Hyde Park High School opened its academic doors in January 1958, enrolling 300 learners under the leadership of then-acting principal Mr Barnes.
Situated in what was classified as a peri-urban area ‘out of stick’, many of the learners came to school on horseback from the surrounding suburbs.
With just 10 classrooms at the time with no facilities for after-school activities, all extramurals took place at the Wanderers Club. “The school grounds were just a dust bowl with no grass at all,” said the school.
The first matric class dawned in 1960 with a total of 30 learners sitting for their Transvaal Education Department matric examinations. From that period onward the school grew at a rapid pace, becoming the school of choice for over 700 learners. Attendance grew to 1 080 learners by 1968. In 1971, Hyde Park High School was rated in the top 15 government schools.
Avril Wright, the school’s marketing and liaison secretary, added, “It has to be said that the leadership of the school under the guidance of the past principals, Mr Barnes, Mr Crosley, Mr Nicholson, Mr Thurman, Mr Davies and currently Mr Vogiatzis, has ensured that the school offers exceptional facilities and modern classrooms, keeping up with technology to ensure that the pupils receive the best education.”
As the school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007, it also unveiled its new auditorium.
Later in 2019, the sports fields received a stellar multi-million-rand upgrade to host the Slovenian football team for the duration of their FIFA World Cup stay.
“During the same year, the Springbok rugby team, Golden Lions and Bafana Bafana trained at the school, adding excitement and admiration to the pupil’s extramural experience.”
Hyde Park High was voted the best government school at the Best of Joburg Readers’ Awards in 2016 and celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2017, leading the way, constantly on the look-out for growth and excellence. “The school’s motto’s strong and relevant – Hyde Park High School, a great place to grow up!”
