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St Mary’s School Waverley: Inside Joburg’s Oldest Girls’ School

Published

2 months ago

July 25, 2025

Chiraag

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Tucked into the tree-lined avenues of Waverley, St Mary’s School is more than just Johannesburg’s oldest school; it’s one of South Africa’s most enduring pillars of girls’ education.

Founded in 1888 when Joburg was still a gold rush boomtown, the school has grown into a modern powerhouse of academic excellence, diversity, and values-led education. Yet it remains deeply rooted in its Anglican foundations and rich traditions.

Here’s why St Mary’s still matters in 2025 and what makes it more than just a school.

From Mining Camp to Matric: A Legacy 137 Years Strong

It all started with a vision by the Anglican Church to educate girls in a rough, emerging city. Over a century later, St Mary’s stands as a beacon of integrity and community.

From the Little Saints in preschool to the confident seniors of Grade 12, every phase is shaped by the school’s holistic approach: academic rigour, emotional support, spiritual grounding, and a strong emphasis on purpose-driven living.

Head of School Deanne King calls it a “home where girls are nurtured and loved.” Many of the staff were once pupils themselves; the cycle of mentorship and legacy is alive and well.

Values That Raise Changemakers

The school doesn’t just preach values; it lives them. Guided by love, community, and integrity, the atmosphere is one of acceptance, encouragement, and belonging.

The diversity committee plays a key role, creating safe spaces where girls engage in real conversations around race, religion, gender, and identity. In a country still navigating its social divides, this kind of dialogue is not only refreshing, it’s essential.

Girls are encouraged to be independent thinkers who respect others and speak up. That spirit radiates through the school halls and well beyond them.

Excellence Without Ego

Academics? Top-tier. Culture? Thriving. Sport? Fierce. But what really sets St Mary’s apart is how it weaves these achievements into a quiet, grounded confidence.

Whether it’s a future engineer, playwright, politician, or business mogul, St Mary’s girls step into the world with more than a CV; they leave with a sense of self.

Alumnae are scattered across industries and continents. They’re leading labs, studios, boardrooms, and courtrooms. And many return to mentor, teach, or fund scholarships through the St Mary’s Foundation, ensuring the cycle of empowerment continues.

A Place to Grow, A Place to Belong

Boarders at St Mary’s often describe their experience as life-changing. The residences are more than hostels; they’re homes. Whether from across South Africa or neighbouring countries, pupils find sisterhood, support, and structure.

Even beyond boarding, the wider community outreach work and inclusive culture mean girls aren’t raised in a bubble. They engage with the realities of Joburg, giving back while learning humility and perspective.

From spirited chapel services to heated inter-house competitions, from drama showcases to top-class science fairs, the school blends the old and the new in a way that feels natural and deeply connected.

Why St Mary’s Still Stands Tall in 2025

In an educational landscape that’s constantly shifting, St Mary’s remains anchored. It offers the best of tradition without being stuck in the past. It’s global in outlook but proudly local in heart.

Parents choose St Mary’s not just for its facilities or reputation, but for its ethos and for the way it shapes young women to thrive, lead, and serve with courage and clarity.

And as it heads towards its 140th anniversary, one thing is clear: St Mary’s isn’t just the oldest school in Joburg, it’s one of its most forward-looking too.