Experience excellence and the joy of learning at Oakhill School

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BUSINESS NEWS - Oakhill School is grateful and proud to be recognised once again in the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers’ Choice Awards, receiving top honours for the second consecutive year.

Oakhill was named Overall Best Private School, while also claiming Best Playschool, Best Pre-Primary and Best High School.

This prestigious recognition reflects the community’s continued trust in Oakhill’s unique approach to holistic education - an approach rooted in its long-standing philosophy of “The Joy of Learning.”

Leading independent school

Established in the early 1990s, Oakhill is a stand-alone, independent co-educational day school that offers a seamless journey from Grade 000 to Grade 12.

Beautifully situated in Knysna, with panoramic views and expansive campuses, the school attracts families from Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and surrounding areas.

Daily bus services ensure that well over 100 students from Plett are part of the Oakhill community.

Oakhill’s innovative and inclusive ethos nurtures excellence across academics, the arts, sport and social engagement, encouraging students to become confident, compassionate individuals ready to thrive in the world beyond school.

Academic excellence

At Oakhill College, students complete the National Senior Certificate (NSC) administered by the Independent Examination Board (IEB) - widely recognised as the gold standard in South African education and internationally benchmarked for university entrance.

With an uninterrupted 100% IEB Matric pass rate spanning more than 30 years and 97% - 100% of students qualifying for Bachelor Degree study annually, Oakhill consistently delivers top-tier academic results.

Oakhill consistently delivers top-tier academic results.

Graduates, known as “Old Oaks,” continue to excel at leading institutions locally and abroad - including universities in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan etc.

Committed, experienced teachers

At the heart of Oakhill’s success is its team of dedicated, creative and highly experienced teachers. More than subject specialists, they are mentors who build meaningful relationships with their students and bring learning to life beyond the boundaries of the curriculum.

Through innovative teaching methods, curiosity-driven learning, and personalised attention, Oakhill educators continually inspire a genuine love for learning - one that lasts well beyond the classroom.

Curiosity-driven learning makes for good grades!

A culture of creativity

Creativity is embedded into Oakhill’s curriculum. From Grade R to Grade 9, students explore music, drama, and visual art as core subjects, with the option to pursue them as IEB Matric subjects.

In music, students choose from more than 20 instruments - from violin and saxophone to drums and piano. As the official Trinity Music Centre for the Garden Route, Oakhill offers students the opportunity to complete international music exams on campus.

Music students choose from more than 20 instruments.

Dramatic arts fosters self-expression and collaboration through movement, improvisation, theatre history, and production. College students engage with a variety of texts and performance styles, culminating in IEB assessments that blend theory and performance.

Visual arts are taught in two specialised studios that overlook the Knysna estuary. Students explore a wide range of media, and their work is featured annually in galleries including the prestigious IEB Matric Art Exhibition open to the community.

Sporting excellence

Sport plays an essential role in Oakhill’s philosophy of whole-child development. Students participate in a broad range of codes: hockey, netball, tennis, soccer, rugby, cricket, water polo, swimming, athletics and mountain biking.

Hockey is one of many sporting codes offered at Oakhill School.

The school’s 17-hectare Oakhill Sports Campus offers world-class facilities including a water-based Astroturf, netball and tennis courts, multiple fields, a mountain biking trail and a refurbished 25-metre swimming pool.

These facilities support every level of participation, from beginner to elite. Oakhill proudly counts an Olympic swimmer and national hockey player among its recent alumni.

With a strong sporting culture and dynamic leadership, Oakhill’s skilled coaches drive initiatives that grow skills, unity and excellence.

Alastair Trafford, head of college sport and Mmatshepo Modipane, head of prep sport.

The school supports players, builds teams and creates events that unite the community. Highlights include Derby Days, the iconic Waterfront Chukka Festivals, exciting new netball and enhanced hockey festivals, plus regional and national tours.

These opportunities help students grow through competition, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Balance beyond the classroom

Oakhill’s co-curricular programme is designed to help students develop essential life skills - leadership, resilience, initiative, and teamwork.

With opportunities in leadership roles, creative clubs, sport, service and enrichment activities, every child is encouraged to explore their interests and make a meaningful contribution.

This balanced, well-rounded experience is a defining feature of an Oakhill education.

Oakhill School’s flagship 21-day journey, known as Odyssey, is a transformative outdoor experience designed to build character, resilience, and self-awareness in Grade 10 students.

Grade 10 students about to embark on the 21-day Odyssey outdoor experience.

Traversing nearly 400km through the Garden Route’s diverse landscapes, students face physical and emotional challenges that foster independence, teamwork and reflection.

This rite of passage cultivates holistic growth, making education a lived experience beyond the classroom.

Community and citizenship

A deep sense of community responsibility runs through Oakhill’s DNA. From the earliest years, students are engaged in outreach projects, partnerships, and community service that foster empathy, character and civic-mindedness.

Through these experiences, Oakhill students grow into thoughtful, socially aware young people with a desire to contribute positively to society.

Guardians of every journey

A special mention goes to the Oakhill transport team, recently recognised in a moving letter by a parent who described them as “caretakers, protectors, and quiet, yet essential figures in our children’s school journeys”.

With meticulous planning, a genuine sense of care and strong relationships with students, the transport team ensures each journey is safe, reliable and nurturing - especially for the many students commuting from Plettenberg Bay.

The caring transport team members are from left: Fabian Petersen, Jared Thomas, Claemont Titus, Elvin McCallum and Clive Rossouw.

Why families choose Oakhill

Independent, stand alone, day school
Seamless co-educational learning
Whole School from Grade 000 - 12
Exceptional IEB Matric results
Vibrant arts and sports programmes
Community and values-based learning
Daily transport from Plett
Winner of BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL in Knysna & Plett - 2024 & 2025

Discover the joy of learning

Oakhill School remains deeply thankful for the trust and support of its families, alumni and local community.

The recognition in the Best of Knysna & Plett Awards reaffirms the school’s commitment to educational excellence, personal growth and nurturing a genuine joy of learning.

Whether you're based locally or relocating to the Garden Route, Oakhill invites you to explore and experience the best that independent education on the Garden Route has to offer.