Michaelhouse

Focus

Respect for the individual

Boarding fees 2026

$26,200

Term dates

• Term 1: 13 January to 27 March 2026
• Term 2: 20 April to 26 June 2026
• Term 3: 20 July to 18 September 2026
• Term 4: 5 October to 27 November 2026

Ages

13-18

Pupil count

642

Spear’s Review

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

Founded in 1896 by an Anglican priest, the school was designed to provide an education in the Christian values of integrity, humility, compassion and courage. Today, Michaelhouse remains committed to its pursuit to promote sustainability and growth in each student. Its personalised, student-led approach is supported by a fully residential staff and small class sizes.

Michaelhouse offers 34 sports clubs, from rock climbing and fly fishing to scuba diving. Boys also have access to the college’s extensive countryside grounds, including 12 playing fields, tennis courts, cricket grounds and a golf driving range. For the more artistically inclined, there are ceramics rooms, art studios and a 620-seat theatre with regular productions on offer.

Academics

In 2025, Michaelhouse achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in the IEB examinations.

Head teacher

Antony Clark served as headmaster at Michaelhouse from 2019 to the end of 2025. The school has named Bart Wielenga, currently head at Blundell’s School in Devon, UK, the next rector of Michaelhouse. He is set to join the school in July 2026; until then, Win de Wet is serving as acting rector.

University destinations

Michaelhouse boys frequently progress to top universities around the world, including Exeter, Edinburgh and Cambridge, due to the transferable nature of the South African school qualifications.

Admissions

Admissions open from birth. Entry starts at Grade 8 (E Block), with places in Grades 9 and 10 (D and C Block) offered only if there are spaces available. There is no entrance exam; instead, prospective students take part in a tiered interview process 18 months before enrolment.

Accessibility

King Shaka International Airport: 2 hours / Oribi Regional Airport: 45 minutes

Location

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