Focus 

Respect for the individual

Boarding fees 2025 

$21,000

Pupils 

615

Ages

13–18

Spear’s Review

Michaelhouse is a leading and historic boarding school for boys, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in South Africa.

Founded in 1896 by an Anglican priest to provide an education in the Christian values of integrity, humility, compassion and courage, Michaelhouse is proud of its history. Its list of alumni is particularly impressive, but it is also a future-facing place – its ultimate goal is to prepare each student to explore the world and find their own form of service.

Michaelhouse boys benefit from an excellent education, but they can also take advantage of the many sports, clubs and activities on offer within the college's countryside grounds, including 12 playing fields, tennis courts, cricket grounds and a golf driving range. In terms of indoor pursuits, ceramics rooms, art studios and nine musical practice rooms are all available for individual development.

Academics

According to the school, students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in the 2024 Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams.

University and college destinations

Michaelhouse boys frequently progress to top universities around the world due to the transferrable nature of the South African school qualifications.

Head teacher

Headmaster Antony Clark grew up in South Africa, attending St Andrew’s College Grahamstown and receiving degrees from Rhodes and Cambridge Universities. He served as headmaster of St Andrew’s for a nearly a decade before heading Gresham School and then Malvern College, both in the UK. He joined Michaelhouse in 2019. With Clark set to retire in 2026, the school has named Bart Wielenga, currently head at Blundell’s School in Devon in the UK, the next rector of Michaelhouse. 

Admissions

Entry normally begins at Grade 8 (E Block), and places in Grades 9 and 10 (D and C Block) are only offered if there are spaces available. Entry to the school is dependent on academic performance and passing an interview with the rector or deputy rector. Copies of reports and a recommendation from the previous school's master is also required.

Accessibility

King Shaka International Airport: 2 hours

Location

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