Established in 2023, our boarding school is a place where boarders find comfort, care, and a sense of belonging. This is a supportive and nurturing environment that mirrors the values of our day-learner community, with only 16 boarders for care and support. Our dedicated staff are committed to the intentional care and development of each individual learner, ensuring their well-being, growth, and success during their time with us.

What our boarding school offers

All meals are provided by the HeronBridge Retreat catering team and served in the Retreat dining hall, or at the bonfire boma, where boys eat together as a family. Boarders also receive a packed lunch for recess at school. We also have live-in staff who provide pastoral care and comfort for learners who become homesick.

Our lounge area has a television, DStv, Xbox console, beanbags and is geared as an ideal ‘unwinding’ space for the boarders. Everyone also has access to free and controlled wireless internet. Our daily routine follows a balanced routine to help boarders manage their academic and physical commitments, while building strong bonds with one another.

Stunning, comfortable bedrooms

Our interiors were recently extensively modified into stunning, well-designed bedrooms providing all the necessary comforts and facilities to our boardings. In senior phase, two boys share a room, while FET phase learners have single rooms. Rooms include an extra-length 3/4 bed, study cubicle, bookshelf and side table, and boarders are encouraged to decorate their rooms themselves. Bathrooms are set at a generous ratio to ensure privacy and hygiene and our team cleans bedrooms and bathrooms every day.

Care for your child

We have five live-in staff members to care for and support each boarder. They offer are responsible for the encouragement, well-being and pastoral care of each boarder. A combination of teachers, grade tutors and house parents monitor progress of learners. Academic progress is very much a function of academic teachers, and close communication exists between teachers and grade tutors. Weekly meetings between the head of boarding school and the house parents are held, and parents are made aware of any concerns or achievements.

Frequently asked questions

What happens in a medical emergency?

The nearest general practitioner is in Broadacres Shopping Centre and the nearest hospital is Fourways Life, just 7 km away. Emer-G-Med is contracted to the school and provides a fast response time to serious incidents. Emergency and security numbers are stored in the house parents’ phones and our campus has G4S Security on-site and on duty 24 hours per day. Our house mom is also qualified in first aid.

How do leave arrangements and visits work?

During the day, learners can be signed out by a parent through their grade tutors, as per usual. Our gate security guard controls access to and from campus and requires a sign-out document for a learner to leave campus during normal school hours. Anything beyond normal school hours must be arranged in writing from parents to house parents.

Is theft an issue and how is it dealt with?

We have very few incidents of theft on campus and most areas around the school are covered by cameras. We provide the necessary measures and structures to ensure the safekeeping of personal and valuable items. In the unlikely event of a theft occurring, the incident is dealt with immediately and effectively as per the code of conduct

Who monitors my child’s progress?

A combination of teachers, grade tutors and house parents monitor progress of learners. Academic progress is very much a function of academic teachers, and close communication exists between teachers and grade tutors. Weekly meetings between the head of boarding school and the house parents are held, and parents are made aware of any concerns or achievements.

What is your response to bullying?

We have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. We maintain close relationships through our pastoral care programme to manage these moments when they infrequently appear. Initiation is prohibited.

What happens if my child is homesick?

Our pastoral care team, teachers, house parents and grade tutors work together to offer a caring network of individuals invested in the welfare of each learner, and parents are kept up to date with any concerns. The school counsellor is also available.

What kind of food is served to the boarders?

Excellent, balanced meals are provided by the Retreat which offers a sufficient and delicious menu made by Capitol Caterers. Most days include a hot and cold breakfast, a packed lunch (to be enjoyed at school with other learners), and a cooked dinner.

How do parents communicate with their child?

Learners are encouraged to communicate with their parents. Should a parent not be able to contact their child, they are welcome to communicate directly with house parents at any reasonable hour (unless there is an emergency).

Arrange a tour

Visit your child’s future home-away-from-home by contacting us for a tour. We would gladly show you around our facilities and, if you wish, take you on a tour of our school. You can also view our school’s fact sheet to discover the subjects, activities and other facilities your child can enjoy at HeronBridge College.