Welcome to the Pretoria High School for Girls Website

The first Headmistress, a courageous idealist, Miss Edith Aitken, came out to South Africa from England to found the school in 1902. She gave the school the motto Prosit Spes Labori – We Work in Hope and had as her vision, the desire that at this school, all girls would meet and there acquire the “healthy physique, trained mind and disciplined character which would fit each to live worthily”. This was her vision so many years ago and today we are proud to acknowledge this achievement, as it has encompassed the many changes that have come about in South Africa.

Pretoria High School for Girls is a state-aided school, governed by a School Governing Body, elected by the parents. We believe that our strength lies in drawing learners from diverse religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Throughout the 105 years of our existence, all girls have been given the means to succeed and be involved in all spheres, be they academic, cultural, sport or service. The school environment is well structured to provide for the optimum development of every girl into an integrated, responsible adult able to make a worthwhile contribution to the broader community, through the fullest realisation of her potential. Our Matrics always achieve very well during their final examinations. In 2005 we were declared the “Top Public School in Gauteng in the 2005 Senior Certificate Examination”. In 2006 we had 100% pass rate with 94% achieving Matriculation Exemption. Motshabi Mphahlele was also named the “Top African Girl Learner in Mathematics” by the GDE.

The school is set in beautiful grounds which are superbly maintained through the efforts of all stakeholders. There are two Boarding Hostels, each able to accommodate 70 learners. Numerous modern facilities such as computer centres, a media centre, consumer studies centres, an art centre and a music centre ensure that every talent is provided for. Excellent sporting facilities also exist.

During 2006 the Senior Choir participated in the The 4th World Choir Games in Xiamen. En route to the Games, they stopped in Malaysia where they performed at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre with two Malaysian Choirs, one children’s choir and one School Choir. At the Games the Choir achieved two silver medals and in the Folklore Category achieved 5th place – in the world. Culturally, this year, the musical “Amazolo” will be produced by the staff of the school, where the girls will once again be able to display their great talent in acting and singing..

I trust that this website gives you a glimpse of what we offer, but encourage you to contact us, should you require more detailed information or should you wish to pay us a visit. We would be delighted to show you around.

P A McNair
Headmistress