Theodor Herzl School

Theodor Herzl School is an independent, co-educational school in the leafy suburb of Walmer, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and one of South Africa’s most respected smaller independent schools. Founded in 1959 by the Jewish community of Port Elizabeth, it remains the centre of Jewish education in the Eastern Cape, with its own shul, rabbi and Judaica department – while today welcoming both Jewish and non-Jewish learners and embracing all faiths in a way that reflects modern South Africa’s diversity. Its pre-primary, primary and high schools together form “three bodies, one heart,” educating children from Grade 000 through to Matric, and it is governed by the United Hebrew Institutions of Port Elizabeth.

Renowned for academic excellence, Theodor Herzl writes the IEB National Senior Certificate and its overall results frequently rank among the country’s top ten, with pupils progressing smoothly to local and international universities. Its guiding philosophy – teaching “from the heart, to the head, then the hands” – places relationships and intrinsic motivation at the centre of learning. Distinctive academic features include Singapore Maths, chess woven into the curriculum from Grade 1, and a skills programme using vertically integrated “family groups,” all supported by small classes and in-house remedial support.

A warm, family-centred school where “everybody knows your name,” Theodor Herzl balances academics with a full programme of sport (compulsory in the primary years) and culture, from performing arts and steel band to art and computer clubs. Recent primary-school fees range from roughly R53,000 to R89,000 a year; full fee and admissions details are available directly from the school.