Michaelhouse is one of South Africa's most prestigious private schools with a rich heritage. The Christian-based boy school has an all-rounded academic system that ensures the holistic growth of learners. The high Michaelhouse fees also make it one of the most expensive educational institutions in the country.

The all-boys school is equipped with several state-of-the-art facilities for academic, sporting, and cultural learning. Michaelhouse has produced several notable alumni, including rugby athlete Pat Lambie, entrepreneur Desmond Sacco, novelist Craig Higginson, Australian canoeist Jean van der Westhuyzen, and novelist Johan van der Ruit.

Michaelhouse profile

Michaelhouse is a private senior boarding school in Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa. It was established in 1896 by Anglican Priest Cannon James Cameron Todd with just 15 boys and two small houses. The facility currently has ten boarding houses with a teacher-pupil ratio of 1:10 and writes examinations of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). Michaelhouse has six learning areas, including;

• Languages
• Arts & Culture
• Human & Social Studies and Languages
• Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
• Business, Commerce and Management Studies
• Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology

How much are Michaelhouse's school fees in 2023?

Michaelhouse is the second-most expensive school in South Africa after their friendly rivals and neighbours, Hilton College. The 2023 fee structure for Michaelhouse is as follows:

• Non-refundable registration fee: R950
• Annual board and tuition E to A Block: R347,680
• Voluntary development levy: R6,100
• Debtors' admin fee: R4,929 (For SA residents not paying by debit order/non-South African residents who do not pay fees in advance)
• Non-refundable acceptance fee: R75,000 for South African residents/R106,920 for non-South African residents
• Non-South African refundable deposit: R66,920
• Fees after a 3.5% discount for payment in advance: R335,511
• Other charges to purchase stationery, textbooks, uniforms, and personal items.

Fees and levies are invoiced in ten equal instalments starting December to September the following year, and debit orders are a prerequisite.

Michaelhouse calendar

Michaelhouse operates on a four-term calendar. The 2023 and 2024 term dates are as follows:

Other important dates in 2023 include:

Michaelhouse reserves the right to make changes to the above dates. Kindly keep checking their website for any updates.

Michaelhouse sports

The school strives to nurture boys in all aspects of life, including academics, sports, culture, and environmental issues. The facility's sporting programme has 14 sports options that students can participate including athletics, basketball, canoeing, cricket, cross country, golf, hockey, rugby, soccer, squash, swimming, tennis, and water polo.

Michaelhouse is one of the few schools in KwaZulu-Natal that has invested well in sporting activities. The facility has 12 playing fields, including:

Michaelhouse contacts

You can contact the school using these telephone numbers:

• General school: +27 33 234 1000
• Admissions: +27 33 234 1141
• Old Boy's Club: +27 33 234 1167

You can email them on:

• Admissions: admissions@michaelhouse.org
• Careers: careers@michaelhouse.org
• General enquiries: info@michaelhouse.org
• Old Boy's Club: oldboys@michaelhouse.org

Alternatively, you can visit the school physically in Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa. They are also on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

How many students does Michaelhouse have?

The all-boys school has about 615 students from Block E to Block A (grades 8 to 12). The students are aged between 13 and 18.

Who is the headmaster at Michaelhouse?

Antony Roy Clark is the current rector (headmaster) at Michaelhouse. The educationalist is a former first-class cricketer and previously headed four schools, including Malvern College in Worcestershire, Gresham's School in Norfolk, England, St. Andrew College, and St. Joseph's Marist College in Cape Town.

How big is Michaelhouse?

The facility sits on a 680 hectares estate in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The buildings have the architectural design of British schools. The estate's lower level has classrooms and dining halls, while the upper level is home to the school's houses. The Michaelhouse Chapel was built at the heart of the school.

Which is the most expensive school in South Africa?

Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is the most expensive school in South Africa. Their annual tuition fees in 2023 are R369,920, with an additional R480 per term for extras and a non-refundable entry fee of R92,480.

What is the most expensive private school in South Africa?

Hilton College is the most expensive private school in Mzansi in 2023, with an annual tuition fee of 369,920. It is closely followed by Michaelhouse in second place with an annual tuition of 347,680 and St. Andrew's College in third place with an annual tuition fee of R340,869.

What is the most expensive government school in South Africa?

Pretoria Boys High School is currently the most expensive government school in South Africa, with an annual fee of R65,850. It is closely followed by King Edward VII School with R65,600 and Rondebosch Boys' High School in third place with a yearly fee of R65,000.

What is the most expensive girl school in South Africa?

Roedean School for Girls in Johannesburg, Gauteng, is the most expensive girls' high school in South Africa. Their annual tuition fee in 2023 is R338,428.

What is the most expensive girls' school in Cape Town?

Herschel Girls School is the most expensive girls' school in Cape Town. Their 2023 annual fee for grades 8 to 12 student boarders is over R250,000.

Michaelhouse fees are some of the highest in South Africa, but it is also one of the best schools in the region. The facility is established on Christian values and ensures holistic growth. Their students are taught to excel in all aspects of life, not just academics.

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Other funding options available to students include ISFAP, university financial aid, external bursaries, scholarships, student loans, and crowdfunding. Find out how each of the options works.

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