For an almost nonagenarian, The Ridge School has never been so vibrant and in such robust health. With around 480 boys enrolled currently, the school is enjoying its fullest years ever. The school has indeed come a long way since it opened its doors in 1919 to 13 boys with 2 members of staff. Two years later, in 1921, The Ridge School colours arrived from the UK. Today, our badge is being re-formalised for consistent branding in the 21st century and we will soon see its correct application on all items of uniform and other school accessories. Back in the early 1920s, boys wore white shirts, grey shorts and identical socks to those worn today, plus the grey blazer with its cerise intertwined ‘RS’ as its crest. Khakis were only introduced as an economy measure during the Second World War.
1921 also marked another important milestone in the school’s history when Edna Dunn joined the staff, a position she held for 45 years. She was devoted to the school and bequeathed a humble amount of money to The Ridge when she died. A Trust has since been set up in her name to commemorate her dedication to the school. Today, philanthropic donations from family and corporate trusts contribute greatly to the school’s financial well being, and we thank all our donors for their kindness.
By 1922, there were 62 boys of whom 15 were boarders. The school sported a rifle range and a pathescope for the showing of educational films! In 1923, work began on levelling the playing fields, in the literal not modern figurative usage of the expression! A small swimming pool was built, although the pool, or baths as they were then known, were too small for galas and the boys used the Johannesburg Country Club facilities for competitions. Only in 1934 was a filter for the pool presented to the school, prior to which the boys frequently swam in ‘pea soup’! Yugh!
1924 marked the beginning of the Nicolson dynasty when Guy Nicolson joined as Headmaster. Initially, Nicolson Snr leased the property, but later went on to buy the school, which ensured his vested interest in its success. In 1946 the school became a non profit-making company. The school went from strength to strength under his guidance, and not only in its architectural development but in its philosophy of encouraging the boys to ‘speak, express themselves, think independently and gain self confidence’ which holds fast today.
Additions and alterations to the school buildings to accommodate more classrooms and more dormitory space gathered pace under Guy Nicolson. In fact Cobus Snyman and Pat Munton’s offices used to be junior dormitories called ‘Cape’! In 1952, Guy Nicolson’s son, John, joined the staff, eventually replacing his father as principal in 1959. Nicolson Snr served for 37 years at The Ridge and died on 8 August 1964, coincidentally the anniversary of the founding of the school.
John Nicolson emigrated to America in 1969 to be replaced by Alan Cheales, after whom today’s 4th house is named. Sadly, Cheales died in 1979 and was replaced by the Second Master, Grant Nupen. Nupen’s tenure lasted from 1979 to 1987 during which time he oversaw the paving of the main car park and the installation of new main gates, as well as the purchase of the adjacent property for a new boarding house. A forward thinker, Nupen incorporated Edward de Bono skills into the curriculum as well as expanding the number of classes per grade from 1 to 2.
{Since 2004 and in response to parents’ requests, The Ridge junior prep has offered 3 classes per grade. This has resulted in smaller classes whilst at the same time maintaining school numbers within budgeted, and manageable, levels. This has necessitated the recruitment of additional staff and we are proud that the school is able to attract some of the very best people the teaching profession has to offer.)
In 1987 Rob Dickson was named head. Although his stay was short, just 2 years, he oversaw more structural changes to the school, including the construction of the Nicolson Hall, the creation of the Hersov field below it and the building of the grades block which now houses Grades 1 and 2. New tennis courts were built as well as a turf wicket on the Rose Field. In 1988 the boarders were moved into their new home.
In 1990 Alan Wyborn took over as Headmaster. His was a period of consolidation for the school which had passed through some difficult times prior to his appointment. Under his dynamic leadership The Ridge was injected with a new vigour which put it firmly back on the road to success. One of his projects and to mark the school’s 75th anniversary in 1994, was the construction of the Quad which has since been added to with new paving and the fountain, gifts from the Grade 7 class of 2005.
Our current Headmaster, Paul Channon, joined the school in 1997. Paul has brought with him not only his exceptional skills as an educationalist, but those of a business man and he has guided the school into the 21st century, ensuring it remains competitive in today’s preparatory school market.
In 2004, the new Parker Block was opened, offering 3 beautiful classrooms for the Grade 0 admission class, as well as space for the art room and another large room for junior assemblies and a whole host of boys’ extra mural activities. The landscaped area around the new building includes some of the most exciting climbing equipment imaginable.
The acquisition of properties adjacent to the school during this time has ensured the future growth and expansion of The Ridge which will eventually include new sports fields to accommodate a full size cricket oval and additional pitches for hockey, soccer and rugby. On the sports field, despite its relatively small size in comparison to other preparatory schools in Gauteng, The Ridge more than holds its own and all its competing teams do the school proud with both winning results and a winning spirit.
The Ridge already offers leading facilities in its Design and Technology Centre and Music Department including the new Orff room. The libraries and computer rooms are equipped with the latest publications and software. Additional learning support offered from Grades 2-4 ensures that all boys who need it receive help with numeracy and literacy and Occupational and Speech Therapists work from the school with boys who have difficulties in these areas.
The school is at the forefront of transformation in its pupil and staff body, with pastoral affairs overseen by the Community Building Forum. This Forum debates issues surrounding diversity as well as much broader subjects which impact on our school community as a whole.
Outreach and social responsibility are important elements of the boys’ education and close association with The Salvazione School in Mayfair gives them an opportunity regularly to share experiences with children from a seriously under-privileged environment.
With a strong sense of history, but firmly rooted in its modern contemporary environment, The Ridge School continues into its 10th decade to provide the boys with an holistic approach to education and the lessons of life. The school’s annual tally of Scholarships attests to the fact that our boys are sought after by many of the country’s top colleges.
We thank everyone - staff, parents, the Board, successive Parents’ Associations and especially the boys who make this school the happy and successful place it is today.
