School Name
Hilton College
Category
Rest of the World Schools
Types
Senior school
Pupil type
Boys only
Boarding-Day
Boarding
Curriculums
South African curriculum
A-Level
IEB
Pupil age range
13-18
Location
KwaZulu Natal
Hilton College
Focus
Inspiring boys to inspire others
Boarding fees 2026
$27,800
Term dates
- Term 1: 13 January to 27 March 2026
- Term 2: 20 April to 26 June 2026
- Term 3: 20 July to 23 September 2026
- Term 4: 6 October to 27 November 2026
Ages
13-18
Pupil count
590
Spear’s Review
Hilton College has been teaching boys the importance of respect, honesty and integrity for over 150 years. The school, located on a 4,000-acre estate in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, serves as a term-time home to nearly 600 boys, all striving to achieve personal and professional success. ‘In a world that’s often jaded and confusing, we inspire boys to inspire others’, the school says. This nurturing is achieved through an individualised plan created for each student, tailored to their strengths and which allows them to immerse themselves in learning and express themselves authentically.
Hilton College graduates go on to matriculate at some of the top universities in South Africa and around the world, while older Hiltonians regularly visit the college to attend cricket matches, gathering in the famed Fleur-de-Lys Club to reminisce.
Academics
In 2025, students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in the South African IEB exams. Twenty-three students took A-Levels, with one student achieving two A* grades and a further four each receiving four A grades.
Head teacher
George Harris was appointed Hilton College’s headmaster in 2017. Prior to joining Hilton, he was the CEO of the Royal Bafokeng Institut, which works to integrate innovative teaching approaches into South African schools. Harris has a degree in African literature from Wits University, and was a fellow at Columbia University’s Teachers College.
University and college destinations
In 2025, Hiltonians accepted offers to South Africa’s Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria, as well as the UK’s University of Edinburgh.
Admissions
Hilton College is a non-selective school. Prospective students can begin the admissions process by registering online and submitting information such as school reports. Applicants and their families will then meet with the admissions team and arrange a visit to the school; this can include a personal tour, attendance at an open day or an overnight in a boarding house.
Accessibility
King Shaka International Airport: 2 hours
Location
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Rank: Top 100
Top 100 Spear’s Schools Index 2026, Rest of the World Schools