The school, described as "one of the country's best-known schools for girls",[3] is one of the top performing schools in South Africa, achieving the highest academic results in the country for National Senior Certificate exams in 2019.[4] The purpose of Herschel Girls School is and always has been to provide an empowering education for girls and to be a leader in girls’ education and advocacy for women in South Africa.[5][6] Herschel Girls School is one of the most expensive schools in South Africa.[7] There are waiting lists for every grade, including pre-nursery.[8]
