School Focus: Pretoria Boys High School

At Pretoria Boys High School, we nurture and celebrate the unique talents of our 1 550 boys, believing that every boy has the potential to excel. From the moment they arrive, our values of honour, integrity, loyalty and respect shape young men who are equipped to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Within a diverse and inclusive community, boys discover their strengths through a holistic education that balances academics, sport, arts and culture. Guided by more than 125 years of excellence and tradition, Pretoria Boys High School continues to prepare young men of character for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

Set on an impressive 85-acre campus just southeast of Pretoria's city centre, Pretoria Boys High School is a shining example of excellence in public education, built on dedicated staff, enthusiastic boys, supportive parents and a proud, loyal Old Boys community.

Academic excellence is a cornerstone of Pretoria Boys High School. Consistently ranked among South Africa’s leading schools, we offer a rigorous and diverse curriculum delivered by more than 100 highly qualified and dedicated teachers in small classes.

In addition to the National Senior Certificate, top academic boys have the opportunity to pursue the internationally benchmarked IEB Further Studies Programme in Mathematics and Physics. Boys High also offers a wide range of specialised subjects, including Coding and Robotics, Music, Information Technology, Art, and modern languages.

Our innovative Integrated Learning Programme encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning, equipping boys with the skills and knowledge required to succeed at university and beyond.

Pretoria Boys High School offers an exceptional range of clubs and societies with 28 on offer. The variety ensures that every boy has the opportunity to discover his interests, develop new skills, and find where he belongs.

With a strong focus on holistic education, our diverse programme encourages boys to explore their passions, build lasting friendships, and develop talents beyond the classroom. Many clubs have even inspired future careers, with our Aeronautical Society alone producing more than 50 professional pilots.

Every Friday afternoon is dedicated to a vibrant cultural programme featuring guest speakers, exhibitions, seminars, festivals, inter-school competitions, and excursions - all available to boys at no additional cost.

The Pretoria Boys High School Music Department is one of the largest and most accomplished in the country, with weekly concerts and performances showcasing the remarkable talent of our boys.

Around 180 boys take Music as an academic subject, with many more participating in ensembles, the iconic Pipe Band, and a wide range of extramural activities. Supported by expert staff, pupils receive individual tuition, perform in regular concerts, and are encouraged to participate in one or more of our eighteen ensembles.

Our curriculum consistently exceeds national standards, with most subject music pupils achieving their Grade 8 practical qualification by grade 12, despite many only beginning their musical journey in their first year of high school.

At Pretoria Boys High School, sport is far more than an extracurricular activity, it is an integral part of school life. With 16 sporting codes on offer, boys of all abilities are encouraged to challenge themselves, pursue excellence and discover their potential.

Guided by dedicated coaches and teachers, they learn the values of teamwork, discipline, resilience and respect while proudly representing the red, white and green.

More than producing successful athletes, our sporting programme develops young men of character who carry the lessons of leadership, perseverance and sportsmanship into every aspect of their lives.

At Pretoria Boys High School, every boy belongs to one of ten houses, seven day houses and three boarding houses, creating a strong sense of belonging and continuity throughout his school career. Led by dedicated housemasters, tutors and prefects, the house system provides personalised academic, social and pastoral support while fostering school spirit through a vibrant inter-house programme.

Complementing this support is a fully equipped Sanatorium and Counselling Centre, staffed by three full-time psychologists, ensuring that every boy is cared for through a holistic approach that nurtures his emotional, social and academic wellbeing.

Boarding at Pretoria Boys High School has been a proud tradition since 1909, offering boys a safe, supportive, and welcoming home away from home. Our three boarding houses each have their own unique character while providing outstanding facilities, modern amenities, nutritious meals, and dedicated pastoral care. Living on campus fosters independence, responsibility, and lifelong friendships within a diverse and close-knit community.

With access to exceptional academic support, cultural activities, and sporting opportunities, boarders enjoy a rich and balanced school experience that prepares them to become confident, well-rounded young men.

In Form II (Grade 9), every boy embarks on a transformative three-week journey at Kamoka Bush School in the Waterberg. Immersed in nature and free from digital distractions, boys learn to cook, camp, build fires, and care for themselves while developing resilience, independence, and confidence.

Through hiking, outdoor challenges, philosophical discussions, and periods of quiet reflection, boys strengthen lifelong friendships and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Academic progress continues throughout the camp, with Mathematics support ensuring they remain on track.

Kamoka is far more than an outdoor experience - it is a defining part of the Pretoria Boys High journey, shaping boys into capable, thoughtful, and wellrounded young men.