Developing confident, forward thinking and independent young women
Developing confident, forward thinking and independent young women
Founded in 1874, The Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) is one of the oldest girls’ schools in South Africa. Our tradition of excellence is built on five pillars: academic, cultural, sporting, spiritual and community. Whilst cherishing our tradition, we recognise the need to be at the cutting edge of educational trends.
Our aim is to develop girls who are forward thinking, transformative in their world-view and critical, independent problem-solvers, who can make sound ethical judgments with a keen sense of their social responsibilities. Ultimately, a DSG girl will be a confident, strong young woman who is able to lead and play a meaningful role as a global citizen.
When DSG opened its doors in 1874 under the guidance of the first headmistress, Mrs Dorothy Espin, there were approximately 20 pupils. The current DSG has grown to a student body of of over 500 girls, 80% of whom are boarders. It has been a long and interesting road to success, with many challenges along the way.
A POTTED HISTORY
The Diocesan School for Girls was modelled on an English Public School, with particular influence arising from Cheltenham Ladies’ College, whose headmistress, Miss Dorothy Beale, was an assertive activist for girls’ education. The first four headmistresses of the DSG – Mrs Espin, Miss Battey, Miss Strong and Miss Burt – were Cheltenham Ladies’ College Old Girls, as was the much-loved ninth headmistress, Miss Fowler. Up to the present day, the relationship between the two schools remains strong. It was through these early headmistresses that Miss Beale’s educational aims and ideals to instill a desire for knowledge that would guide a woman throughout her lifetime and to introduce more rigorous academic subjects, were injected into the ethos of the DSG.
A POTTED HISTORY
The Diocesan School for Girls was modelled on an English Public School, with particular influence arising from Cheltenham Ladies’ College, whose headmistress, Miss Dorothy Beale, was an assertive activist for girls’ education. The first four headmistresses of the DSG – Mrs Espin, Miss Battey, Miss Strong and Miss Burt – were Cheltenham Ladies’ College Old Girls, as was the much-loved ninth headmistress, Miss Fowler. Up to the present day, the relationship between the two schools remains strong. It was through these early headmistresses that Miss Beale’s educational aims and ideals to instill a desire for knowledge that would guide a woman throughout her lifetime and to introduce more rigorous academic subjects, were injected into the ethos of the DSG.