St Mary's DSG Pretoria

St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls (St Mary’s DSG) is one of Pretoria’s oldest and most respected schools – an independent Anglican Diocesan school for girls in leafy Hillcrest. Founded in 1879 by Bishop Henry Bousfield, the first Bishop of Pretoria (and originally named St Etheldreda’s), it educates around 800 girls from Grade 0 to Grade 12 and offers boarding from Grade 5. For much of the 20th century the school was guided by the Sisters of the Community of St Mary the Virgin, whose caring ethos still runs deep.

As an Anglican school, St Mary’s places the Chapel – and the spiritual growth it nurtures – at the centre of school life, with daily worship and two resident chaplains, while warmly welcoming girls of all denominations and faiths. It was among the first schools in South Africa to admit girls of all races, and diversity, kindness, resilience and self-belief remain core to its character. Its guiding belief is simple: when a girl believes in herself, she will fly.

Academically the school is faith-centred, holistic and rigorous, writing the IEB National Senior Certificate with a strong, consistent record and “Old Girls” well known for their readiness for university. Beyond the classroom, girls are encouraged into a full programme of sport, music (including orchestra and choir), drama, art and clubs such as the Eco club.

Set on extensive, beautifully maintained grounds, St Mary’s offers day and boarding places, with Grade R and Grade 8 the main entry points, and is the sister school of St Alban’s College. Fees can be paid annually or over ten months, and the full fee structure and admissions details are available from the school.