The “new south”, the suburbs south of the N12 which include Bassonia, Glenvista, Glenanda, Mulbarton, Meyersdal and Aspen Hills, has grown massively in the past decade, and yet no major new schools been developed. In addition, there is rising concern among parents and learners at the problems being faced by government schools, particularly in terms of discipline and staff turnover. It is in response to these two factors that Waterstone College was formed.  

The College opened in January 2007 with a total of 110 learners from Grade 0 to 9, which has now grown to 793 learners from Grade 00 to Grade 11.

Waterstone College is an independent, co-educational school that will ultimately cater for learners from Grade 00 all the way through to Grade 12.

There are a number of values and principles that have always been a part of the vision for the College, and which form the cornerstones on which it is built. These are:

The priority of a quality academic education. 

We only employ well qualified, motivated, passionate and enthusiastic staff, with a balance of youthful enthusiasm and energy, and educators with extensive experience.  

In addition, classes are limited to a maximum of 18 per class (Pre-primary), 22 per class (Foundation Phase) and 26 per class (Intermediate and Senior Phases), and examinations are written under the auspices of the Independent Examinations Board to ensure an excellent qualification that is recognised around the world, making all graduates of the College globally marketable.

Discipline is a priority, and the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Code are strictly adhered to – we believe that there are many responsibilities that go with the right to an education, and ill discipline will not be tolerated at the College. We operate according to a debit and merit system, with suspension and explusion reserved for those who are unable to operate within the disciplinary structures of the College.

A wide variety of subjects will be offered at the senior levels, with the aim of allowing each learner to focus on the areas in which he or she has the greatest abilities.

Technology will be embraced, with an advanced intranet system and wireless networking across the College, which make the College one of the most advanced schools in the country in this field.

The importance of co-curricular activities

We believe that the best education is a well-rounded education, which includes cultural activities and sporting participation.

We therefore place an emphasis on co-curricular activities, both sporting and cultural. Cultural activities including drama, public speaking and debating are offered at a high standard by staff who are passionate about these arts.

On the sporting front, it has been the case for several years that many of the most talented sportsmen and women in the south attend high school outside the area, and this is a trend that we are determined to stop. To this end we have already entered into a number of strategic partnerships with various sports organisations and sports equipment manufacturers that will enable us to offer the very best facilities and equipment. In addition, many staff will be employed with a view to their coaching and cultural strengths, as well as numerous outside coaches being employed.

Waterstone College offers a wide range of sports (all learners will be expected to participate in one sport every term), and will have a heavy focus on athletics, soccer, netball and cricket.  

Waterstone College is also proud to introduce the concept of Long Term Athletic Development - please see the "Co-Curricular Activities" page for more information on this unique offering.

A Christian ethos

While Waterstone College will not be a “church school”, linked to any particular denomination or church, Christian principles will be taught and modelled at the College. The College Values of Faith, Integrity, Respect and Excellence are all qualities that we promote and encourage – and expect – from staff and learners.

Excellent facilities at affordable fees

We are committed to providing the very best facilities for our learners, both in the classroom and on the sports field. At the same time we want to ensure that Waterstone College remains affordable for the local community. This has been the major reason behind our charging the Development Levy, which enables us to keep fees below most other independent schools while still providing excellent facilities and resources.

We will strive to keep fees at these levels and to keep fee increases to a minimum, while not sacrificing the quality of education in any way.