The top private school in South Africa with 4.5 distinctions per student

SAHETI School in Senderwood, Bedfordview, achieved a 100% pass rate and 4.5 distinctions per matriculant, making it the top private school in South Africa.

SAHETI School was established in 1974 by a group of founders under the leadership of advocate George Bizos.

Bizos was a Greek-South African human rights lawyer who campaigned against apartheid and represented Nelson Mandela during the Rivonia Trial.

The school’s history dates back to the sixties when the SAHETI Institute bought a 72-acre farm in Senderwood, located in an affluent area close to the Johannesburg CBD, for £40,000.

Over the following years, numerous attempts were made to raise funds to start building the SAHETI school.

However, it was not until 1969, when Advocate George Bizos became chairman, that things really started to move.

Bizos, with the help of P Stathoulis and P Valasis, raised enough funds to appoint architects to help design the school.

Construction of the SAHETI school started in August 1971 with a unique design for the 12 classrooms.

In 1973, the SAHETI Institute appointed Morgan Ellis as the school’s first principal, a decision that was key to the institution’s early growth and success.

Ellis understood and embraced the Hellenic culture and ethos and was influential in shaping the school as it is today.

“His unique approach and passion were key to successfully growing the school from its inception in 1973 until his retirement in 1991,” SAHETI said.

The school opened its doors on 16 January 1974 with 114 students – 60 in the nursery school and 54 in Grades 1 to 3. Annual fees ranged from R60 to R84 per term.

Despite the challenging initial years, SAHETI showed strong growth and earned the reputation of a top academic school in South Africa.

Today, SAHETI School ranks amongst the top independent schools in South Africa, with 1,300 boys and girls attending the institution.

SAHETI School’s 2024 matric results

In 2024, SAHETI School was the top-performing private school in South Africa with exceptional IEB Matric Examinations results.

It has continued its 100% matric pass rate legacy, achieving 286 distinctions, equating to 4.5 per candidate.

Equally impressive is that every child in the 2024 SAHETI School Matric Class achieved at least one distinction.

25 of the 286 distinctions were A+, with five subjects achieving 100%.  A total of 63 distinctions were ranked in the top 1% nationally.

A standout result was that 27% of the 2024 SAHETI matric class achieved full house distinctions.

Jason Barbis, recognised as IEB’s Outstanding Achiever, was the school’s top achiever with distinctions in all nine subjects and a 98% average.

His performance included 100% in Mathematics and Life Orientation, with all other subjects awarded an A+ level.

Another IEB Outstanding Achiever, Pano Katsikides, also achieved nine distinctions in the A+ category with a 96% average.

Zoi Pashou also passed with distinction in 9 subjects, all of which were in the A+ category, and had a 95% average. 

SAHETI School’s executive head, Morag Rees, said the results illustrated their energy, dedicated staff, and invested community.