ABOUT
Why Choose
Michaelhouse?
Michaelhouse is a school of established heritage. The mark of a Michaelhouse education is more than a proud academic and sporting tradition though. Our school has shaped generations of the whole man: resilient, creative, well-rounded individuals who have made a significant impact on an unpredictable world.
Real belonging and respect for the individual underpin every success story at Michaelhouse. The world beyond the gates of our school is shifting more quickly than fashion trends or taste in music and timeless capacities like curiosity, thinking critically, and collaborating are the fruits of real human connection. During his five years in Balgowan a Man of Michaelhouse builds the quiet confidence which prepares him for life and not just the next exam.
We believe that going to senior school is as much about finding one’s niche in life as having the freedom and encouragement to explore it and become the best one can be. Stroll through our avenues of trees, over our playing fields and into the heart of our school. Walk in the footsteps of generations of young men as you cross our red brick quadrangles. You may hear the sound of our chapel bells or the laughter of friends, but you will feel the spirit of community and a space where warmth, positivity, and excellence are the heartbeat of belonging.
VALUES
Our Values,
Mission and Vision
Our Values
To live our lives according to the Christian values of integrity, humility, compassion and courage in service to our community and country.
Our Mission
To provide a dynamic and progressive education for boys that respects individual needs and embraces diversity and change in pursuit of academic, sporting and cultural excellence while providing social and leadership skills and nurturing spiritual growth.
Our Vision
“Our aim is to make, not accountants, not clerks, not clergymen, but men; men of understanding, thought and culture.” Founder James Cameron Todd, Speech Day 1897
HISTORY
Michaelhouse was
Founded in 1896
Michaelhouse was founded in 1896 by the Anglican Priest Canon James Cameron Todd. The school was established as a private venture with 15 boys in two small houses in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg. Within a few years, Michaelhouse was appointed the Diocesan College for boys in Natal, governed by a permanent trust deed and administered by a Board of Governors. The strong Christian ethos remains the cornerstone of the value system at Michaelhouse.
In 1901 the boys’ school was relocated to Balgowan, where some 77 boys took up residence in the buildings which remain the core of the school to this day. For many years there was no electricity or running water, with the fruitful labours of farming the land contributing towards the dietary needs of the boys – a far cry from the modern facilities available today.
Numerous displays are available for viewing in the Rector’s Reception. Although some of the earlier records have gone astray, the Michaelhouse Archive does retain a full set of board and other operational minutes, a collection of the school Magazine spanning 128 years, building plans and memorabilia. Other information includes Old Boys’ records, press cuttings, correspondence and film material of the school.
The living Archive Museum is a modern facility specially designed to house interactive physical and digital displays celebrating the school’s rich 129 year history. The museum is open on weekdays and Saturday mornings of home fixtures. Visit our comprehensive electronic archive – a magnificent digital record documenting every details of our school’s development.
Honouring the Past. Shaping the Future.
Rooted in the enduring vision of our founder, Canon James Cameron Todd, the Michaelhouse Generational Plan | 2046 is a bold and thoughtful blueprint for the future of our school. Since 1897, we’ve remained committed to shaping not just scholars, but men of depth—“men of understanding, thought and culture.” This plan carries that founding vision forward, ensuring that the next generations of Michaelhouse boys continue to embody integrity, humility, compassion, and courage in all they do. As we look to 2046 and beyond, this generational strategy outlines our commitment to nurturing leadership, deepening our Christian values, and building a legacy of excellence that serves both community and country.
Read more about the Michaelhouse Generational Plan | 2046 here.
Michaelhouse believes in education beyond our school. Through Michaelhouse’s Community Partnership Trust, Michaelhouse’s flagship outreach initiative, the school enables the provision of 13 high-impact educational programmes across 16 under-resourced schools within our 35 kilometre footprint radius.
In order to remain a leading independent school we employ only exceptionally talented staff.
Governors
- Mr R Bates (President: Old Boys’ Club)
- Mr S Camerer
- Mrs W de Wet (Acting Rector)
- Mr M Collins
- Mr D Dhlomo
- Mr R Elliot
- Mr P Hayward-Butt
- Dr Z Kubukeli (Vice Chairman)
- Mr S Lumley (Past President: Old Boys’ Club)
- Mr J McCormick
- Mr R Mkhulisi (President Elect: Old Boys' Club)
- Mr N Mthembu
- Mr B Phakhati
- Dr A Schaefer (Chairman)
- Canon D Timm
- Mr J Wilson
- Mrs J Warburton (Financial Director)
Associate Governors
- Mr A Hewat
- Mr N Jonsson
- Mr G Ralfe
- Mr N Sowazi
Management
- Mrs W de Wet: Acting Rector
- Mr S Ncamani: Deputy Rector, Pastoral
- Mrs K Moffatt: Acting Deputy Rector, Pupils
- Mrs J Warburton: Financial Director
- Revd. C Meyer: Chaplain
- Mr R Ravenscroft: Senior Master, Sport
- Mr T Jarvis: Senior Master, Pastoral
- Mrs T von Mayer : Senior Master, Academics
- Dr C de Swardt: Master in Charge, Cultural Education
- Mr N Berichon: Head of Outdoor Education
- Mr MD Witherspoon: Head of Marketing and Admissions
- Ms A Sikhakane: Community Partnership Manager
- Mrs L Moore: Human Resources Manager
- Mr J Fleming: Head of Sports Medicine
The core principles that are important to our Michaelhouse Community: integrity, humility, courage, compassion and service, are guided by a range of comprehensive policies.
Please download and review our school policies disclaimer for important information.