[imagesource:instagram/kearsney.college]

We hate to break it to you, but having children is a surefire way to break the bank. Unless you’re making absolute bank, of course – in which case, good for you.

Forget about the cost of nappies, toys, and three nutritious meals a day, because sending your kids to school is where the real pocket-burner is at.

And if you consider South Africa’s most expensive elite private day schools the best place for them to get an education, then you’re going to have to hustle hard and fast to have any petty cash.

The current reality is that one of South Africa’s most expensive private day schools broke through the R240,000 barrier. That’s for a single matric year, by the way.

It is also about three times more than the most expensive government schools in the country, by the, by the way. Yes, I am stuttering.

Freelance writer Andrew Thompson over at TinyChart contacted dozens of local schools to get the latest fees and all their increases. If you have any toddlers piddling about, consider this a sign to get your financial affairs in order so that your money can work for you and your child(ren) in the long run.

As reported in 2023, South Africa’s most expensive school for the year was KwaZulu-Natal’s Kearsney College, which costs R224,620 for a matric year. Now, Kearsney charges parents R240,900 for a single matric year.

“This is about R60k short of the average annual salary in South Africa. And the equivalent of buying a new Polo Vivo Trendline,” quips TinyChart.

Then, St John’s College and Roedean School, both from Johannesburg, just joined Kearsney in the plus R200k club.

Kearsney increased their fees with a 7.2% jump, while St John’s and Rodean increased their fees by a slightly more modest 6.5%.

The biggest percentage increase for 2024 comes from Reddam, whose Waterfall and Helderfontein schools increased fees by 8%, or R13,975.

The average increase for SA’s most expensive day schools is 7.19% – and if all schools in the top 10 increase their fees by 7% or more for 2025, it’ll be a top 10 of R200k or more.

Here are all the 2024 fees for South Africa’s most expensive private day schools, courtesy of TinyChart:

Image: TinyChart

The top four most expensive day schools in South Africa remain unchanged from previous years, while “The difference between the first and tenth is big: R53,880, or, roughly, a seven-night stay in Seychelles, flights included.”

Let it also be noted that the 2023 school fees don’t include all the extra costs for parents with kids at private schools, like extracurricular activities, field trips, meals, uniforms, and books.

Look at your beautiful child(ren). Now consider how much their education is going to cost you.

Our advice? Get in touch with financial advisors like the team at Consequence Private Wealth, who partner with you and your family to protect and build your wealth, so that you can start taking action now and save for the future.

It is best to get cracking with the school fee piggy bank sooner rather than later.

[source:tinychart]