Holy Family College, which opened in Durban in 1875, has announced the end of its primary school phase in January of next year.
In a letter to parents, the 149-year-old Holy Family College’s Board of Governors stated that the decision was made in response to the school’s declining enrollment in the pre-primary and primary stages in recent years.
“The current enrolment figures which have resulted in those phases of the school no longer being financially viable. It is thus no longer feasible to continue with their operation, the board said.
It added that despite concerted efforts through marketing ventures and advertising to boost enrolment, it has not been possible to increase enrolment to a sustainable level.
“As you are aware, we are faced with very strong competition from several Primary Schools within the immediate vicinity. It has also become apparent that there is a growing need in our Community for a quality education with a sound Catholic ethos, commencing at the secondary phase of schooling.
“After much consideration, the Board of Governors in consultation with the Holy Family Schools Trust, who represent the interests of the Holy Family Congregation as the owners of the property, have thus decided that the primary phase of the school, from grades 000 to grade 7, can no longer continue, as a result of financial non-viability,” the board explained.
It stated that, while the closure of the primary phase is marked by a sense of great loss and sadness, it also presents a new opportunity for the board to focus its attention on the continued development of the secondary phase into a specialised and highly desirable high school.
The board stated that the end of the primary school phase provides a chance for the Holy Family College community to work together to continue to build the high school into an institution of excellence, offering a relevant and holistic values-based education.
According to the school’s Facebook page, Holy Family College has a long and rich history.
The Sisters of the Holy Family Congregation arrived in Durban from Bordeaux, France, in 1875, in response to Bishop Jolivet’s request that they establish a “school for young ladies” in the town.
In 1875, the school opened on the current site of the Durdoc Centre on Smith Street. After a few years, the school relocated to St. Andrews Street until finally settling in Convent Close, off Rick Turner Road, Glenmore, in 1962.
Holy Family College, formerly Convent High, was the first private Catholic school established in Durban, making it the city’s second oldest institution. Holy Family College was one of the first schools in Durban to welcome students from all ethnic backgrounds.
Holy Family College has seen numerous changes throughout the years, transitioning from an all-girl Convent school to a co-educational institution, and from a school governed by the Holy Family Sisters to one run by a Board of Governors.
A father voiced his sadness with the closing.
“This is completely ludicrous; most schools have already completed their 2025 enrollment, leaving my kid on the streets. This is unfair, and the government must delve further into the problem,” he continued.
The school board stated that parents who wish to enroll their children in other schools for 2025 should contact the school administrator immediately.
