As an Old Johannian who matriculated from Clayton House in 2001, I take immense pride in the ongoing academic brilliance of St John’s College. Over the years, the College has cemented its reputation as a beacon of excellence, not just among boys' schools but also in comparison to top-performing girls' schools across South Africa.
Since 2018, I’ve undertaken an annual analysis of matric results from South Africa’s leading independent schools. What started as a personal project inspired by a conversation with former Headmaster Roger Cameron has evolved into an annual ritual that highlights my admiration for my alma mater. In that conversation years ago, Mr Cameron offhandedly remarked on the academic excellence of St John’s compared to its peer schools, planting a seed that I couldn’t ignore. Why, I thought, shouldn’t academic results be as closely followed and celebrated as rugby scores?
My data collection is rather rudimentary, relying on schools’ social media announcements and websites. The focus is on critical metrics: the bachelor pass rate, distinctions per candidate, and the proportion of students achieving four or more distinctions. While many schools present their results well, I’ve noticed that girls’ schools, in particular, are better at showcasing their achievements, demonstrating the limitations of these metrics.
The findings over the years have been striking. Year after year, St John’s College emerges as the top academic boys' school, often leaving its closest competitors trailing by a significant margin. For example, in 2023, the Dux scholars of several prominent boys’ schools wouldn’t have made it into the top ten at St John’s. Such is the distance that separates the College from its peers.
But what truly sets St John’s apart is its ability to compete meaningfully with the top-performing girls’ schools, including Roedean and St Mary’s School Waverley, which consistently lead the academic rankings. No other boys' school comes close to matching this level of excellence.
Why, I thought, shouldn’t academic results be as closely followed and celebrated as rugby scores?
Reflecting on my time at the College, I don’t recall there being an intense external pressure to perform academically. Instead, there was a culture of competitiveness among the boys, a collective pride in excelling academically. It was less about teachers driving us and more about the students driving each other. This ethos of internal motivation and peer-led excellence seems to have endured, contributing to the school’s consistent success.
I often wonder how my year group would have fared against today’s students. I’d like to think that some of our top achievers could hold their own, but I recognise that St John’s has only grown stronger in the 24 years since I graduated.
The College’s role as a standard-bearer in education cannot be overstated. Its leadership and academic staff deserve immense credit for fostering a culture of excellence that begins in the Bridge or Pre-Prep and extends to the College and Sixth Form. Beyond academics, St John’s remains a centre of excellence across various spheres – from water polo to debating, music, and cricket – consistently ranking among the best in the country.
As an Old Johannian, I wear my pride on my sleeve, perhaps insufferably so during this time of year when matric results are announced. But my enthusiasm is justified. St John’s College is not just an academic powerhouse; it’s a testament to the values of discipline, resilience, and striving for excellence in every pursuit.
To my fellow Johannians – past, present, and future – let us continue to shout our school’s indisputable excellence from the hilltops, not just in academics but in every field we touch. After all, as a world-class Christian African school, St John’s College is not merely a school; it’s a legacy.