For decades, high school has been the main gateway for many students to enter the world of higher education and gain a career in their desired field. However, many high schools in Cape Town have no classrooms or teachers – they were never completed because residents and governments thought that it was too expensive. In this article, we will see various high schools in Cape Town.
History of High Schools in Cape Town
High schools in Cape Town date back to the early 1800s. The first high school in Cape Town was the Burghers’ School, which opened in 1816. The school was originally established as a grammar school for the sons of Cape Town’s burghers (upper-class citizens). By 1827, six high schools were operating in Cape Town. Over time, these schools evolved into what is now known as secondary schools.
The first secondary school to open in Cape Town was the Collegiate School, which opened in 1828. It was followed by the Dean Saunders School (1829), Grey College (1830), King William’s College (1831), Stellenbosch College (1832), and Rhodes University (1893).
In 1906, the Western Province Education Department decided to establish a separate high school for boys from the province’s black townships. This institution became known as Gordon High School and is still operational today.
During World War II, many high schools closed their doors due to security concerns. After the war, many of these schools reopened with extended hours and increased enrolment. In 1973, Gordon High School became an all-boys institution and renamed itself Athlone High School.
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Benefits of Studying in High Schools in Cape Town
- Exposure to World-class Teaching:
Most high schools in Cape Town are ranked among the best in South Africa, and they offer some of the best teaching available. You’ll learn from highly qualified teachers who know their subject matter inside and out. This level of instruction will give you a leg up when it comes to finding a job or furthering your education later on.
- Greater Opportunities for Career Growth:
High school graduates in Cape Town have a greater chance of finding successful careers than those who don’t attend high school. Not only do you get an excellent education, but you also develop critical workplace skills that can help you achieve success. In addition, many high schools have partnerships with businesses, which means you have access to internship and job opportunities right from the start.
- Access to world-class Facilities:
All of the high schools in Cape Town are some of the best in South Africa, and many are international schools. This means that they offer top-notch facilities, from libraries to sports fields to laboratories. You’ll be able to learn in a setting that’s perfect for your needs and interests, and you won’t have to compromise on quality.
- Plenty of Opportunity for Enrichment:
The high schools in Cape Town offer an incredibly diverse range of courses, from languages to fine arts to sciences. This means that there’s always something interesting happening on campus, whether it’s a performance by a student group or a lecture by a famous scholar. There are also plenty of enrichment opportunities available, such as trips abroad or participation in extracurricular activities.
- Connections with like-minded People:
Studying at a high school in Cape Town is like joining a large community of students who share your interests and values. You’ll be able to connect with other students through clubs and sports teams, as well as through informal networks created during mentorship programs or
Eligible Criteria to Get Admission into High Schools in Cape Town
- You must be a South African citizen or have permanent resident status.
- You must have passed the Grade 10 matriculation examination.
- You must be a resident of Cape Town.
- You must not have any outstanding disciplinary matters on your record.
Read also: List of Top & Affordable High Schools in Krugersdorp
Top High Schools in Cape Town
- St Andrews College:
This prestigious school offers a challenging academic program and an amazing range of sports and extracurricular activities. St Andrews is known for its excellent facilities, including a state-of-the-art gymnasium and several laboratories.
- Claremont International School:
The Claremont International School was founded in 1998 to provide an international education experience to students from around the world. The school has a strong emphasis on academics, with students receiving an internationally recognized diploma upon graduation.
- Rhodes University Preparatory School (RUPS):
Located just outside of downtown Cape Town, Rhodes University Preparatory School is home to some of the most talented high school students in South Africa. RUPS offers a wide range of courses to choose from, as well as unique opportunities for participation in community service projects.
- Durban High School:
Durban High School is located in one of the most crime-ridden areas of Cape Town, but that hasn’t stopped this school from becoming one of the top choices for parents seeking a quality education for their children. Durban High offers an outstanding curriculum that prepares students for entrance into some of the country’s universities.
- Kingswood School:
Kingswood is one of Cape Town’s oldest schools founded in 1875. The school has educated many notable citizens including Nelson Mandela who was a student at Kingswood between 1954-1961 while he attended law school at the University of South Africa (USA). Today, Kingswood remains an internationally respected institution with strong academic credentials.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all high schools in Cape Town public?
A: Most high schools in Cape Town are public institutions, but there are a few private schools that offer excellent educational opportunities.
Q: How much does tuition at a high school in Cape Town cost?
A: Tuition at a high school in Cape Town can vary considerably depending on the specific school you choose to attend. Generally speaking, however, tuition at public schools tends to be lower than tuition at private schools.
Q: Is there financial assistance available for students who need it?
A: There are many different sources of financial assistance available to students who need it, including student loans and grants from government agencies and private organizations.