Clifton School

Clifton, the independent boys’ school in Durban, is situated in the beautiful suburb of Morningside.

At Clifton, we are proud to offer a world-class, holistic education for boys from Grade 00 through to Grade 12, catering specifically to the development of boys into responsible, confident and competent young men.

A boys’ school by conviction, Clifton provides an educational environment that is designed to facilitate learning and assist in developing young men of character, who share an uncompromising belief in the power of family values, who thrive on competition, delight in discovery, exercise compassion and are courageous in their choices.

We walk this journey of progress and development with our young men and, as you will see from these pages, there are numerous activities and opportunities from which our boys can choose and grow. At the same time, we are conscious of our motto, “ prodesse quam conspici” – to accomplish, rather than to be conspicuous. As such, our boys remain humble and well mannered.

In Grade 00 and R, we combine the enjoyment of free play with the excitement of learning. Our curriculum is constructed in such a way that boys are kept happy and busy throughout their day and develop a real understanding of the importance of play and a love of learning.

Our fantasy, outdoor and creative areas provide for the boys’ physical, intellectual, social and emotional development and, in addition to the key learning areas of Mathematics, English Home Language and Life Skills, The boys are exposed to Information Technology, Music, Art, Drama and Ball Skills.

Our boys are taught according to individual strengths and become confident, curious and creative individuals. Small classes with specialist and passionate teachers ensure the the boys receive individual attention.

Our modern well-equipped facility offers fantasy, cognitive, outdoor and creative areas within a flexible and interactive learning environment, suited specifically to the needs of boys. Our programme includes early development of sporting skills through fun activities.

Our Sports Curriculum meets the specific needs of the Grade R boys. They are introduced to swimming and ball skills by specialist teachers and coaches and the foundations for life-long exercise are laid at an early age.

Our After-Care facility and Afternoon Programme is allows the boys to enjoy supervised activities in a safe and caring environment. Whether inside or outdoors, our boys discover learning in every activity they encounter.

The journey from our Grade 00 classrooms to our Junior Preparatory School is enjoyable and exhilarating. Our experienced teachers, who are committed to child-centred education, ensure that your son’s introduction to formal learning is adventurous, inspiring and fun. We believe that happy children learn best and our classrooms are caring, nurturing and exciting places, where a spirit of enquiry and commitment to excellence prevails.

We expect the best from every boy and we provide the environment in which that is made possible. It is at this level that we establish the grounding in the academic and social skills that are needed to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Our curriculum is broad, exciting, innovative and holistic and we give a distinct focus to each of the academic, social, cultural, sporting and spiritual aspects of your son’s development.

Traditional values and modern methodology combine to provide a solid foundation for our boys’ education. Class teachers are responsible for the teaching of the basic core subjects of Mathematics, English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language and Life Skills, and we introduce specialist teachers in isiZulu, Music, Physical Education and Information Technology.

We encourage boys to make connections between school and the wider society to ensure that they develop as confident, fulfilled and excited participants in the learning process. We trust that their experiences at Clifton will mean that they continue to learn throughout their lives.

Clifton distinguishes itself by having a number of specialist teachers who are able to provide high levels of expertise to small classes in varied learning areas. These teachers constantly liaise with class teachers to ensure that learning experiences are holistic rather than fragmented.

Clifton College boys are confident, self-disciplined, courteous, capable and well-rounded individuals who are encouraged to make the most of every opportunity on offer at our school.

At Clifton, we know, love and understand boys. We are cognizant of the fact that we are responsible for preparing boys to enter and lead in a dynamic, interconnected and exciting world. For close to a century, Clifton has continued to evolve, remaining committed to educating the whole boy – in mind, in body and in spirit.

Boys are encouraged to think creatively, to take intellectual risks, to engage with others, to question and to discover. Our educational vision is underpinned by the pillars of scholarship, leadership, sportsmanship, culture and community, which our boys live out each day.

Whether in the classroom, on the stage or on the sports fields, our boys work in an environment of excellence and rigour. Every boy is encouraged to involve himself to the full in order to ensure that he makes the most of all that the College has to offer.