Johannesburg is a vibrant and multiracial city consisting of people from diverse backgrounds. Choosing the best school for your child can be challenging, but this should not be the case when you have the right information. The good news is that this expansive city is home to several outstanding public and private schools that offer excellent facilities and quality education.
Numerous schools in Johannesburg are renowned for producing successful professionals and business people in South Africa. These learning institutions have gained their reputation through offering comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs. If you’re looking for the best school for your child, this post is for you.
List of Top 10 Schools That Have Highest Pass Rate in Johannesburg
Several schools in Johannesburg are known for exceptional academic performance. According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Gauteng Province has the second highest pass rate in the 2026 Matric exams. The province has managed to maintain this position for some time now. Although the list is not exhaustive, the following are the top-performing schools you can consider in Johannesburg.
Hyde Park High School
Hyde Park High School is a public institution, but it is committed to providing world-class education that matches the standards offered by private schools. For several years now, the school has achieved a 100% pass rate in national examinations. Unlike other public schools that offer the National Senior Certificate (NSC), Hyde Park High School offers the Independent Examination Board (IEB) exams, and it recorded a 96% pass rate in the 2026 matric exams.
Athlone Boys High School
Athlone High School is a boys-only institution, and it has a rich history of producing exceptional pass rates and outstanding professionals in South Africa. For instance, famous people including Advocate George Bizos, business person Sol Kerzner, and musician Johnny Clegg, are products of this school. The school has maintained an average pass rate of more than 95% for several years. It remains a beacon of academic excellence in the Johannesburg area.
Holy Family College
Holy Family College is a private and mixed Catholic school that follows IEB and CAPS academic curricula. The institution has a track record of maintaining academic excellence over a long time. The Matric class of 2026 achieved a 100% pass rate and a Bachelor’s pass of 77%. Numerous distinctions were also recorded in different subjects.
St Peter’s College
St Peter’s College is a private institution run by the Anglican Church but open to students from diverse backgrounds. It is a leading independent school that strives to maintain its values and norms since its inception. Students are exposed to various academic, creative, sporting, and other activities that contribute to a high pass rate. The college has maintained an average pass rate of 100% for many years. In the 2026 Matric exams, St Peter’s College attained a 100% pass rate and a Bachelor’s Degree pass rate of 96%. The recent results indicate a continuing improvement in academic performance by the institution.
Parktown Boys’ High School
Parktown High School is another highly-rated boys’ learning institution in Johannesburg. This prestigious school was founded in 1920 and is one of the oldest institutions. It provides a conducive environment designed to nurture personal growth and promote academic achievement. The school has a track record of maintaining a pass rate of 98-100% over the past five years. It follows a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses a variety of subjects.
King Edward VII School
King Edward VII School in Johannesburg is renowned for academic excellence. Founded in 1902, this institution provides a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on developing students academically and instilling leadership and integrity. For the past five years, the school has maintained an average pass rate of 99% and about 85% Bachelor’s pass.
Roedean School
Roedean High School has been in existence for more than a century now, and it is one of the oldest and top-performing learning institutions in Johannesburg. It offers an appropriate learning environment designed to foster academic development and instill values and leadership in students. The school has maintained a colorful pass rate of 100% for several years. The 2026 Matric class achieved a 100% pass rate and 99% Bachelor’s pass. Additionally, 77 pupils got 357 distinctions and an average pass of 80% in all NSC subjects.
St. Stithians College
St Stithians is another leading co-educational school that emphasizes academic excellence and personality development. The school is inclusive, and this has made it a popular institution among students from different backgrounds. It has also maintained a high pass rate of 100% in public examinations written in the last five years. In the 2026 Matric exams, it achieved a 100% pass rate and 99% Bachelor’s Degree pass. A total of 545 distinctions were also recorded.
Jeppe High School for Boys
Jeppe High School is one of the best public learning institutions in Johannesburg. The esteemed school has a remarkable history of academic excellence spanning over a century. It offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster integrity and personal development. In the past few years, the school has maintained a 100% pass rate. In the 2026 Matric exams, the Bachelor’s pass rate was 87%, and more than 300 distinctions were recorded in different subjects.
Hoërskool Randburg
Hoërskool Randburg is among the top 10 schools in Johannesburg that have displayed a consistent record of maintaining academic excellence. It has a history that spans several decades and offers an environment that fosters academic development and personal development. The school is an embodiment of cultural inclusivity and offers a comprehensive curriculum. Likewise, in the 2026 matric exams and previous, the school has achieved a 100% pass rate and an average Bachelor’s Degree pass rate of 93%.
Johannesburg is home to top-notch schools that provide excellent educational experiences to students. These learning institutions have consistently demonstrated a high degree of commitment to academic excellence. These top public institutions have proved to be beacons of success, and they continue to raise the bar in the education sector in South Africa.
