The Essentials
Type of School: Boarding, Day, Government
Fees per year: ZAR74 000.00 to ZAR77 000.00
Address: 251 Roper Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone Number: +27 12 460 2246
Headmaster: Mr. Greg Hassenkamp
Number of pupils: 1 500+
Age Range: 14-18
Email: info@boyshigh.com
Website: https://boyshigh.com/
Table Of Contents
- Overview
- Contact Details
- Address
- Location
- School Fees
- Courses & Programs
- Vacancies and Entry Requirements
- Logo
- School Uniform
- Notable Alumni
- Pros and Cons
- Author’s Review
Overview
Pretoria Boys High School (PBHS), founded in 1901, is a prestigious government school in Pretoria, South Africa. Located on a 85-hectare campus in Brooklyn, the school offers exceptional academic, sporting, and cultural programs and emphasizes producing well-rounded, disciplined young men.
Motto: “Virtute et Labore” (By Virtue and Labour)
School Type: Government, all-boys high school
Grades: 8–12
Medium of Instruction: English
Boarding Options: The school provides boarding facilities for students, with three hostels available.
Academics
Pretoria Boys High School is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence. It follows the South African national curriculum and prepares students for the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
Academic Support
Extra classes and tutorials are provided to help students excel.
Access to modern facilities such as science labs, IT centers, and libraries enhances the academic environment.
Sports Facilities
The campus includes rugby and cricket fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, and a gymnasium.
Boarding Facilities
PBHS offers a vibrant boarding environment for students from across South Africa and beyond. The school has three boarding houses:
School House
Rissik House
Arcadia House
Features of Boarding:
Dedicated housemasters and staff
Comfortable dormitories
Study facilities
Weekend and evening activities
Strong sense of camaraderie and discipline
Pretoria Boys High School Contact Details
You can contact Pretoria Boys High School via their landline, email or you can visit their website for further contact details.
Phone Number: +27 12 460 2246
Email: info@boyshigh.com
Website: https://boyshigh.com/
Pretoria Boys High School Address
251 Roper Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Pretoria Boys High School Location
Pretoria Boys High School is situated in the suburb of Brooklyn in the capital, Pretoria in the Gauteng province of South Africa.
Pretoria Boys High School Fees
Pretoria Boys High School’s fees is currently standing between ZAR74 000.00 to ZAR77 000.00 per year depending on the grade you are in. Please visit the website for more correct information or call them on their office number as fees can change yearly.
Pretoria Boys High School Courses & Programs
Pretoria Boys High School offers a variety of academic courses and programs tailored to the South African National Curriculum, as well as extracurricular programs aimed at holistic development. Below is a breakdown of the academic courses and extracurricular programs available at the school.
Academic Courses
PBHS prepares students for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and offers a range of subjects from Grades 8 to 12.
Core Subjects (Compulsory):
English Home Language
Afrikaans First Additional Language (or isiZulu as an alternative)
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Life Orientation
Elective Subjects (Choice depends on availability and grade level): Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Geography, History, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, Information Technology (IT), Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Music
Special Programs:
Advanced Program Mathematics (optional for high-achieving students in Mathematics).
Advanced Program English (enhanced literature and language curriculum).
Extracurricular Programs
PBHS places strong emphasis on extracurricular involvement, fostering skills in leadership, creativity, and teamwork.
Sports Programs:
Major sports like rugby, cricket, hockey, soccer, swimming, water polo, athletics, and tennis.
Other sports include rowing, squash, cross-country, golf, basketball, and badminton.
Cultural Activities:
Music: Orchestra, Jazz Band, Choir, Individual Instrumental Lessons
Drama: School productions and plays, Drama Society
Art: Visual Art Club, Photography Club
Debating and Public Speaking: Regular participation in inter-school competitions.
Robotics and Technology: Robotics Club, IT Programming Initiatives
Societies and Clubs: Science Society, Historical Society, Wildlife and Environmental Club, Outreach and Community Engagement Programs
Boarding and Leadership Programs
PBHS offers boarding programs in three houses (School House, Rissik House, Arcadia House), with emphasis on responsibility, leadership, and independence.
Leadership Development: Prefect system, Peer mentorship programs, Leadership camps and workshops
Additional Academic Support
Study sessions and extra lessons for struggling students.
Access to modern facilities like science labs, IT centers, and a fully equipped library.
Pretoria Boys High School Vacancies and Entry Requirements
Vacancies
Vacancies for Students: Pretoria Boys High School offers vacancies for boys entering Grade 8 to Grade 12, with the majority of new admissions happening at the Grade 8 level. Limited spaces may be available for higher grades, subject to specific circumstances like student transfers.
Grade 8 Admissions:
Applications are typically open to boys in their final year of primary school (Grade 7).
Entry into Grade 8 is highly competitive, as it is the main intake year.
Higher Grade Admissions:
Vacancies for Grades 9–12 depend on space availability.
These are typically considered for students transferring from other schools with strong academic, sporting, or cultural records.
Boarding School Vacancies: The school offers boarding facilities in three hostels:
School House
Rissik House
Arcadia House
Boarding vacancies are limited and prioritized for students from outside Pretoria or those requiring accommodation due to commuting challenges.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
Grade 8 Admissions:
Submission of the applicant’s latest school report (Grade 7 Term 1 or Term 2).
A good academic performance in core subjects such as Mathematics, English, and other school subjects.
Applicants may be required to sit for an entrance assessment to evaluate their academic readiness.
Grade 9–12 Admissions:
Submission of the latest academic reports from the current school.
A satisfactory academic record demonstrating strong performance in core subjects.
Subject availability and compatibility with PBHS curriculum.
Age Requirements
Applicants must be within the standard age range for their grade level (e.g., approximately 13 years old for Grade 8).
Language Requirements
Proficiency in English (as the school uses English as the medium of instruction). Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate sufficient fluency.
Sporting and Cultural Involvement
PBHS encourages well-rounded applicants.
Evidence of active participation in sports, music, drama, or other cultural activities is a significant advantage during the application process.
Character and Discipline
A positive report or recommendation from the student’s previous school regarding their behavior, discipline, and attitude is required.
Application Process
The application process involves the following steps:
Obtain and Submit the Application Form:
Application forms are available on the school’s website or can be collected in person from the admissions office.
Forms must be completed in full and submitted before the advertised deadline.
Documentation Required:
A certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
The applicant’s latest school report.
Proof of residential address (utility bill or affidavit).
For boarding applicants: A motivation letter explaining the need for boarding.
Entrance Assessments and Interviews:
Grade 8 applicants may be invited to sit for entrance assessments in subjects such as Mathematics and English.
Selected applicants (and their parents) may be invited for an interview with the school’s admissions committee.
Boarding School Applications:
Boarding applicants must indicate their preference for hostel placement during the application process.
Boarding-specific interviews may be conducted for shortlisted candidates.
Selection and Notification:
Successful applicants are notified by the school after all applications are reviewed.
A registration fee may be required to secure the student’s place.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
PBHS offers scholarships and bursaries to assist talented and deserving students. These may include:
Academic Scholarships: Awarded to students with exceptional academic records.
Sports Scholarships: Available for students who excel in specific sports offered at PBHS.
Cultural Scholarships: Offered to students demonstrating outstanding talent in areas such as music, drama, or visual arts.
Financial Aid: Limited financial aid is available for families who meet specific criteria.
Additional Information
The school has a strong focus on diversity and accepts students from various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Parents are encouraged to apply early, as PBHS is a high-demand school, and places fill quickly.
Pretoria Boys High School Logo
Below is the logo of Pretoria Boys High School with excellent quality and it is available to download in PNG (transparent file) JPEG and PDF.
Pretoria Boys High School Logo
Pretoria Boys High School Notable Alumni
Elon Musk: CEO of Tesla and SpaceX (attended PBHS briefly)
Oscar Pistorius – 100m Paralympic sprint champion (Beijing, 2008)[13] also notorious for having murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
Duduzane Zuma – son of former South African president, Jacob Zuma, and prominent acolyte of the Gupta family accused of corruption and the negligent death of a pedestrian.
John Smit – captain of the RWC 2007 winning Springbok team
Justice Dikgang Moseneke: Former Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa
Gary Player: World-renowned golfer
Alan Paton: Author of Cry, the Beloved Country
Pretoria Boys High School Pros and Cons
Pros
Prestigious Reputation
Established in 1901, the school is one of South Africa’s most prestigious and respected boys’ schools.
It has a legacy of academic, cultural, and sporting excellence.
Strong Academic Performance
Consistently achieves excellent results in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
Offers a broad curriculum with advanced programs in sciences, mathematics, and the arts.
Holistic Education
Focuses on developing well-rounded individuals by combining academic rigor with extracurricular activities.
Emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
Extensive Extracurricular Opportunities
Offers a wide range of sports, including rugby, cricket, swimming, tennis, hockey, and athletics.
Cultural activities include music, drama, public speaking, and debating, catering to diverse student interests.
Opportunities for students to join various clubs and societies.
World-Class Facilities
Boasts a 30-hectare campus with impressive sports fields, a swimming pool, tennis courts, science laboratories, music rooms, and a library.
Boarding facilities provide a supportive and structured environment for students from outside Pretoria.
Tradition and Heritage
The school’s long history and strong traditions instill a sense of pride and discipline among students.
Events like Founders’ Day and sporting rivalries foster a strong sense of community.
Diverse and Inclusive Environment
Welcomes students from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and tolerance.
Offers bursaries and scholarships to talented students in academics, sports, and music.
Experienced Educators
Employs highly qualified and dedicated teachers who are committed to student success.
Teachers provide mentoring and personalized academic support.
Focus on Discipline and Values
Promotes respect, accountability, and integrity, helping students develop strong moral foundations.
A structured environment ensures high standards of behavior and performance.
Strong Alumni Network
The school has produced notable alumni across various fields, including politics, business, and sports.
The alumni association provides networking opportunities for graduates.
Cons
Competitive Admissions
As one of the top schools in South Africa, entry is highly competitive, with limited spots available.
Applicants must meet strict academic and extracurricular criteria.
High Expectations and Pressure
The school’s emphasis on excellence in academics, sports, and cultural activities can lead to significant pressure on students.
Balancing academics and extracurriculars may be challenging for some.
Large Student Body
With over 1,500 students, some may feel lost in the crowd or require additional attention in large classes.
The size of the school may result in fewer individualized opportunities for leadership roles.
Cost of Education
While a public school, the additional fees for boarding, extracurricular activities, and uniforms may be unaffordable for some families.
Families need to budget for other costs such as tours, events, and sports equipment.
Boarding Limitations
Boarding facilities are limited, and spaces are competitive.
Boarding is only available for Grades 8–12, which may not accommodate younger students or families seeking long-term boarding options.
Traditional Approach
The school’s emphasis on tradition and discipline may not appeal to students or families looking for a more modern or progressive approach to education.
Some may view certain practices as outdated or rigid.
Focus on Boys’ Education
While the school provides a strong focus on boys’ education, families seeking co-educational environments may not find it suitable.
Students may miss out on the social benefits of interacting with peers of different genders.
Urban Location Challenges
Located in a busy area of Pretoria, traffic congestion can make commuting to and from the school time-consuming.
Urban distractions may pose challenges for day scholars.
Author's Review
Pretoria Boys High School is a premier educational institution that combines a rich history with academic excellence, sporting prowess, and a strong emphasis on character development.
With its impressive facilities, well-rounded curriculum, and a focus on traditional values, the school offers students a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in their future endeavors. The strong alumni network, dedicated staff, and diverse extracurricular opportunities further contribute to its status as one of South Africa’s leading boys’ schools.
However, prospective students and parents should be aware of the competitive admission process, high expectations, and the financial costs associated with attending the school. While the emphasis on discipline and tradition may not suit every family, Pretoria Boys High remains an outstanding choice for those seeking a challenging and well-rounded education in an environment of excellence.
For families that value a structured, tradition-rich education with a focus on academic and extracurricular achievement, Pretoria Boys High School continues to be a top-tier option for boys seeking to develop into well-rounded leaders.
