Top 12 Best Public Boarding Schools in South Africa

South Africa, officially known as the Republic of South Africa is a beautiful state blessed with amazing safari parks, diverse culture, and friendly weather.

It covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres with the official language of the country being English. It has over 60 million people and is the 23rd most populated country in the world.

South Africa is home to hundreds of boarding schools. Primary and secondary education in the country is being handled by the department of basic education (DBE).

What is a Boarding School?

A boarding school is a school where kids lodge, have meals and learn with all of their basic needs provided for within the school premises. It could be exclusive for either males or females or have a coexistence nature.

Boarding schools have been in existence for a very long time. The aim is to produce disciplined individuals who can survive anywhere they find themselves.

Meanwhile, kids can attend as early as 9years. It is a place where different people meet and try to live under discipline, some of these schools are publicly or privately owned by the government, institutions, religious bodies, or even the military.

Top 12 Best Public Boarding Schools in South Africa

Finding a public boarding school in South Africa might be a problem for people who do not know so many places in the country. If you plan to attend a public boarding school in South Africa, here are some schools you should consider:

1. Harry Oppenheimer Agricultural High School

Harry Oppenheimer Agricultural High School is a public school that was established in 1982 for students who wanted to learn Agriculture before it finally became a fully functional and general service school in 1996. It also accommodates students with disabilities.

The school’s curriculum covers grades 8-12 under the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). The admission requirements for this school include original copies of birth certificate, parents Clinic card, Testimonial, etc.

2. Hudson Park High School

Hudson Park High School provides comfortable boarding facilities for students. It has two major hostels, one for boys and the other for girls. They have beautiful structures, an updated school curriculum, highly trained staff and hold values necessary for the training of their students. If you are looking for a school that is good at sporting activities especially rugby, Hudson Park High school is the place for you.

3. Mopane Intermediate School

This public school is located in P.O Box 664, Louis Trichardt 0920, Limpopo, South Africa. They have an average of 800 students in attendance, it has well-equipped boarding facilities for an average of 400 students and 39 teachers. Major requirements for admission include a discipline record. To get admitted into this school, you need to follow up on their admission requirements and not lose track of school policy changes.

4. Pretoria High School for Girls

This boarding school as the name implies is strictly for females. Located in Gauteng, Pretoria. It was established in 1902. The school was awarded in 2007 as The most improved school, along with 10 other schools. Diversity in culture and skills are highly encouraged for the girls to prepare them for life after high school. The students here are weekly boarders and are allowed to decorate their cubes to individual taste.

5. Park Town Boys High School

Park Town Boys High School operates from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon. One of the oldest schools in Johannesburg it was founded in 1923. The students excel in sports and have consistent ratings in academics. The values of the school include teaching boys to be proper gentlemen, tolerance, honesty, and hard work.

6. The Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology

The Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology was established in 2004 and it is co-educational. If you are looking for a boarding school that prioritizes Sciences, this is the school for you. Mathematics and Physical Sciences are made compulsory courses to be offered in this institution. Other courses offered include English, Afrikaans, information technology, Mandarin, and Accounting. The students Excel in mathematics and other sciences being one of the best public boarding schools in South Africa.

7. York High School

York High School is a co-educational boarding school that has passion and is famous for sports activities. Located in George, Western Cape, South Africa. They have about 925 students in their facility and their tuition is around R15000, the tuition fees are also subject to change by the government. The school’s admission requirements include police affidavit, birth certificate, immunization proof, residence proof, study permit, etc.

8. Pretoria Boys High School

With over 1500 students, Pretoria Boys high school is the brother school to Pretoria Girls high school. Coming to this school will be fun for you as there are a whole variety of activities you can choose from. Activities like arts, music (which is regarded as best in the country), photography, drama, games, debate, and creative writings under the umbrella of the school’s newspaper called “Boys highlight”, squash, basketball, hockey and other extracurricular activities.

9. King Edward VII School

Established in 1905 and named after King Edward the vii of England, the Sheffield city council wanted boys who would be diligently trained and then sent to prestigious Universities like Cambridge, Oxford, and Sheffield.

The all-boys boarding school in Johannesburg is dedicated to making men out of boys excel in their lives in and out of the school environment.

A positive development is a key value in this school. The school colours include, red, white and green. The staff are 204 in numbers with an attendance rate of 1,200 males, and having a sister school called “Waverly girls High school”.

You are sure to bring out the best in you once you begin classes here because the teachers here are passionate, skilled, and apt.

10. Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls

Founded by Oprah Winfrey in 2007, the school is committed to giving sound and quality education to underprivileged girls. Oprah Winfrey was driven by a passion for girls who have no opportunities.

The school is set to discover potentials from the grassroots and harness them to be global women. Their qualified teachers and learning equipment will inspire you from the inside out, this is the school you should go to to discover your potentials.

11. J.C Joose High School

A boarding school that offers co-educational boarding services. It is located in Petrusburg, Free State, South Africa. The school is notable for its training of students to mould them to become future and credible leaders in society. Aside from the English language, the students are also taught Afrikaans.

12. Queens College

Also known as “QC“. QC is a boy’s school that offers boarding and day facilities for its students. It is located at Top Town, 16 Berry St, Queenstown, 5320, South Africa. The core belief of the school is the wholeness of the human person. As a result, they train their students in all areas of human endeavours; spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and financially.

The boys at Queen’s college are known to exhibit enviable qualities and good manners. QC is a good choice if you admire all these qualities in a person. As a boarding student at Queen’s College, you will be required to pay your fees in advance. You will not be allowed into the hostel if you don’t show a copy of your payment slip.

Skills to Succeed in a Public Boarding School in South Africa

Being in a boarding school means you should acquire skills such as:

• Tolerance

Be tolerant; no one likes anyone who has a bad attitude, you need to be respectful to other people and you won’t be living alone. You will meet different people with diverse backgrounds, have an open mind to respect and tolerate them.

• Pay Attention

You are there for a reason so learn all you have to, life in a boarding school doesn’t just teach you the books, but also you will learn vital life and survival skills.

• Hygiene

Please do not mess up the toilet, environment, or your personal space, no one likes a dirty person so wash your clothes, wear perfume. Be clean in all areas.

• Proper Time Management

You will need to keep to time at all times. In boarding school, everything is timed. There is a set time for eating, sports, sleeping, reading, religious activities, etc. These activities are regulated by the dorm or school timekeeper. Attending routines late can attract punishment especially in a military school setting. So avoids lagging behind your colleagues, prepares ahead of time, set an alarm, and be punctual. Proper time management is essential in boarding school and life generally. You have probably heard of this saying “time is money” so use it wisely.

Items Needed for Public Boarding Schools in South Africa

Some of the boarding schools provide materials at all expense to the government. However, you may still have to pay some fees at the discretion of the school you are attending. As a new student seeking admission into a boarding school, you need items like:

• Sanitary napkins
• Pads, towels
• Lotions
• Phones, and gadgets (if your school permits)
• Bed items of clothing, etc.

Conclusion

If you are attending a public boarding school for the first time, the experience might be overwhelming.

While you are at all the above, ensure you have fun too! It’s a great experience and makes the most use of it, make new friends, build memories, love people and enjoy yourself you won’t be there forever.