Hello learners and parents in Western Cape. On this page we will guide you thoroughly on the important aspects when considering to send your child to Rhodes High School. We will look at the ultimate deciding factors such as Matric Pass Rate, Location, School Fees, Application Process and more.
Rhodes High School is a fee-paying public secondary school located at 25 Montreal Avenue in Mowbray, Cape Town. It falls under the Metro Central Education District and is one of the better-known urban schools in the southern suburbs. The school caters to over 1 000 learners and has a long-standing reputation for academic focus, diversity and cultural activities.
A quick look at Rhodes High School
- Location: Mowbray, Cape Town, Western Cape
- Type: Public Secondary School
- Fee Status: Fee-Paying
- Estimated Fees: R13 000 to R17 000 per year
- Contact Number: 021 689 8228
- Learner Count: 1 016
- 2024 Matric Pass Rate: 85.2%
- Principal: B Moosa
- District: Metro Central
Table of Contents
Is Rhodes High School a Good School?
Rhodes High School is one of the most established government schools in Cape Town’s southern suburbs. Remember, a good school is not just about the pass rate, but also about values, structure and access to opportunities. Therefore, Rhodes High is a good school to study at. However, do not get too carried away though, the academic performance has fluctuated slightly and may not compete with top-performing ex-model C or private schools.
Rhodes High School Matric (Grade 12) Performance Over the Years
Let us look at Rhodes High School matric pass rate over the years and determine if the school’s academic delivery has improved or stayed consistent.
- 2022: 205 wrote, 168 passed (82.0%)
- 2023: 194 wrote, 143 passed (73.7%)
- 2024: 183 wrote, 156 passed (85.2%)
The pass rate dipped in 2023 but improved again in 2024. The school remains in a stable zone but shows the need for stronger support during tough academic years.
Reasons to Study at Rhodes High School
Although Rhodes High School is actually a public school, it offers several features found in top suburban schools. Here are the 5 reasons to prove it:
- Good location with access to transport routes and public amenities.
- Strong cultural and academic diversity.
- Matric pass rate consistently above 80% in two of the past three years.
- Structured leadership with a focus on discipline and growth.
- Wide range of academic and extracurricular offerings.
Reasons Not to Study at Rhodes High School
Rhodes High School can be challenging for learners who need high-level academic pushing or those targeting university bursaries. This can also be frustrating for parents expecting private school-type results for the fees they pay. As a parent, here are the reasons that might disadvantage you if you plan to send your child at Rhodes High School:
- Matric pass rate dropped below 75% in 2023.
- Urban location may expose learners to outside distractions.
- Fee structure may not align with performance in some years.
- Class sizes and resources may be stretched during high enrolment.
School Fees at Rhodes High School
Rhodes High School is a fee-paying school. The annual school fees are estimated to be between R13 000 and R17 000, depending on grade and payment plan. The school allows parents to pay monthly and also offers limited exemptions based on income.
Subjects Offered at Rhodes High School
Rhodes offers a full set of FET phase subjects under the national curriculum. The subject offering includes:
- English Home Language
- Afrikaans or isiXhosa First Additional Language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- History
- Geography
- Computer Applications Technology
- Tourism
- Economics
Subject availability depends on learner interest and educator staffing.
How to Apply at Rhodes High School
To apply at Rhodes High School, parents must follow the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) online admissions process.
Steps:
- Visit the WCED Admissions Portal
- Register and log in with parent/guardian details.
- Add learner’s information and required documentation.
- Select Rhodes High School among your preferred schools.
- Submit application and monitor status online or follow up directly with the school.
Rhodes High School Contacts
Physical Address: 25 Montreal Avenue, Mowbray, Cape Town, 7700
Phone: 021 689 8228
Principal: B Moosa
District: Metro Central
Municipality: City of Cape Town
As a learner or a parent, it is up to you to decide if Rhodes High School fits your expectations. But for a centrally located public school with strong potential, balanced structure and cultural diversity, it remains a worthy choice in Cape Town’s southern suburbs.