Bishops Diocesan College, also known simply as Bishops, is a prestigious Anglican all-boys private school located in Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa. Founded in 1849, Bishops has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, leadership development, and sporting prowess.
- Location: Campground Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, Western Cape 7700, South Africa
- Grades: Pre-Primary (Age 4) to Grade 12 (Age 18)
- Student Population: Approximately 1,435 students
- Fees: Day Fees (R91,780 – R213,240); Boarding Fees (R151,440)
- Religion: Anglican
- Boarding: Available
- Uniform: Yes
Curriculum & Qualifications
Bishops offers a British-style education, combined with South African National Curriculum (CAPS) and International A-Levels for senior students. The school aims to provide a holistic education, focusing on academics, sports, and arts.
Curriculum Overview:
- Early Years to Grade 7: Follows the South African CAPS system, ensuring a strong foundation in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English, with an emphasis on critical thinking and creativity.
- Grade 8 to 12: Students can choose from A-levels or pursue the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC).
- Grade 12: Bishops offers A-Level and IB diploma options, ensuring that students are ready for global universities.
Academic Excellence
Bishops Diocesan College maintains its reputation as one of South Africa’s top-performing schools. In 2024, Bishops’ A-Level students achieved exceptional results, including 14 A* and 18 A grades. The International Baccalaureate (IB) results were equally strong, with an average score of 36 points and 21% of students achieving bilingual diplomas.
Notable Alumni:
- Herschelle Gibbs – Former Proteas cricketer
- Francois Louw – Springbok rugby player
- Tim Noakes – Renowned scientist
- Mark Shuttleworth – Entrepreneur & former astronaut
Sporting Achievements
Bishops is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s best sports schools, offering a range of activities that promote teamwork and physical fitness. Rugby, cricket, swimming, and rowing are some of the core sports, but the school also excels in hockey, basketball, and athletics.
- Top-Level Sports: The school competes in local and international tournaments, offering students the opportunity to represent Bishops in the prestigious Western Province schools leagues.
- Sports Facilities: Bishops boasts exceptional sports facilities, including state-of-the-art rugby fields, a cricket oval, a multi-sport gym, and swimming pools.
Arts & Extracurricular Activities
Bishops encourages students to develop their artistic abilities alongside academics. The school offers an array of extracurricular activities in the arts, including drama, music, debate, and choir. The John Peake Music School has been instrumental in the development of young musicians, providing music lessons in a wide range of instruments.
- Drama: The school hosts annual theatre productions, allowing students to showcase their acting and directing talents.
- Music: Numerous ensembles and private music lessons are available for students interested in furthering their musical education.
- Clubs & Societies: Students can also engage in a variety of clubs, such as robotics, model United Nations (MUN), and chess.
Pastoral Care & Community
Bishops places a strong emphasis on the personal development and well-being of its students. The house system plays an important role in promoting community and belonging. Each student is assigned to one of eight houses, which fosters a sense of family and mutual support.
- Mentorship & Guidance: The school provides a mentor program, offering guidance to students throughout their school journey.
- Counseling & Support: Psychologists and counselors are available to support students with academic pressures or personal challenges.
Boarding at Bishops
Boarding is a popular option at Bishops, and around 25% of students are boarders. The school has three college boarding houses, which are home to 70-80 boys each. Boarding students come from across South Africa and internationally, allowing them to build strong friendships and enjoy a supportive living environment.
- Facilities: Boarding houses are equipped with comfortable common rooms, study areas, and dining facilities.
- Boarding Life: Boarders participate in the same extracurricular activities as day students, ensuring a well-rounded school experience.
Admission Process and Fees
Admissions:
The entrance process for Bishops is highly competitive. Applicants are required to submit their school reports, and may be interviewed or assessed for academic readiness. The school offers non-selective entry for younger grades but conducts placement exams for senior school admission.
Fees:
| Grade Level | Day Fees (R) | Boarding Fees (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade N | 91,780 | – |
| Grade 1-7 | 91,780 – 121,500 | – |
| Grade 8-12 | 121,500 – 213,240 | 151,440 |
Additional Costs:
- One-off Placement Fee: R28,940 – R43,450
- Capital Levy: R6,000 per family
- Aftercare: Available at an additional cost
Conclusion
Bishops Diocesan College stands as a symbol of excellence in education. The combination of academic rigor, sports achievements, artistic expression, and strong pastoral care ensures that students graduate as well-rounded, capable young men, prepared to take on leadership roles in society.
For more information about admissions and programs, visit the Bishops Diocesan College Website.
Accreditations & Memberships:
- Anglican Church
- International Baccalaureate (IBO)
- Cambridge International Examinations
- ISASA (Independent Schools Association of South Africa)
- HMC (Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference)
