Essentials

Type of School: Boarding, Day, Private
Fees per year: ZAR72 000.00 – ZAR133 000.00
Address: 4 East Rd, The Hill, Johannesburg South, 2190, South Africa
Phone Number:  +27 11 435 0380
Headmaster: Warren Venter
Number of pupils: 800+
Age Range: 0-18
Email: marketing@stmartin.co.za
Website: https://www.stmartin.co.za/

Table Of Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Contact Details
  3. Address
  4. Location
  5. School Fees
  6. Courses & Programs
  7. Vacancies and Entry Requirements
  8. Logo
  9. School Uniform
  10. Notable Alumni
  11. Pros and Cons
  12. Author’s Review

Overview

St Martin’s School, located in the south of Johannesburg, South Africa, is a distinguished Anglican co-educational institution offering comprehensive education from Grade 000 to Grade 12. Established in 1908, the school has a rich history rooted in academic excellence, Christian values, and a commitment to holistic student development.

Historical Background

Originally founded as St. Agnes School in 1908 for training domestic helpers, the institution expanded in 1911 with the addition of St. Peter’s Priory and College, providing boarding high school education.

Known as the “Black Eton,” it became renowned for its academic achievements, counting notable figures such as Oliver Tambo and Hugh Masekela among its alumni. Due to apartheid-era policies, the school was closed in 1956 but reopened in 1958 as St. Martin’s School. Transitioning to a co-educational model in 1978, it has since upheld its tradition of inclusivity and excellence.

Academic Structure

St Martin’s School is divided into three main sections:

Pre-Preparatory School (Grade 000 – Grade R): Focuses on early childhood development, emphasizing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social interaction within a nurturing environment.

Preparatory School (Grade 1 – Grade 7): Offers a broad curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning. Subjects include languages, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts.

High School (Grade 8 – Grade 12): Provides a rigorous academic program preparing students for the National Senior Certificate examinations. The curriculum is complemented by various elective subjects, catering to diverse student interests and career aspirations.

Boarding Facilities

The school offers boarding options for students from Grade 7 to Grade 12, providing a supportive residential environment that fosters independence, responsibility, and community living.

Christian Ethos

As an Anglican institution, the school integrates Christian values into its educational approach, promoting moral development, social justice, and inclusivity among its students.

Saint Martin's School Contact Details

You can contact Saint Martin’s School via their landline, email or you can visit their website for further contact details.

Phone Number:  +27 11 435 0380
Email: marketing@stmartin.co.za
Website: https://www.stmartin.co.za/

Saint Martin's School Address

4 East Rd, The Hill, Johannesburg South, 2190, South Africa

Saint Martin's School Location

Saint Martin’s School is situated in the suburb of The Hill in Johannesburg under the Gauteng province of South Africa on East Road.

Saint Martin's School Fees

Saint Martin’s School’s fees is currently standing between ZAR72 000.00 to ZAR133 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.

Saint Martin's School Courses & Programs

Saint Martin’s School in Johannesburg, South Africa, offers a comprehensive curriculum from Grade 000 (Pre-Preparatory) to Grade 12, designed to provide a well-rounded education.

Pre-Preparatory School (Grade 000 to Grade R)

The focus in this phase is on early childhood development and laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Programs emphasize:

Language Development: Basic literacy and language skills.
Numeracy: Foundational math concepts and problem-solving.
Motor Skills Development: Activities that enhance fine and gross motor skills.
Social Skills: Interaction, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.
Creative Arts: Music, drama, and art to foster creativity and self-expression.
Physical Education: Basic physical activities and games.

Preparatory School (Grade 1 to Grade 7)

The Preparatory School curriculum builds on the foundation laid in the early years and broadens the scope of learning:

Core Subjects:
English Language and Literature
Afrikaans or isiZulu (Second Language Options)
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences (Geography and History)

Additional Subjects:
Life Orientation (including Religious Education)
Creative Arts (Music, Drama, Visual Arts)
Technology and Computers

Sports and Physical Education:
Athletics, swimming, cricket, soccer, hockey, and netball.

Extracurricular Programs:
Debating, drama, music ensembles, and various clubs.

High School (Grade 8 to Grade 12)

The High School curriculum aligns with the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) requirements. It also offers diverse elective subjects to cater to student interests and career goals.

Core Subjects (Mandatory for all students):
English Home Language
Afrikaans First Additional Language or isiZulu First Additional Language
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Life Orientation

Elective Subjects (Choose a combination): Physical Sciences, Life Sciences (Biology), Geography, History, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Information Technology (IT), Consumer Studies

Advanced Academic and Skills Development:
Focus on preparing students for tertiary education.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

Extracurricular and Enrichment Activities:
Sports: Rugby, cricket, hockey, soccer, swimming, tennis, and athletics.
Cultural Activities: Choir, orchestra, drama, debating, public speaking, and community outreach.
Clubs and Societies: Environmental Club, Science Club, and Leadership Programs.

Special Programs
Christian Education: As an Anglican school, the curriculum integrates Christian values and moral teachings.
Leadership Development: Opportunities to cultivate leadership skills through prefectship, student council, and team sports.
Boarding Facilities: Available for students from Grade 7 to Grade 12, promoting independence and a sense of community.

Holistic Education Philosophy

Saint Martin’s School aims to nurture students’ academic, spiritual, cultural, and physical development, providing opportunities for both personal growth and academic excellence.

Saint Martin's School Vacancies and Entry Requirements

Saint Martin’s School in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a co-educational Anglican institution offering education from Grade 000 to Grade 12.

Entry Requirements

Saint Martin’s School has a structured admissions process designed to ensure a good fit between the prospective student and the school’s offerings. Below are the general entry requirements:

Completed Application Form: Prospective parents or guardians must fill out the official application form provided by the school.

Supporting Documentation:
Recent Passport Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos of the applicant.
Certified Copies of Identity Documents: Copies of identity documents for both the learner and both parents or guardians.
Birth Certificate: A certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Academic Reports: Certified copies of the learner’s most recent end-of-term and end-of-year school reports.
Reference Letter: A letter of reference from the applicant’s current or previous school.
Final Fee Statement: The final fee statement from the applicant’s previous school.
Divorce Order (if applicable): If the child’s parents are divorced, a certified copy of the divorce order must be provided.
Financial Documents: Three months’ bank statements and payslips of the fee payer’s bank account.

Application Fee: An application fee is typically required upon submission. The exact amount and payment details can be obtained by contacting the admissions office.
Interview Process: Qualified applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Assessment Tests Depending on the grade level, applicants might be required to undergo assessment tests to determine their academic readiness.

Additional Information:

Boarding Facilities: Saint Martin’s School offers boarding from Grade 7 to Grade 12. Parents interested in boarding options should indicate this on the application form and may be required to provide additional information.
Scholarship Opportunities: The school may offer scholarships based on academic excellence, sports achievements, or other criteria. Details about scholarship applications and requirements can be obtained from the admissions office.

Saint Martin's School Logo

Below is the logo of Saint Martin’s School with excellent quality and it is available to download in PNG (transparent file) JPEG and PDF.

Saint Martin's School Logo

Saint Martin's School Logo PNG transparent file download

Saint Martin's School Notable Alumni

Oliver Tambo – anti-apartheid politician and activist, president of the African National Congress
Hugh Masekela – jazz musician
Peter Hatendi – bishop
Peter Klatzow – composer and pianist
Todd Matshikiza – jazz musician and journalist
Richard Masemola – Anglican priest
Es’kia Mphahlele – writer, educationist, artist and activist

Saint Martin's School Pros and Cons

Pros

High Academic Standards
Saint Martin’s School follows a rigorous curriculum that prepares students well for tertiary education.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Christian Values and Holistic Education
As an Anglican school, it incorporates Christian values into daily life, promoting moral and ethical development alongside academics.
The holistic education approach ensures students grow academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.

Diverse Curriculum
A broad range of subjects and extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and cultural programs.
Offers electives in areas such as drama, IT, and business studies, catering to varied student interests.

Extracurricular Opportunities
A variety of sports, cultural activities, and clubs such as debating, choir, and leadership programs.
Extracurricular activities promote teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.

Modern Facilities
The school has state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, IT labs, a library, sports fields, and arts facilities.

Boarding Facilities
Boarding is available for students in higher grades, fostering independence and providing a safe and structured environment.

Strong Sense of Community
Small class sizes allow for personalized attention and a sense of belonging.
The school nurtures meaningful relationships among students, parents, and teachers.

Reputation
Saint Martin’s School is well-regarded in Johannesburg for its academic performance and commitment to producing well-rounded students.

Scholarship Opportunities
Offers scholarships for students excelling in academics, sports, or other areas, making the school accessible to deserving candidates.

Cons

High Tuition Fees
The school’s fees are on the higher end, which may be a financial burden for some families.
Additional costs for extracurricular activities, uniforms, and boarding may increase the financial strain.

Limited Subject Options in Certain Areas
While the curriculum is diverse, it may not have as many technical or vocational subjects compared to other schools.
Limited focus on niche subjects such as robotics or coding, which some modern schools emphasize.

Admission Competition
Due to its reputation, entry into the school can be competitive, and not all applicants are accepted.
Application requirements may be extensive, including assessments and interviews.

Religious Framework May Not Suit Everyone
The school’s Anglican Christian values are central to its ethos, which may not appeal to families from different religious or non-religious backgrounds.

Boarding Limitations
Boarding facilities are available only for older students, which might be a drawback for families seeking full-time boarding for younger children.

Location Constraints
For families not residing in Johannesburg or surrounding areas, commuting may be challenging unless they opt for boarding.

Pressure to Excel
The school’s high academic and extracurricular expectations might feel overwhelming for some students.

Focus on Tradition
While the school has strong traditions, it may sometimes lag in adopting cutting-edge educational innovations compared to more progressive schools.

Author's Review

Saint Martin’s School in Johannesburg, South Africa, offers a well-rounded education grounded in Christian values, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community. With its diverse curriculum, modern facilities, and numerous extracurricular opportunities, it provides a nurturing environment for students to grow both academically and personally.

The school’s emphasis on holistic education, leadership, and character development ensures that students are well-prepared for future challenges, whether in further studies or the workforce.

However, prospective families should carefully consider the school’s high tuition fees, the competitive admission process, and the religious framework, which may not suit every family. While the school’s academic reputation and extracurricular offerings are impressive, the limited subject options in certain fields and the pressure to excel may pose challenges for some students.

Overall, Saint Martin’s School remains a top choice for families seeking a prestigious, values-based education in Johannesburg, but it may not be the ideal fit for everyone due to its financial and philosophical considerations.

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Saint Martin’s School Review In 2025