Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
1200 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
38 |
| Most common nationality |
South African |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1:10 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, German, isiXhosa and Afrikaans |
| Max. number of students per class |
Prep: 24
|
| Average number of students per class |
22 students |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Yes |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
Somerset College is able to move nimbly and successfully between online and on-campus teaching using various virtual classroom technologies. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Yes. Christian |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Provision for non-religious students or students of other religiouns may spend their time in the library when the rest of the school visit the chapel. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Both IEB and Cambridge AS and A levels are external examinations |
| Results in these examinations |
Somerset College has a tradition of a 100% Bachelor Pass. Refer to our website for details of our latest results.
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| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
This would be grade dependent. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
95% and higher |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
At Somerset College, we value a holistic, multidisciplinary approach when providing support to our students. The Student Development Unit (SDU) aims to provide on-site support and assistance to those students who experience academic, psychological, social and/or emotional challenges. |
| Learning support offered |
The SDU often refers students who require professional support to the network of psychologists and therapists that have a good working relationship with the school. There are occasions where, despite the repeated efforts of the staff, students do not respond positively to the support they have been offered. Once again, the subject teacher is the first step in the disciplinary process. Staff would then refer disciplinary issues to tutors, grade heads or the deputy heads for further intervention.
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| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
At Somerset College we aim to produce critical, creative and collaborative thinkers through modern educational practices and the prioritisation of innovation. Our task is to equip our students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world by championing independent and imaginative thought, while fostering real engagement with the challenges faced by our students, our community and our country. The core value of dignity undergirds our thinking, learning and growing. At Somerset College, through aspiration and creativity, we challenge our lives, our work and our play to have a higher purpose. Here, challenge is not something to fear or avoid; it provides the most valuable opportunity for our students to take ownership of their education and to make the most of the extraordinary possibilities of their years at Somerset College. Here, we challenge our students to realise their full capacity to contribute to a better future for all. With dignity as our source and contribution as our purpose, Somerset College students are equipped to challenge first themselves and then the issues of the world around them.
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| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Placement test are written for the senior school.
|
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
N/a |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
Depending on which section of Somerset College the student is attending - from 7h30 to 8h30 |
| School finish time |
From 12h00 to 14h30 depending on which section you attend. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Aftercare is a dedicated student-centred service that caters for students from Grade 000 to Grade 7 in two separate venues. The venue for the Pre-Prep students is the Aftercare Centre and the venue for the Junior Prep students is the OLS. At 16:00, all students come together at the Aftercare Centre until it closes at 17:30. At the end of each term, or for special holidays, these times may vary. |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Special diets are taken into consideration when preparing meals and eats for sale in the tuck shops on campus. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Dramatic Arts
|
| Sports activities included |
PREP SCHOOL
SENIOR SCHOOL
|
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Astro Hockey fields
|
| Grades/ages available for boarding |
Senior school: Grades 8 - 12 |
| Boarding facilities at the school |
The boarding facilities at Somerset College provide a comfortable, caring environment that fosters both academic and social growth. Boarders share rooms in pairs within their peer group, creating a safe and supportive space, while still being close to other grades. Each house is run by a dedicated team, including a Matron for both houses, who provide emotional, social, physical, and spiritual support. The boarding team works closely with the Student Development Unit (SDU), offering counselling, chaplain services, and weekly youth evenings for spiritual growth. Students also have access to a qualified nurse for any health needs. Boarders have access to all the sports facilities on campus, as well as music, art, and drama spaces. Security is a top priority, with guards on duty 24/7 and access to the campus controlled at the main gate. Security cameras are installed in the houses, and biometric systems control access. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
We offer a world-class education with a Christian foundation. We teach dignity, respect and a commitment to community service. We are a community dedicated to academic excellence, individuality, and innovation. At Somerset College, we believe in nurturing the whole person—our students are more than learners; they are future leaders, creative thinkers, and compassionate contributors to the world. With a firm foundation in values and principles, our school fosters a spirit of curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. From our dynamic curriculum to our state-of-the-art facilities, every aspect of Somerset College is designed to inspire success and personal growth. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Our approach is holistic. We focus on developing the whole child. We integrate academics, sports, cultural activities, leadership and outdoor programmes. This ensures every student can thrive. We offer both the IEB and Cambridge curricula. We nurture critical, creative and collaborative thinkers. Our students are equipped to adapt to a changing world. Dedicated teachers guide students on a journey of self-discovery and personal excellence. They are prepared to help shape a better future for everyone. |