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Where is Bishops Diocesan College located and what age range does it serve?
Bishops is located on Campground Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa. It serves boys aged 5 to 18 across Pre-preparatory, Preparatory, and College levels.
What type of school is Bishops and what curriculum does it offer?
Bishops is an independent Anglican boys' school that offers Cambridge AS and A Levels. Students move from the National Senior Certificate after Grade 10 to Cambridge AS Levels in Grade 11 and complete A Levels in Grade 12.
Is there a bus service for students, and what are some typical stops and costs?
Yes. The Bishops Southern Suburbs Bus Service operates in the mornings with multiple stops (e.g., Steenberg Golf Estate, Christ Church Constantia, Kirstenbosch, College). The cost is around R2,650 per pupil per quarter, with term bookings available.
What are the College tuition and boarding fees for Grades 8–11?
Per term: Tuition R56,475; Boarding R40,100; Tuition + Boarding R96,575. Per annum: Tuition R225,900; Boarding R160,400; Tuition + Boarding R386,300. Monthly debit-orders are available with a 2.9% surcharge.
How does Grade 8 admission work, and is there a waiting list?
Admission to Grade 8 is based on performance in the Entrance Exam, a final Grade 7 report, and a confidential Prep School report. 156 boys are admitted in Grade 8 (six sets of 26). Applicants not admitted may be placed on a waiting list and interviewed if a vacancy arises.
Are scholarships or bursaries available, and what kinds exist?
Yes. Academic scholarships include Theron (up to 50% of tuition) and Bishops (up to 50%), with other academic awards between 20% and 35%. Music scholarships (10–70% of fees) with auditions, and Sports scholarships for Grade 8 athletes with provincial-level experience are also offered.
What academic path does Bishops provide from Grade 10 onward?
Students transition from the National Senior Certificate after Grade 10 to Cambridge AS Levels in Grade 11 and Cambridge A Levels in Grade 12.
What is the approximate student–teacher ratio at Bishops, and how many staff are there?
There are about 1,550 students and around 130 teaching staff, giving an approximate ratio of 12:1.
Are there programs for academically gifted students and talent development?
Yes. The school participates in National Olympiads in Mathematics, Science, English and IT, hosts a local Science Expo, and offers a Support Programme plus a Cambridge Stream for higher-level study.
What are the main facilities on campus for academics and study?
The Molteno Library and the Molteno Resource Hub are key academic spaces, with the Indaba Commons on the top floor for drama, debating and public speaking, plus a Social/Research Commons and Learning Commons.
What sports and outdoor facilities does Bishops offer?
Bishops has extensive outdoor facilities, including 7 tennis courts, an 8-lane 25m heated pool, a water polo pool, 8 cricket fields, 9 rugby fields, 2 hockey fields, and resources for rowing, sailing and canoeing, plus an indoor sports centre and squash courts.
Are there facilities dedicated to drama, debates and arts at Bishops?
Yes. The Indaba Commons (top floor of the library) provides a venue for drama, debating and public speaking with modern projection facilities, complemented by the John Peake Music School and Visual Arts programs.
What clubs and extracurricular activities does Bishops offer?
There are over 20 societies, including Debating, Drama, Public Speaking, Lingua Franca, International, Art, Astronomy, and more, supported by staff and senior boys.
What leadership and career development opportunities exist at Bishops?
Leadership and career guidance are supported by the Career Forum (university entrance guidance, CVs and interviews) and clubs like Ten Club, Public Speaking, and the Global Issues Network.
What kinds of community service and outreach are part of student life?
Bishops supports Interact (Rotary-linked community service), Koeberg Primary School projects, St Thomas' Fikelela AIDS outreach, and environmental campaigns among other service activities.
How does Bishops support student wellbeing and safeguarding?
Pastoral care supports spiritual, moral, emotional and physical development, with confidential counselling and a Counselling Confidentiality Policy to protect student privacy; safeguarding policies include a Bullying Policy.
What support is available for students with learning needs or exam support?
A Support Programme exists for students who find academic work difficult, with a dedicated BSU, extra time in exams, and a Cambridge Stream for higher-level study.
How does Bishops address mental health and wellbeing?
Pastoral programs focus on emotional resilience and well-being, with confidential counselling available to students.
What can parents expect regarding boarding, meals and dietary options?
Boarding is offered for College students; most boarders are weekly, with five daily meals served in House dining rooms. Weekends meals are typically in White House, and the kitchens offer a non-pork option (not halal-certified).
What is the Bishops uniform like, and where are uniforms purchased?
Uniforms include College No.1s (formal) and College Khakis (daily wear) with separate Prep and Pre-Prep uniforms. Uniforms are sold through the School Shop, with branding approved by the Shop.
