Inside the Elite Boys’ School That Moulded Billionaires, Springboks, and Cricket Greats
King Edward VII School (KES), a boys’ school nestled in Johannesburg’s Houghton Estate, is more than just a prestigious public high school. It’s a powerhouse of South African success stories. The institution has cultivated a long list of high-achieving alumni, from global sports legends to business titans. Golfing great Gary Player, cricket icon Graeme Smith, and finance pioneer Sir Donald Gordon are just a few of the celebrated names who once walked its corridors.
A Legacy of National Pride
Few schools in the country can rival the legacy KES has built. Among the Financial Mail’s eight greatest South African achievers of the past 100 years, three were educated at KES. This feat is unmatched by any other local school. Furthermore, this remarkable track record underscores the school’s far-reaching impact across sectors.
The story of KES begins in 1902, right after the end of the South African War. At that time, there was an urgent drive to establish quality schools in the Transvaal. The Milner Administration was eager to provide education. They repurposed a deserted cigar factory at the corner of Gold and Kerk Streets in central Johannesburg. This space became the initial site for what was then known as “The Government High School for Boys.”
Growth and Relocation Through the Decades
By 1904, the school had outgrown its original site and relocated to Barnato Park. It settled into a mansion that had been designed for mining magnate Barney Barnato. But even this venue could not contain the school’s rapid expansion. In 1911, the institution found its permanent home on the Houghton Ridge. It featured a purpose-built campus with stately architecture and facilities now considered national monuments. These include its iconic hall, library wing, memorial sections, and the cenotaph that dominates the main courtyard.
The school adopted its current name, King Edward VII School, to honour the late monarch — Queen Victoria’s eldest son — shortly after the formation of the Union of South Africa. Known colloquially as KES, the school has remained a government-run institution ever since. It currently has more than 1,000 boys enrolled in Grades 8 through 12.
Shaping the Nation’s Future Leaders
KES also houses a preparatory school on the same grounds, catering for Grades 1 to 7. This cohesive structure has allowed generations of young boys to transition seamlessly through their schooling. They often emerge as men ready to shape the world.
“Our boys enter the gates as learners and leave as men equipped with education, integrity, courage and vision,” the school proudly notes. Many of its former students have gone on to become pioneers in sport, law, business, the arts, and activism.
Sporting Excellence and International Recognition
KES has a rich tradition in sport, producing an impressive roster of Springbok rugby players, including Bryan Habana, Malcolm Marx, and Scarra Ntubeni. Its influence in cricket is equally remarkable. Alumni include the likes of Ali Bacher, Quinton de Kock, and Nic Pothas. From Olympic athletes to Test captains, the school continues to make its mark on global stages.
The institution doesn’t rest on its past glories. With an ongoing commitment to holistic education, KES prides itself on balancing tradition with innovation. Its ethos blends academic rigour with modern facilities, moral grounding with leadership training. All of these contribute to a school culture that breeds excellence across all fields.
Still Setting the Standard
Today, King Edward VII School stands tall as a beacon of state education. It rivals the country’s most elite private institutions. Its emphasis on academic achievement, sporting prowess and cultural participation makes it one of the most sought-after boys’ schools in the country.
KES continues to raise leaders, sports stars, and change-makers. It proves that heritage, when paired with vision, can build futures as bright as its storied past.
Also read: Top 10-Ranked Boys’ Sports Schools in Gauteng for 2025
