The college was founded by Mr Nigel Bourne, a progressive science teacher at the time, who felt that there was a need for a more learner centered school in Port Elizabeth. The college opened its doors in January 1963 on the 1st floor of the historical Richardson building off the City Square (now Kwantu Towers). What a historical year 1963 turned out to be, with the assignation of JF Kennedy, Martin Luther Kings’ famous “I have a dream” speech, and the birth of a school that was to become a leader in its field.
The college eventually moved due to the noise factor from these premises to a stately double story house in Park Drive, before settling on the hill in St Patrick’s Street, opposite the old SA Breweries off the then Main Street (Goven Mbeki). In 1999, the college acquired its own premises at 37 Cape Road, where it is still situated today.
The college in its early years was referred to by many as "cram college" due to students being able to complete standard 9 and 10 (grade 11 & 12) in a single year. Many students who had also completed matric, but did not achieve the desired results to gain entry into specialist courses such as medicine, also chose to re-do their matric at the Hill due to its renown track record and progressive teaching style.
The Hill has since matured into a fully blown FET school, specializing in grade 10, 11 and 12 (as separate years), while always keeping the door open for post-matrics who want to improve their results for university acceptance.
Today the Hill College continues to build on its tradition of creating a progressive learning environment, having established itself as the FET school of choice within the Nelson Mandela Bay area.
The Hill College Vision
To build an organization that provides relevant education and training of uncompromising standards making it the first choice FET education provider in the region.
The Hill College Mission Statement
To offer our learners the challenge and opportunity, through the guidance of dedicated and motivated teachers, to become independent and confident, whilst developing their sense of individuality in a creative and enriching environment.
The Hill College Belief Statements
- All students can learn;
- Each student is a valued individual with unique intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs;
- Students have opportunity to learn in a clean, safe, disciplined and stimulating environment;
- Each student is responsible for his or her actions in an environment of mutual respect;
- Diversity within the college community enriches the teaching and learning environment.
