Clifton accepts both boy and girl boarders from Grade 1 (age 6). We offer a wide range of boarding options, from full boarding to weekly and temporary boarding for day scholars. Clifton is one of the few remaining independent preparatory schools in KwaZulu-Natal that offers full boarding to young children, with numerous boarders coming from Southern African countries. Our focus is on creating a happy and caring "home away from home" where the children develop excellent inter-personal skills and awareness of others, along with greater independence in preparation for high school.
There is a comprehensive support system which caters for the child's every need. This includes Housemothers, duty staff, student teachers and an individual tutor system. Our junior boarders (Grades 1 - 3) have supervised homework with the Housemothers who listen to their reading and check their spelling daily. The junior boarders are cared for individually by the Housemothers and we encourage the senior boarders to assist by taking an active role in the support of the juniors. Our senior boarders (Grades 4 - 7) are encouraged to be more independent as well as interdependent. One supervised prep session takes place daily in the House and the boarding staff are available to assist and monitor these sessions.
Organised weekend activities are available to our full boarders and they are encouraged to explore the natural environment that the campus offers. Children bring their bicycles, rib-sticks, roller blades, golf clubs and fishing rods to school. They can be seen across campus covered in mud, climbing trees, building forts, fishing and enjoying the outdoors! We expect the boarders to work hard and play hard.
The boarding facilities are contained in two houses, Usher House for the boys and Sutcliffe House for the girls. Each house has a Housemother (who is a qualified nursing sister) and resident staff who live in the houses with the children. The Head of Boarding also resides in Usher House and he takes the role of House Master and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the entire boarding establishment.
22 full time academic staff members and 12 student teachers reside on our beautiful 60ha campus and all contribute to the welfare of the boarders.
Mr Justice Majola - Head of Boarding
View the Boarders online Photo Gallery here...
