About Us
The Academic Plus School
A co-educational, English-medium public high school in Edgemead, Cape Town — established, proven and committed to life more abundantly.
Who We Are
A Co-Educational School Committed to Life More Abundantly.
Edgemead High School opened its doors on 21 January 1986 with 71 pupils. Today we are a co-educational, English-medium public school of roughly 1 400 learners in Grades 8 to 12. We are no longer the ‘new’ school — our facilities are established and we have proved ourselves a school to be reckoned with in every area.
We have a proud history of strong academics, firm yet fair discipline, sound personal development and pastoral care, coupled with a diverse extra-mural programme.
Founded on 21 January, opening with 71 pupils.
Learners today, across Grades 8 to 12.
English-medium, co-educational public school.
Our campus in the heart of Edgemead, Cape Town.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
To have life more abundantly.
Our Mission
To provide an opportunity for a balanced education for all who choose to learn and grow the Edgemead community.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Five values guide daily life at Edgemead — in the classroom, on the field and beyond the school gates.
For ourselves, each other and our community.
Owning our choices, our work and our conduct.
Bringing energy and commitment to all we do.
Doing the right thing, especially when no one is watching.
The pursuit of our personal best in every field.
Our Central Aim
An all-round education that prepares pupils for the world of work and for life in general.
We cater for top achievers, average pupils and those who need more support alike — all can feel at home at Edgemead.
Our Heritage
From 71 Learners to a Community of 1,400
Edgemead High School opened its doors on 21 January 1986 with just 71 learners. From those modest beginnings the school has grown tremendously, both in size and reputation, and today is home to approximately 1 400 learners from Grades 8 to 12.
Over the years Edgemead High has established itself as a respected co-educational, English-medium public school with a proud tradition of academic achievement, firm but fair discipline, strong pastoral care and a rich extra-mural programme.
While much has changed since 1986, the heart of the school has remained the same. We believe education is about far more than what happens in the classroom — our aim is to give every learner the chance to grow academically, socially and personally, and to leave Edgemead well prepared for further study, the world of work and life beyond school.
We are proud of where we have come from, proud of the generations of learners, staff and families who have shaped our school, and excited about the chapters still to be written.
Our Traditions
Colours, Badge, Houses, Motto and Song
School Colours
The school colours are red and white, with navy blue as a background. Symbolically, both colours represent newness and abundance: red is associated with a healthy, physical life, and white with purity of mind and spirit, suggesting mental and spiritual health. Together they symbolise an abundance of life in body, mind and spirit — and as a school, we aim to help our pupils grow and develop in all three.
School Badge
The school’s emblem is the distinctive Canterbury Cross, a symbolic link with Canterbury, the city to which pilgrims have journeyed throughout the ages in search of life more abundant. The badge symbolises people — in this case, our pupils — setting out on a journey in search of the fullness of life.
School Houses
Our four houses are Butler, Graaff, Paton and Stuttaford — names chosen for South Africans who, in different ways, contributed toward other people in this country having life more abundantly, across literature, politics, education, business and social welfare.
School Motto
Vitam abundantius habere — Latin for “to have life more abundantly”, drawn from John 10:10 in the New Testament: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” The school is committed to ensuring that all its pupils — not only the talented, gifted or popular ones — can have life more abundantly.
School Song
Words by Dr M. Venter (founder Principal); music by Miss Bresler, adapted in 2012 by Mr Gale. The song elaborates on the school’s motto, expressing the wish that all at Edgemead — and all mankind — may know the joys of nature and the fullness of life that comes from a healthy body, an inquiring mind and a searching soul.
Come, let us join and sing
Of this our proud high school
Where all in word and deed to cling
To this our steadfast rule:
VITAM ABUNDANTIUS HABERE
May all at Edgemead High
In nature’s bounty share,
Taste all the joy of ear and eye
In this our land so fair:
VITAM ABUNDANTIUS HABERE
To us and all mankind
A sense of joy and awe,
Great strength and health in limb and mind,
A faith that high shall soar:
VITAM ABUNDANTIUS HABERE
Grade 8 Applications for 2027 Are Now Open.
Join the Edgemead community. Enquire now to secure your child’s place for the 2027 academic year.
