Academic fit
IEB and NSC students transfer well into A Level study, and South African school sport structures are close in spirit to the UK independent school model, which makes settling in easier.
For South African families
UK Boarding Schools with Cricket for South African Families
For parents in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria looking at UK boarding as the next step in a strong schoolboy or schoolgirl cricket career.
What families in South Africa need to know
Cricket background
South African age-group cricket produces physically developed, competitive players. UK schools take a keen interest in seam bowlers and top-order batters with provincial experience.
Timing your application
The South African year ends in December and UK terms begin in September, so families usually plan an entry point a year in advance and use the December break for trials.
Travel and access
Direct overnight flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Heathrow, with a minimal time difference and easy term-time travel.
Boys and girls, 11 to 18
Criced works with sons and daughters alike. Girls' cricket in UK independent schools has grown faster than any other sport, with dedicated coaching, fixtures and pathways into the professional women's game.
Girls' cricket pathwayQuestions from South African families
How does the school year difference work?
South Africa runs January to December; the UK runs September to July. We plan the entry point so your child neither repeats nor skips essential material.
Are scholarships available to South African pupils?
Yes — sport, all-rounder and academic awards, often combined with bursary support. Awards depend on both playing standard and academic record.
Can my child play club cricket during UK holidays?
Frequently, yes. Many pupils join local clubs or take part in immersion and festival programmes we arrange with partner schools.
Talk to us about your child
Tell us your child's age, school and cricket experience. We reply personally to every enquiry.