South Africa’s private education sector has once again found itself in the global spotlight, with two long-established boys’ schools earning recognition among the world’s best.
According to BusinessTech, Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town and MichaelHouse in KwaZulu-Natal have been named among Africa’s top schools in the Carfax Education Schools Index for 2025/26, an international guide used by families seeking elite schooling options across the globe.
The listing places both institutions alongside respected schools from Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt, reinforcing South Africa’s continued presence in global education conversations.
The Carfax Schools Index is not a traditional ranking table. Instead, it highlights schools across regions without placing them in a single numerical order, focusing on quality rather than competition.
Carfax has stressed that its process is entirely independent.
‘The Schools Index does not solicit or accept payment from schools for inclusion or profile enhancement,’ the group said.
Selection is based on an extensive research and review process that examines academic results, leadership, ethos, reputation, facilities, university destinations and long-term outcomes for pupils.
While schools may submit nominations, Carfax makes the final call, and no fees are accepted at any stage.
The 2025/26 index features 150 schools worldwide, grouped into 14 regional categories, including Africa. As in the previous year, Bishops and MichaelHouse appear alongside:
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American School of Lagos (Nigeria)
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Pembroke House (Kenya)
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British International School (Egypt)
The guide also maintains a separate ‘Schools to Watch’ list, updated independently. One South African institution, Hilton College, featured on that list in 2025.
Bishops: A legacy rooted in Cape Town
Founded in 1849, Bishops Diocesan College is one of South Africa’s oldest private schools. Situated in Rondebosch, Cape Town, the school educates boys aged 11 to 18 and is rooted in the Anglican tradition, while welcoming pupils from all faith backgrounds.
Bishops stands out academically for administering the National Senior Certificate (NSC), a less common choice among private schools, many of which favour the Independent Examination Board (IEB).
In 2025, the school’s matric results reflected strong outcomes:
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100% NSC pass rate
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98.6% bachelor’s pass rate
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474 subject distinctions
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An average of 3.31 distinctions per pupil
A smaller group of learners also sat for Cambridge International GCE AS and A Levels, achieving a 100% pass rate.
Picture: Bishops Diocesan College/Facebook
MichaelHouse: Academic strength with global reach
MichaelHouse’s history stretches back to 1896, when it was founded by British Anglican canon James Cameron Todd. What began with just 15 boys has grown into one of the country’s most recognised boarding schools.
MichaelHouse continues to deliver consistent academic results, with its 2025 matric cohort achieving:
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100% pass rate
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99% bachelor’s pass rate
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363 distinctions across subjects
The school has built a reputation for preparing pupils for leading universities both locally and internationally.
While academic performance remains important, Carfax has made it clear that results alone do not determine inclusion.
The index is curated by international education specialists who assess each school’s broader educational footprint, from facilities and leadership to ethos and preparation for life beyond the classroom.
This broader lens, Carfax said, allows the guide to recognise schools that ‘set their pupils up for life,’ not only for exams.
The continued presence of Bishops and MichaelHouse on the global index suggests a sustained confidence in South Africa’s top private institutions, even as international education becomes increasingly competitive.
Their inclusion reflects not only academic outcomes, but long-term consistency, heritage and adaptability in a changing global education landscape.
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Picture: Bishops Diocesan College/Facebook
