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Welcome to Uplands

Pre-preparatory | Preparatory | College | Outreach

 

Community involvement through Uplands Outreach

 

An eclectic mix of nationalities and cultures

 

World-Class Sporting Facilities

 

Rooted in tradition and steeped in History

 

Africa’s best fully-integrated day and boarding school

Ranked amongst the top independent schools in South Africa

Uplands is one of Africa’s leading independent co-educational family schools following the traditions of the Anglican Church. The school offers quality holistic education to pupils from 18 months to Grade 12, with outstanding boarding facilities from Grade 4 upwards. A contemporary school, Uplands has a proud tradition with a proven track record of success with almost 100 years of timeless quality and values.

Uplands delivers an engaging and globally relevant curriculum suited to our diverse pupil body. This is achieved through a skills-based approach which promotes a culture of learning, creativity, critical thinking, social growth, inclusion (transformation and diversity) and talent realisation. Pupils benefit from building effective relationships through inspired collaborative and innovative engagement.

Discover more about us & our history

Pre-Preparatory

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Preparatory

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College

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Outreach

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Set in an area of extraordinary scenic beauty, Uplands is located on a spacious 110-ha country estate in White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa. We have exceptional facilities in the academic, sporting, cultural and Outreach space. Our dynamic and supportive staff provide individual attention to all pupils within the family-friendly environment from 07h30-16h30 for day scholars and 24 hours for boarders (weekly/termly) so that each pupil thrives.

The full-day integrated programme is fully inclusive of the required meals and teatime snacks, sport, culture, community service sessions, supervised homework sessions and extra-curricular activities.

Find out more about the Uplands Campus

Uplands follows the IEB curriculum, the independent assessment body is recognised internationally. An IEB NSC is a Proudly South African qualification that is equivalent to the UK AS level.

Executive Head Welcome Message

With our spacious school campus and exceptional facilities for both day pupils and boarders, Uplands seeks to develop interested and interesting young people who are self-confident, integrated and happy in a changing world. Our pupils are creative, critical thinkers who embrace change and develop lasting, healthy relationships. At Uplands, all our children are known and given space to grow and thrive.

A tour of Uplands Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, College and Outreach will quickly reveal our unique welcoming, relaxed family atmosphere, where children bring life, energy and laughter to our picturesque campus, located on a 110-hectare estate. A dynamic, nurturing culture of education has defined who we are since our beginnings in 1928. Our professional, competent staff continually seek to highlight the value of a well-rounded, balanced experience for each child, while also upholding high expectations and uncompromising standards. We believe that our emphasis on adaptability, human connection and collaboration, and engaging with the wider world, together with the ability to think critically and find solutions, is of great benefit to our pupils, not only at school but in their future tertiary studies and adult lives.

At Uplands, we invite all our pupils to be the best they can be. We encourage them to challenge themselves to improve, to be brave and to take risks, fostering a sense of self-belief that provides the strongest possible foundation for happiness and success. Our adventurous Grade camps, Courageous Challenge initiative and The Journey are some of the experiential learning highlights our pupils mention when reflecting on their schooling at Uplands. Ultimately, our aim is to provide robust, quality academics alongside a rich, well-rounded, individualised experience for each child, so that they may thrive.

Without doubt, the best way to get to know us is to come and visit us, to see our campus and to meet some of our talented pupils and staff. You are guaranteed a very warm welcome.

Sean Carlisle
Executive Head

Dear Uplands Team

I just wanted to send this message of appreciation to you and the Uplands Family of stewards and leaders.

My child started in Term 2 last year, so I did not have the opportunity to join in the Founders Weekend festivities. This year, I made the time and brought my parents aged 83 and 88 with me to share the experience. My siblings and I are alumni of St Stithians and St Mary’s in Johannesburg and have attended our fair share of “Old Girls” and “Founders” events. This, however, was an experience second to none. The candle-lighting ceremony, the flag waving, the performances, the first team rugby match were such highlights of our time together and really cemented for me (and my parents) that we could not have sent our precious boy to a better place and community.

The grounds staff, the efficiency of the organisation, the politeness of the pupils – I can just go on and on. My parents really wanted me to express on their behalf, and I do on our own behalf as parent, our immense appreciation to all who work at Uplands for the amazing work you do, both in and out of the classroom.

Enkosi Kakhulu! uThixo anigcine anibusise futhi!
(Thank you very much! God keep you and bless you!)

Warm regards

Read more Testimonials
PreparatoryUplands Preparatory Sport Department Launches Dynamic Coalition to Drive Change and Excellence in School Sport
13 June 2025

Uplands Preparatory Sport Department Launches Dynamic Coalition to Drive Change and Excellence in School Sport

Uplands Preparatory is proud to announce the formation of a pioneering coalition within its Sport Department, led by newly-appointed Junior and Senior Primary Sport Coordinators, Dylan Badenhorst and Shoain Shelton.…
PreparatoryUplands announces the appointment of Mrs Sally Wiggill as Head of Foundation Phase
13 June 2025

Uplands announces the appointment of Mrs Sally Wiggill as Head of Foundation Phase

Uplands is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs Sally Wiggill as Head of Department: Foundation Phase. Sally brings with her over two decades of experience, deep community roots, and a passionate commitment…
GeneralBuilding a Stronger UPLANDS Community
10 June 2025

Building a Stronger UPLANDS Community

The Work of Our DEIB Committee At Uplands, we seek to educate our children, staff, parents and the greater community to honour diversity and to demonstrate the transformation in a…
CollegeUplands Celebrates: Dr Mark Blew is conferred his Doctorate in Educational Management focusing on boarding house culture management
5 June 2025

Uplands Celebrates: Dr Mark Blew is conferred his Doctorate in Educational Management focusing on boarding house culture management

Uplands College is proud to announce that Dr Mark Blew, Deputy Head of College (Pastoral and Boarding), has recently been awarded his Doctorate - a milestone that reflects both his…