The Essentials
Type of School: Day, Private
Fees per year: ZAR40 800.00
Address: 495 Lena Ahrens Rd, Glenwood, Berea, 4001, South Africa
Phone Number: +27 31 274 2700
Principal: E. Hayes-Hill
Number of pupils: 1 200+
Age Range: 13-18
Email: admin@dghs.co.za
Website: https://www.dghs.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
Durban Girls’ High School (DGHS), established in 1882, is a distinguished public high school for girls situated in Glenwood, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The school serves over 1,200 students from Grade 8 to Grade 12, offering a comprehensive educational experience that emphasizes academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and athletic development.
Academic Excellence
DGHS maintains a strong academic reputation, achieving a 100% pass rate in the 2023 Matric examinations for the 28th consecutive year. The school also secured 491 subject distinctions, averaging 2.27 distinctions per learner, and a Bachelor Pass rate of 94%. The 2023 Dux, Alayka Sewnarain, achieved an aggregate of 92%.
Sports and Wellness
DGHS offers a comprehensive sports program that includes:
Competitive Sports: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Hockey, Netball, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Volleyball, Water Polo
Wellness Activities: Ballroom Dancing, Dance, Yoga, Social Tennis, Social Swimming, Taebo, Learn to Swim programs, First Aid courses
The school’s facilities support these activities, including a heated and floodlit swimming pool, sports fields, tennis courts, squash courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a music department.
Facilities
DGHS is equipped with:
Academic Facilities: Computer labs, science laboratories, media center with over 19,000 books, music room, and lecture theatres
Sports Facilities: Swimming pool, sports fields, tennis courts, squash courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts
Cultural Facilities: Music department, art studios, drama wing
These facilities support a holistic educational approach, fostering academic, cultural, and athletic development.
Durban Girls' High School Contact Details
You can contact Durban Girls’ High School via their landline, email or you can visit their website for further contact details.
Phone Number: +27 31 274 2700
Email: admin@dghs.co.za
Website: https://www.dghs.co.za/
Durban Girls' High School Address
495 Lena Ahrens Rd, Glenwood, Berea, 4001, South Africa
Durban Girls' High School Location
Durban Girls’ High School is situated is situated in the suburb of Glenwood on the lower Berea in the city of Durban under the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.
Durban Girls' High School Fees
Durban Girls’ High School’s tuition is currently standing at around ZAR40 800.00 per year excluding boarding fees and others. Please contact the institute via landline, email or visit them directly to get an up to date quote as fees are subject to change yearly.
Durban Girls' High School Courses & Programs
Durban Girls’ High School (DGHS) offers a variety of academic, cultural, and extracurricular programs aimed at providing a holistic education.
Academic Courses
DGHS follows the South African National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and offers the following subjects across various grades:
Grade 8 and 9 (Junior Phase)
Languages: English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language, isiZulu First Additional Language
Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences (History and Geography), Creative Arts, Economic and Management Sciences (including Accounting basics), Technology, Life Orientation
Grade 10 to 12 (FET Phase)
Languages: English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language, isiZulu First Additional Language
Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy
Life Orientation (compulsory)
Elective Subjects (students choose three or more from the following): Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, Business Studies, Geography, History, Consumer Studies, Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Information Technology (IT), Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
Cultural and Service Programs
DGHS emphasizes cultural enrichment through the following programs:
Music: Band, Choir, Orchestra
Drama: Drama Club, School Productions
Debating: Durban Coastal Debating League, Public Speaking
Various Clubs and Societies: Chess, Enviro Club, Film Club, Interact (community service), History Society, French Club, Book Club, Dance Club
Sports and Wellness Programs
DGHS offers a wide range of sports and wellness activities:
Competitive Sports: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Hockey, Netball, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Volleyball, Water Polo
Wellness Activities: Yoga, Ballroom Dancing, Dance Fitness, Social Tennis, Taebo, Learn-to-Swim Programs
Extramural Programs
Leadership Development: Prefect body, Student Representative Council
Community Engagement: Interact Club, Outreach programs
Skills Development: First Aid training, Computer skills through IT and CAT programs
Special Programs and Enrichment
Advanced Program Mathematics (for academically gifted students)
Remedial support programs
Career guidance and mentorship programs
Study skills and exam preparation workshops
Durban Girls' High School Vacancies and Entry Requirements
Student Admissions
DGHS offers admissions for Grade 8 and limited spaces for Grades 9 to 11. The admissions process is governed by the school’s policies and the regulations set by the Department of Education.
Grade 8 Admissions:
Application Period: Applications for Grade 8 typically open at the beginning of the academic year and close by the end of March. For the 2025 academic year, applications have already closed.
Application Process:
Application Form: Prospective students must complete the official DGHS application form, available on the school’s website during the application period.
Supporting Documents: Applicants are required to submit certified copies of the following:
Birth certificate
Latest school report
Parent/guardian identification documents
Proof of residence
Submission: Completed applications and supporting documents should be submitted to the school’s admissions office by the specified deadline.
Selection Criteria:
Academic performance
Extracurricular involvement
Conduct and disciplinary records
Capacity constraints
Notification: Successful applicants will be notified via official communication from the school.
Grades 9 to 11 Admissions:
Availability: Admissions for Grades 9 to 11 are subject to space availability.
Application Process: Interested applicants should contact the school’s admissions office to inquire about available spaces and the application procedure.
Durban Girls' High School Logo
Below is the logo of Durban Girls’ High School with excellent quality and it is available to download in PNG (transparent file) JPEG and PDF.
Durban Girls High School Logo
Durban Girls' High School Notable Alumni
Tikvah Alper – radiobiologist
Amy Jacot Guillarmod – botanist and limnologist
Sally-Ann Murray – author
Mishqah Parthiephal – actress
Penelope Coelen – Miss South Africa 1958 and Miss World 1958
Durban Girls' High School Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong Academic Reputation:
Durban Girls’ High School (DGHS) is known for its excellent academic performance, consistently achieving high matric pass rates.
Offers a diverse curriculum, including STEM, humanities, and arts, preparing students for various career paths.
Wide Range of Extracurricular Activities:
The school provides a variety of extracurricular options, including sports, cultural activities, and clubs, fostering holistic development.
Activities like debating, drama, and music nurture creativity and confidence in students.
Modern Facilities: The school is well-equipped with modern infrastructure, including science labs, computer centers, a library, and specialized rooms for arts and music.
Focus on Sports Development: DGHS offers a wide range of sports, such as netball, hockey, swimming, and athletics, promoting physical fitness and teamwork.
Cultural Diversity: The school embraces diversity, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from different backgrounds.
Supportive Environment: DGHS offers pastoral care, guidance counseling, and support services to ensure students’ emotional and academic well-being.
Emphasis on Leadership: Leadership opportunities through the prefect system, student council, and other initiatives help students develop responsibility and leadership skills.
Scholarship Opportunities: The school provides scholarships and financial aid for deserving students, promoting access to quality education.
Well-Established Alumni Network: An active alumni community provides mentorship and networking opportunities for current students.
Focus on Values and Ethics: DGHS instills strong moral values and discipline, fostering respect, responsibility, and integrity among its learners.
Cons
Large Student Body: With a high enrollment, some students may feel lost in the crowd, potentially affecting personalized attention in certain areas.
Competitive Environment: The school’s strong academic and extracurricular focus may create a high-pressure environment for some students.
Limited Access to Specialized Programs: While the school offers a broad curriculum, students seeking highly specialized vocational programs might find limited options.
Public School Funding Constraints: As a public school, DGHS may face challenges with budget limitations compared to private schools, potentially affecting the maintenance of facilities or expansion of resources.
Location Challenges: Being located in Durban, urban factors such as traffic congestion or safety concerns outside the campus may be issues for some families.
Traditional Structure: The school’s traditional structure and systems might feel rigid to students and families seeking a more progressive or alternative educational approach.
High Expectations: The school’s emphasis on excellence in academics, sports, and leadership might overwhelm students who are not inclined toward competitive environments.
Author's Review
Durban Girls’ High School is a prestigious institution celebrated for its academic excellence, diverse extracurricular offerings, and commitment to holistic education. With a focus on nurturing leadership, fostering values, and providing a supportive and inclusive environment, the school equips young women with the skills and confidence to thrive in an evolving world.
While the competitive atmosphere and large student body may present challenges for some, DGHS remains a top choice for families seeking a well-rounded education that emphasizes academic success, personal growth, and community engagement. Its legacy of excellence and dedication to empowering young women make it a standout institution in South Africa.
