The Guide
Sat, 16 May 2026

Cities / Johannesburg / King Edward VII School (KES)

King Edward VII School (KES)

Public boys' school in Houghton with strong academics. ZAR 30-40k/year.


Curriculum
South African public
Fees, annual
ZAR 80k
Ages
13 to 18
Pupils
~1,100
Founded
1902

Fee Age Type Amount
Grade 8 13 Annual ZAR 79,500
Grade 9 14 Annual ZAR 79,500
Grade 10 15 Annual ZAR 79,500
Grade 11 16 Annual ZAR 79,500
Grade 12 17 Annual ZAR 79,500
Mattress Levy (new boarders) One-time ZAR 2,500
School Deposit (new students) One-time ZAR 6,500
Boarding School Deposit (new boarders) One-time ZAR 6,500
Boarding Development Levy (new boarders) One-time ZAR 6,500
Development Levy (new students) One-time ZAR 6,500
Weekly Boarding (per annum) One-time ZAR 84,600
Termly Boarding (per annum) One-time ZAR 98,900

  • Old-boy and parent commentary frames KES as a traditional Johannesburg boys' public school with a strong rugby culture and a reputation built on the Jeppe-KES derby and old-school character.
  • Critical reviews on SchoolParrot and elsewhere flag that bullying between year groups is treated as tradition, with weaker pupils receiving less attention than the high achievers.
  • A 2017 video of an assault between pupils prompted a public crackdown on bullying; the issue surfaces in feedback well after that.
  • Parents who fit the rugby and academic profile describe excellent facilities and staff; those outside it report being marginalised.

Head of school

David Lovatt

David Lovatt has been the Headmaster of King Edward VII School since November 2012. He holds an Honours Degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Johannesburg (formerly RAU) and a Higher Diploma in Education from the University of the Witwatersrand. His career includes serving as Headmaster of Queen's College Boys' High School and Hilton College, and as Deputy Headmaster at Uplands College. A former teacher of Geography and Physical Education at Roosevelt High School, Lovatt is also an alumnus of King Edward VII School, having attended during his early years. He is a proponent of discipline, holistic education, and the fostering of a community-based 'family' ethos within schools.


  • NSC 2025 84% Bachelor pass rate, 96% qualified for further study. NSC 2022: top 3 overall places in Johannesburg East District.

44 St Patrick Rd, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa

School website