St John's College

Since Jan 2026, Dale Jackson, previously head at Jeppe High School for Boys, a highly regarded state school. He started his career as a chartered accountant, then moving into sports management and healthcare, before gaining his PGCE and moving into

The main entry points are grade 0 in pre-prep (turning 6) and grade 8 for college. Students are accepted into other grades at any time of the year, if places are available.

Entry into the stand-alone sixth form, which also accepts girls, is either

Many head to top South African universities – mainly to local University of the Witwatersrand (‘Wits’) and University of Pretoria (often known as ‘Tuks’) plus Stellenbosch ('Stellies'), which has recently gained popularity over University of Cape

AS and A level results are strong. In 2022 at A level, 77 per cent of students achieved A*-C grades across all subjects (a five per cent drop on 2021), with the 11 top students achieving 3 or 4 A*/A grades. Two pupils achieved high achievement awards

A huge emphasis on reading, and the importance of reading for pleasure. Prep school parents sign a log to confirm their child has read to them every night and are encouraged to read aloud to their children all the way through the school. There are

Children with mild SEN needs can be accommodated, with OT and speech therapy available at extra cost. All applications assessed individually to ensure school and pupil are a good match.

Tuesday afternoons have a one-hour slot dedicated to compulsory clubs, catering for diverse interests ranging from aviation and science to movies, and distinct from the raft of after-school optional activities.

The arts are celebrated here. Drama

Sport is huge. Team sports begin in pre-prep, Saturday fixtures compulsory by prep school, plus occasional midweek ones. School excels not just in traditional rugby, cricket and hockey – basketball and water polo are rapidly gaining in popularity and

Boarding for around 200 boys from grade 8 (known as remove) to 12 (upper V) in one of four self-contained units in the main school buildings, so they can pop in and out during the day. Starts with two to three boys to a room - they change every half

Religious and traditional, but also diverse, tolerant and inclusive - a rainbow flag is flown from the tower during pride month, and the black flag to promote anti-racism.

It’s a happy place with little need for disciplinary measures, we’re told;

Undeniably a local school, but there are children from many countries and backgrounds. On our visit an international student was just starting, mid-term. Everyone we talked to said newcomers are welcomed.

Most socialising (for parents) takes place

Parents say they get a lot for their money. There’s fundraising, for the scholarship scheme or the new aquatics centre, but no pressure to participate.

Attending this school is a big commitment – to get the most out of it many board – but one that is richly rewarded, and not just with exam results. ‘We have never been disappointed,’ said one parent. ‘It’s a very special place, which lives up to its