WELCOME TO THE
Somerset College
Preparatory School
A Caring and Inspiring Learning Environment
Somerset College Preparatory was established in January 2001 with 100 students from Mountain View Preparatory. Today, we are proud to have more than 600 students.
Rooted in a strong Christian ethos, our school emphasises respect, tolerance, courtesy, and self-discipline. We encourage every student to strive for their best, both academically and in a variety of sports and cultural activities. Our goal is to help each child understand their strengths, embrace challenges, and leave Grade 7 with a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD
I have the privilege of leading this dynamic and wonderful school. As a staff, we are passionate in our support of your children, through our nurturing and caring environment. We aim to know your child and to grow them as individuals.
We are cultivating a culture of excellence, as we aim to position our school as a leading co-educational destination Prep School of choice in South Africa. Our Cambridge and ESTEAM curricula enable us to be an iconic centre of excellence, along with our outstanding Co-Curricular (Arts, Culture and Sports) offerings.
The Prep School believes in the holistic development of your child. Our values of dignity, aspiration, creativity and contribution are at the forefront of all that we do. The Prep journey is to be a memorable one, whereby our children add value to all environments. Our decision-making is centered on what is best for every child so that they thrive and flourish. Our Christian foundation is of the utmost importance to us as we lead respect across all religions.
Come and enjoy our innovative, happy and creative spaces!
Craig Verdal-Austin
Head of the Preparatory School
SHAPING AND NURTURING FUTURE-READY STUDENTS
Somerset College Preparatory School is a member of the Cambridge International Primary Programme. Our school provides an educational environment where children are academically stimulated and challenged, heard and motivated to learn and grow. We strive for excellence in our offering and nurture a culture of diligence, active learning, collaboration, academic rhythm, routine and rigour.
We follow the Cambridge Primary Curriculum for English, Mathematics and Science and use a bespoke curriculum in our other subjects. English is our language of instruction. We are a Google School, making use of all the Google Apps as part of our hybrid curriculum. Devices are integrated into our teaching and learning and form part of our daily lessons in Grades 4-7.
SUBJECTS
Life skills: Life Orientation, Physical Education, Bible Education | IsiXhosa | Afrikaans | English | Mathematics | Natural Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Social Science | Information Technology | ESTEAM
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
We believe in the holistic development of our students, extending beyond the classroom. Our Sports programme offers a wide range of activities, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Whether on the field, court, or in the pool, students are encouraged to discover their athletic potential.
In Arts and Culture, we nurture creativity and expression through music, drama, visual arts, and cultural clubs. These activities provide a platform for students to explore their artistic talents, build confidence, and engage with the vibrant cultural community within our school.
SUMMER SPORTS
Athletics | Chess | Cricket | Indoor Hockey | Mini-Cricket | Pilates | Squash | Swimming | Tennis | Tennis squad | Water polo
WINTER SPORTS
Chess | Cross Country | Hockey | Netball | Pilates | Rugby | Squash | Tennis squad
ARTS AND CULTURE
Art | Drama | Marimba band | Creative Writing | Debating and Public speaking | Philosophy for Children (P4C) | Grade bands | Jazz band | Recorder and String Ensemble
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Our Outdoor Education programme is designed to immerse students in diverse outdoor experiences, fostering resilience and a love for nature. Through a variety of activities, we equip children with essential skills to confidently face challenges in the natural environment, encouraging personal growth, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
While the main leadership roles are reserved for Grade 7s as the most senior students in the school, opportunities are created by class teachers and coaches to develop leadership in all students across the school.
Grade 7 Leadership Portfolio
All students in Grade 7 can select a portfolio with various duties at school. Students are also encouraged to do community service and to sign up for courses where they can learn a new skill as part of the leadership portfolio.
DAY-TO-DAY LIFE AND ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
At Somerset College, we believe that a well-structured day and supportive systems are key to student success. Our school day is thoughtfully organised to balance academics, Co-Curricular activities, and personal growth.
SCHOOL DAY TIMES
The Preparatory school day starts at 08:00 am.
See the table below for closing times.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
| Grade 1 | 14:15 | 14:15 | 14:15 | 13:15 | 13:15 |
| Grade 2 | 14:15 | 14:15 | 14:15 | 14:15 | 13:15 |
| Grade 3 | 14:15 | 14:15 | 14:15 | 14:15 | 13:15 |
| Grade 4-7 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 13:15 |
HOUSE, GRADE AND TUTOR SYSTEM
At Somerset College, all children are part of a House System, with Houses including Avontuur (Green), Cloetenberg (Blue), and Vredelus (Red).
The school is divided into Junior Prep, encompassing Grades 1-3, and Senior Prep, covering Grades 4-7.
Beginning in Grade 7, students enter the Tutor Programme, which continues into Senior School. In this programme, a teacher is assigned to a small tutor group, meeting formally once a week during school hours and participating in three or four tutor outings per year. The tutor’s role involves providing pastoral care, offering academic guidance, and serving as an additional point of contact or support for students and their parents. Additionally, Grade 7 students participate in the Buddy System, where they are paired as mentors with Grade 1 students.
AFTERCARE
Aftercare is a dedicated student-centred service that caters for students from Grade 000 to Grade 7 in two separate venues. The venue for the Pre-Prep students is the Aftercare Centre and the venue for the Junior Prep students is the OLS. At 16:00, all students come together at the Aftercare Centre until it closes at 17:30. At the end of each term, or for special holidays, these times may vary.
Our Aftercare is an opportunity for students to ‘stay and play’ in a safe and spacious environment. The Aftercare programme is managed by a qualified teacher, who is assisted by a team of dedicated staff members. The programme offers routine and some structure, while allowing for plenty of free play. The Pre-Prep students have a wide range of extramural activities on offer (at an additional cost), while the Junior Prep students have supervised homework and an opportunity for reading and educational games.
Meals are not provided at Aftercare, however, a basic menu is available for orders from the tuckshop with delivery to the two Aftercare venues. Senior Prep students are catered for after their Co-Curricular programme in a supervision class in which they can do their homework, on the Prep Campus until 16:00, after which they move down to the Aftercare Centre for further supervision until Aftercare closes at 17:30.
JOINING SOMERSET COLLEGE
Interested in joining the Somerset College community? For detailed information on our admissions process and to view our current school fees, please navigate to our Admissions page.
PRE-PREPARATORY
Our Pre-Preparatory School offers a nurturing environment for our youngest learners, laying the foundation for their educational journey.
SENIOR
As students progress through their educational journey, our Senior School continues to challenge and inspire them.
CAMBRIDGE
As students progress through their educational journey, our Senior School continues to challenge and inspire them.