Top Schools in East London 2026
The short version
East London's strongest high schools are Selborne College and Clarendon Girls' High on the public-school side, with Stirling High and Hudson Park rounding out the established options. Private alternatives include Merrifield College and Beaconhurst School. The fee gap between public and private is large in East London, and the top publics consistently match most private outcomes.
On this page
Top public high schools in East London
- Selborne College. Founded 1872. The premier boys' school in East London and one of the leading traditional schools in the Eastern Cape. Strong academic and sporting record, full boarding. Famous alumni include Steve Tshwete and several Springbok rugby players. 2026 day fees roughly R45,000, boarding adds R75,000+.
- Clarendon Girls' High School. Founded 1877. Sister school to Selborne in spirit if not formally. Strong academics and culture. 2026 day fees roughly R38,000 a year.
- Stirling High School. Co-ed dual-medium public. Strong all-round school with good academic and extra-mural outcomes. 2026 day fees roughly R30,000 a year.
- Hudson Park High School. Co-ed public, strong cultural and academic programme. 2026 day fees roughly R28,000 a year.
- Cambridge High School. Smaller co-ed public with steady academic output.
Independent (private) options
- Merrifield College. Co-ed Christian independent. IEB matric, broad subject choice, smaller class sizes. 2026 day fees roughly R95,000 a year.
- Beaconhurst School. Small co-ed independent in Beacon Bay. IEB matric. Smaller scale, family atmosphere.
- Stirling Christian School. Christian independent. Mid-tier fees.
East London's independent sector is smaller than in major metros. Most fee-paying parents in the city use the strong public schools (Selborne, Clarendon, Stirling, Hudson Park) rather than independents.
Notable East London primary schools
- Selborne Primary. Feeder primary for Selborne College.
- Clarendon Primary. Feeder primary for Clarendon Girls' High.
- Hudson Park Primary. Strong English-medium primary feeding into the public high school cluster.
- Beaconhurst Primary. Independent primary feeding Beaconhurst School and other independents.
- Stirling Primary. Established suburb primary, feeder for Stirling High.
Fees in East London (2026)
| School type | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Top fee-paying public (Selborne, Clarendon) | R38,000 to R45,000 |
| Mid-tier fee-paying public (Stirling, Hudson Park) | R25,000 to R32,000 |
| Independent (Merrifield, Beaconhurst) | R75,000 to R95,000 |
| Boarding (Selborne) | R110,000 to R125,000 all-in |
Add 15% to 25% in extras (uniforms, books, sport kit, levies) to get the all-in cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best high school in East London?
Selborne College is the most academically and athletically established boys' high school in East London, and Clarendon Girls' High is the equivalent on the girls' side. Both have been operating since the 1870s and dominate traditional fixtures.
Are there good private schools in East London?
Yes, though the independent sector is smaller than in the major metros. Merrifield College and Beaconhurst School are the most established. For most fee-paying parents in East London the strong public schools (Selborne, Clarendon, Stirling, Hudson Park) deliver comparable academic outcomes at lower fees.
How do I apply for a public school in East London?
Eastern Cape public schools mostly run paper-based admissions through the school directly. Apply in March or April of the year before entry. Each school sets its own process, so contact the specific school for forms and deadlines.
To find a specific school in East London, browse the East London directory.