Located just twenty-five minutes away from Port Elizabeth off the N2 freeway, Woodridge Preparatory School offers a nurturing environment for young learners to grow academically, physically, and creatively.
Home to nearly 800-day scholars and boarders, the school takes a holistic approach to education, seamlessly blending classroom learning with sports and cultural activities, aiding pupils in reaching their full potential in life.
At Woodridge Preparatory, pupils embrace new opportunities with kindness, compassion, courage, determination, and faith. From classrooms to facilities such as the equestrian centre, every aspect of life here inspires confidence, creativity, and curiosity in every student who calls their school home.
Academic Excellence at Woodridge Preparatory
Under the expert guidance of its leadership team, the school stands out as one of the leading independent, co-educational institutions in the Eastern Cape and in the country. Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa, ISASA, their academic approach aims to nurture innovative problem-solvers who are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Pupils are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and understanding they need for academic success, while also fostering the attitudes and values that empower them to contribute meaningfully to society.
At the heart of their approach is inquiry-based learning, where pupils are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, work collaboratively and independently, and develop their own informed perspectives. Equal emphasis is placed on the process of learning as on the outcomes, valuing the skills, strategies, and reflections that pupils build along the way. It is through this process that they grow in resilience, creativity, and curiosity, developing a genuine love of learning that will serve them well in their academic future.
Essential real-life skills are intentionally embedded across the curriculum. Outdoor education and experiential learning are carefully integrated into the units of inquiry, playing a central role in extending learning beyond the classroom. By drawing on their rich natural surroundings, the school provides authentic opportunities to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and make connections to the wider world.
Woodridge is a proud member of Round Square, making it part of an international and diverse network of over 230 like-minded institutions around the world.
Sports and Culture
Pupils are encouraged to partake in extracurricular activities and traditional school sports like hockey, cricket (girls and boys), tennis, water polo, rugby, soccer, and more.
Other activities like archery, fishing, camp cooking, mountain biking, trail running, and even rock climbing are all part of the experience at Woodridge. Famously, the school boasts a well-equipped equestrian centre with two full-sized dressage or show-jumping arenas, a lunge area, an eventing course, and paddocks for horses to ensure students can embrace their passions to the fullest.
Cultural activities are also built into the academic day. The lessons cover all disciplines, including class music and art. Group lessons form part of the class music programme during the Foundation Phase, with pupils in Grades 1-3 being introduced to
violin, recorder, and guitar.
Individual instrumental tuition is offered in Piano, Voice, Flute, Violin, Guitar, and Drums. There is also a junior and senior choir, a marimba band, djembe drummers, and the percussion band. These lessons allow children to express themselves creatively
through movement and vocal work, whilst covering a broad range of literature, music, dance, and art. Additionally, Grade 1-3 pupils attend drama classes with the Helen O’ Grady Academy.
Campus Open Day 2026
As a new school year approaches, Woodridge’s upcoming open day welcomes all potential pupils and parents to explore its picturesque 365-acre campus estate. The Campus Open Day is scheduled for Friday, 30th of January 2026.
Contact details
For more information on Woodridge, call 041 492 0006 or email admissions@woodridge.co.za
Woodridge College and Preparatory School is located on the old Van Stadens road, Thornhill, 6375.
Facebook: @WoodridgeSchool
Instagram: @woodridgecollegeandprep
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