In this article, we’ll be looking at Hilton College School Fees. If you’re an aspirant, wanting to study at Hilton College and you don’t know the institution’s school fees, then this article is for you.
While this article is primarily written to provide the current school fees at Hilton College, we’ll also look at another vital piece of information about the institution that may be helpful to students, especially aspiring students of the institution.
About Hilton College
Hilton College, commonly known as Hilton, is a prestigious South African private boarding school for boys situated near the town of Hilton in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Established on January 29, 1872, the school follows the English public school tradition and was founded by Gould Arthur Lucas and Reverend William Orde Newnham. Operating as a non-denominational Christian boys’ school, Hilton College maintains a rich history and embraces a motto of “Orando et Laborando” (by Prayer and Work).
Located on a vast 1,762 ha estate, which includes a 550 ha wildlife reserve, Hilton College provides a unique educational experience. The school accommodates 500 boys, aged 14 to 18, across Forms 1 to 5 (Grades 8–12). Hilton’s distinctive houses, such as Churchill, Ellis, Falcon, Lucas, McKenzie, Newnham, and Pearce, foster a sense of community among students. The school day runs from 08:00 to 15:00 on an urban campus.
Hilton College is affiliated with various educational organizations, including the International Boys’ Schools Coalition and Cambridge International Schools. The curriculum is overseen by exam boards IEB and Cambridge (IGCSE/IAL). Notably, Hilton College, alongside Michaelhouse, is one of the few remaining single-sex boys’ schools in South Africa that fully operates as a boarding school.
The school maintains strong ties with feeder institutions like Clifton Preparatory School, Cordwalles Preparatory School, and others. With a strong emphasis on individualized education, each student at Hilton has a personal tutor and a bespoke academic plan. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its position as the most expensive school in South Africa, with school fees reaching R370,000 / US$21,500 for boarding and tuition. The Hiltonian community is further celebrated through the Old Hiltonian Society, which connects alumni across generations. Visit the school’s website at hiltoncollege.com for more information.
History
Hilton College’s history traces back to the mid-19th century, when the grounds, initially a farm established by Voortrekkers, were sold to Joseph Henderson in 1849. Henderson, in 1857, renamed the farm Hilton, inspired by Hilton Hall in Staffordshire, England. The school’s foundation was laid by Gould Arthur Lucas, a survivor of the sinking of HMS Birkenhead, and Rev. William Orde Newnham, who arrived in Natal in 1855. Newnham faced challenges in Ladysmith, prompting Lucas to offer assistance. In 1872, Hilton College officially opened on part of the Hilton farm, with Newnham as its leader.
Modernization
In 1878, Henry Vaughan Ellis, a Rugby old boy, took over the school lease, aligning Hilton College with the English public school system. Ellis’s retirement in 1903 led to the school’s sale to a company formed by Old Hiltonians. William Falcon, appointed headmaster in 1906, oversaw significant growth, with the student body expanding from 50 to over 200. Falcon introduced reforms, including a new school uniform, the house system, and changes to the academic curriculum. Notable changes under Falcon included adopting the Cape Dutch architectural style for buildings and replacing French with Dutch as the second language in 1907. In 1928, a Solemn Covenant of Dedication was signed, establishing the Hiltonian Society in 1930, marking the school’s transition to non-profit ownership and control by Old Hiltonians.
How Much Is Hilton College School Fees
The Hilton College School Fees for 2023 amount to R369,920 per annum, encompassing tuition, food and board, games, minor medical attention, and access to the sanatorium, library, and laundry facilities. The fee also covers core curriculum-based activities, among others.
General Info
Hilton College charges a consolidated fee of R480 per term for extras, covering various items such as dry cleaning, laundry bags, minor duplicating costs, newspapers, minor sanatorium requisites, sunscreen, certain school plays, and social events at the school. Boys participating in golf, rowing, and canoeing incur an additional fee to account for extra transport costs and limited equipment maintenance, excluding expenses for external competitions, regattas, or tours.
The school fees do not include expenses for books and stationery, medicines, doctors’ fees, special entertainment, or miscellaneous travel. For locally resident parents, fees are payable annually or monthly over 10 months, in advance through debit order. Foreign resident parents are required to settle fees annually or termly in advance. A discount may be available for annual payments made before the end of January, regardless of the parent’s residence. The Finance office can provide the relevant forms and details. Extras for all parents are due upon presentation of an account.
Entry Fee
Upon acceptance to Hilton College, a non-refundable Entrance Fee of R92,480.00 is required. This fee, equivalent to one term’s fees at the current rate, serves as a contribution to the school’s development program. The payment of this Entrance Fee is a necessary step for students gaining admission to Hilton College and supports the ongoing development initiatives of the school. It signifies a commitment from the student and their family towards the school’s growth and enhancement. It’s important to note that this fee is non-reversible, emphasizing the financial dedication associated with securing a place at Hilton College.
Foreign Students’ Deposit
For foreign students at Hilton College, a Foreign Pupil’s Deposit equivalent to one and a half term’s fees is mandatory. This deposit serves as a precautionary measure, aiming to cover potential repatriation costs in case such a situation arises. Importantly, the Foreign Pupil’s Deposit is refundable, providing a measure of financial security for families residing outside of South Africa. The requirement aligns with the standard practice observed among independent schools in South Africa, emphasizing a consistent approach to managing financial considerations for international students. Overall, this deposit requirement is part of the school’s policy to ensure financial preparedness for unforeseen circumstances for students coming from abroad.
Insurances
Hilton College encourages parents to engage in a scheme that offers full fee remission if a boy is absent from school for more than 15 consecutive days due to illness or 5 consecutive days due to injury. While participation in accident insurance is mandatory, it provides coverage with an annual medical expense limit of R120,000 and potential excess fees at times. The insurance includes cover for permanent disablement up to a maximum of R750,000.
The school takes responsibility for processing all claims and forwarding them to claim administrators, who will assess and admit claims based on policy terms. Additional details about this insurance coverage are available upon request. This approach aims to provide financial protection and support for families in case of prolonged illness or injury-related absences, ensuring a safety net for unexpected circumstances.