School Type: Girls

St Mary’s DSG was founded in 1879 by the first Anglican Bishop of Pretoria in order to teach his six daughters. The 125 years since its inception - and the running of the school for 75 of these years by the CSMV order of nuns - has allowed the St Mary’s DSG to establish a deep sense of tradition and core of values which is a trademark envied by many schools.

Today, 850 girls from Grades 0 to 12 attend classes in a technologically-advanced and stimulating environment.  Highly-qualified teaching staff cater for the needs of each individual, while pursuing the academic, spiritual, moral, cultural and physical development of every girl.

A wide range of academic subjects is offered. The curriculum is further extended to enhance personal growth, interpersonal relationships, healthy and responsible lifestyles, decision-making and problem-solving competencies, and leadership skills. A strong work ethic exists amongst the girls and their efforts are rewarded in excellent matriculation results.

St Mary’s regularly has girls placed in the top 50 of the Independent Examination Board results, with a 100% pass rate for the past 17 years. Girls regularly gain places in the first tertiary institution of choice, not only in South Africa but also abroad. An academic support programme is in place to assist those girls who require further assistance.  Every girl in Grade 8 – 10 is required to have a laptop which is used to enhance her academic achievement.

The Counselling Centre provides professional and relevant career, spiritual and psychological guidance to pupils and parents. The Sports Department provides for the development of the skills and capabilities required for competitive as well as purely recreational activities. The main sports that are on offer are athletics, basketball, diving, hockey, netball, squash, swimming and tennis. We are proud of coming 3rd in the Top Schools’ National Squash Tournament.

Five choirs, an orchestra and various ensembles testify to the strength of the Music Centre. Our girls enjoyed a choir tour to America in December.

150 boarders (Grades 5 to 12) comprise a third of the Senior School. The excellent facilities and “home from home” caring atmosphere have made this aspect one of the strengths of the school and boarding places are in high demand.

Community involvement takes place through an Outreach Programme aimed at creating an understanding, amongst girls and their teachers, of the social problems impacting on the previously disadvantaged section of South African society.

We strive to develop mature, responsible adults, equipped not only with the competitive edge and leadership skills necessary to succeed in the world of tomorrow, but also the knowledge and compassion to make their mark in life. Girls leave here with the ability to set an example to others - an ability they gain from the caring, committed environment that surrounds them throughout their schooling at St Mary’s DSG.

School Phase:

• Primary
• Secondary

Lowest Grade: Grade 0
Highest Grade: Grade 12
Boarding: Yes
Boarding From: Grade 5
Number of Pupils: 867
Founding Year: 1879
Religious Affiliation: Anglican
Lowest Tuition Fees Per Annum (2008): R25075
Highest Tuition Fees Per Annum (2008): R48980
Lowest Boarding Fees (inc. Tuition): R73275
Highest Boarding Fees (inc. Tuition): R88240
Examinations or Curricula:

• General Education and Training (GETC)
• National Senior Certificate (IEB)

Postal Address: PO Box 11379, Hatfield
Postal Code: 0028
Telephone: 012 362 1352
Fax: 012 362 1080
Website: http://www.stmarys.pta.school.za/
Suburb: Hillcrest
City/Town: Pretoria
South African Province: Gauteng
Country: South Africa