The Essentials
Type of School: Boarding, Day, Private
Fees per year: ZAR65 400.00
Address: 20 Wellington Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone Number: +27 (011) 462 4531
Headmaster: Mr. Kevin Stippel
Number of pupils:700+
Age Range: 14-18
Email: info@parktownboys.com
Website: https://parktownboys.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
Parktown Boys’ High School, established in 1923, is a prestigious public English medium high school for boys located in Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa. The school is renowned for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and the holistic development of its students.
Historical Background
The origins of Parktown Boys’ High School date back to 1920 when it was established as North Western Suburbs High School in an old police barracks in Auckland Park. In 1923, the school moved to its current location on Wellington Road, with the original building now recognized as a National Monument.
Academic Excellence
Parktown Boys’ High School consistently achieves excellent matric results. Over the past six years, twenty-one of their students have achieved eight distinctions. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with a subject average across all subjects exceeding 60%.
Students excel in subjects such as Advanced Programme Mathematics, with a 72% average in 2018. Parktown has been featured prominently in a Sunday Times Top 100 schools survey in South Africa, identified as the only boys’ school in Johannesburg to make it into the Top 10 Schools in Gauteng, and the only Johannesburg state school in the top 10 Science schools in South Africa.
Extracurricular Activities
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports such as rugby, cricket, hockey, and water polo, as well as cultural activities like drama, debating, and music. This holistic approach ensures the development of well-rounded individuals.
Boarding Facilities
Parktown Boys’ High School provides weekly boarding facilities known as Druce Hall, officially opened on 9 June 1985 and named after P. M. Druce, the first headmaster. The boarding is supervised with a ratio of one master to every 15 boys, ensuring a supportive environment for students.
Traditions and Values
The school’s motto, “Arise” (Latin: “Surgite”), inspires the tradition, values, and spirit of the learners, parents, and staff of the Parktonian family.
The school emphasizes an ethos of excellence and quality, honesty, integrity and gentlemanly conduct, tolerance and empathy, trust and respect, self-discipline, initiative and enterprise, leadership and team spirit, full participation, free communication, personal and social achievement.
Notable Alumni
Past Parktonians have distinguished themselves as leaders in commerce, renowned academics, and international sportsmen, contributing significantly to various fields both nationally and internationally.
Parktown Boys High School Contact Details
You can contact Parktown Boys’ High School via their landline, email or you can visit their website for further contact details.
Phone Number: +27 (011) 462 4531
Email: info@parktownboys.com
Website: https://parktownboys.com/
Parktown Boys High School Address
20 Wellington Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Parktown Boys High School Location
Parktown Boys’ High School is situated in the suburb of Parktown in Johannesburg under the Gauteng province of South Africa.
Parktown Boys High School Fees
Parktown Boys’ High School’s fee is currently standing at around ZAR61 400 excluding boarding fees and registration fees. For more current and up to date information contact the institution or visit them directly as fees are subject to change yearly.
Parktown Boys High School Courses & Programs
Parktown Boys’ High School offers a diverse range of academic and extracurricular programs designed to provide students with a holistic education.
Academic Curriculum
The school provides a well-rounded academic program aligned with the South African National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).
Languages: English (Home Language), Afrikaans (First Additional Language), isiZulu (First Additional Language)
Mathematics: Mathematics (Core), Mathematical Literacy (Grades 10–12)
Sciences: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences
Humanities: Geography, History
Commerce: Accounting, Business Studies, Economics
Technical Subjects: Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
Arts and Culture: Visual Arts, Music
Life Skills: Life Orientation (compulsory for all grades)
Advanced Subjects (Optional): Advanced Programme Mathematics, Advanced Programme English
Extracurricular Programs
Parktown Boys’ High School is known for its rich extracurricular offerings, which include:
Sports: Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Water Polo, Athletics, Rowing, Squash, Tennis, Basketball
Cultural Activities: Drama, Music (including Choir and Orchestra), Debating, Public Speaking, Photography, Chess
Leadership Programs: Student Representative Council (SRC), Peer Mentorship Program
Clubs and Societies: Interact Club, Environment Club, Coding and Robotics Club
Special Programs
Leadership Development:
Programs to nurture leadership qualities through camps, mentorship, and team-building activities.
Community Engagement:
Students participate in outreach programs and volunteer work to give back to the community.
Academic Enrichment:
Olympiads in Mathematics, Science, and Languages.
Study groups and tutoring sessions.
Boarding Program
The school offers weekly boarding at Druce Hall, creating a structured environment for academic and extracurricular activities.
Parktown Boys High School Vacancies and Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Parktown Boys’ High School has specific admission criteria to ensure that students are well-prepared for the academic and extracurricular programs offered.
Grade 8 Admissions:
Application Process: Applications are managed through the Gauteng Department of Education’s online platform.
Required Documents:
Learner’s unabridged birth certificate
Learner’s latest school report
ID/Passport of both parents/guardians
Application Period: Typically opens mid-year for the following academic year.
Grades 9–11 Admissions:
Application Process: Prospective students should contact the school’s admissions office directly.
Contact Person: Sandy Beard
Email: BeardS@parktownboys.com
Required Documents:
Learner’s birth certificate
Latest academic reports
Transfer documents from the current school
Application Period: Applications for 2025 are currently open.
General Requirements:
Academic Performance: A strong academic record is essential.
Code of Conduct: Adherence to the school’s code of conduct, including regulations on appearance and behavior, is mandatory.
School Fees: Parents are expected to commit to the payment of school fees as determined by the governing body.
For detailed information on the admissions process, required documentation, and deadlines, please visit the Enrolments page on the school’s official website or contact the admissions office directly.
Please note that admission policies and vacancies are subject to change. It is recommended to consult the school’s official communications for the most up-to-date information.
Parktown Boys High School Logo
Below is the logo of Parktown Boys’ High School with excellent quality and it is available to download in PNG (transparent file) JPEG and PDF.
Parktown Boys' High School Logo
Pros and Cons
Pros
Academic Excellence
Parktown Boys’ consistently performs well academically, with students achieving excellent results in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations and excelling in subjects like Mathematics and Science.
The school offers Advanced Programme Mathematics and Advanced Programme English for top-performing students.
Strong Reputation
The school has a long-standing tradition of producing well-rounded, successful individuals who excel in both academic and extracurricular activities. It is well-regarded in Johannesburg and nationally.
Wide Range of Extracurricular Activities
The school offers a wide range of sports, including rugby, cricket, water polo, athletics, and hockey. Cultural activities like drama, music, debating, and chess are also strongly supported.
This helps students develop skills outside the classroom and provides opportunities for leadership, teamwork, and creativity.
Leadership Opportunities
There are numerous leadership opportunities through the Student Representative Council (SRC), peer mentorship, and involvement in school committees. The school focuses on developing leadership qualities in students.
Rich Traditions and Values
The school places a strong emphasis on discipline, integrity, leadership, and teamwork, fostering a well-rounded education that prepares students for adulthood.
Boarding Facilities
The school provides weekly boarding options for students, with a supportive environment that allows them to focus on their studies while having access to extracurricular activities and a structured routine.
Well-Equipped Facilities
The school boasts modern classrooms, sports facilities, and cultural spaces, providing students with a comfortable and conducive environment for learning.
Diverse Student Body
Students come from various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, which enriches the school community and helps students develop a broad worldview.
Cons
High Fees
Parktown Boys’ High School is a prestigious school with relatively high fees, making it less accessible for families who may struggle with the cost of education.
In addition to tuition, there are costs for extracurricular activities, uniforms, and other associated school expenses.
Pressure and Stress
Due to its focus on academic excellence and extracurricular involvement, students can sometimes experience high levels of pressure, which can affect their mental health and overall well-being.
The academic demands, combined with a packed extracurricular schedule, may lead to stress for some students.
Strict Disciplinary Policies
The school has strict rules and a code of conduct, which may be a challenge for some students who prefer more flexibility. The emphasis on discipline may not suit all personalities or learning styles.
Limited Focus on Girls’ Education
As an all-boys’ school, Parktown does not cater to female students, which could be a drawback for families seeking a co-educational environment. It may also limit the perspectives that male students are exposed to.
Competitive Environment
The competitive atmosphere, especially among high-achieving students, can be overwhelming for some students who might struggle to keep up academically or socially.
Peer pressure to succeed in sports and academics may create a less collaborative environment for those who are not as interested in these areas.
Limited Diversity in Academic Streams
While Parktown offers a broad range of subjects, it might not have as extensive a selection of specialized programs or vocational streams for students interested in fields outside the traditional academic or sporting tracks.
Commute Challenges
For students not living in close proximity, commuting to and from the school can be challenging due to traffic and the school’s location in a busy urban area.
Author's Review
Parktown Boys’ High School stands out as one of South Africa’s premier educational institutions, renowned for its strong academic programs, exceptional extracurricular offerings, and commitment to producing well-rounded individuals.
The school’s emphasis on academic excellence, leadership development, and a diverse range of sports and cultural activities ensures that students are equipped for success both in their studies and beyond.
While the school provides a nurturing and disciplined environment, the high fees and competitive nature may present challenges for some students and families. Additionally, its all-boys environment may not suit those seeking a co-educational experience.
Nevertheless, Parktown Boys’ High School remains a top choice for families seeking a prestigious education that combines academic rigor with opportunities for personal growth and development.
Ultimately, Parktown Boys’ High School is ideal for students who thrive in a structured, competitive environment and are looking for an education that values discipline, leadership, and excellence in all areas of life.
