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The South African
10-07-2025
- 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.
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Why the Western Cape property market is thriving: Insights and trends
Cape Town's property market continues to outpace other regions. Image: Ayanda Ndamane The Western Cape property market continues to outperform other regions by a significant margin, particularly within the Cape Town metropolitan area, and experts believe this trend is likely to continue. Lightstone data shows that Western Cape property prices grew by 8.7% in the year to January 2025, compared to the national average of 5.2%. According to The African Investor, Cape Town residential properties, in June 2025, showed year-on-year price growth of 8.5%. Moreover, Cape Town boasts an average prime property price of R31,000 per square, which is more than double Johannesburg's figure of R14,000. Particularly telling is that the Western Cape accounted for more than 38% of national real estate transaction value in 2024, according to Stats SA, despite having just 11% of the population. 'This concentration of capital speaks volumes about where investors are placing their confidence,' says Arnold Maritz, of international realtor Lew Geffen Sotheby. This is especially evident in the luxury segment. 'In our office, buyers with budgets exceeding R15 million have become the norm rather than the exception. We repeatedly see clients inquiring about specific properties, only to learn they were sold within days - sometimes hours - of listing. The speed at which quality stock moves in these neighbourhoods is remarkable,' Maritz explained. He added that buyers also displayed a growing appetite for luxury residential estates in the Southern Suburbs, with buyers being drawn to their combination of space, privacy and proximity to top schools and the CBD. Why Cape Town property prices are outpacing other cities The reasons for Cape Town's property boom are numerous, and now include greater comparative incomes. According to the latest figures from Stats SA, Cape Town's average household income of around R387,000 per year is higher than any other city in the country, with Johannesburg trailing at R282,000. Cape Town's unemployment rate of 23.4% is also well beneath the national average, and the nature of employment also differs markedly. For instance, formal sector jobs in the Western Cape grew by 3.1% in 2024, versus 1.2% nationally. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The so-called 'semigration' trend is playing a significant part in driving up property prices in the region. Stats SA reveals that the Western Cape experienced a net migration of 92,000 working age adults in the past two years, with some 68% holding tertiary qualifications and 42% occupying professional or managerial roles. But will the bubble burst anytime soon? 'As with any strong market, questions arise about sustainability. Yet most indicators suggest Cape Town's growth has firm foundations,' Lew Geffen Sotheby's commented. According to an FNB Property Insights report, economists are predicting a 7-9% annual price growth in their base case scenarios, with potential for 10-12% in the prime segment. Lightstone says the 'undersupplied' market continues to present opportunities, particularly in the Southern Suburbs, where areas like Bishopscourt, Constantia, and Claremont have seen significant yields. Cape Argus
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Cape Town's property market continues to outpace the rest of SA as the wealth divide grows
Cape Town's property market continues to outpace other regions. Image: Marlin Clark/ Unsplash The Western Cape property market continues to outperform other regions by a significant margin, particularly within the Cape Town metropolitan area, and experts believe this trend is likely to continue. Lightstone data shows that Western Cape property prices grew by 8.7% in the year to January 2025, compared to the national average of 5.2%. According to The African Investor, Cape Town residential properties, in June 2025, showed year-on-year price growth of 8.5%. Moreover, Cape Town boasts an average prime property price of R31,000 per square, which is more than double Johannesburg's figure of R14,000. Particularly telling is that the Western Cape accounted for more than 38% of national real estate transaction value in 2024, according to Stats SA, despite having just 11% of the population. 'This concentration of capital speaks volumes about where investors are placing their confidence,' says Arnold Maritz, of international realtor Lew Geffen Sotheby. This is especially evident in the luxury segment. 'In our office, buyers with budgets exceeding R15 million have become the norm rather than the exception. We repeatedly see clients inquiring about specific properties, only to learn they were sold within days - sometimes hours - of listing. The speed at which quality stock moves in these neighbourhoods is remarkable,' Maritz explained. He added that buyers also displayed a growing appetite for luxury residential estates in the Southern Suburbs, with buyers being drawn to their combination of space, privacy and proximity to top schools and the CBD. Why Cape Town property prices are outpacing other cities The reasons for Cape Town's property boom are numerous, and now include greater comparative incomes. According to the latest figures from Stats SA, Cape Town's average household income of around R387,000 per year is higher than any other city in the country, with Johannesburg trailing at R282,000. Cape Town's unemployment rate of 23.4% is also well beneath the national average, and the nature of employment also differs markedly. For instance, formal sector jobs in the Western Cape grew by 3.1% in 2024, versus 1.2% nationally. 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 ✕ The so-called 'semigration' trend is playing a significant part in driving up property prices in the region. Stats SA reveals that the Western Cape experienced a net migration of 92,000 working age adults in the past two years, with some 68% holding tertiary qualifications and 42% occupying professional or managerial roles. But will the bubble burst anytime soon? 'As with any strong market, questions arise about sustainability. Yet most indicators suggest Cape Town's growth has firm foundations,' Lew Geffen Sotheby's commented. According to an FNB Property Insights report, economists are predicting a 7-9% annual price growth in their base case scenarios, with potential for 10-12% in the prime segment. Lightstone says the 'undersupplied' market continues to present opportunities, particularly in the Southern Suburbs, where areas like Bishopscourt, Constantia, and Claremont have seen significant yields. IOL
