Sustainable Garden

...more than a school, a way of life.

Our Grade 7 pupils proudly manage a sustainable garden on the school campus – an experience they say to be enriching and educational.

The pupils are involved in the layout of the garden as well as the selection and placement of the plants. Cognisance of seasons, watering requirements, composting and care of the plants are key elements to their success. They incorporate sustainable garden practices like rainwater harvest and using organic fertilizers and pest control methods.

Garden activities are linked to subjects like science, maths and social studies for all pupils on campus. It provides a tangible opportunity to teach pupils about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the importance of sustainable living while embracing a hands-on experience through planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. Group tasks encourage a collaborative, team approach.

We enjoy partnerships with local businesses, organisations and the local food garden for resources, seeds, tools and expertise.

Some produce is sold to generate an income which is ploughed back into the garden (pardon the pun!), some produce is used to supplement the offering from our Catering Department and donations are made to local soup kitchens too.

This garden is a valuable educational tool, an example of sustainability in action and a source of pride for the entire school community.

Our Mission

Somerset House is an independent preparatory school that strives to provide an excellent all-round education for children preparing them thoroughly for their futures.

Our Philosophy​

Somerset House is a family school and is welcoming to all. Somerset House endeavours to teach us all to live unselfishly, considering others. Non Nobis Solum. 

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Mission

We aim to provide an environment and ethos within which children can thrive. We do this by providing the following:

  • A stimulating and challenging academic programme, emphasising child-centred education, and the development of life-long learning habits and self-discipline
  • A learning orientation in which creative and critical thinking skills are prioritised and curiosity and initiative are encouraged
  • A values-based environment which promotes respect, understanding and empathy, based on the school’s Christian heritage
  • Experiences and initiatives which foster a deep appreciation and celebration of diversity and inclusion
  • A comprehensive sporting, cultural, artistic, and extra-mural curriculum which both supplements and strengthens the academic programme
    an extensive outdoor development programme which teaches self-awareness, leadership, courage, and a profound appreciation of the natural world
  • Highly-committed teachers and staff who demonstrate the highest standards of their craft and who care deeply for the children entrusted to them

Our Purpose

Who we are

Somerset House is an established, independent, and co-educational pre-primary and preparatory school (grades 000 to 7) situated in the heart of Somerset West.

Our extensive campus offers children a unique natural setting rich with trees and open spaces. Historical buildings house modern classrooms, specialised learning centres, technology hubs and a shared dining room, the heart of the school. Children find themselves in a safe and nurturing space in which self-belief, independent thought, and joy flourish.

Our motto, “Non nobis solum”, not for ourselves alone, is at the core of our ethos. It is lived, cherished, and celebrated by staff, pupils and their families, alumni, and friends of the school.