Boarding at St Andrew’s
Welcome to St Andrew’s School boarding houses. Our hostels are small and personal and form the backbone of the school.
We are a traditional English boys’ school in Bloemfontein, and our boarding has been trusted by English and other home language -speaking families in the Central region and beyond for generations since 1863.
At St Andrew’s we do things differently – we have a deep respect for the past but have our eyes on the future of education in South Africa and around the world.
In our boarding houses we develop boys for the world, we nurture, we listen, we support and we grow, creating good men, husbands, fathers and role models.
Pay us a visit at any time to meet the staff and boys and to take a look. We are happy to show you around.
Why Board at St Andrew’s?
Our boarding experience offers:
- Grade 1 – 12 accommodation in 4 houses, with around 100 boys.
- Top-class academic, sports, and cultural facilities on campus.
- Safe and secure environment with in-house security and controlled access.
- Nutritious meals and snacks, prepared with care.
- Full-time school based qualified nursing sister, a Physiotherapist and Sports Scientist (Photos below)
- Dedicated live-in house parents, tutors, and staff, ensuring each boy feels at home.
- Extra-mural support and transport to balance academics and activities.
- A friendly, personal community, small enough for every boy to thrive.
- Convenient location in a small city with excellent medical care, sports, and entertainment.
Why Bloemfontein?
- Safe, well-established city offering families peace of mind
- Small city, short travel times and easy access to schools, sport, and healthcare
- Strong educational environment, with a network of respected schools.
- Excellent medical facilities
- Wide range of educational, cultural, and sport facilities that enrich school life
- Close-knit community that supports balanced, focused schooling
- Centrally located in South Africa, within easy reach of Gauteng, Eastern Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Karoo areas.
- Proximity to UFS, CUT, Mall, Toyota Stadium, Mangaung Oval, Medi-Clinic and accommodation give St Andrew’s a close community.
- Relaxed pace of life unlike the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
Junior Boarding
A Safe, Nurturing Foundation
Junior boarding at St Andrew’s is designed with little boys at its heart. With small boarding numbers, boys are known individually and supported closely as they settle into boarding life. Dunn House is home to the Grade 1 – 7 boys and has a small staff to boys ratio. Boys are accommodated in rooms of 4, in a family environment.
Strong pastoral care and tutor support form the backbone of the junior boarding experience. Dedicated house parents, who live in the hostel, tutors and prefects provide daily guidance with routines, homework and emotional wellbeing. Boys develop confidence and independence at a comfortable age appropriate pace in a safe ‘boy-focussed’ environment.
Nutritious meals prepared by our in-house kitchen ensure boys are well cared for, while structured evenings and gentle routines provide security and consistency. Weekends are fun time in Dunn House, we relax, visit attractions around Bloemfontein, swim, braai and play sport. Dunn House boys are happy boys!
For families from diverse backgrounds, English is not a prerequisite for success. Our school is a multi-cultural environment where tolerance and respect is a given. Boys of all languages, cultures and backgrounds find a home here and thrive.
Younger boys are supported with patience and encouragement, allowing language confidence to develop naturally through friendships and classroom engagement.
Junior Boarding offers parents reassurance and boys a nurturing start — a place where they feel safe, supported, and genuinely at home.
“BUT ..ultimately.. it’s the individualized love and care that our boys have been shown that sets Saints apart from the rest.” Junior Hostel Parent Eastern Cape
Boarding Medical Staff
Sr A Naudé
Full time school based Sanatorium Sister
san@sasb.co.za
Mrs j Wolmarans
Full time school based Physiotherapist
physio@sasb.co.za
Senior Boarding
Independence, Leadership, Friendship and Preparation for Life
“Nothing is perfect. No school, no boy and definitely no parent. But we are repeatedly reminded (and it’s often by the small things)… that Saints was the right choice for us as a family.” Senior Hostel Parent Eastern Cape
Senior boarding at St Andrew’s focuses on developing confident, responsible young men prepared for the demands of senior school and life beyond the Memorial Gates.
While maintaining small boarding numbers of around 100 boys, senior boys enjoy independence within a structured, values and respect-driven environment.
Academic structure is a vital part of the St Andrew’s ethos and ongoing tutor and academic support helps boys manage academic demands placed on them. Supervised and structured prep times help develop effective study habits, and allow boys to take ownership of their learning.
House parents, tutors and prefects provide mentorship, guidance, and pastoral care, ensuring each boy is supported both academically and personally.
Senior boarders benefit from nutritious, well-balanced meals prepared by the in-house kitchen, supporting their growing bodies and minds. Weekends offer a balance of sport, social activities, relaxation, and organised outings — encouraging independence and strong friendships. It is in the Boarding House that life time friendships are built.
Our senior boarding community remains proudly inclusive. Boys for whom English is an additional language continue to thrive and achieve at the highest level through daily immersion, academic support, and a culture of respect and encouragement. Individual attention in the hostel and at school ensures boys who are not English home language speakers are not left behind and adjust within a short time.
Rooted in tradition, faith, and strong values, Senior Boarding at St Andrew’s nurtures leadership, integrity, resilience, and service — equipping boys with the confidence and character to succeed at school and in life.
“Where would one find their Grade 8 son OPTING to stay in hostel for the weekend when his mom is in Bloem… “Mom I’ve got some mates staying in – it’s going to be such a joll ..if you don’t mind I’d rather stay in.” Senior Hostel Mom, Eastern Cape
PARENT INFORMATION HANDBOOKS
