Roodepoort is a small town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It lies on the Oudemansfontein River, almost directly opposite Robben Island. The town itself is small and quiet, but the school there, St John’s College, is something of an institution.
The college has produced many leaders in business and politics over the years, but it was probably its student number one Aaron Pienaar that set it on the path to global fame: he captained South Africa at five different international football tournaments – including three World Cups – and was named FIFA World Player of the Century in 1999. While not as famous as his rival from Durban, Thabo Mbeki (the president who became South Africa’s first black head of state), Pienaar won everything he played for – until his retirement from playing football at age 37. He currently manages a golf course in Switzerland, but continues to be involved with South African football as an ambassador for various associations and youth programs.
Read on to discover 10 of the best schools in Roodepoort if you are looking to teach your kids’ generation to play world class soccer like their fathers before them.
10 Best High Schools in Roodepoort
1. St. John’s College, Roodepoort
First established in 1866 as a private boarding school, St. John’s College, Roodepoort is considered the “Oberlin of the North”. Its alumni include many of South Africa’s top leaders, including several former heads of state, as well as numerous sports stars.
The college is known for its academics, particularly in the fields of engineering, business and sport. The rugby team, the Castaways, has been league champions five times in a row and has won the Super Rugby title twice in a row.
The college also runs the Global Leaders Classroom program, which brings students from around the world to South Africa to teach at various levels.
2. Vodacom Park Academy
Vodacom Park Academy is a private boarding school for boys located in Roodepoort. The school was established in 1972 and contains several sporting departments, including rugby, football and cricket. The rugby team, the Castaways, has won the Durban Metro Division three times and the Durban Premier League twice.
The school also has a creative students’ forum and hosts the annual Visual Arts Festival. It is also home to the Pietersburg Festival of Words, which is held annually duringnovens.
3. Deon Davids School
Founded in 1916 as a private school for black children, Deon Davids School is one of the oldest black schools in South Africa. It is located in the Up chiefland in the Western Cape. The school is known for its rugby, football, hockey and cricket teams. The rugby team was runners-up in the Durban Metro Division three times and in the Durban Premier League once. The school also has several artistic departments, including the performing arts and music.
4. The Geelvinck Institute for Special Education
The Geelvinck Institute for Special Education is a public school in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 1931 as the first institute of special education in the country.
The school’s focus is on providing a quality education for students with disabilities and learning differences. The school has produced many famous scientists and engineers, including Jan Hendrik Voss, the inventor of the Voss machine gun. When the school was first established, it was located in Pretoria and was called the Geelvinck Institute for the Deaf and Dumb.
Today, the school is located in Johannesburg and is known for its rugby, football and cricket teams.
5. Canisius College, Soweto
Canisius College, Soweto is a private college for boys near Johannesburg, South Africa. The college was established in 1915 and is the oldest Catholic college in South Africa. Canisius is also the only private college in Johannesburg.
The school’s rugby team, the Saints, has won the Durban Metro Division three times and has won the Durban Premier League once. The school also has various artistic departments, including the performing arts and music.
6. Prince Rupert High School (PRHS)
Prince Rupert High School is a private high school in Potchefstroom. The school is located in the mountain city of Potchefstroom, which is situated mainly in the western part of South Africa. It is considered one of the top schools in the country and is known for its rugby, football, hockey and cricket teams.
Prince Rupert High School is also home to the Prince Rupert Academic Complex, the largest academic building in the school.
7. Potchefstroom Boys’ High School (PRHS)
Potchefstroom Boys’ High School is a private high school located in Potchefstroom, South Africa. It was established in 1892 and is the second oldest boys’ school in South Africa.
The school also has various sporting departments, including rugby, football, basketball and cricket. The school is also home to the Prince Rupert Academic Complex.
8. North End High School (NHS)
A private school in Johannesburg, North End High School is one of the oldest private boys’ schools in South Africa. It was established in 1900 and is located in the up slopes of the ‘staad’ mountain range.
The school is known for its rugby, football, basketball and cricket teams. North End High School also has a performing arts department and a boys’ hostel called the Bafokeng Village Hostel.
9th STCK Stellenbosch College
Stellenbosch College, also called the Conservatorium of Music, is a music school in Stellenbosch, South Africa. It was established in 1918 and is the only conservatorium in the city. It is located in the Northern Cape province and has a rolling landscape partly covered in forest and partly spongy mountain woodlands.
The school has produced many famous musicians, including the guitarist and singer-songwriter Hugh Masekela, saxophonist Reggie Fignon, and the clarinettist Leontyne Price.
10. Cape Town International Airport Youth Academy
Cape Town International Airport Youth Academy is the largest non-governmental organization (NGO) in South Africa focused on improving the technical and vocational education and training of youth. It was established in 1996 and is focused on providing a quality education for youth from underprivileged backgrounds.
The school has a very interesting curriculum with instruction in various fields. It is also home to the Cape Town Youth Academy, which is one of South Africa’s top sporting teams.
Conclusion
There are many great high schools in South Africa, but these ten are the cream of the crop. Each of these schools has something unique to offer, whether it be a great athletic tradition, a history of producing world-class players or a dedicated martial arts program. Put your best foot forward this coming school year and apply to one of these great schools.
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