Top 50 Best Public And Private Secondary Schools In Africa (2025): Official Ranking Of Elite Institutions

Africa is home to some of the most outstanding secondary schools, known for academic excellence, leadership development, and global competitiveness. In 2025, both public and private schools across the continent continue to raise the bar, shaping students into high-achieving scholars and future leaders. This official ranking highlights the top 50 best secondary schools in Africa, based on academic results, reputation, international standards, and student development.

Top 50 Best Secondary Schools in Africa 2025

South Africa

1. Grey College, Bloemfontein

2. King Edward VII School, Johannesburg

3. Hilton College, KwaZulu-Natal

4. St. John’s College, Johannesburg

5. Maritzburg College, Pietermaritzburg

6. Selborne College, East London

7. St. Alban’s College, Pretoria

8. Durban High School, Durban

9. Grey High School, Port Elizabeth

10. St. Andrew’s College, Grahamstown

11. Glenwood High School, Durban

12. Kearsney College, Botha's Hill

13. Wynberg Boys' High School, Cape Town

14. Pretoria Boys High School, Pretoria

15. Parktown Boys' High School, Johannesburg

16. Jeppe High School for Boys, Johannesburg

17. Kingswood College, Grahamstown

18. Roedean School, Johannesburg

19. Victoria Park High School, Port Elizabeth

20. Benoni High School, Benoni

Kenya

21. Rift Valley Academy, Kijabe

22. International School of Kenya, Nairobi

23. Strathmore School, Nairobi

24. Alliance High School, Kikuyu

25. Starehe Boys’ Centre, Nairobi

26. Lenana School, Nairobi

27. Hillcrest Secondary School, Nairobi

Zimbabwe

28. St. George’s College, Harare

29. Prince Edward School, Harare

30. Gateway High School, Harare

31. Hamilton High School, Bulawayo

32. Arundel School, Harare

33. St. James High School, Nyamandhlovu

34. Waddilove High School, Marondera

35. Allan Wilson High School, Harare

Ghana

36. Accra Academy, Accra

37. Adisadel College, Cape Coast

38. Holy Child School, Cape Coast

39. Ghana International School, Accra

Nigeria

40. Christ the King College, Onitsha

41. Lumen Christi International High School, Uromi

42. Atlantic Hall, Lagos

43. Hillcrest School, Jos

44. St. Gregory's College, Lagos

Other Countries

45. International School of Tanganyika, Tanzania

46. International School Moshi, Tanzania

47. Rainbow International School, Uganda

48. Lincoln International School, Uganda

49. Lycée Lamine Guèye, Senegal

50. Lycée Guebre Mariam, Ethiopia

Selection Criteria

The schools on this list were chosen based on:

• Performance in national and international exams (IGCSE, WASSCE, A-Levels, etc.)

• Quality of teaching and curriculum delivery

• Student leadership development and extracurricular engagement

• Alumni success and global impact

• Infrastructure, innovation, and global affiliations

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best secondary schools in Africa in 2025?
The best schools include Grey College (South Africa), St. George’s College (Zimbabwe), Alliance High School (Kenya), and Ghana International School (Ghana), among others listed in the top 50.

2. How was the ranking of the top 50 secondary schools in Africa determined?
The ranking was based on academic performance, alumni success, international affiliations, infrastructure, and student development programs.

3. Which country in Africa has the most schools on the list?
South Africa dominates the list with over 15 institutions recognized for their excellence in education and student development.

4. Are there any international schools on this list?
Yes, several international schools like the International School of Kenya, Hillcrest Secondary School, and Lincoln International School are included.

5. What makes these schools stand out from others in Africa?
These schools excel in delivering high-quality education, maintaining excellent facilities, supporting student leadership, and producing globally competitive graduates.

6. Are public schools included in the top 50 ranking?
Yes, the list features both public and private secondary schools that have demonstrated outstanding educational outcomes and global impact.

7. Are Nigerian schools represented in the 2025 list?
Yes, schools such as Christ the King College (Onitsha), Lumen Christi International High School, and Atlantic Hall (Lagos) are included in the rankings.

8. What kind of curriculum do these schools offer?
Many offer international curricula such as IGCSE, A-Levels, or the International Baccalaureate (IB), while others follow national systems but maintain global standards.

9. How can parents choose the best school from this list for their children?
Parents should consider academic records, curriculum, location, boarding options, school values, alumni performance, and extracurricular activities.

10. Is this list officially recognized or accredited by any African education body?
While the list is based on extensive research and data from reputable sources, it is not an official government-issued ranking but widely accepted for its accuracy and relevance.

Conclusion

These 50 schools represent the highest standards of secondary education in Africa. Whether public or private, each institution has distinguished itself through academic results, holistic student development, and global recognition. As the continent continues to grow in education, these schools lead the way in nurturing the next generation of African leaders.