This Anglican day and boarding school, caters for children from crèche to grade 12. It is located on the grounds of the former St George’s Home for Boys in Bedfordview.
The Herbert Baker architecture and beautiful gardens provide a secluded haven for this intimate co-educational school.
Visitors to the school are immediately struck by a sense of tranquility and charm, emanating not only from the environment, but also from the boys and girls moving through the corridors and buildings.
Mr Alistair Dry, executive head of Bishop Bavin, said the culture of the school also plays a crucial role in education.
“There is something almost tangible about the culture at Bishop Bavin. One is struck by the sense of caring and true concern for the well-being of all members of the community.
“Staff and learners know one another, respect one another and are committed to nurturing one another. This caring character of the school stems largely from the strong Anglican traditions and deeply-rooted Christian values of the school,” he said.He said the school has two classes per grade in the junior, preparatory and high school phases. He said it has recently opened a third class in grade 9 as demand for places continues to grow.
“In 2014, Bishop Bavin also launched a Language School to help fast-track those learners who speak little or no English to adapt and thrive in the school. This programme proved to be very successful, and is being expanded in 2015,” he said.
Mr Dry said as a three-term school that writes the IEB final examinations, Bishop Bavin places a high priority on academic excellence.
The matric class of 2014 achieved a 97 percent pass rate with a 90 percent university entrance rate.
Academic support is offered every afternoon of the week to those learners needing or wanting help. This runs alongside a varied sports and extra-curricular programme,” he said.
He added learners are encouraged to take part in musicals, drama, concerts, public speaking competitions and Eisteddfod.
The school’s innovative leadership programme provides senior learners with training, skills and mentorship to develop their leadership abilities, and thus be equipped to play a meaningful role in society once they leave school.
“Bishop Bavin is the ideal place for learners who might get lost in a large school. Our small classes and intimate culture allow children to grow and thrive in all aspects of their education and development. We are big enough to make a difference, but small enough to care,” Mr Dry said.
