Top 10-Ranked Boys’ Sports Schools in Gauteng for 2025

The top boys’ sports schools’ rankings are highly anticipated. We are excited to present the 2025 edition. As fierce as the competition has always been, these rankings are certain to ignite conversation. Some will celebrate, while others might disagree.

How We Rank

Our rankings are based on an in-depth analysis of six major sports: Rugby, Cricket, Soccer, Hockey, Basketball, and Water Polo. These sports are the cornerstone of the SA School Sport rankings. Our evaluation criteria consider factors such as strength of opposition, match results (win/loss/draw), and the margin of victory or defeat.

• Rugby is given double weighting due to its significance as the most widely played boys’ sport.
• Cricket, Hockey, and Soccer each receive a 1.5 weighting, reflecting their widespread popularity and participation.
• Basketball and Water Polo retain their original values as they are growing but are still not universally offered across schools.

This methodology means that schools excelling in multiple sports are ranked higher. This reflects their consistent performance across the board, rather than being recognised for outstanding achievement in a single discipline.

Top 10-Ranked Boys’ Sports Schools

1. King Edward VII School (KES)

A prestigious public boys’ school in Johannesburg. KES is renowned for both academic excellence and sporting success. Its rugby, cricket, and soccer teams are among the best in the country. Additionally, the school has produced many professional athletes, including Springboks.

2. St Stithians College

Situated in Sandton, this private Methodist school boasts world-class sports facilities. It is a powerhouse in rugby, water polo, and cricket, while also promoting leadership, character development, and academic achievement.

3. St John’s College

Founded in 1898, this historic Anglican school in Houghton is known for its elite education and competitive sports, especially rugby, cricket, and rowing. It combines tradition with innovation in both academics and extracurricular activities.

4. Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies)

Located in Pretoria, Affies is a top Afrikaans boys’ school celebrated for its rugby excellence, regularly feeding talent into national teams. It also excels in cricket and hockey. Moreover, Affies provides strong academic support.

5. Pretoria Boys High School

A heritage-rich public school, Pretoria Boys offers a well-rounded education with strong programmes in rugby, soccer, and athletics. Its alumni include global leaders and sports stars. The school balances tradition with modern academic rigour.

6. St Benedict’s College

This Catholic boys’ school in Bedfordview is South Africa’s top rowing school. It also excels in swimming and rugby. The school emphasizes discipline, values, and a holistic approach to education.

7. Garsfontein High School

Based in Pretoria, Garsfontein is gaining prominence for its formidable rugby and athletics teams. The school is seen as a rising force in South African school sports, combining performance with academic support.

8. Jeppe High School for Boys

Jeppe is known for its proud traditions and success in rugby, soccer, and cricket. It provides quality public education and has a strong sense of heritage and brotherhood.

9. Helpmekaar Kollege

An independent Afrikaans high school in Johannesburg, Helpmekaar is a growing contender in school sports, especially rugby and cricket. It combines sporting success with solid academic achievement.

10. Waterkloof High School

A top-performing Pretoria school, Waterkloof is a regular name in school sport rankings, especially in rugby and athletics. Its students excel in both sport and academics. This makes it a balanced and dynamic institution.

Scope and Limitations

The rankings are based on data generated from six sports—rugby, cricket, soccer, hockey, basketball, and water polo. While athletics, tennis, and rowing are also popular sports in schools, the lack of consistent performance metrics means they were not considered in these rankings. Consequently, some schools excelling in those areas may not appear as highly ranked.

A Balanced Approach

We aim to provide a comprehensive, reliable guide for parents, students, and sports enthusiasts. The rankings reflect not just the top performers in individual sports, but schools that consistently shine across a broad spectrum of athletics. While certain schools may excel in one or two sports, our rankings favour those that perform well across all six designated codes.

Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Facilities in Gauteng: Where to Train and Play

These rankings offer an exciting glimpse into the top boys’ sports schools in Gauteng. They showcase the institutions that stand out in terms of athletic performance. Whether you agree or disagree with the results, there is no denying the fierce competitive spirit that drives these schools to success, year after year.