A focus on personal excellence; an emphasis on Christian values; long-standing tradition – these are just some of the facets which make Cordwalles Preparatory School (Pietermaritzburg) a popular choice for discerning parents of boys from Pre-Primary through to Grade 7. The school, founded in 1912 by the then Bishop of Natal, Bishop Samuel Baines, is a member of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA).

Cordwalles Preparatory School - proudly celebrating 100 Years!

A focus on personal excellence; an emphasis on Christian values; long-standing tradition “these are just some of the facets which make Cordwalles Preparatory School (Pietermaritzburg) a popular choice for discerning parents of boys from Pre-Primary through to Grade 7. The school, founded in 1912 by the then Bishop of Natal, Bishop Samuel Baines, is a member of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA).

Today, located in the leafy northern suburbs of Pietermaritzburg, the school's red-brick buildings are steeped in tradition. The school has steadily grown to 350 boys and the sixth Headmaster, Mr Simon Weaver, is himself a Cordwalles boy.

The objective of Cordwalles is not only to be a 'boy's best foundation for life' but also to ensure that all boys leaving the school do so with a firmly established image of positive self-confidence and self-belief. Consistently outstanding academic, sports and music scholarship results bear testimony to the school's philosophy of preparing learners in a rounded educational environment whilst a hand-picked team of occupational, remedial and speech therapists, along with other specialist teachers, attends to any special needs.

Respect is the cornerstone of the Cordwalles experience. Boys learn to respect God, themselves and others, as well as being enriched by an understanding of other religions. At Cordwalles, boys are encouraged to build skills and expertise, not only academically, but on the sports field and through the various cultural activities and hobbies offered. They are encouraged to be passionate about something they have personally chosen and their interest is cultivated and encouraged by the staff.

Cordwalles pupils hail from all over the African continent and so the school's comfortable boarding establishment provides a caring and supportive environment catering for 70 boys from Grade 4 through to Grade 7. On the music front, boys can be a member of the choir, drum line, orchestra or rock band in addition to receiving tuition in a variety of musical instruments. The annual 'Pop Idols' competition is hotly contested by soloists and groups. Sporting action is an integral part of the Cordwalles experience. Cricket, rugby, hockey and athletics fields are irrigated throughout the year and maintained in immaculate condition. Four tennis courts, a swimming pool, a psychomotor programme and an indigenous forest to explore provide an extensive range of activities for all boys to enjoy.

After 100 years of excellence boys continue to pass through the Cordwalles corridors to top high schools in KwaZulu Natal with the benefit of a firm foundation on how to be the best they can be. These boys have gone on to excel in life as creative, independent thinkers in an exciting and challenging world.

To be a boy's best foundation for life.

We believe that a boy's foundation is secured by these vital aspects:

• Instilling values
• Developing skills and knowledge
• Igniting passion and motivation

These 3 aspects contribute to ensuring that boys leave Cordwalles with self-confidence and a self-belief that then provides them with the essential foundation which they need for life.

Mission Statement

Cordwalles is an Anglican Independent Boys’ Preparatory School, which strives to provide a balanced and relevant education in a nurturing environment. Through the provision of innovative, quality teaching and learning resources and the exposure to varied activities, each boy is inspired to develop respect, empathy, personal excellence, leadership qualities, independence and a belief in himself.

Our Vision

To be a boy’s best foundation for life.
We believe that a boy’s foundation is secured by building and developing SAVY
 

1. Skills (Knowledge) : These two aspects need to be developed in all the boys so that they are able to cope confidently in a changing and competitive world.
2. Attitude (Passion and Motivation) : Our boys need to be inspired, dedicated and focused on doing the best they can in the activities they are exposed to.
3. Values : Boys at Cordwalles need to be instilled with the following core values:
   Respect  -                     for God, oneself, others and the environment
   Courage -                     to stand up for the truth and what is right
   Compassion -               to care for the wellbeing of others in our community
   Integrity -                     in all things to act with honesty and fairness
   Responsibility -            to act and take responsibility where necessary
4. Y – Why? : Critical thinking is so important to develop in our boys.

These aspects contribute to ensuring that boys leave Cordwalles with confidence and self-belief providing them with the essential foundation for life.

Key Goals

• Society and nation building
• Developing a multicultural and non-racial learning environment
• Developing a respect and appreciation of the environment
• Promoting a nurturing, involved and supportive school community
• Delivering a relevant and balanced education
• Developing personal excellence
• Emphasising boy-centred education
• Developing Leadership, Independence and interdependence