Northcliff High School

Northcliff High School was established in 1969 at the foot of the hill in the leafy suburb of Northcliff. The founding principles of the school were the pursuit of excellence and a sound value system. Four Headmasters have ensured that the school has maintained a high level of achievement over almost 50 years, at the same time remaining true to its original ideals.

A leading South African co-educational school, focused on developing the whole child by offering a balance of academics, sport and cultural activities.Words can only describe our school so much. A visit will let you experience it. Learn about our curriculum, community impact and how we support our students here at Northcliff High School. Join us in one of our upcoming events, activities and local projects.

Northcliff’s founding headmaster, Mr Ged Dickerson was asked to open a new high school in Northcliff, and began the preparations – appointing staff, designing the school badge, planning the uniform – so that Northcliff High School could open with 176 Grade 8 pupils in January 1969. Mr Dickerson, a former Latin teacher, provided all the Latin names for Northcliff’s top awards: the Optimus Omnium (Best of All), Nulli Secundus (Second to None) and Magna cum Laude (With Great Honour), and of course the school motto, Nihil tam Altum (Nothing so High).

Northcliff rewards academic success at all levels and has a long tradition of outstanding achievement in matriculation examinations. A 100% Matric Pass rate is the accepted norm, with over 80% of our students going on to further studies at university. High standards mean that we foster a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed. Northcliff High has consistently been rated one of the top 3 feeder schools for the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg and remains a top feeder school for other major universities around the country. Our alumni cope very well with the rigors of university study and we see university success rates over 85%. We have a proud record of academic achievement and we see ourselves as a crucial step in our students’ progression towards Tertiary Education.

• To be a centre of achievement for the benefit of its defined community and South African Education.
• To provide its pupils and teachers with the very best opportunities to develop to potential.
• To engender in its pupils sound moral values and a sense of belief in self.
• To attain excellence in academic and extramural spheres.
• To attract and retain the services of the very best staff.
• To provide good facilities and state-of-the-art equipment for education of the highest standard.
• To prepare its pupils for the challenges of a culturally diverse society.
• To ensure a dynamic partnership between parents, teachers and pupils.

Northcliff High has an outstanding record of extra-mural excellence and participation. Northcliff continues to triumph in and develop traditional sports like Athletics, Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Tennis, Cross Country and Squash. We are extremely competitive at A-Team level and we encourage broad participation allowing opportunities for all pupils.

​Highlights of the past few years include a 23rd victory in A-League Athletics, winning of the Co-ed T/20 Cricket festival, winners in A-League Swimming and 20th victory at the Super 5 Gala, Top Schools Squash, A-League Tennis victories and winners of the Pirates Schools’ Rugby Challenge. Northcliff produces in excess of 20 Provincial and National sports representatives annually.

The school has also excelled in cultural activities. In the sphere of drama the school has won the prestigious RAPS inter-school one-act plays’ festival on several occasions. A defining achievement in drama is the success of the school’s annual major musical production for over 38 years. For nearly 2 decades now, the production has toured to the Natal Playhouse Theatre in Durban during the July school holidays and has played to full houses.

Northcliff High has always achieved a high standard of public speaking and debating. The success of our debating and public speaking teams is evident in the fact that most participants score A-Symbols and above.

Northcliff High affords our pupils the opportunity to participate in international and local sporting and cultural tours; and in addition, we offer a variety of camps including, academic, adventure, sport and leadership.