Cities / Johannesburg / HeronBridge College
HeronBridge College
An IEB Christian ethos independent on a large green campus in Fourways, opened in 2001 and acquired by JSE listed Curro in 2021 as a Curro Select school. Pre prep through Grade 12 with a small boys' boarding option.
In brief
An IEB Christian-ethos independent on a large green campus in Fourways, opened in 2001 and acquired by JSE-listed Curro in 2021 as a Curro Select school. Pre-prep through Grade 12 with a small boys' boarding option.
HeronBridge runs from age three through to the IEB National Senior Certificate. The campus is split into school and sports sides, with an Astro hockey field, floodlit rugby field, heated pool, and mountain-biking route. Christian formation is woven through the day, with chaplaincy, outreach trips, and an on-site community shop. Fees roughly ZAR 110k to 172k.
Curro acquired HeronBridge in 2021 with the explicit commitment to keep the ethos and identity unchanged, and parents broadly report that has held. Families consistently praise the pastoral support for children with anxiety, dyslexia, or other learning needs, the strong sports infrastructure, and the IEB academic results. Kenneth Checkley heads the college. Best fit for Christian families in the Fourways and northern suburbs wanting a values-led IEB school with serious facilities.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 6 | ZAR 110,400 |
| Grades 2-3 | 7 | ZAR 116,400 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | ZAR 129,240 |
| Grades 5-6 | 10 | ZAR 139,200 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | ZAR 145,920 |
| Grades 8-9 | 13 | ZAR 158,640 |
| Grades 10-12 | 15 | ZAR 172,080 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolment Fee Grades 1-3 (non-refundable) | ZAR 5,000 | |
| Enrolment Fee Grades 4-12 (non-refundable) | ZAR 9,450 | |
| Boarding - Boys Grades 8-12 (per annum) | ZAR 107,340 |
Reviews
- Parents describe HeronBridge as a Christian-ethos school where "all are welcome", with a strong pastoral and emotional-support side.
- Teachers credited as willing to support children with anxiety, dyslexia and other challenges.
- Communication with parents praised, including the school's use of technology and bus system.
- Sports and outdoor facilities (Astro field, floodlit rugby field, multiple courts, climbing wall, heated pool, mountain-biking route) repeatedly highlighted.
- IEB matric outcomes consistently strong, with a 100% pass rate, 88% bachelor passes and recent Curro top-performer recognitions.
- The school is part of the Curro group's Select tier; parents and the school describe a heart-led, well-rounded ethos rather than an academic-pressure-cooker culture.
Positives
- Christian ethos and pastoral care. Christian foundation and openness to non-Christian families both cited; teachers praised for supporting anxiety, dyslexia and other learning needs.
- Communication and operations. Parents praise communication and the bus system.
- Facilities and sport. Extensive sports and outdoor infrastructure repeatedly highlighted.
- Academic outcomes. IEB matric pass rates and bachelor-pass numbers are strong; individual top-performer recognitions reported.
Considerations
- Operator context. Operated within Curro's Select tier.
Leadership
Kenneth Checkley
Kenneth Checkley is the Executive Head of HeronBridge College, having assumed the role in January 2024. With over three decades of experience in the South African education sector, he previously served as the Executive Head of Woodhill College for nearly six years and held leadership positions at Reddam House Constantia. His career began in teaching accounting at prestigious institutions like Westerford High School and South African College School (SACS). He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Education from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and a teaching diploma from the University of Cape Town. Mr. Checkley is recognized for his commitment to academic excellence and values-driven education.
Accreditations
- Association of Christian Schools International 01
Academic results
- IEB Pass Rate (2022) 100%
- IEB Degree Pass (2022) 88%