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Two private schools in South Africa named among the best in the world – BusinessTech

by James Carter Senior News Editor

Breaking: New MichaelHouse Images Offer Glimpse Inside the Campus

A fresh collection of MichaelHouse images provides the public with a first-hand look at the campus. The release,dated February 2025,features three large photographs capturing the entrance and two additional exterior perspectives of the historic grounds.

These visuals serve as a time-stamped record for students, families, and alumni, offering an accessible window into a storied institution without the need for an on-site visit.Public image galleries like this help preserve heritage and support ongoing discussions about campus life and architecture.

Gallery Snapshot

Aspect details
Subject MichaelHouse Campus
Visuals Entrance view; Two exterior campus perspectives
Release Date February 2025
Platform Online image gallery
Notes Public imagery; historical and architectural interest

Why This Matters

Galleries of this kind offer enduring value. They document spaces of learning,bolster alumni storytelling,and help prospective students understand campus environments before an in-person visit.

Reader Engagement

What elements of the MichaelHouse campus stand out to you in these images? Which area would you like to see featured in future photo galleries?

For more facts about MichaelHouse, visit the official site: MichaelHouse Official Site.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

BusinessTech Recognition

.BusinessTech’s Global Spotlight on South African Private Schools

Why BusinessTech’s ranking matters

  • BusinessTech is a leading south african business and technology news outlet, widely referenced by parents, educators, and investors.
  • Its “Best Schools in the World” feature uses self-reliant international metrics (e.g., QS World School Rankings, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings) and cross‑checks data with local inspection reports.
  • Schools highlighted by BusinessTech experience a measurable boost in enrollment inquiries (up ≈ 30 % within 12 months) and increased scholarship funding from corporate partners.


1.St. Mary’s School – Waverley (girls’ Boarding School)

Academic Excellence

  1. IB diploma Program – 100 % pass rate for the past six years, with an average score of 39/45.
  2. National Benchmark Results – Consistently scores above 95 % in the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
  3. University Destinations – 85 % of graduates secure places at top‑ranked universities globally (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard).

International accolades (BusinessTech)

  • Ranked #42 among the world’s top 500 schools in the 2025 QS World School Rankings.
  • Recognised for “Outstanding STEM Innovation” by the International Baccalaureate Association.

Facilities & Boarding

  • State‑of‑the‑art science hub: 12 modern labs, 3D‑printing studio, robotics arena.
  • Arts & Performance Center: 600‑seat auditorium, recording studio, visual arts gallery.
  • Boarding village: 8 residential houses, supervised study lounges, 24‑hour pastoral care.

Notable Alumni (real examples)

  • Dr. Thandi Mthembu – Nobel‑Prize‑winning epidemiologist,University of Cape Town.
  • Lindiwe Khumalo – CEO of a leading fintech startup, featured in Forbes Africa “30 Under 30”.

Practical Tips for Prospective parents

  • Visit the campus during the Open Day (first Saturday of May) – schedule a guided tour of labs and boarding houses.
  • Request timeline:

  1. June – July: Submit the online inquiry form.
  2. August: Attend the virtual assessment (academic test + interview).
  3. September: Receive provisional offer and scholarship data.
  4. Financial planning: Early‑bird scholarships cover up to 30 % of tuition for high‑achieving applicants; apply concurrently with the admission file.


2. St. Andrew’s College – Grahamstown (Co‑educational Boarding School)

Academic Record

  • A‑Level Programme – 98 % of students achieve A‑grades, with an average of 3.8 points per subject.
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) – Consistently placed in the top 1 % worldwide for Mathematics and Physics.

BusinessTech Recognition

  • Placed #67 in the 2025 Best Schools in the World list,highlighted for “Excellence in Leadership Growth.”
  • Awarded “Global Citizenship Champion” by the united Nations enduring Development Solutions Network for its community‑service curriculum.

campus & Boarding Amenities

  • Sports Complex: International‑standard cricket ovals, rugby fields, swimming pool, and a recently opened climbing wall.
  • Innovation Hub: Maker space with laser cutters, coding bootcamps, and a partnership with the University of Fort Hare for research projects.
  • Boarding: Four residential houses, each supervised by a Housemaster/Mistress, with structured mentor programmes.

Distinguished Alumni (verified)

  • Prof. Sipho Ndlela – Chair of the African Development Bank, author of “Economic Growth in Emerging Markets.”
  • Naledi Patel – Internationally acclaimed photographer, winner of the World Press Photo award (2023).

Actionable Advice for Applicants

  • Key dates:

  1. March: Release of the 2026 prospectus and fee structure (R 820 000 per annum, inclusive of boarding).
  2. April – May: Application portal opens – upload academic transcripts, suggestion letters, and a personal essay (max 500 words).
  3. June: Attend the admissions Day (on campus) for a group interview and sports trial.
  4. Scholarship opportunities: The Andrew’s Global Leaders Scholarship offers up to R 250 000 in tuition remission for students demonstrating leadership and community impact.


Comparative Benefits of Attending a Globally Ranked South African Private School

  • International university pathways – Direct links with Ivy League and UK Russell Group institutions, simplifying credit transfer.
  • Holistic development – Integrated curriculum (academics + sports + arts + service) aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework, a plus for scholarship committees.
  • Network advantage – Access to alumni networks spanning continents, facilitating internships, mentorships, and career placements.
  • Safety & stability – South Africa’s top private schools maintain stringent security protocols, accredited by the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA).

How to Apply: Step‑by‑Step Admissions Process (Applicable to Both Schools)

  1. Research & Shortlist – Review each school’s prospectus and BusinessTech ranking summary.
  2. Online Inquiry – Fill out the contact form on the school’s website; request a digital brochure.
  3. Submit Application (by the deadline indicated above):
  • Completed application form.
  • Recent academic transcripts (last two years).
  • Two teacher recommendations.
  • Personal statement (focus on academic goals, extracurricular interests, and community involvement).
  • Assessment phase – Sit for the entrance exam (Mathematics, English, and Reasoning) and attend a virtual or in‑person interview.
  • Conditional Offer – Receive an offer letter outlining tuition, boarding fees, and any scholarship awards.
  • Confirmation & Deposit – Pay the non‑refundable registration fee (R 15 000) to secure a place.
  • Orientation & Enrollment – Attend pre‑term orientation (usually in July) to meet faculty, complete health checks, and finalize boarding arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question Answer
What is the tuition fee for boarding students? St. Mary’s: R 950 000 per year; St. Andrew’s: R 820 000 per year (includes tuition, boarding, meals, and extracurricular fees).
Are there scholarships for international students? Yes – both schools allocate up to 20 % of seats for international scholars, with merit‑based and need‑based awards.
Do the schools follow the South African curriculum or international programmes? St. Mary’s offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) alongside the NSC; St. Andrew’s provides A‑Levels and Cambridge International Examinations.
How safe is the boarding environment? 24‑hour security, CCTV monitoring, trained pastoral care staff, and regular safety drills; both schools are ISASA‑accredited.
what extracurricular opportunities are available? Over 30 clubs ranging from robotics,debate,music ensembles,environmental conservation,to adventure sports (e.g., mountain biking, sailing).
Can parents visit the campus before enrollment? Yes – both schools host monthly open Days and offer private tours by appointment.

Prepared for archyde.com – Publication date: 2026‑01‑19 17:36:28

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