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John is an experienced and passionate educator and comes from a family of educators. John closely understands the role of the educator in our society and the importance of making significant contributions in this profession. John matriculated from St Stithians College, after which he completed a Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Port Elizabeth. He worked in education in the United Kingdom for some years and upon his return to South Africa, joined the staff at Wynberg Boys High School in Cape Town before moving into the realm of independent schools, joining the staff at St Peter’s Boys Preparatory School in Johannesburg as a day scholar House Master. John’s passion for pastoral care was valued and developed and he was appointed as a Deputy Head at Cordwalles Preparatory School for boys in Pietermaritzburg. Thereafter, he was appointed as the Deputy Headmaster at Grayston Preparatory School in Johannesburg. In January 2017 John was appointed the Head of Treverton Preparatory School in the KZN Midlands and joined Somerset House as Headmaster in 2021.
John has a passion for educational leadership and believes in moving beyond excellence to significance. His leadership style is relational, as he seeks to reveal and grow the potential in all who enter his sphere of influence. John’s emphasis on stewardship has been evident in all the roles that he has played, leaving institutions and people better than he found them. Believing in an all-round education, John strives to balance the academic, sporting, cultural and emotional spheres of the school that he leads. John places value on the concept of family and providing a positive, nurturing environment for our children that is also safe and inclusive. He strongly supports the development of children who are thinkers, who should be able to demonstrate cognitive flexibility and agility and who must be at ease with manipulating knowledge and information to synthesize new ideas and strategies. John has been described by some of the referees as “an inspiring leader and a leader amongst leaders”.
The Board is responsible for determining the strategic direction and overall ethos of Somerset House. Board members are not necessarily current parents of the school. They are the custodians of the school’s mission and involve themselves in the determination of the strategy and structure of the school. They ensure that policies and plans are consistent with the school’s mission. The Board ensures that the executive management implements the strategy and operates ethically. The Board also ensures that Somerset House has adequate systems of internal and external control, both operational and financial. It is responsible for the setting of the Annual Tuition Fees. The Board selects the Headmaster, ensures succession and gives guidance on the appointment of senior staff members.
The day-to-day operational functioning of the school is managed by the Headmaster and staff.
These are the people who make the school what it is on a daily basis. They are committed to the school and work hard to ensure excellence in all areas.
Other non-academic functions like grounds, catering, cleaning, maintenance and security fall under the Facilities Manager. The school also outsources some non-academic functions. We employ many sports coaches on a part-time basis. We also have a number of Facilitators that work to assist pupils in the Classrooms. These Facilitators are contracted by the parents.
We aim to provide an environment and ethos within which children can thrive. We do this by providing the following:
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.