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Welcome to Collegiate Girls' High School
In June 1873, a group of ladies met in the old Grey Institute on the Donkin and proposed a school for girls be established in the town. On 12 July 1873, a deputation of gentlemen joined the committee and by 2 September, there were twenty guarantors, and a constitution of “Rules and Regulations for ‘The Port Elizabeth Collegiate School for Girls’”. Almost nine months later, in February 1874, the school would open with its first 38 pupils.
As we celebrated the sesquicentenary of our school, the 150-year anniversary of the founding of Collegiate, we were excited about the various events of 2024 to mark this significant milestone. It was a year with a VISION of CELEBRATION and FUTURE LEGACY. We celebrated all that Collegiate is, those who have been through the School, its achievements, our friendships and connections. it was a year of looking to the FUTURE through the legacy we create and leave for the future, and this idea is extended beyond our 150th year.
Last year, we celebrated 150 years of Collegiate excellence. It was a year to look back with pride and forward with hope. We spoke of uniting as a community of Collegiate girls worldwide and igniting the Collegiate of tomorrow. That is the vision that we are carrying into this year, but now it is time to take action. Our theme for the year, “Living our Values, Building our Future”, is the next step in that journey. It is about putting into practice everything that we have learned from our history and from the stories of the Old Girls who have gone before us. Living our values means showing a good work ethic, respecting others, taking responsibility, being compassionate, and leading with integrity. It is about letting these values guide how we treat each other, how we tackle challenges, and how we grow as individuals and as a school.
So, let us make 2025 a year of action. Let us live our values proudly, knowing that we are laying the foundation for an even brighter Collegiate, life and world.




Latest News

News of 2 April 2025
There is something magical about March when the transition occurs from Summer Sport to Winter Sport. As the summer sports wind down, there is great excitement as the first games and festivals take place for the winter sports. Add to that, the intense involvement of our clubs, cultural groups, drama learners and so many activities; it is hard to believe what we squashed into March!
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Tribute to Nina
It is with nostalgia and gratitude that we share this new addition to our Resource Centre. The beautiful new bookshelf is a tribute to Old Girl Nina Hampton (née Bok) from her parents in her memory. Her legacy lives on.
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News of 7 March 2025
“All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind.” - Martin Henry Fischer, Physician & Author: This week was a celebration of sport, culture, drama, teaching and learning, and Steam Week ran full speed ahead!
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