Somerset College
International School in Cape Town
Quick answer
Somerset College follows the British National Curriculum with IGCSE and A-Level pathways, as a large campus with 1,200 students. Well-suited to budget-conscious and boarding families. At $3,654–$10,173/year, it sits above the Cape Town average, reflecting its premium positioning. The student body draws from 38 nationalities.
Key facts
- Curriculum: British taught at Somerset College.
- Tuition: $3,654–$10,173/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 22 Cape Town international school · 1,200 students total.
- 38 nationalities top: South African.
- Ages: Ages 3 to 18 school day starts at Depending on which section of Somerset College the student is attending - from 7h30 to 8h30.
- Accreditations: CIE verified.
1,200
38 (South African)
22 avg
Available
CIE
About Somerset College
We offer a world-class education with a Christian foundation. We teach dignity, respect and a commitment to community service. We are a community dedicated to academic excellence, individuality, and innovation. At Somerset College, we believe in nurturing the whole person—our students are more than learners; they are future leaders, creative thinkers, and compassionate contributors to the world. With a firm foundation in values and principles, our school fosters a spirit of curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. From our dynamic curriculum to our state-of-the-art facilities, every aspect of Somerset College is designed to inspire success and personal growth.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: moderate
- In-house specialist staff listed
- Educational psychologist available
- EAL/ESL support listed
Questions to ask the school
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $3,654 – $10,173 |
| Annual tuition (local) | R 67590-R 188200 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $8,414(+22%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $9,914 |
| Cost position in Cape Town | 86th percentile(premium tier) |
British
Both IEB and Cambridge AS and A levels are external examinations
Somerset College has a tradition of a 100% Bachelor Pass. Refer to our website for details of our latest results. IEB results: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_jzHX1lN8nJdi4bmYPBbmgqed0AePPhr/view?usp=sharing Cambridge results: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19RZxNC_Fukny6WG1qTjQK-6JAsltcd8G/view
French, German, isiXhosa and Afrikaans
The SDU often refers students who require professional support to the network of psychologists and therapists that have a good working relationship with the school. There are occasions where, despite the repeated efforts of the staff, students do not respond positively to the support they have been offered. Once again, the subject teacher is the first step in the disciplinary process. Staff would then refer disciplinary issues to tutors, grade heads or the deputy heads for further intervention. The role of the academic staff in providing support for the students cannot be over-emphasized. The subject teacher will offer support to a student who experiences academic difficulties in a particular subject. The teacher will decide on the level of intervention that is necessary. This may range from a quick extra lesson to more regular lessons. The teacher decides if it is necessary to refer the student to a tutor in that subject. The teacher will communicate with the parents and tutor of the child.
At Somerset College, we value a holistic, multidisciplinary approach when providing support to our students. The Student Development Unit (SDU) aims to provide on-site support and assistance to those students who experience academic, psychological, social and/or emotional challenges.
Yes
Depending on which section of Somerset College the student is attending - from 7h30 to 8h30 – From 12h00 to 14h30 depending on which section you attend.
Yes
Special diets are taken into consideration when preparing meals and eats for sale in the tuck shops on campus.
Imported from a directory listing and not independently verified — confirm fees and details with the school.
Is Somerset College right for your family?
A School Fit Brief scores this school against your children's ages, learning needs, and budget — with hidden fee analysis, admissions timing, and a ranked shortlist of alternatives in Cape Town.
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At a Glance
Fee Position in Cape Town
Mid-rangeSchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Highly diverse
Common: South African
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Decide on this school — and four others
The $49 School Fit Brief covers Somerset College and 4 other top schools in Cape Town — tuition + true cost, curriculum fit, admission timeline, and red flags. Builds your shortlist in 8 minutes vs the $1,500–3,500 (and 2–4 weeks) an education consultant charges for the same answer.
Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.