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BUSINESS NEWS - Oakhill School is grateful and honoured to receive various nominations for this year's Best of Knysna & Plett Readers' Choice Awards.
As consecutive winners of the Overall Best Private School in 2024 and 2025, this prestigious recognition reflects the community's continued trust in Oakhill's unique approach to whole child education - an approach rooted in its long-standing philosophy, 'The Joy of Learning'.
As the school celebrates these acknowledgements, it simultaneously embarks on an exciting new chapter.
With a fresh strategic vision to elevate Oakhill's legacy of excellence, the school proudly welcomes key additions to its senior leadership team: Mr James Cross as the Head of School and Mr David Wright as the Head of College.
Mr David Wright, Head of College
WORLD-CLASS LEADERSHIP BUILT ON SHARED VALUES
Partnering closely with the Board and management team, this new leadership duo is poised to build upon Oakhill's rich history.
Mr James Cross, a highly respected and experienced educator within the Oakhill community, steps into the role of Head of School to drive the institution's overarching vision.
Joining him as Head of College is Mr David Wright, who comes from Makhanda (Grahamstown) with a wealth of experience in independent education.
Following six years as the Senior Head at Kingswood College and previous leadership as Deputy Head at DSG, David's move to Knysna was highly intentional.
“Oakhill's unique philosophy and ethos deeply resonate with my own educational beliefs,” says David.
“A holistic, co-educational environment allows the whole child to be seen and valued, which Oakhill is uniquely positioned to do.”
David is joined by his wife, Jessie - an experienced drama and English educator - also adding value in the sports and outdoor education programmes - and their three young sons, Cooper, Kei and Landon, who have enthusiastically integrated into the Oakhill student body.
FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESS: ACADEMICS AND CO-CURRICULAR EXCELLENCE
While nurturing the whole child is fundamental to Oakhill's core values, David firmly believes that a solid academic foundation underpins student achievement.
Oakhill continues to offer the IEB matric curriculum, which David champions as a true pathway to success.
Through this gold-standard framework, students develop the critical learning styles and skills required to excel at universities both in South Africa and abroad.
Beyond the classroom, a particular passion and priority for David is the continued development of Oakhill's flagship co-curricular activities.
The school's vibrant sports, arts, and cultural flagship programmes remain central to building student self-confidence and strength of character.
A DEEP CONNECTION TO NATURE AND COMMUNITY
An outdoor enthusiast, David is an ardent advocate for Oakhill's iconic Odyssey - the transformative 21-day journey of self-discovery.
He wholeheartedly views this rite of passage as more relevant today than ever before, acting as a core fabric of Oakhill and a pillar in student growth and success.
Furthermore, Oakhill's spectacular location provides distinct opportunities for engagement with the natural environment.
Moving forward, the school aims to deepen its ties with the local community, fostering mutually symbiotic relationships that enrich both the pupils and the communities they engage with.
With innovative leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Oakhill School is uniquely placed to shine as a premier centre of education, not only on the Garden Route but within the broader South African context.
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