History of the School

Somerset College was established in 1997 as an independent English-speaking, co-educational high school in the winelands of the Western Cape. The Founding Head of the school was Mr David Wynne who was appointed by the Governing Body in 1996 to oversee the establishment of the school on what had been Vredelus farm.

1996

The Founding Head, Mr David Wynne was appointed by the Governing Body. The school was built on the Vredelus farm.

1997

Established in 1997 as an independent English-speaking, co-educational high school
Launching of sporting programme
The first assembly of 11 staff and 70 founding students

1998

Boarding house was established
The first Arbor Day took place
Boonzaier Centre, a multi-purpose hall, was built
First student Exchange Programme

1999

First Trek took place
The Somerset College Library was established
Acorn Bursary Trust (ABT) founded

2000

Rowing Club was established

2001

First enrolment of pupils into the Preparatory School
Beginning of the annual Somerset College Combined Schools Orchestral Festival

2004

Mr David Campbell appointed as the new head
Mr Cordery was appointed Chaplain of the school

2005

Establishment of the Old Oaks Union
The College appoints a Counselling Pshychologist
Development of the School's computer network was expanded with the appointment of an ICT Manager

2006

Became a member of the Church Unity Commission

2011

Dr Nuttall appointed new head of the High School

2012

Enterprise wireless solution was rolled out

2013

Ms Meg Fargher appointed as Executive Head
New Arts Centre and Astro Hockey Field established

2014

Joined the power of Google Apps for Education

2015

Commencement of Cambridge Programme

2017

Mr Graham Sayer appointed as Executive Head

2018

21st Birthday Celebration

2019

ESTEAM Centre Opening
Siebrits Fields Opening

2020

Outdoor Learning Space Opening

2020 - 2021

Covid Pandemic/Somerset College moves online temporarily

2022

25th Birthday Celebration
Launch of Saturday School

2023

Refurbishment of the Senior School Library

2024

Mr Jacques Nel appointed as Executive Head
Solar PV system installed