Carfax Education Schools Index for 2025/26, affirming their status not only as the country’s top private schools but also as world-class centres of learning.

The Carfax Index is an internationally respected, independent guide curated for families seeking the pinnacle of education worldwide. It does not accept payment for inclusion, instead basing its selections on a rigorous assessment of academic results, leadership, ethos, facilities, university destinations, and the long-term outcomes for pupils.

Bishops: A Cape Institution With a Unique Path

Founded in 1849, the 176-year-old Bishops Diocesan College in Rondebosch stands out even among local private schools. While deeply rooted in Anglican tradition, it welcomes boys of all faiths and is notable for offering the National Senior Certificate (NSC) rather than the more common Independent Examination Board (IEB) curriculum. A growing number of pupils are also opting for Cambridge A-Levels.

This academic flexibility clearly works. The 2025 matric class achieved a 100% pass rate, with a 98.6% bachelor’s pass and an impressive 474 subject distinctions. This consistent excellence, combined with its unique ethos and historic campus, underpins its enduring global reputation.

MichaelHouse: A Midlands Powerhouse

Nestled in the Balgowan valley, MichaelHouse carries a legacy dating back to 1896. What began with 15 boys has grown into an academic powerhouse whose graduates regularly progress to top global universities. Mirroring Bishops’ success, its 2025 matrics also secured a 100% pass rate and a 99% bachelor’s pass, earning 363 distinctions.

The school’s holistic approachbalancing rigorous academics with strong sporting, cultural, and spiritual developmentexemplifies the qualities the Carfax index seeks: preparing pupils not just for university, but for life.

A Broader African Presence

The two South African schools are listed alongside three other African institutions in the “Top Schools in Africa” category: the American School of Lagos (Nigeria), Pembroke House (Kenya), and the British International School (Egypt). Additionally, Hilton College earned a spot on Carfax’s separate “Schools to Watch” list in 2025.

For South African parents and educators, this recognition is a point of pride, highlighting that local private education can compete on the global stage. It reaffirms that excellence, when nurtured with the right resources, ethos, and vision, can earn a place among the world’s most respected learning institutions. In a challenging national education landscape, these schools shine as beacons of what is possible.

{Source: Business Tech}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com