Collegiate Girls' High School

Collegiate Girls’ High School was founded in 1874 and soon adopted a tradition of academic excellence and being a leading girls’ school. This tradition endures today and is reflected in the current vision of “Pursuing Excellence through Holistic Education”. A balanced member of society is one who pursues excellence in all areas: the intellect; the physical; the social and the spiritual.

It is the aim of the school to provide the balanced education necessary to attain its vision, and to this end five values are promoted; the motto is a reminder that it is not what one says but what one does that is important; whilst the mission statement elaborates on the steps of implementation of the vision, values and motto.

From its inception Collegiate has progressed unerringly in its commitment to excellence, a proud tradition handed down by those who have served the school. Its headmistresses, its teachers and the young minds entrusted into its care, have shaped and will continue to shape the spirit of the school.

Collegiate interacts widely with the community. The annual Carol Service, which has been part of Port Elizabeth’s cultural heritage for over one hundred years, is synonymous with Collegiate and its commitment to the Community Chest. All Grades and Houses support various organisations either by hands-on involvement or by fundraising. This involvement and the annual Charity Bazaar teach girls that there is great fulfillment and satisfaction to be gained in the service of others.

The active involvement of parents and past pupils, epitomized in the Old Collegiate Girls’ Guild, has enriched the lives of present pupils in the form of facilities, awards and bursaries and the aesthetically beautiful school buildings in which they work and play. This support of the School has also made an invaluable contribution to the success of Collegiate and its ongoing commitment to excellence.

Although the school’s traditions and ethos are based on Christian values and beliefs, there is a full acceptance of and a respect for other religious faiths. The five values: integrity, compassion, responsibility, respect and a good work ethic are promoted and ascribed to. The Lamp of Service represents the ethos of knowledge tempered with honesty, loyalty and service to the community.