Bushken Pre-Primary School
Bushken Pre-Primary School provides a nurturing environment for young learners, offering early childhood education that focuses on developing social, cognitive, and motor skills. The school’s experienced staff create a fun, safe, and enriching atmosphere for children to grow and thrive.
Kenton-on-Sea Primary School is a small institution with a significant vision: providing quality education to prepare learners for future academic pursuits and adult life. The school adheres to the government-approved Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), ensuring learners receive a comprehensive education. Beyond academics, Kenton-on-Sea Primary offers various sports and cultural activities, fostering holistic development.
Bushwillow School is a Reggio Emilia-inspired institution offering education from pre-primary to Grade 8. The school emphasises experiential learning and outdoor exploration, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deep connection with nature. With small class sizes, Bushwillow ensures personalised attention, nurturing each child’s unique learning journey. The curriculum integrates sustainability practices, aiming to cultivate environmentally conscious citizens. Visitors often commend the school’s tranquil setting and the harmonious blend of learning with play and nature.
Located approximately 15 km from Kenton in Alexandria, Eastern Cape, Alexandria High School serves many teenagers from the area. Students often carpool or take a daily bus to attend. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum up to Grade 12 (Matric), encompassing academics, sports such as rugby, netball, and athletics, as well as cultural activities. It maintains strong ties with the farming community, making the annual “Agricultural Day” a significant event.
Located in Alexandria, Eastern Cape, Alexandria Christian Academy (ACA) offers Bible-based education from Grade RRR to Grade 12. Founded in 2002, ACA focuses on personalised learning to nurture each student’s academic and personal growth. Students enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports like archery, and engage in community events like cross-country races. The academy provides a supportive environment where students are encouraged to develop their unique talents.
Situated in Port Alfred, Calico Academy is a private high school known for its engaging approach to education. The academy actively participates in community events, including outdoor activities and sports, fostering a strong sense of community among students.
Located in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, Port Alfred High School offers education from Grade 8 to Grade 12. The school provides a well-rounded education, focusing on academics, sports, and cultural activities. With a strong sense of community, the school fosters personal growth and encourages students to live by its motto, “Deeds, not Words.”
Private and Boarding Schools
For those seeking private education, the greater region offers some of South Africa’s top boarding schools in Makhanda (Grahamstown), about 50 km away. Schools like St. Andrew’s College (boys), Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), and Kingswood College have long histories dating back to the 1800s and are among the country’s elite institutions.
These schools often arrange weekend transportation, allowing students to easily come home to Kenton on off-weekends or holidays. Visitors might encounter groups of uniformed students around town during half-term breaks – often easily identified by their straw boater hats or blazer badges, and usually seen enjoying the beach after weeks inland at school.
Gap year option:
Quest Africa
Quest Africa offers transformative gap year programmes in South Africa, combining adventure, personal development, and community service. Based on Kaba Farm near Alexandria, Eastern Cape, Quest Africa provides participants with immersive experiences that challenge and inspire.
The closest university is the prestigious Rhodes University, a 45-minute drive away. Rhodes is well-known for its journalism, humanities, and science programmes, and its beautiful campus with historic ivy-clad buildings. If you’re interested in the academic scene, Rhodes often has public lectures, art exhibitions, and the well-regarded Rhodes University Zoology Museum which is a treat for nature enthusiasts (it has a great collection of local marine specimens, etc.).
Stenden South Africa, located in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, offers internationally recognised higher education programmes in hospitality management and tourism. As part of the global Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Stenden South Africa provides students with a unique learning environment that combines academic excellence with hands-on experience in the hospitality and tourism industries. The institution’s innovative approach blends theory and practical training, preparing students for successful careers in the global tourism and hospitality sectors.
Located in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, 43 Air School is a premier flight training institution offering a comprehensive range of aviation courses, including Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Airline Pilot training. With a fleet of over 70 aircraft and more than 75 instructors, the school provides a personalised learning experience tailored to each student’s needs. The integrated training programmes are designed to fast-track students’ careers, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in the aviation industry.
