History

Union High School was started in 1918 by a group of Graaff-Reinet residents who believed the South African Midlands needed an English-medium school.

With money guaranteed by local residents, they established an "independent school" in the hall of St James' Anglican Church in Somerset Street. Its name probably came from South Africa's constitutional status as a Union.

The school, with classes from Sub A to Standard 10 and a staff of eight, moved to new premises in 1921.

Soon, however, these proved inadequate and a decision was taken to establish an English-medium school under the Education Department, in the old College buildings in Bourke Street.

When the school outgrew these premises, Union became a state-aided school under the Cape Educational Department on land known as the Glebe Grounds. It was officially opened in 1926.

By 1963, the school had over 600 pupils enrolled. Land was bought in Plasket Street and the building of a prep school began in 1965. It was opened in 1967, remaining under the control of Union High School headmaster and committee. In 1970, it became independent from the high school.

Today, Union Prep School offers classes from Grades 1 – 4 and is led by Ms Leona Rich. Union High School, led by William Pringle, offers classes from Grades 5 – 12.

 

Headmasters of the Union High School

1922 - 1933	Mr A.E. Puttick	1934 - 1945	Mr K. McGaffin
1945 - 1947	Mr A.A. Dodd	1947 - 1968	Mr H.W. Arnott
1969 - 1974	Mr R.M. Dugmore	1975 - 1990	Mr A.F. Burrell
1991 - 1992	Mr D.B Ferguson (Acting Headmaster)	1992 - 1993	Mr C.P. Harker
1993 - 1997	Mr L.M, Pearson	1998 - 2011	Mr D.A. Mugglestone
2011 -	Mr W.E. Pringle