Two of South Africa’s most prestigious private schools, Bishops Diocesan College and MichaelHouse, have once again been recognised as among the best schools in the world, reinforcing the country’s strong presence in global education rankings.
The schools were listed in the 2025/26 Carfax Education Schools Index, an international guide for families seeking top-tier education around the globe.
Global recognition for South African private schools
The Carfax Schools Index features 150 leading schools worldwide, grouped into regional categories rather than ranked in a single list.
According to BusinessTech, Bishops and MichaelHouse were included in the Africa category, alongside just three other schools on the continent:
- American School of Lagos (Nigeria)
- Pembroke House (Kenya)
- British International School (Egypt)
Both South African private schools were also listed in the previous edition of the index, underlining their continued consistency and international standing.
Carfax says its rankings are fully independent and not influenced by commercial considerations.
“The Schools Index does not solicit or accept payment from schools for inclusion,” the organisation said.
Schools are assessed through an editorial research process that considers academic performance, leadership, ethos, reputation, facilities, university destinations, and long-term pupil outcomes.
Strong 2025 matric results
The international recognition follows strong 2025 matric results at both schools.
In South Africa’s 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, Bishops Diocesan College recorded a 100% pass rate, with almost all candidates achieving bachelor’s degree passes. The school also reported a high number of subject distinctions, with graduates securing placements at leading local and international universities.
MichaelHouse also achieved a 100% pass rate in the 2025 matric exams, with the vast majority of pupils qualifying for degree studies and several earning multiple distinctions across subjects.
While both schools follow the IEB curriculum, their 2025 outcomes once again placed them among South Africa’s top-performing independent schools.
