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Where are Herschel Girls School's campuses located?
Herschel has two Claremont, Cape Town campuses: Pre-Preparatory & Preparatory at 14 Kenmar Crescent, and Senior School at 21 Herschel Road. The school serves girls aged 3 to 18, from Pre-Nursery through Grade 12.
What age range and grade levels does Herschel cover?
Herschel provides education for girls from age 3 up to 18, across Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory and Senior School levels. The campuses are located within Claremont, Cape Town.
What is the school type and religious affiliation?
Herschel is an independent Anglican day school for girls. The school is governed by a council, with day-to-day education delivered by the management team.
What are the application and acceptance fees?
The non-refundable application fee is ZAR 350. The Acceptance of Place fee is non-refundable and varies by grade (e.g., ZAR 22,000 for Pre-Nursery to Grade 9; ZAR 10,500 for Grade 10; ZAR 8,500 for Grade 11; ZAR 6,500 for Grade 12).
How are tuition and levies charged and what payment options exist?
Tuition is charged per term, with an annual option that can include a 3% discount if paid by 31 January. A capital levy is billed per family. You can pay by EFT, debit order in installments, or credit card (with a surcharge).
Does Herschel offer scholarships or waitlists?
Yes. Scholarships recognize excellence in academics, culture/music and sport, with donor-funded awards and SBF Scholarships among the options. If an offer is declined, you'll be placed on the active waiting list across Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory and Senior School.
What does the Foundation Phase curriculum look like?
Foundation Phase uses an integrated learning programme based on an adapted IEB curriculum, with English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa as languages and core subjects like Mathematics and Life Orientation. Grade 3 adds Design and Technology, along with Divinity, Arts & Culture, IT Skills, Thinking Skills, PE and Heart Matters.
How is the Senior School curriculum structured?
Senior School follows an IEB-based framework with English Home Language and a First Additional Language (Afrikaans or IsiXhosa), plus Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Life Orientation among the core subjects.
What were the NSC results in 2023?
In 2023, 100% of NSC candidates passed and achieved a 100% Bachelor Degree pass. There were 388 subject distinctions (average 4.1 distinctions per candidate), with strong aggregates including 81 A or B aggregates and 34 pupils with 6+ subject distinctions.
What sports facilities does Herschel offer?
The Preparatory campus features a swimming pool, a water polo pool, tennis courts, netball courts, hockey astro-turf, an indoor sports centre and a multi‑purpose hall.
What arts and academic facilities are available on campus?
There are 500-seat theatres, two drama studios, natural-light art and design studios, music practice and technology rooms, a concert hall, and on-site Inkwenkwezi Music Centre for the Music Department.
Are robotics or other electives available?
Yes. Robotics is offered as an elective on the Grade 8 curriculum (8TECH2: Robotics). There are additional elective options such as music lessons and other clubs.
What clubs and societies can students join?
Students can participate in Girls Who Code, Journalism Club, Jump Hi, Outreach Science Club, Interact Club, Earth Matters, Chess, Craft Club, Herschel Hiking Club and more.
What leadership or career development opportunities exist?
Leadership is fostered through a vertical four‑house system, tutor groups and house events. The school offers career counselling and a careers expo to support post‑school planning.
What arts and cultural activities stand out?
The Music Department offers instrumental tuition and ensembles, with major choral and instrumental groups (Senior Choir, Chorale, Wind Band, Orchestra, Marimba) and drama productions, including the Shakespeare Schools Festival.
Does Herschel provide learning support and wellbeing services?
Yes. In the Preparatory School, a multi‑disciplinary Support Department runs a Learning Support Programme with phonics, reading, writing, spelling and maths, plus on-site therapy options (speech, physiotherapy, occupational therapy) for a fee.
What language support and EAL provisions exist?
The curriculum includes English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa, with EAL integrated into the programme. English is the Home Language in Senior School alongside a First Additional Language.
How does Herschel address safeguarding and wellbeing?
Heart Matters supports emotional regulation and wellbeing. The school has a Diversity and Transformation Policy, safeguarding policies, and Anti‑Discrimination/Anti‑Harassment policies; wellbeing is reflected in Herschel Transformation reports for the Preparatory School.
Is Herschel a boarding school?
Herschel operates as a day school. There is no published boarding option or boarding fees in the data provided.
How is the uniform managed?
All uniform items are available through The Bishops School Shop, with prices set by the shop. Uniform requirements are published separately for Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory and Senior School.
