Midlands schools shine again in global top 100 ranking

Four of KwaZulu-Natal’s most prestigious schools have once again placed Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands firmly on the global education map after being ranked among the world’s top 100 schools bySpearMagazine. The honour has gone to Cordwalles Preparatory School, Hilton College, Michaelhouse and St Anne’s Diocesan College, placing the region among an elite group of global education institutions. All four schools were also featured in the publication’s 2025 Schools Index.

The recognition covers not only academic achievement, but also leadership development, innovation, and a commitment to producing well-rounded global citizens. St Anne’s Diocesan College stood out as the only South African girls’ school on the list, alongside just 10 other all-girls institutions, all based in the United Kingdom. Its inclusion is being hailed as a milestone for girls’ education in the country, reflecting both its strong academic performance and its focus on empowering young women.

The college said it was proud to be featured on theSpear’sSchools Index for a second consecutive year. This honour places us among the very best worldwide. St Anne’s is also the only girls’ school in South Africa to be featured — a recognition of our enduring commitment to preparing young women for life beyond the classroom.

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“At the heart of this achievement are our values: curiosity, integrity, respect, community, leadership and excellence — the circle that shapes daily life at St Anne’s. These values reflect who we are, what we stand for, and how we engage with one another and the wider world.” Hilton College and Michaelhouse, long regarded as pillars of boys’ education in South Africa, continue to reinforce their international standing. Both schools are known for their rich traditions, expansive campuses, and strong emphasis on leadership and character-building alongside academic excellence.

Cordwalles Preparatory School, one of the country’s leading preparatory institutions, adds further weight to the Midlands’ reputation by representing excellence at primary school level. The boys-only school caters for pupils aged three to 12, spanning pre-primary, junior primary and senior primary phases.

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