Dale College Boys’ High School is an English medium public school for boys in Qonce, Eastern Cape. Founded in 1861 as the King William’s Town Public School, it is one of South Africa’s oldest educational institutions. The school adopted the name Dale College in 1877 in honour of Sir Langham Dale, Superintendent-General of Education in the Cape.
The campus sits within the urban centre of Qonce and serves boys from grades eight to twelve, supported by four houses and a boarding establishment. Dale maintains close historical links with Kingsridge High School for Girls and draws from local feeder primaries. The school identity is captured in its motto Per Ardua ad Astra and its colours of red, black and white.
Sport has shaped much of the school’s tradition. Dale maintains long-running derby fixtures across cricket, rugby and other codes against Queen’s College, Graeme College, Selborne, Grey High and others. These rivalries have been central to the school’s competitive culture since at least the 1960s. The school’s rugby programme in particular has produced several professional players and national representatives.
The school has a strong alumni presence, known as Old Dalians. Former pupils include international athletes, provincial rugby and cricket players, journalists, civic leaders and a Victoria Cross recipient, Captain Cecil D’Arcy of the Frontier Light Horse.
Today Dale College continues as a key boys’ school in the Eastern Cape, balancing academics, sport and tradition within a public school framework.