Cities / Johannesburg / King Edward VII School (KES)
King Edward VII School (KES)
Historic public boys' school in Houghton, founded 1902, running South African matric for around 1,100 pupils through to Year 12.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 8 | 13 | ZAR 79,500 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | ZAR 79,500 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | ZAR 79,500 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | ZAR 79,500 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | ZAR 79,500 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress Levy (new boarders) | ZAR 2,500 | |
| Development Levy (new students) | ZAR 6,500 | |
| Boarding Development Levy (new boarders) | ZAR 6,500 | |
| Boarding School Deposit (new boarders) | ZAR 6,500 | |
| School Deposit (new students) | ZAR 6,500 | |
| Weekly Boarding (per annum) | ZAR 84,600 | |
| Termly Boarding (per annum) | ZAR 98,900 |
Reviews
- Old-boy and parent commentary frames KES as a traditional Johannesburg boys' public school with a strong rugby culture and a reputation built on the Jeppe-KES derby and old-school character.
- Critical reviews on SchoolParrot and elsewhere flag that bullying between year groups is treated as tradition, with weaker pupils receiving less attention than the high achievers.
- A 2017 video of an assault between pupils prompted a public crackdown on bullying; the issue surfaces in feedback well after that.
- Parents who fit the rugby and academic profile describe excellent facilities and staff; those outside it report being marginalised.
Positives
- Strong outcomes for top performers. Academically and athletically strong pupils get excellent facilities and staff support; weaker pupils report being overlooked.
- Heritage and reputation. Long-standing Johannesburg name, well-known for the Jeppe-KES derby and a deep alumni network.
Considerations
- Rugby culture. Sport, especially rugby, is the central identity. Strong for boys who fit; reviews say culturally inclined or non-rugby pupils feel sidelined.
- Bullying flagged as tradition. Multiple reviews describe older year groups bullying younger ones with the school slow to intervene. A 2017 assault video forced a public response.
Leadership
David Lovatt
David Lovatt has been the Headmaster of King Edward VII School since November 2012. He holds an Honours Degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Johannesburg (formerly RAU) and a Higher Diploma in Education from the University of the Witwatersrand. His career includes serving as Headmaster of Queen's College Boys' High School and Hilton College, and as Deputy Headmaster at Uplands College. A former teacher of Geography and Physical Education at Roosevelt High School, Lovatt is also an alumnus of King Edward VII School, having attended during his early years. He is a proponent of discipline, holistic education, and the fostering of a community-based 'family' ethos within schools.
Academic results
- NSC 2025 84% Bachelor pass rate, 96% qualified for further study. NSC 2022: top 3 overall places in Johannesburg East District.