ABOUT US

WHY BRIDGE HOUSE

Bridge House School is a fully Independent co-educational School accommodating students from Playschool through to Matriculation with boarding and day options. We offer an inspiring educational experience for our students and a safe and welcoming “home away from home” for our boarders. Our campus is situated in the natural beauty of the renowned Cape Winelands, nestled between the slopes of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains and the banks of the Berg River situated outside Franschhoek. Just imagine how your child would flourish in such an exciting and stimulating environment.

Bridge House offers a world-class education with a proven track record of academic excellence in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matriculation exams. Our students’ individual journeys of learning and development are at the heart of their education. Students are equipped with the skills to think critically, ask profound questions, solve complex problems, and articulate their views with confidence throughout their school life with us. Independent thinking and entrepreneurial spirit are nurtured and encouraged. Just imagine a school where children receive expert individual and personalised attention; a school with a highly regarded curriculum-driven and forward-thinking IT programme; a school that will allow your child to progress to tertiary education anywhere in the world based on their outstanding academic results.

Bridge House offers far more than exceptional academic achievements. Students enjoy the freedom to choose from an extensive selection of creative activities, including visual art, drama, music, dance, public speaking, and debating. A wide range of sporting options takes full advantage of the school’s natural setting, developing individual skills while fostering the benefits of team sports. The school actively cultivates a lifelong passion for wellness, mindfulness, and physical fitness.

Set in the South African countryside, Bridge House equips students for a globally connected life. As a member of the prestigious International Round Square Organisation, the school offers global conferences and international exchange programs. College students participate in the President’s Award Programme, while Prep students engage in the Learning for Life Leadership Programme to build independence, resilience, and practical leadership skills.

Leadership at Bridge House is taught as a virtue and a learned skill, not a status. Students experience a culture of inclusivity, servant leadership, and global awareness. Community partnership projects reinforce the value of shared humanity, while outdoor education rooted in environmental stewardship helps students appreciate their place in a greater whole.

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ABOUT US

WHY BRIDGE HOUSE

Bridge House School is a fully Independent co-educational School accommodating students from Playschool through to Matriculation with boarding and day options. We offer an inspiring educational experience for our students and a safe and welcoming “home away from home” for our boarders. Our campus is situated in the natural beauty of the renowned Cape Winelands, nestled between the slopes of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains and the banks of the Berg River situated outside Franschhoek. Just imagine how your child would flourish in such an exciting and stimulating environment.

Bridge House offers a world-class education with a proven track record of academic excellence in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matriculation exams. Our students’ individual journeys of learning and development are at the heart of their education. Students are equipped with the skills to think critically, ask profound questions, solve complex problems, and articulate their views with confidence throughout their school life with us. Independent thinking and entrepreneurial spirit are nurtured and encouraged. Just imagine a school where children receive expert individual and personalised attention; a school with a highly regarded curriculum-driven and forward-thinking IT programme; a school that will allow your child to progress to tertiary education anywhere in the world based on their outstanding academic results.

If you want to provide your child with an outstanding, well-rounded, holistic education in the countryside, stop imagining – contact us!

 
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PHILOSOPHY

MISSION STATEMENT

Bridge House is a sustainable South African learning community. In a changing world, we deliver a globally relevant education which realises each individual’s potential to lead, innovate and serve with confidence. Bridge House’s Mission Statement is founded on the following values. 

ENDS VALUES
“WHAT WE WANT IN OUR PEOPLE”

  • Integrity
  • Love and compassion
  • Health and Vitality
  • Positivity (a “Can Do” attitude)
  • Learning for Life

MEANS VALUES
“HOW WE MUST ACT FOR THIS TO COME ABOUT”

  • Honesty in all our dealings
  • Demonstrate forgiveness
  • Knowing self
  • Setting others free
  • Openness to new ideas

PHILOSOPHY

MISSION STATEMENT

Bridge House is a sustainable South African learning community. In a changing world, we deliver a globally relevant education which realises each individual’s potential to lead, innovate and serve with confidence. Bridge House’s Mission Statement is founded on the following values. 

ENDS VALUES
“WHAT WE WANT IN OUR PEOPLE”

  • Integrity
  • Love and compassion
  • Health and Vitality
  • Positivity (a “Can Do” attitude)
  • Learning for Life

MEANS VALUES
“HOW WE MUST ACT FOR THIS TO COME ABOUT”

  • Honesty in all our dealings
  • Demonstrate forgiveness
  • Knowing self
  • Setting others free
  • Openness to new ideas

OUR SEVEN BRIDGES

There is a magical place in the most beautiful valley in Africa
A place where talent grows
Where the energy is electric
Where young minds are inspired
To blaze new trails
To seize opportunity
To be pioneers of a new way, a better way, a unique way
 
A place for bright and brave souls
Who will grow up to make a difference
The entire world their stage
To lead the charge
To create a spark
To make their mark
 
A place where imagination is nurtured
Not just to dream big 
But do big
Where nothing is impossible
Bridge House. Just Imagine

OUR HISTORY

BRIDGE HOUSE HISTORY & LEGACY

1994 was the birth of our democracy and the growth of our valley. It soon became apparent that there was a demand for an excellent, world-class, well-rounded education. Three families came together to make this dream a reality. If their imagination got us this far, just imagine what we can achieve in the next 25 years.

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OUR HISTORY

BRIDGE HOUSE HISTORY & LEGACY

1994 was the birth of our democracy and the growth of our valley. It soon became apparent that there was a demand for an excellent, world-class, well-rounded education. Three families came together to make this dream a reality. If their imagination got us this far, just imagine what we can achieve in the next 25 years.

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FACILITIES

SCHOOL FACILITIES
CAMPUS
TUCKSHOP & DINING
BRIDGE HOUSE FACILITIES

Bridge House is home to world-class facilities nestled in the Cape Winelands. A school with sporting facilities that have nurtured national champions; a school with a theatre that encourages cultural confidence and skills; classrooms designed to educate, stimulate, and develop; a school with boarding for boys and girls. No matter what your child is passionate about, we have something for them. We even cater for robotics enthusiasts, born entrepreneurs, and students with green fingers.

MORE INFO

You will find our campus at the base of the beautiful Groot Drakenstein Mountains and alongside the Berg River in the heart of the acclaimed Cape Winelands Valley in Franschhoek. Our students get to experience country living whilst being one hour from the mother city, Cape Town. A place for children to grow up in the countryside, feel the sunlight between classes, breathe fresh country air, walk across lush fields to their sports practices, be stimulated by all the seasons, and grow with the natural environment.

MAP OF CAMPUS

We offer a sit-down hot lunch provided daily for our day and boarding students. The lunch is prepared on campus by Freedem in fully equipped kitchens in our dining rooms. Our philosophy is: no externally processed foods are used, everything is created on-site, with the main goal of enhancing the students physical and mental health with each meal.

View the order form, menu and other relevant files below. Freedem reserve the right to change the menus if necessary depending on what fresh produce is available. Please note that the menus have been checked and approved by a registered dietician.

VIEW MENU’S

FACILITIES

FACILITIES
CAMPUS
DINING

Bridge House is home to world-class facilities nestled in the Cape Winelands. A school with sporting facilities that have nurtured national champions; a school with a theatre that encourages cultural confidence and skills; classrooms designed to educate, stimulate, and develop; a school with boarding for boys and girls. No matter what your child is passionate about, we have something for them. We even cater for robotics enthusiasts, born entrepreneurs, and students with green fingers.

MORE INFO

You will find our campus at the base of the beautiful Groot Drakenstein Mountains and alongside the Berg River in the heart of the acclaimed Cape Winelands Valley in Franschhoek. Our students get to experience country living whilst being one hour from the mother city, Cape Town. Just imagine the potential in an environment like this. A place for children to grow up in the countryside, feel the sunlight between classes, breathe fresh country air, walk across lush fields to their sports practices, be stimulated by all the seasons, and grow with the natural environment.

MAP OF CAMPUS

We offer a sit-down hot lunch provided daily for our day and boarding students. The lunch is prepared on campus by Empact in fully equipped kitchens in our dining rooms. Empact’s philosophy aligns with ours: no externally processed foods are used, everything is created on-site, and the main goal is to enhance students’ physical and mental health with each meal.

View the order form, menu and other relevant files below. Empact reserves the right to change the menus if necessary, depending on the fresh produce available. Please note that the menus have been checked and approved by a registered dietician.

VIEW MENUS

BOARDING

Bridge House offers co-ed boarding facilities in Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Boarding is available for Grade 6 through to Matric. Our boarders are housed in four modern, family-style “home away from home”, boarding houses. We offer both weekly and termly boarding for both girls and boys. There are two girls’ boarding houses, Erica and Waterfall, and two boys’ boarding houses, Huguenot and Bellegam. Your child will be cared for by the nurturing boarding staff who create a safe homely environment with caring, gentle family relationships.  The Bridge House values are taught and there are relevant boundaries in place for study and a healthy lifestyle.

HEADS OF SCHOOL

MEET OUR HEADS
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David Clark

Head of School
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Marc Barrow

Head of Preparatory School

EXCO TEAM

MEET OUR EXCO
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Morag Malcolm

Deputy Head of College: Academics & Pastoral Care
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Pieter van Deemter

Deputy Head of College: Wider Curriculum, Discipline & Boarding
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Sandra Hean

Deputy Head of Prep: Academics
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Richard Robertson

Deputy Head of Prep: Wider Curriculum

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Nina van Zyl

Business Manager
MEET OUR BOARD

The Board of Directors is presently made up of 13 high calibre members.

For a full overview of the Board click on the link below.

OUR LOCATION

Bridge House nestles below the majestic Drakenstein Mountains in the beautiful Berg River Valley, 10 minutes from Franschhoek, 20 minutes from Paarl and 25 minutes from Stellenbosch on the open road with no traffic. This position offers a unique environment in which to learn combining the tranquil effects of the beautiful country setting with the benefit of being close to the city of Cape Town, only 50 minutes away via the N1 highway.

GET IN TOUCH

Open day is any day you want it to be!