About us

St Barnabas Independent is fully accredited by Umalusi.

Accreditation number: 16 SCH01 00222

Learners at St Barnabas, while not put under unnecessary pressure, as happens in some schools, meet the same academic standards of all good schools.  All learners work towards meeting the requirements of the National Senior Certificate.  We comply with Umalusi Accreditation standards and currently have full accreditation. 

We focus on individual academic achievement and personal goals. Children function better in small groups where there is less distraction and they feel at ease asking questions and participating in a relaxed but controlled environment.

St Barnabas caters for learners who thrive in a small environment where they are able to develop to their full potential. Due to its small size we are able to accommodate learners with a wide variety of needs. Although St Barnabas is not a remedial school, we strongly believe in inclusivity and have a wide range of learners, from high performers to those who experience barriers to learning.

Established in 2000 by Valerie Illidge, St Barnabas developed from a small home school into a registered and recognised Independent School offering tuition in a small, homely environment. The school has a Christian ethos but welcomes learners from all backgrounds provided they are mindful and respectful of this ethos.

Class sizes are usually very small with an average teacher-learner ratio of 1:6. The school has a hard-working staff and Valerie Illidge believes it is the combination of a dedicated staff working in partnership with parents and learners which allows the school to thrive and to succeed.

The core focus of the school is to offer academic support and guidance to learners. Sporting opportunities are included in the Life Orientation program.  For learners who show potential, there are referrals to the many sports clubs in the area.

To determine whether we are right for your child, feel free to contact us to make an appointment.