Welcome
Welcome to the official Trafalgar High School website.
As the oldest school for people of colour in South Africa, Trafalgar High School has a proud history both in terms of providing superior education as well as ensuring that its students understand their responsibility in society and their communities. These values that have endured for more than a century can be traced to when the school was founded in 1912 after the President of the African People’s Organisation, Dr Abdurahman, who was a councillor at the time, campaigned for a co-educational school for coloured people. The school’s first principal, Harold Cressy was also the first person of colour to get a BA degree from the University of Cape Town. Both these men understood that a good education was the means to changing social and economic circumstances.
As a school that had existed through the worst of apartheid, these values which are embodied in the school’s motto – ‘Per Angusta, Ad Augusta’ (Through Difficulties to Success) – have been handed down to the students that have passed through this institution. The values imparted and bonds that are built among students and between students and the school often define how those students tackle the difficulties that are presented later in life. It is these values that ensured that despite the apartheid government declaring the area that the school is situated, District Six, a white area in 1966, the school’s enrolment numbers did not drop as former students continued to send their children to the school even if it meant travelling long distances. These values filter down generations as many of the staff members, including myself, are past pupils and we have recently registered an alumni association who play an active role in supporting the school in all its activities. We say it runs in our blood.
We recognise that while culture may change, values endure. We strive to build on our history of building caring and involved young people who will contribute to improving society. We invite you to peruse our school website and contact us for more information about what we offer.
Students
After School programs
Faculty
Years Established
Get In Touch
Location: 35 Kuiper Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town
Telephone: 021 465 2969
Email: admin@trafalgarhighschool.co.za
School Hours: M-F: 8am – 3pm
Our Mission & Vision
Trafalgar High School is committed to:
- Building a caring, progressive and involved community of learners, educators and parents/guardians.
- Promoting positive progressive values and attitudes that embrace understanding, tolerance and appreciation of the diverse cultures in South Africa.
- Giving full expression to our motto “Per Angusta, Ad Augusta”, that we have the ability to overcome difficulties so that we succeed and emerge triumphantly.
- Cultivating and nurturing ethics of educational excellence, amongst learners, educators and the parent community.
- Ensuring that accountability and transparency are the bedrock of all our activities.