The Essentials
Type of School: Day, Private
Fees per year: ZAR51 480.00
Address: Dawson Rd, Selborne, East London, 5213, South Africa
Phone Number: +27 43 722 1822
Headmaster: Andrew Dewar
Number of pupils: 800+
Age Range: 14-18
Email: info@selborne.co.za
Website: https://www.selborne.co.za/
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
Location: Selborne College is located in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Type of Institution: It is a prestigious all-boys public high school offering a blend of academic excellence, sports, culture, and leadership development.
History: Selborne College was established in 1872 and named after the Earl of Selborne, who was the High Commissioner for South Africa at the time. It has a long-standing reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence.
Motto: The school’s motto is “Palma Virtuti” (The Reward of Virtue). This reflects the institution’s focus on values, character, and achievement.
Facilities
The school boasts world-class facilities, including:
Modern classrooms and labs
Extensive sports fields and indoor sports halls
Aquatic facilities (for swimming and water polo)
A well-stocked library
A boarding establishment for out-of-town students
Boarding
Selborne College has a boarding facility, Selborne House, which caters to students from outside East London. The boarding house fosters a sense of camaraderie and provides a structured environment for academic and personal growth.
Notable Alumni
The school has an impressive list of alumni who have excelled in various fields, including:
Sport: Numerous Springboks (rugby players) and Proteas (cricketers)
Business: Influential entrepreneurs and CEOs
Academia and Arts: Scholars, authors, and musicians
Leadership and Values
Selborne College emphasizes leadership development and instills values of respect, responsibility, and resilience. Students are encouraged to participate in outreach programs, fostering a sense of community and empathy.
Admissions and Fees
Admissions: Selborne College has a selective admissions process that typically involves an application, academic records, and an interview.
Fees: As a public school, it is funded partially by the government but also relies on school fees. Fees for boarding and tuition are separate and vary annually.
Achievements and Reputation
Selborne College is consistently ranked among the top-performing schools in the Eastern Cape and South Africa as a whole. Its combination of tradition, academic excellence, and extracurricular achievement makes it a desirable institution for boys seeking a well-rounded education.
Selborne College Contact Details
You can contact Selborne College via their landline, email or you can visit their website for further contact details.
Phone Number: +27 43 722 1822
Email: info@selborne.co.za
Website: https://www.selborne.co.za/
Selborne College Address
Dawson Rd, Selborne, East London, 5213, South Africa
Selborne College Location
Selborne College is situated in the suburb of Selborne in the city of East London under the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
Selborne College Fees
Selborne College’s fees is currently standing at ZAR51 480.00 per annum excluding hostel, registration fees and other minor fees. Please visit the website for more correct information or call them on their office number as fees can change yearly.
Selborne College Courses & Programs
Selborne College, as a high school, does not offer tertiary-level courses or programs but focuses on secondary education aligned with the South African curriculum.
Academic Subjects
Selborne College follows the South African Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), preparing students for the National Senior Certificate (NSC). The subjects are divided into core and elective options:
Core Subjects
English (Home Language)
Afrikaans or isiXhosa (First Additional Language)
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Life Orientation
Elective Subjects
Students can choose three electives from the following: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Geography, History, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Information Technology (IT), Computer Applications Technology (CAT), Visual Arts
Sports Programs
Selborne College offers an extensive sports program, including:
Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Swimming, Water Polo, Athletics, Tennis, Rowing, Cross Country
Cultural Activities
Drama and Theatre Productions
Music Programs (Choir, Orchestra, and Instrumental Training)
Debating and Public Speaking
Art and Design
Clubs and Societies
Environmental Club
Technology and Robotics Clubs
First Aid Society
Leadership Programs
Special Programs
Cadet Program: Focused on discipline and leadership.
Community Outreach: Encourages students to engage with local communities and participate in social impact projects.
Leadership Development: Prefects and mentorship programs for students to develop leadership skills.
Selborne College Vacancies and Entry Requirements
Student Admission Vacancies:
Grade 8: Open for applications.
Grades 9, 10, and 11: Limited vacancies available.
Entry Requirements:
Language Proficiency: Selborne College is an English-medium institution; therefore, proficiency in English is a prerequisite for admission. All subjects are taught in English, except for first additional languages (Afrikaans and isiXhosa).
Application Submission: Applications must be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office, addressed to Mrs. Hodgkinson. Ensure that all relevant certified documentation accompanies the application.
Application Deadline: Applications close on March 28, 2024. Late applications will not be considered.
Interviews: Potential interviews may be conducted during April, May, and June.
For the most current information, please visit the official Selborne College admissions page.
Selborne College Logo
Below is the logo of Selborne College with excellent quality and it is available to download in PNG (transparent file) JPEG and PDF.
Selborne College Logo
Selborne College Notable Alumni
Mark Andrews – South African rugby international and Rugby World Cup Winner
Jacob Maliekal – South African Badminton player, competed at 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro
Mark Boucher – South African international cricketer (wicket-keeper), South African Cricket Coach
Wayne Taylor – International motor racing driver
Anaso Jobodwana – South African Olympian at 2012 Summer Olympics
André Vos – South African rugby international & Captain (flanker)
Ray Carlson – South African rugby international
Keith Andrews – South African rugby international
Brent Russell – South African rugby international
Rory Kockott – French Rugby International
Tango Balekile – U20 South African player
Chris Cloete – SA A Rugby player
Mnombo Zwelendaba – U20 South African player
David Brits – South African professional rugby player
Leon Lyons – South African professional rugby player for Stormers
Michael Botha – South African professional Rugby union player for Southern Kings
Thomas Bursey – South African professional rugby player
Jacques Goosen – South African professional rugby player for Stormers
Jarrod Taylor – South African professional rugby player for Western Province
Selborne College Pros and Cons
Pros
Academic Excellence
Strong Academic Reputation: Selborne College is known for its high academic standards, with students regularly achieving excellent results in national examinations.
Diverse Curriculum: The school offers a wide range of subjects across the sciences, humanities, and arts, allowing students to pursue their academic interests and goals.
Dedicated Faculty: The school boasts highly qualified and experienced teachers who are passionate about their subjects and student development.
Sporting Excellence
Wide Range of Sports: Selborne College has a strong sporting culture and offers a variety of sports, including rugby, cricket, soccer, athletics, swimming, and rowing.
Competitive Edge: The school has a reputation for excelling in sports, particularly in rugby and cricket, where they regularly compete at a high level in regional and national competitions.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: The school provides excellent sports facilities, including well-maintained fields, courts, and a swimming pool.
Leadership and Personal Development
Holistic Education: Selborne College emphasizes a well-rounded education, encouraging students to develop not only academically but also in terms of leadership, character, and social responsibility.
Leadership Opportunities: The school fosters leadership through various programs such as the Student Representative Council (SRC), prefect roles, and sports team captaincies.
Character Building: The school aims to develop students into responsible, respectful, and proactive young adults, focusing on both academic and moral growth.
Cultural Activities
Music and the Arts: Selborne offers a vibrant cultural program, including music, drama, and art, with students having the opportunity to participate in productions, concerts, and exhibitions.
Diverse Cultural Engagement: The school promotes cultural diversity and understanding through its engagement in various arts and cultural events.
Facilities and Resources
Modern Infrastructure: The school is well-equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, and IT facilities to support learning and research.
Boarding Facilities: For students coming from outside East London, Selborne offers excellent boarding options, providing a home-like atmosphere for those living on campus.
School Reputation
Prestigious School: Selborne College is a respected institution with a long history of academic and sporting achievements, making it a sought-after choice for students and their families.
Alumni Network: The school has a strong alumni network that provides ongoing mentorship and opportunities for graduates in their careers.
Cons
Pressure and High Expectations
Competitive Environment: Due to its reputation for excellence, there is often significant pressure on students to perform well academically and in sports, which might be overwhelming for some individuals.
Academic Stress: The rigorous academic demands may not suit students who prefer a more relaxed or less challenging educational environment.
Cost of Education
Tuition Fees: While Selborne College is a public school, the fees can be relatively high for a public institution, making it less accessible for families from lower-income backgrounds.
Additional Costs: Apart from tuition, students may need to cover the costs of uniforms, sports tours, extracurricular activities, and boarding fees, which can be financially burdensome for some families.
Limited Diversity
Predominantly Male Environment: As a boys’ school, Selborne College may not appeal to those who prefer a co-educational environment where they can interact with both genders.
Limited Cultural and Social Diversity: While the school offers diverse extracurricular activities, some students may feel that the school’s culture is predominantly shaped by its historical context and may not fully reflect the broader diversity of South African society.
Rigidity of Structure
Traditional Educational Approach: Selborne College, while providing a quality education, may not appeal to students seeking a more progressive or innovative approach to learning.
Conservative Culture: The school has a long-established culture and may not be as adaptable to change as some more modern educational institutions.
Boarding Restrictions
Limited Boarding Space: While Selborne College offers boarding facilities, there may be limited availability, making it difficult for students from distant regions to secure a spot in the school’s hostel.
Strict Boarding Rules: Boarding students must adhere to a strict set of rules and routines, which might not suit all students, particularly those who prefer more independence.
Author's Review
Selborne College stands as one of South Africa’s premier schools, offering an exceptional balance of academic achievement, sporting excellence, and leadership development.
With a strong emphasis on both intellectual and personal growth, the school prepares its students for success, not only in their academic pursuits but also in their futures as well-rounded, responsible individuals.
The school’s competitive environment, rigorous academic standards, and strong sporting culture make it an ideal choice for students who thrive in structured, high-pressure settings.
However, these same qualities may present challenges for students who prefer a more relaxed or less demanding atmosphere. Additionally, the costs associated with attending Selborne College, along with its single-gender setting, may not be suitable for all families.
For those seeking a well-rounded, high-achieving institution that fosters both academic and personal excellence, Selborne College offers a remarkable educational experience. It remains a top choice for many families, particularly those looking for a prestigious school with a rich history of success in both academics and sports.
