I remember the day I moved from a public primary school to a private girls boarding school in the Eastern Cape. My dad almost had a heart attack. The school fees literally multiplied by 32. But, you know, anything for daddy’s little girl.

I can bet he is happy I went to school a few years ago, and that he doesn’t have to pay today’s school fees, because they have gone up three-fold since I left.

The cost of private education in South Africa is astronomical, and it increases each year. But of course if you can afford it, then there’s no problem. For most of the country, though, it will only ever remain a dream.

A list of the top schools has been released, along with their annual feels. As always, Hilton College tops the list, coming in at R209 000 a year. Following it at Michaelhouse, St Andrew’s College and St Alban’s for boys.

Girls schools start well under the R200k mark, with the most expensive one, St Mary’s DSG, costing R156 000 a year. Following it are the Diocesan School for Girls and St Mary’s.

Is it worth the cost and possible stress it may cause parents financially? Education analyst Graeme Bloch doesn’t 100% think so.

“Yes, they do get about 98% matric pass rates, which is very good, but there are good former Model C schools that get the same. If you don’t have a choice of a good former Model C school, then [the money] is worth it. But otherwise, I’m just not sure it is.”

Future parents, get saving now. Your kids’ high school education alone is going to cost you well over R1 million.

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