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Crawford International Sandton
Part of the JSE-listed ADvTECH group, Crawford International Sandton runs a Preparatory school (Grades 1-7) with IB Primary Years Programme authorisation and a College (Grades 8-12) preparing students for IEB matric examinations. All-inclusive 2026 fees start at ZAR 130,800 (Grade…
In brief
The Sandton flagship of the Crawford International network, operated by JSE-listed ADvTECH and the top performer across the group's six campuses. IB Primary Years through to IEB matric on a Benmore campus.
Crawford International Sandton runs the IB Primary Years Programme in the prep school and the IEB National Senior Certificate at college level, not full IB through to 18. The class of 2024 took 504 distinctions at an average of 4.27 per candidate, with a 100 percent bachelor's pass. Tracey Purkiss heads the college. Fees run roughly ZAR 131k to 212k a year.
Families value the academic results, the holistic ethos, and the diverse mix of nationalities. Parents describe a calm, respectful tone among the children and engaged teachers. The recurring complaints touch on car-park security and occasional gripes about administrative communication. Best fit for Sandton families wanting a results-led independent with an internationally framed primary and a strong matric track record.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 6 | Annual | ZAR 130,800 |
| Grade 2 | 7 | Annual | ZAR 142,000 |
| Grade 3 | 8 | Annual | ZAR 150,000 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | Annual | ZAR 157,700 |
| Grade 5 | 10 | Annual | ZAR 165,500 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | Annual | ZAR 170,100 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | Annual | ZAR 175,500 |
| Grade 8 | 13 | Annual | ZAR 183,300 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | Annual | ZAR 191,600 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | Annual | ZAR 199,500 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | Annual | ZAR 205,100 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | Annual | ZAR 211,900 |
| Application Fee | One-time | ZAR 800 | |
| New Student Enrolment Fee | One-time | ZAR 12,000 |
Reviews
- Reviews at Crawford International Sandton are concentrated on directory sites rather than parent forums, and they split sharply by phase.
- Primary parents tend to praise the warmth. One parent said "The best school in South Africa, they are ahead of everyone, the school is currently in 2030, I loved the freedom and the laidback environment, no hierarchy everyone is equal." Visitor comments echo "Very warm and welcoming" and a clean, respectful campus.
- High-school sentiment is harder. SchoolParrot reviewers say the College "focuses on the academically gifted students and leaves average students out" and that "some of the teachers put in minimal effort into helping struggling students."
- The strongest negative theme is commercial framing. One reviewer said the school is "Just a business disguised as a school. No help given to struggling students," with another saying "You're seen as a paycheck to the school."
- A January 2024 1-star review described an unexplained substantial change to a child's academic report after the parent raised concerns, treated by that parent as a transparency failure.
- Counter-signal exists: parents and students cite strong sport breadth, AdvTech-recognised teachers in the senior phase, and approachable pastoral staff who run weekly events.
Head of school
Mrs Shivani Sahadeo
Shivani Sahadeo has a deep-rooted passion for education, having progressed from a Grade 3 Teacher to Principal at Crawford International. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to student well-being and a collaborative school culture. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement and has spearheaded initiatives to enhance the educational environment.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
Academic results
- Class of 2022 Matric Distinctions 1430 distinctions across 553 students
- Crawford International La Lucia 302 distinctions, 5 students over 90%, 35 students between 80-89%.
- Crawford International Lonehill 246 distinctions, 3 students over 90%, 23 students between 80-89%.
- Crawford International North Coast 196 distinctions, 1 student over 90%, 12 students between 80-89%.
- Crawford International Sandton 352 distinctions, 6 students over 90%, 35 students between 80-89%.
- Crawford International Pretoria 202 distinctions, 1 student over 90%, 18 students between 80-89%.
- Crawford International Ruimsig 132 distinctions, 11 students between 80-89%.
- 2025 Independent Examination Board National Senior Certificate distinctions 1,428
- Overall averages of 90% and above 21 students
- Averages between 80 and 89% 126 students
- Crawford International Sandton College distinctions 370
- Crawford International La Lucia College distinctions 316