Overview
Northcliff High School is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in EXTENSION3 Northcliff, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,622 learners and is staffed by 87 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 19:1), operating as a fee-charging school (Q5). It falls within the Johannesburg North education district and achieved an excellent 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 98.1% (263 of 268 candidates).
Northcliff High School Matric Performance
Since 2023, Northcliff High School has remained fairly steady, moving from a 97.6% pass rate to 98.1% in 2025, the most recent year, 268 learners sat the exam.
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 268 | 263 | 98.1% |
| 2024 | 292 | 288 | 98.6% |
| 2023 | 292 | 285 | 97.6% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: NORTHCLIFF HIGH SCHOOL (8140285).
Subject pass rates
Northcliff High School offered 8 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 96.5%. Mathematical Literacy performed strongest at 100.0%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 91.8%. 2 subjects recorded a 100% pass rate (Mathematical Literacy, Geography).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 122 | 112 |
91.8%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 147 | 147 |
100.0%
|
| Physical Sciences | 88 | 82 |
93.2%
|
| Life Sciences | 95 | 88 |
92.6%
|
| Accounting | 58 | 56 |
96.6%
|
| Business Studies | 176 | 172 |
97.7%
|
| Geography | 49 | 49 |
100.0%
|
| History | 149 | 147 |
98.7%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 248 other secondary schools in Johannesburg.
Northcliff High School's 2025 pass rate is 8.7 percentage points above the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Q5 fees vary widely. Confirm Northcliff High School's 2027 fee schedule directly with the school office.
Public secondary school (Grades 8–12); fees regulated by the SA Schools Act.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Northcliff High School for 2027?
For 2027, Northcliff High School (Q5) falls within a r8,000 – r45,000+ per year (typical range) band and serves 1,622 learners in the Johannesburg North district. The SGB sets the precise fee annually; phone 011 476 1544 for the published amount.
Is Northcliff High School a no-fee school?
No, Northcliff High School is a fee-charging school (Q5) in the Johannesburg North district. Annual fees are set by the SGB and apply to all enrolled learners.
What is the quintile of Northcliff High School and what does it mean for fees?
Quintile 5, the highest band, applies to Northcliff High School in the Johannesburg North district. Q5 fees vary widely between schools and are confirmed by the SGB ahead of each academic year.
How to apply
Northcliff High School accepts applications via the GDE Online Admissions online system, with confirmation handled by Northcliff High School in the Johannesburg North education district. The steps and documents required for Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) are detailed below.
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1
Confirm availability with Northcliff High School
Call 011 476 1544 to confirm whether Northcliff High School has open places for the year you're applying.
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2
Start the application
Register on the GDE Online Admissions portal when applications open and select Northcliff High School as a preferred school.
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3
Submit your documents
Upload all required documents to the GDE Online Admissions portal before the published cut-off and keep your reference number.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
If accepted, Northcliff High School (an SGB-funded school) may require a registration deposit. The exact amount is confirmed by the school.
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5
Confirm placement and enrol
Check your GDE Online Admissions dashboard for the placement outcome. If accepted, complete on-site registration at Northcliff High School.
- Certified copy of the learner's birth certificate or ID
- Certified copies of both parents'/guardians' South African IDs (or passport/permit for non-citizens)
- Proof of residence (utility bill not older than 3 months)
- Latest school report
- Immunisation card / clinic card (especially for Grade R / Grade 1)
- Most recent end-of-year report from the previous school
- Transfer letter from the previous school (for Grade 8+ transfers)
Admissions questions
How do I apply to Northcliff High School for the next school year?
To apply to Northcliff High School for the next academic year, register on the GDE Online Admissions portal during the official admission window and select Northcliff High School as a preferred school. GDE Online Admissions for Grade 1 and Grade 8 typically opens around July of the preceding year. For confirmation of available places, contact Northcliff High School via phone 011 476 1544.
What documents do I need to apply at Northcliff High School?
Northcliff High School requires the following documents for admission: • Certified copy of the learner's birth certificate or ID • Certified copies of both parents'/guardians' South African IDs (or passport/permit for non-citizens) • Proof of residence (utility bill not older than 3 months) • Latest school report • Immunisation card / clinic card (especially for Grade R / Grade 1) Contact Northcliff High School (phone 011 476 1544) for any school-specific requirements and to verify what must be uploaded to the GDE Online Admissions.