South African College Schools, commonly known as SACS, is a public English medium boys’ school in Newlands, Cape Town. Founded in 1829, it is one of the oldest continuously operated schools in South Africa. The institution originally formed part of the South African College, which later evolved into the University of Cape Town. In 1874 the school section was separated from the college, and by 1959 it had moved to its current home on the Montebello Estate in Newlands.
The school consists of a Junior School on Dean Street and a High School on Newlands Avenue. Both campuses have extensive sports facilities, including grass fields, tennis courts, swimming pools and specialist rooms for music, technology and media. The High School maintains two boarding houses, Michaelis House for younger boarders and Rosedale House for seniors.
SACS offers a broad range of academic subjects and is accredited for the National Senior Certificate as well as international qualifications such as IGCSEs and A-levels. The school motto, Spectemur agendo, reflects a long-standing emphasis on responsibility, discipline and leadership.
Sport plays a major role in school life. Boys are required to play at least one main sport in both summer and winter. Rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming, water polo, rowing, athletics and tennis form the core of the programme, with additional options such as mountain biking, squash, surfing, sailing and golf. The school has produced a number of provincial and national athletes.
A wide selection of clubs and societies operate at the High School, ranging from music ensembles and debating to cultural groups, science clubs, photography, first aid and various student-led initiatives. Music is particularly well established, with several bands and ensembles performing throughout the year.
The school uniform follows long-established colours of navy, gold and white. High School students have separate summer and winter uniforms that combine shirts, charcoal or khaki trousers or shorts, a school tie and the traditional navy blazer.
SACS is one of four schools endowed by Cecil John Rhodes to award an annual Rhodes Scholarship to an outstanding Old Boy. Over the years, the school has produced many notable alumni in fields such as politics, law, sport, science, arts and public service. Former pupils include Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, Percy Montgomery, Albie Sachs, Kyle Brown, Jan Smuts, Leonard Hoffmann and Solly Zuckerman.
Today, SACS remains one of Cape Town’s most historic and recognisable boys’ schools, combining long-standing traditions with a modern academic and co-curricular programme anchored in the Marist and English-medium schooling heritage of the Cape.