About us
The British Academy is a Cambridge International High School, located in the safe and secure diplomatic area of Waterkloof, Pretoria.
At The British Academy, in everything we do, we believe that every child is created to do great things and that education is the key to unlock their full potential.
Therefore, our academic program is delivered the TBA way:
- In small classes
- With personal attention
- By people who love what they do
We provide an enriched learning environment and offer a variety of CIE courses, spanning from Year 7 to Year 13, including IGCSE, and AS and A Levels which attracts local and international learners alike.
Diplomatic and embassy learners are eager to join our learner body.
The British Academy has provided a platform for countless learners to reach their potential and become successful both personally and professionally.
We are extremely proud of our learners and staff, who are always eager to learn, create and grow together.
Our history
In 2012, The British Academy opened its original campus in Centurion, initially focusing on part-time Cambridge courses and extra lessons.
However, by January 2013, the demand for full-time tuition had grown significantly, leading to the incorporation of full-time courses into the standard curriculum.
Within a year, TBA had produced at least five national first-place awards and numerous A* results, underscoring the strength of its academic programme.
In October 2013, TBA acquired its flagship Brooklyn Campus in Pretoria, moving to its current location early in 2014. This move was driven by the growing demand for a highly focused yet enjoyable academic environment.
The expansion included a larger, better-equipped campus and an extension of the courses offered to include Foundation Level (Grade 8) and IGCSE-1 (Grade 9), ensuring the full high school curriculum is covered.
Since then, we have further expanded our Brooklyn campus to offer Pre- Foundation level (Grade 7). This addition allows us to provide a seamless and comprehensive educational journey from the early stages of secondary education through to the completion of A-levels, solidifying our commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.
Our approach and values
A good school is not only defined by its academic programme or the qualifications of its teachers, but also by the environment it creates.
At The British Academy, we ensure that no student feels left out or different from the norm.
We strive to instil a school climate conducive to learning and develop a social and academic atmosphere that gives students a strong sense of belonging. Our students feel proud of their school, feel they belong, and feel nurtured by our community. We invite you to learn more about us and discover an excellent education built for your child’s future.
Vision
Our vision is to be a leading international school that upholds the highest standards of the Cambridge curriculum while fostering a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community.
We aim to develop confident, reflective, and innovative learners who are prepared to thrive in a global society. By cultivating a passion for knowledge and instilling core values of respect, resilience, responsibility, resourcefulness, and reason, we aspire to shape future leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.
Mission
Our motto is “Per Aspera Ad Astra” which translates as “Through Adversity to the Stars” and this perfectly captures our approach to teaching.
Therefore, at The British Academy, our mission is to empower every child to unlock their innate potential and become catalysts for positive change in the world. We strive to provide an exceptional education that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and a love for learning. Through small class sizes and personalised attention, we create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, inspired, and equipped to achieve their best.
A place where every learner matters
Characteristics of The British Academy
At The British Academy, we strive to create an environment where learners are content, happy, and self-driven through a variety of unique and supportive characteristics:
International Cambridge curriculum
We offer a globally recognised curriculum that ensures academic excellence and prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
Qualified, supportive, and innovative teaching staff
Our educators are highly qualified and continuously seek innovative methods to support and inspire our students.
Passionate, nurturing school environment
We foster a nurturing environment where passion for learning is cultivated.
Small learning communities
Our small class sizes ensure personalised attention and a supportive learning atmosphere.
Invitational teaching philosophy
We employ an invitational approach to teaching, encouraging student engagement and active participation.
Creative thinking
We promote creative thinking skills, enabling students to approach problems innovatively and critically
Positive behaviour support
Our positive behaviour support system encourages a respectful and responsible school community.
Outreach and community programs
We engage in outreach and community service programs to foster social responsibility and community involvement.
Disciplined but relaxed environment
Our disciplined yet relaxed environment is conducive to effective learning and personal growth.
Ongoing professional development
We ensure that our staff engage in continuous professional development to stay abreast of educational
Partnership and open communication with parents
We maintain strong partnerships and open lines of communication with parents, ensuring a collaborative approach to education.
Bully-free zone
We are committed to maintaining a safe, bully-free environment where all students feel secure and valued.
These characteristics define The British Academy as a nurturing, innovative, and academically rigorous institution dedicated to the holistic development of every learner.
A community of passionate educators
We are extremely proud of our highly experienced and dynamic teaching corps who are supported by a dedicated team of specialists and support staff.
Our educators are hand-picked, many of whom have been teaching international curricula for many years with great success.
Why we are the Diplomats' school of choice
The British Academy is the preferred educational institution for diplomatic families for several compelling reasons:
Extensive experience with diplomatic students
We have years of experience in hosting diplomatic students, understanding their unique needs and challenges. Each year, we welcome students from close to 20 different nationalities, fostering a truly international and multicultural environment.
Inclusive and supportive community
Our school fosters a culture of respect and belonging, where every student feels valued. We celebrate diversity, promote intercultural learning, and maintain strong partnerships with parents and the diplomatic community. Open communication ensures each student’s needs are fully supported.
Support for english as a second language (ESL)
We offer additional support for students who have English as a second language. Our tailored ESL programmes help students quickly adapt and thrive in an English-speaking academic environment, ensuring they do not fall behind in their studies.
Internationally experienced teachers
Our teachers come with extensive international experience and are well-equipped to handle the diverse educational backgrounds of our students. They bring a wealth of knowledge and global perspectives to the classroom, enriching the learning experience.
Comprehensive Cambridge curriculum
We follow the prestigious Cambridge curriculum, known for its academic rigour and global recognition. This curriculum prepares students for higher education and career opportunities worldwide, making it an ideal choice for families who may move frequently.
Holistic development
Beyond academics, we focus on the holistic development of our students. Our extensive extracurricular programmes, community outreach initiatives, and educational trips ensure that students grow not only intellectually but also socially and emotionally.