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.
How much are Hilton College’s school fees?
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.
Is this ‘problem’ unique to Hilton College or widespread around South Africa?
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.
