R30 billion giant buys 90-year-old private school in South Africa
Advtech has announced the acquisition of the St George’s School property in Gqeberha, with plans to integrate it into its Bridge School portfolio.
St George’s Primary School was founded in 1936 and is currently operated by Curro, another private education group in South Africa.
The school’s main building, Knockfernia, was a luxury mansion built by John Daverin in 1899 and later repurposed.
Today, this mansion still stands on the property, with Daverin’s original study serving as the school secretary’s office.
Students at St George also eat lunch in the building, in what used to be the billiards room, where large blocks of marble from when the mansion was first built remain.
On its website, Curro describes several other historic features of the building which can still be seen today.
“The stables were situated just below the forage loft and today house the Grade 1 and Grade 2 classrooms,” it said. “The rings on which to tether the horses can still be seen on the wall.”
Along with its historic main building, St George’s offers numerous modern amenities across its academic and sports departments.
The school features specialised classrooms, including a computer lab, outdoor classroom, and a robotics lab.
It also limits its class size to 22 learners to ensure students receive individual attention and quality teaching.
“We have created a safe, modern environment where learners can grow used to learning and working with modern equipment and facilities,” the school describes on its website.
In its sports department, the school has a mini astroturf, a multipurpose sports field, and an indoor swimming pool.
Its cultural department is equally well equipped, with dedicated spaces for both art and drama, along with a school library.
“Our school has a strong record of cultural activities, which are hosted in facilities that are tailored to offering these activities,” St George’s said on its website.
Sold to Advtech
The St George’s School property has been sold to Advtech, which plans to use the grounds to expand its number of Bridge Schools.
Advtech is a major private education group in South Africa, with a portfolio including several high-profile schools and universities.
The JSE-listed company owns and operates schools such as Pecanwood College and Tyger Valley College, as well as Emeris University.
The company said the new Bridge School, opening on the St George’s property, would have a capacity of approximately 450 learners.
“The new campus will have capacity for 450 students and provide assisted learning, tailored to the individual needs of neurodivergent children,” Advtech said.
Advtech’s Bridge Schools specialise in teaching neurodiverse learners, offering personalised learning plans and continuous evaluation.
“Our approach includes customised learning paths that adapt teaching methods to suit individual strengths and challenges,” the school group describes on its website.
While Advtech will take control of St George’s School in 2027, it will only operate as a Bridge School from the start of 2028.
“Starting in 2027, Advtech will enhance the site’s existing academic, cultural and sporting facilities, adding specialist learning and therapy spaces to elevate the student experience and maximise academic outcomes,” Advtech explained.
“Teachers with expertise in neurodivergent learning will also be recruited or relocated to staff the school. The campus will open officially as The Bridge St George’s in January 2028.”
Advtech Group CEO Geoff Whyte said the acquisition was driven by demand for specialised schools in South Africa.
“This acquisition responds to growing demand for specialised schooling and flows from our commitment to provide education of the highest quality for every student,” he said.
The acquisition will also mark Advtech’s first Bridge School campus in the Eastern Cape, with its two current schools located in Gauteng.
Photos of St. George’s School
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