OUR HISTORY
Purpose. Belonging. Inspiration.
The college can trace its roots back to humble beginnings when we first opened our doors to 55 boy students on February 1, 1962.
Co-education was not to come for another 14 years. Founders Robin Savory and Chris Hurley long had a dream of starting a Catholic school run by the Catholic laity. They had the support of Archbishop Denis Hurley. Thus, the school’s strong religious component was present from the beginning and was strengthened over time by a wider Christian foundation.
Between 1962 and 1992 the school was served by three headmasters: Robin Savory, Chris Hurley and Bill Pickering. Many successes were accomplished during this time, most notably the purchase of sizable land parcels, some of which contained structures that have remained a part of the school’s central core. However, numbers never rose above a maximum of 197 and in 1990 the school was facing closure. A vigorous campaign was launched and a major step was the establishment of a primary school based in the Farmhouse.
The Opening of the Primary School
In 1992 Peter Habberton was appointed as principal. In 1993 the junior primary school opened, based in the Farmhouse and led by Jacquie Habberton in her role as HOD. Deni Hornsey was appointed HOD of the foundation phase in 2002, head of pre-primary in 2007 and then in 2016, Foundation Phase Headmistress.
Hilton Stander joined as a primary school headmaster in 1993, followed by Greg Brooks in 1999, Nigel Sloane in 2005, Barbara Taljard in 2009 and Gary Balarin (senior primary headmaster) in 2021.
A great deal of expansion was carried out with regards to buildings and other facilities. Thanks to the generosity of Peter Savory, the Robin Savory Pavilion was erected above the Savory Field. Also thanks to the Ken Mackenzie Foundation, the Ken Mackenzie Centre was constructed on the opposite side of Savory Field.
Pioneering Modern Education
The college celebrated 60 years in 2022, making it a relatively young school when compared to the local monastic schools in the Upper Highway area. Thomas More College continues to be a pioneer in the educational sector.
Thomas More College is the largest independent co-educational school in KwaZulu-Natal
The college bade farewell to Mr Dave Wiggett, high school headmaster of six and a half years (2016-2022). Dave will be remembered for his forward-thinking leadership, energy and inspiring change within the college and across all phases. We welcomed Mr Davies to the family on 1 September 2022 in the position of high school headmaster. Mr Davies brings with him a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience in the educational space. Thomas More College is the largest independent co-educational school in KwaZulu-Natal, with over 1160 students enrolled from Grades 0000 – 12.