St Martin's High School

As an independent, diverse, co-educational boarding school, St Martin’s is especially valued by parents who seek for their children an academic environment in which Anglican Christian standards are reflected. Students of all faiths and denominations are admitted.

St Martin’s School traces its origins back to the foundation of St Agnes School for the training of domestic helpers in 1908. A few years later, in 1911, St Peter’s Priory and College were added, offering a boarding-based high school education to the young men of South Africa.

The apartheid policies of the National Party put pressure on the school and it was closed in 1956. However, the Anglican Church ensured that education continued in this attractive part of southern Johannesburg. The buildings re-opened in 1958 - St Martin’s School was born.

St Martin’s School is an Anglican Christian school. Our purpose is to develop socially mature, family oriented people equipped to interact successfully with their environment.

Our school has a diverse community and offers an academic environment with Anglican Christian standards. Children of all faiths and religions are welcome. Daily assemblies and weekly celebrations of Eucharist are to school life. The chaplain spends time with every class during the week and students who wish to do so, may ask to be prepared for confirmation. The only independent school in the south of Johannesburg that offers co-educational boarding.

The High School is a complex of charming older buildings set in beautifully tranquil gardens. The chapel, which is the focal point of the St Martin's community, was designed by the H Baker and FLH Fleming stable of architects. The Chaplain is available at all times to provide counselling to students who are experiencing personal problems. The school has a resident matron who runs the sanatorium (sick bay facility). Career counselling is provided for students.

In line with the requirements of the new curriculum, the high school has moved away from the traditional model of educators dispensing knowledge to passive and obedient pupils. Instead, a dynamic learning environment has been created in which meaningful and realistic learning experiences take place. Equally, great emphasis is placed on the all-round development of each individual and much care is taken to nurture a sense of purpose and identity within each student. In addition, a partnership of co-operation is established between students, teachers and parents, in order to monitor and promote the child’s sense of motivation and commitment.

External excursions broadens the learning experience. Class size is typically no more than 20 students. In order to broaden learning experiences and to facilitate outdoor awareness, excursions and field trips are undertaken in all grades on a regular basis. Periodic visits are also undertaken to exhibitions, shows and places of interest.