Summerhill School · Academic Excellence · Midrand
A Culture of
Academic Excellence
From Nursery through to College, Summerhill delivers a world-class education that develops the whole learner - intellectually, creatively, and personally.
Our Approach
Education that Goes Beyond the Textbook
At Summerhill, we believe that academic excellence is best achieved through curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking - not rote memorisation. Our teachers are mentors and facilitators who guide learners to discover ideas, ask questions, and build genuine understanding.
From the foundation years of the Nursery through the advanced demands of College, we maintain a consistent philosophy: that every child learns differently, every child has potential, and every child deserves to be challenged and supported in equal measure.
Our academic programmes are underpinned by small class sizes, dedicated and experienced educators, and a curriculum framework that combines the South African CAPS requirements with the internationally recognised Cambridge curriculum - giving our students access to both local and global pathways.
Our Schools
One Campus. Four Outstanding Schools.
Every phase of Summerhill's educational journey is designed to seamlessly prepare students for the next - from early childhood through to matriculation and beyond.
Ages 18 months – 6 yrs
Nursery School
Play-based, CAPS-aligned
A nurturing foundation built around purposeful play, language development, pre-literacy and pre-numeracy - preparing children thoroughly for Grade One.
- Process Art & Creative Expression
- LEGO STEAM & Early Coding
- Buzzi Bodies Gross Motor
- Music, Marimba & Swimming
Grades 1 – 7
Preparatory School
CAPS with enrichment
A rich primary school curriculum developing independent thinkers, strong readers, confident mathematicians and socially aware young citizens.
- Full CAPS Curriculum
- Coding & Digital Literacy
- Heart to Heart Values Programme
- Competitive Sport & Culture
Grades 8 – 12
College
CAPS + Cambridge International
An ambitious dual-curriculum high school offering both the NSC and internationally recognised Cambridge qualifications, opening doors to universities worldwide.
- CAPS National Senior Certificate
- Cambridge IGCSE & AS/A Levels
- Small Class Sizes
- President's Award Programme
All phases
JOL Hub
Student Support Centre
Summerhill's dedicated student support centre - tutoring, study skills, and specialised programmes including mentoring, coaching and psychological support, all tailored to each individual learner.
- Subject Tutoring (all grades)
- Specialised Student Support
- Study Skills Development
- Online LMS Platform
Registered Cambridge School
IEB Examination Centre
International Recognition
Cambridge International Education
Summerhill College is a registered Cambridge International school - part of a global network of over 6,000 schools in 157 countries delivering world-class education under the Cambridge framework.
Cambridge qualifications develop knowledge, understanding and skills in subject content, applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations, intellectual enquiry, flexibility and the ability to present information clearly, and to process and analyse it.
Cambridge Foundation Year
Builds strong foundations in core disciplines and prepares students for the IGCSE years.
Cambridge IGCSE
IGCSE 1 in Grade 9 and IGCSE 2 in Grade 10 prepare students for the next stage of the Cambridge pathway.
Cambridge AS/A Levels
AS Level 1 in Grade 11, AS Level 2 in Grade 12, and an optional A Level year in Grade 13 for advanced pre-university study.
Pedagogy
How We Teach
Exceptional teaching goes far beyond delivering content. Our educators inspire, challenge, and support every learner to reach their potential.
Small Class Sizes
Every teacher knows every student by name, learning style, and potential. Our deliberately small classes ensure no learner is invisible.
Inquiry-Based Learning
We teach students to ask great questions, investigate real problems, and draw independent conclusions - not to memorise facts.
Technology Integration
From the Nursery LEGO lab to the College coding curriculum, technology is a tool for learning - not a distraction from it.
Differentiated Instruction
Our teachers adapt their approach for each learner's pace, style and level - ensuring both support and challenge are always present.
Values-Led Education
Character development is inseparable from academic learning. Our values programme runs throughout every phase of school life.
Parental Partnership
We believe parents are partners in education. Open communication, regular feedback and a welcoming school community are central to our approach.
Facilities
State-of-the-Art Learning Environments
Science Laboratories
Fully equipped physical and life sciences labs for hands-on experimental learning from Grade 8 upwards.
Computer Labs
Networked computer labs with the latest software for digital literacy, coding, CAT and IT subjects.
Library & Research Centre
A well-stocked library resource centre encouraging reading, research and independent inquiry.
Arts & Drama Facilities
Dedicated art rooms and a performance space for visual arts, drama productions and Eisteddfod preparation.
Sports Complex
Swimming pool, courts, fields and athletics facilities supporting our full sports programme across all grades.
LEGO STEAM Lab
The Nursery and Prep LEGO Education lab offers age-appropriate robotics, engineering and early coding experiences.
Admissions
Ready to Join Summerhill?
Book a campus tour to experience our facilities, meet our teachers, and find out why families across Midrand and Johannesburg choose Summerhill School.