Bishops Diocesan College
Bishops Diocesan College is an independent Anglican boys' school in Rondebosch, Cape Town, founded in 1849, serving approximately 1,440 students across Pre-Prep, Prep, and College divisions on a single campus with Cambridge Curriculum and 19+ sporting disciplines.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1849
- HeadquartersCape Town, South Africa
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Bishops Diocesan College does
Bishops Diocesan College is an independent Anglican boys' school located in Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa, founded in 1849 and operating for over 175 years. The school is structured into three vertically integrated divisions — Pre-Prep (Grade N-2, ages 4-7), Prep (Grade 3-7), and College (Grade 8-12) — serving approximately 1,440 students with around 110 teaching staff in the College division alone. Grade 8 entry is capped at 156 boys per year, organized into 6 sets of 26, making the school capacity-constrained on a single Rondebosch campus. The academic programme at the College level follows the Cambridge Curriculum, supplemented by IT-integrated teaching and pastoral support through a vertical Tutor System, chaplaincy, and a psychologist-run Support Unit. The school offers 19+ sporting disciplines, cultural activities (music, drama, art, societies), and the SPW (Sports Performance and Wellness) programme launched in 2020, supported by infrastructure including 9 rugby fields, 8 cricket fields with a PitchVision-equipped indoor cricket centre, 8 tennis courts, and a 33-boat rowing fleet.
The school's revenue model is tuition-led (annual recurring fees across all three divisions) supplemented by one-time placement fees of R32,700-R49,100 per new entrant, an additional R40,100 boarding deposit for international parents, and philanthropic donations via The Bishops Trust (which funds the Diocesan Scholar Bursary programme offering 25%-100% fee coverage). Distribution is direct-to-consumer through an online admissions portal (admissions.bishops.org.za), in-person campus tours, and Experience Bishops events, with the OD Union alumni network and Bishops Trust global chapters (RSA, UK, US, Canada) serving as the primary community referral and fundraising channels. The school is a member of ISASA (Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa) and is governed under the Diocesan College Rondebosch (Private) Act 7 of 1942, with a Council-led governance structure and Principal Tony Reeler currently leading the institution. Revenue, ownership details, and tuition fee schedules are not publicly disclosed.
Bishops Diocesan College firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bishops Diocesan College
- Legal name
- Bishops Diocesan College
- Website
- https://bishops.org.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1849
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Bishops Diocesan College is an independent Anglican boys' school in Rondebosch, Cape Town, founded in 1849, serving approximately 1,440 students across Pre-Prep, Prep, and College divisions on a single campus with Cambridge Curriculum and 19+ sporting disciplines.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bishops Diocesan College industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Independent School Education
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Religious Organizations (8131)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Faith-Based Early Learning Academies (EDACADAH)
Keywords
Where Bishops Diocesan College is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cape Town
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices5 records
Markets served
Bishops Diocesan College business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Tuition and Academic Fees: Primary revenue stream from tuition fees charged to parents for student enrollment across Pre-preparatory, Preparatory, and College divisions. Fee structures are published on the school website with annual fee schedules and placement fees.
- Placement Fees: Once-off non-refundable placement fees charged per new student upon acceptance of a place, varying by grade of admission (R32,700 to R49,100 for 2027). Additional refundable boarding deposit of R40,100 for families outside South Africa.
- Bursaries and Scholarships: School provides Diocesan Scholar Bursaries (25%-100% of fees), Compassionate Bursaries, and OD Bursaries funded through The Bishops Trust. Philanthropic donations from alumni and the broader community sustain these programmes.
- Donations and Bequests: The Bishops Trust raises funds through annual donations, the 175 Campaign, bequests, and global trust chapters (RSA, UK, US, Canada) to support bursaries, scholarships, and capital projects.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Registration Fee (per application) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Placement Fee - Grade N |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Placement Fee - Grade R, 1-5 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Placement Fee - Grade 6-7 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Placement Fee - Grade 8-10 / Sibling |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Boarding Deposit (International Parents) |
| Subscription | Annual | Academic Scholarships |
| Subscription | Annual | Music Scholarships |
| Subscription | Annual | Sports Scholarships |
| Subscription | Annual | Bishops Rhodes Scholarship |
| Subscription | Annual | Diocesan Scholar Bursaries |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Bishops Diocesan College product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bishops Diocesan College is an independent Anglican boys' school in Rondebosch, Cape Town, offering full educational programmes across three divisions: Pre-Prep (Grade N-2), Prep (Grade 3-7), and College (Grade 8-12). The school delivers Cambridge Curriculum-based academics combined with extensive sporting, cultural, pastoral, and spiritual development for approximately 1,440 boys from ages 4 to 18. Supporting offerings include boarding for international students, the SPW sports programme, the Bishops Trust bursary programme, the OD Union alumni network, and outreach partnerships with community organisations.
Product overview
Bishops Diocesan College is an independent Anglican boys' school consisting of three educational divisions: Pre-Prep (Grade N-2), Prep (Grade 3-7), and College (Grade 8-12), serving approximately 1440 students from 4 to 18 years old. The school offers a Cambridge Curriculum and emphasizes holistic development through academic excellence, sporting programmes (including rugby, cricket, hockey, rowing, water polo, tennis, swimming, athletics, cycling, golf, fencing, squash, soccer, shooting, sailing, basketball, climbing, and road/trail running), cultural activities, and pastoral care. Supporting services include The Bishops Trust (fundraising and bursaries), the OD Union alumni network, the Sports Performance and Wellness Programme, a Tutor System, EPIC outdoor education, Exchange Programme, and various community outreach initiatives. The school also provides boarding facilities and operates under a diversity and transformation policy with POPIA compliance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Bishops Trust: The fundraising and development arm of Bishops Diocesan College, focused on bursaries, scholarships, and capital projects.
- OD Union
Products and services
- College (Grade 8-12) The main secondary school division offering Grades 8 through 12, serving students aged approximately 14-18 years. Features a Cambridge Curriculum, academic scholarship programmes, vertical Tutor System with groups of approximately 16 boys each, and extensive extracurricular activities including 19+ sports.
- Prep School (Grade 3-7) The preparatory school division for students in Grades 3-7, building foundational academic skills and introducing extracurricular activities in preparation for the College.
- Pre-Prep School (Grade N-2) Early childhood education division accepting boys from Grade N (4-year-olds) through Grade 2, with 3 classes of 20 boys each for Grade N and 3 classes of 24 boys for Grade R.
- Sports Performance and Wellness (SPW) Programme A holistic sports development programme launched in 2020 addressing conditioning, performance, wellness, rehab, and injury management. Develops gross motor skills at Pre-Prep level progressing to specialized high-performance conditioning at College level. Operated through a full-time biokineticist, school doctor specializing in sports medicine, and physiotherapist.
- The Bishops Trust The school's charitable trust focused on fundraising, bursaries, scholarships, and capital projects. Works to provide financial assistance for education and support transformation initiatives. Operates with global chapters in RSA, UK, US, and Canada.
- OD Union (Old Diocesan Union) The alumni association connecting past students of Diocesan College and Diocesan Preparatory/Pre-Preparatory Schools. Provides financial assistance for descendants of members and operates the ODU Connect alumni platform.
- Exchange Programme International student exchange programme allowing students to study abroad and host international students, providing global educational experience for Bishops boys.
- EPIC Programme An outdoor education and experiential learning programme integrated into the school's curriculum, designed to develop character and leadership through outdoor experiences.
- Boarding Facilities Boarding (residence) facilities for students, with an additional refundable boarding deposit of R40,100 for parents residing outside South Africa.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 25 boys awarded Western Province colours in water polo in 2013
- +8 more outcomes
Companies that use Bishops Diocesan College
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Bishops Diocesan College technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature6 records
Bishops Diocesan College partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- RBHS, SACS, WBHS (Quadrangular Schools)coreAnnual Quadrangular athletics meet involving Bishops, RBHS (Rondebosch Boys High), SACS (South African College School), and WBHS (Wynberg Boys High). 2026 event hosted on 25 February 2026 at RBHS.
- Ubuntu First Community DevelopmentminorBishops rugby outreach programme is a partnership with Ubuntu First Community Development running a rugby development programme in the Mfuleni Community. Bishops supports by supplying refurbished kit, specialised coaching, and arranging games against lower teams at U14 and U16 levels. Monthly visits include transport, coaching by professional coach Mike Bayly, match play, and a meal.
- Zeekoevlei Yacht ClubcoreBishops shares facilities with Zeekoevlei Yacht Club. The rowing club boathouse is located at the club, and sailing practices take place at the venue. Bishops has its own shed for equipment storage at the club and members use the club facilities.
- Western Province Rugby Football UnioncoreBishops participates in WP Premier League with 19 rugby sides. The school collaborates with WP Rugby on scheduling, representative teams, and the broader Western Province rugby development ecosystem.
- City Rock (Observatory)coreBishops official climbing training takes place twice per week at City Rock, a world-class indoor climbing facility in Observatory, 4km from Bishops. A school shuttle transports climbers. Boys must pass a belay license test at City Rock before belaying peers.
- Bloc 11 (Paarden Eiland)minorBishops has a membership arrangement with Bloc 11, an indoor bouldering climbing gym in Paarden Eiland, used twice weekly for training sessions.
- Access AdrenalinminorQualified and registered outdoor adventure guides used for Saturday climbing outings. All guides are qualified and registered at the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
- Royal Cape Golf Club (Ottery)coreBishops golf programme is played at Royal Cape Golf Club in Ottery, which serves as the home course for WP matches on Mondays and for practice on Tuesdays. Bishops is the only school that hosts at RCGC.
- Tygerberg Cricket Club (Tygerberg CC)minorBishops cricket has a programme with Tygerberg CC in Ravensmead, benefiting the club through an annual cricket equipment drive where Bishops assists in collecting and purchasing equipment.
- Heathfield Primary SchoolminorBishops cricket coaching sessions at Heathfield Primary using Bishops facilities and coaching expertise in the Steffan Coutts-Trotter Indoor Cricket Centre under the watch of Neil Carter, Bishops Cricket Head coach.
- RCYC Sailing AcademyminorBishops sailors are members of the RCYC Sailing Academy which relies on volunteer skippers for coaching. Bishops sailors with skipper tickets are expected to assist in this community coaching programme.
- LEAP Maths and Science SchoolminorBishops swimming outreach programme: a team of Bishops boys teaches beginners from LEAP Maths and Science School how to swim on Thursday afternoons during the first term Civics programme at the College pool.
- Western Province Schools Sports AssociationscoreBishops participates in WP Schools leagues across multiple sports including rugby, hockey, cricket, squash, basketball, tennis, and swimming. These leagues organize competitive fixtures and representative selection.
- Tygerberg MTB ClubminorBishops cycling team members are required to have Tygerberg MTB club membership. Team visits Tokai Forest, Contermans Kloof, Hoogekraal, and Majik Forest trails.
- SAFCOL (Tokai Forest)minorBishops cyclists use SAFCOL Tokai Forest for outdoor mountain biking training. The school also runs its own cross-country Eliminator course on campus greenbelt.
- Bike Max (Claremont)minorBishops cyclists do indoor road cycling training at Bike Max in Claremont.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Bishops Diocesan College competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bishops Diocesan College social profiles
Digital presenceBishops Diocesan College compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Bishops Diocesan College financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bishops Diocesan College leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles23 records
Bishops Diocesan College funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bishops Diocesan College M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bishops Diocesan College
What does Bishops Diocesan College do?
Bishops Diocesan College is an independent Anglican boys' school in Rondebosch, Cape Town, offering full educational programmes across three divisions: Pre-Prep (Grade N-2), Prep (Grade 3-7), and College (Grade 8-12). The school delivers Cambridge Curriculum-based academics combined with extensive sporting, cultural, pastoral, and spiritual development for approximately 1,440 boys from ages 4 to 18. Supporting offerings include boarding for international students, the SPW sports programme, the Bishops Trust bursary programme, the OD Union alumni network, and outreach partnerships with community organisations.
Is Bishops Diocesan College a public or private company?
Bishops Diocesan College is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Bishops Diocesan College founded?
Bishops Diocesan College was founded in 1849. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Bishops Diocesan College based?
Bishops Diocesan College is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Bishops Diocesan College make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Academic Fees are the primary driver. The others are placement Fees, bursaries and Scholarships and donations and Bequests.
Does Bishops Diocesan College have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bishops Diocesan College.
What industry is Bishops Diocesan College in?
Bishops Diocesan College's product category is Independent School Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDACADAH, Faith-Based Early Learning Academies. Its NAICS code is 6111 and its SIC code is 8200.