Latest news with #HiltonCollege
IOL News
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Hilton College head's rebuke of opulent parent behaviour wins support
Hilton College in KZN Image: Hilton College/Facebook Despite mixed reactions on social media, parents at KwaZulu-Natal's Hilton College have reacted positively to headmaster George Harris calling out 'opulent' behaviour at sporting events. Harris, headmaster at the country's most expensive private school, made headlines when he admonished parents for their flashy behaviour on the sports field sidelines. Referring to a specific event, a derby-day between Hilton College and fellow posh all-boys high school, Michealhouse, the headmaster called on parents to scale down on trying to one-up each other as it sent a wrong message to learners. "When hospitality and generosity became self-serving displays of opulence, and began to pull away from what we aspire to be as a community," he wrote in the letter. Harris added, "For next year, can we ditch the opulence in favour of more wholesome hospitality devoid of showmanship and loud extravagance. When the extravagance stretches into overconsumption, the messaging we send to our children is awkwardly wrong. The community can do better." Hilton College headmaster George Harris has called out parents on their displays of opulence Image: Hilton College\Facebook Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Hilton College Director of Advancement, Pete Storrar, told IOL that Harris's message could apply to many schools. "His letter was not an open letter. It was addressed to our community. The response from Hilton College parents and alumni has been overwhelmingly positive. His message seems to have resonated with parents far and wide who want to instill in their children the values we espouse," Storrar said. Social media reaction "Was anything the parents did against the school code of conduct, or perhaps illegal? There, enough said," commented Sewraj Girdhurparsadh. "Me thinks the principal might just be jealous he is not as rich as them," added Uchechi Nwaka. "He is so correct, two years ago we were playing their 1st team cricket. Having come from Jhb. The Hilton parents announced that they had prepared us lunch, but there was cost to it R150 per person. These are the wealthiest showing how self-focused they are. The headmaster is 100% correct," said Facebook user, Kurt N Kirsten Transport "Good values, humility and kindness begin at home. How are children supposed to grow up and practice these qualities if parents cannot even watch a sports match and remain 'firmly on the ground'. "Wars are going on in the world! People are too caught up in themselves and materialism! Our children need to practice more kindness and giving and much less competition comparison and one-upping," said Jodi Tarrant-Phillips. According to its website, Hilton College fees for 2025 are R430 054.00 per annum. This fee covers tuition, food and board, games, minor medical attention, the use of the sanatorium, library and laundry. Furthermore, upon acceptance, parents/guardians will need to pay a R105 182.50 non-refundable entrance fee. IOL
The South African
3 days ago
- Business
- The South African
How does SA's most expensive school Hilton College compare to UK's costliest?
Home » How does SA's most expensive school Hilton College compare to UK's costliest? Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. But how does it compare worldwide? Image: Hilton College Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. In 2025, fees at South Africa's most expensive private boarding school, Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, passed the R420 000 mark. And it's not an outlier. Michaelhouse down the road costs R392 000 per annum with St Andrew's College in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) setting parents back R387 531 a year. In terms of what one would need to earn per annum to afford to send your child to one of the aforementioned schools, remember those fees are after tax . You'd need to be in the top 1% of South African salary-earners to be able to afford to do so. Factoring in all of life's other costs, to afford Hilton College comfortably, our calculations show you'd need a household income of between R2.6 million and R2.8 million per year. However, those amounts are 'low' compared to what it costs to send a pupil to Eton College, one of the United Kingdom's top schools in 2025. Eton College fees are £21 099.60 (R508 863.70) per term, which includes tuition, board, activities, and educational materials – much the same as is on offer on Hilton College. With three terms per academic year, the total annual cost is £63 298.80 (R1 526 591.09). This is inclusive of VAT, which is now applied to independent school fees. Below, a detailed comparison between Hilton College and Eton College, focusing on school fees and the broader educational context: Feature Hilton College Eton College Location KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Windsor, England Annual boarding fees R420 729 (£17 445) £63 299 (R1.53 million) Type All-boys, full boarding All-boys, full boarding Extras Most activities included in base fee Extra charges for music, trips, uniforms Non-refundable acceptance fee R105 000 (£4,300) £400 registration + £3 000 joining fee All meals, tuition, boarding, textbooks, activities, and sport are included Known for a strong academic record and beautiful natural surroundings (in a 1 762-hectare estate) No 'hidden extras' is a key selling point Covers boarding, tuition, meals Additional charges for private music lessons, overseas trips, optional activities, and uniforms Historic prestige and access to elite global networks Aspect Hilton College Eton College Founded 1872 1440 Reputation Among South Africa's top private schools One of the most prestigious schools globally Notable alumni Business leaders, judges, politicians 20 British Prime Ministers, royals, elites Curriculum IEB (Independent Examinations Board – SA) GCSEs and A-Levels (UK) Hilton College is expensive by South African standards, but still relatively affordable globally. It's aimed at high-income South African families and international boarders from Africa. is expensive by South African standards, but still relatively affordable globally. It's aimed at high-income South African families and international boarders from Africa. Eton College is elite in cost and access. It's typically reserved for global ultra-wealthy families, royals, or those on rare scholarships. School Estimated household income needed (ccomfortably) Hilton College R2.8 million (£116 000) Eton College £250 000 (R6 million) Hilton College offers a world-class boarding experience at a third of the price of Eton, with a strong South African identity and emphasis on tradition, leadership, and outdoor learning. offers a world-class boarding experience at a of Eton, with a strong South African identity and emphasis on tradition, leadership, and outdoor learning. Eton College is in a different league globally – extremely prestigious, more expensive, and tightly tied to British aristocracy and governance. In short: Hilton College is elite within South Africa; Eton College is elite within the world. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 days ago
- Business
- The South African
South Africa's 10 most expensive private schools in 2025
Hilton College is currently the most expensive private school in South Africa. Image: wikimedia commons Private education in South Africa isn't just premium, it's hitting luxury territory. In 2025, top boarding school fees have passed the R420 000 mark. That's shockingly more than most people's annual salary! Here's what you need to know about the most expensive private schools in the country, what they offer, and what kind of income you need to afford them. According to BusinessTech 's data from January 2025, private education costs in the country have reached new heights this year, with at least 10 private schools now charging over R340 000 per year for tuition and boarding. Rank School Location 2024 fees 2025 fees percentage increase 1 Hilton College Hilton, KZN R397 660 R420 729 5.8% 2 MichaelHouse Balgowan, KZN R368 000 R392 000 6.5% 3 St Andrew's College Makhanda, EC R363 879 R387 531 6.5% 4 Roedean School for Girls Johannesburg, GP R360 087 R387 093 7.5% 5 St John's College Johannesburg, GP R352 612 R376 589 6.8% 6 Kearsney College Botha's Hill, KZN R350 130 R374 330 6.9% 7 Bishops College Cape Town, WC R341 430 R364 680 6.8% 8 St Mary's Johannesburg, GP R335 470 R358 665 6.9% 9 St Alban's College Pretoria, GP R328 920 R353 580 7.5% 10 Diocesan School for Girls Makhanda, EC R323 040 R345 630 7.0% Well, these private schools justify their price tags with: World-class facilities, including modern labs, gyms, auditoriums, and Olympic-grade sports fields. Small class sizes: Think personalised attention and academic support. Leadership programs, which are often seen as stepping stones to Ivy League and top SA universities. Matric perks like private matric rooms, top-tier mentorship, and curated university application support. If you were to factor in the costs, to afford Hilton College or Michaelhouse comfortably, you'd need a household income of around R2.6 million to R2.8 million/year. For girls' schools like Roedean or St Mary's, you'd need around R1.4 million to R1.6 million/year. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Hilton College: The EIGHT Springboks who attended SA's most expensive school
South Africa's most expensive school, Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, made headlines for all the wrong reasons this week. This came after its headmaster George Harris told parents of learners at the all-boys private boarding school to 'ditch the opulence, rein it in on expensive marquees and catering and stop behaving badly at the annual Hilton/Michaelhouse rugby derby'. Among other things … Harris's criticism came following the most recent derby against another prominent private school in the province, Michaelhouse. Hilton College, founded in 1872, boasts eight former Springboks among its old boys. They are: Player Date of birth Ebbo Bastard 20 February 1912 Brian Pfaff 3 March 1930 Paul Johnstone 30 June 1930 Clive Ulyate 11 December 1933 Gary Teichmann 9 January 1967 Hentie Martens 29 October 1971 Wayne Fyvie 28 March 1972 Bobby Skinstad 3 July 1976 Both Teichmann (36 Tests) and Skinstad (12 Tests) captained the Springboks. Meanwhile, other prominent figures who have passed through its gates include Proteas cricketer Lungi Ngidi, sports broadcaster Robert Marawa, Democratic Alliance's Christopher Pappas, and two constitutional court judges John Didcott and Arthur Chaskalson – among other famous names. George Harris, who has been headmaster of the school since 2017, is not among Hilton College's alumni. He matriculated at Pretoria Boys High School. Hilton College holds the number one spot as South Africa's most expensive private or public school. Its annual fees for 2025 are R420 729, which includes boarding and tuition fees. Parents of learners would need to earn around R700 000 gross per annum just to afford the school fees for one child. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Times
Parents chastised for ‘displays of opulence' on rugby touchline
The headmaster of South Africa's most expensive school has urged parents to 'ditch the opulence' after sofas and liveried waiters were spotted at the side of the rugby pitch during a match against its closest rival. In a letter to Hilton College parents and old boys, George Harris said he had noticed that the rivalry with Michaelhouse was drawing as much effort off the field as on it, with a 'growing tendency towards one-upmanship in the scale of hosting and catering'. 'When hospitality and generosity become self-serving displays of opulence, they begin to pull us away from who we aspire to be as a community,' Harris, who joined the school in 2017, wrote in a note that has circulated on social media. Security staff had also reported verbal abuse from spectators and 'growing levels of aggression and entitlement', the headmaster said, highlighting a 'distressing' amount of litter. Refusal to comply with parking guidelines had resulted in a jam that took two hours to clear. Billed as the oldest uninterrupted schoolboy rugby rivalry in South Africa, the Hilton–Michaelhouse derby in KwaZulu-Natal province has been contested since 1904. The fixture is played twice a year, home and away. In a blunt message printed in the programme for the latest clash, hosted by Hilton on June 21, Harris wrote: 'Let's allow the boys to play — unhindered.' Following the match, which his school won 29-20, Harris appealed to parents and former pupils to make simpler plans for next season 'and determine to ditch the opulence in favour of a wholesome hospitality devoid of showmanship and loud extravagance'. Peter Storrar, from Hilton's staff, told South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper that the response to the principal's letter had been 'overwhelmingly positive'. Richard Bates, president of the Michaelhouse Old Boys' Club, said it also backed 'a move away from displays of excess', such as restricting spectators to bringing only what they can carry themselves to matches. Hilton College, near Pietermaritzburg, was founded in 1872 by William Newnham, a British teacher and cleric, and Gould Lucas, a naval officer who had survived the wreck of HMS Birkenhead, which sank off the coast of South Africa in 1852. Its annual fees for boarding and tuition are £17,500. Michaelhouse was founded nearby in 1896. Both schools have produced a number of players who have gone on to play for the Springboks, the national rugby side.
