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Courtney House International School Celebrates Three Decades of Educational Excellence and Global Vision
29 September 2025
As Courtney House International School marks its 30th anniversary, Executive Head Dimitra Bailanis reflects on a remarkable journey of transformation that embodies the institution's enduring symbol: from acorn to mighty oak.
Since its establishment in 1995 with a modest pre-school class of five children, Courtney House International has evolved into a distinguished Cambridge International pathway school, serving pupils from Early Years through A-Levels. This milestone, coinciding with the school's recent International Day festivities, underscores the institution's commitment to nurturing global citizens equipped for diplomatic and cross-cultural leadership.
Strategically located in Bailey’s Muckleneuk, Pretoria, the school is the institution of choice for children of international dignitaries based at embassies, high commissions, agencies, and other international organisations throughout South Africa’s administrative capital. This unique positioning has shaped Courtney House International’s approach to education, with strict access control, pick-up permissions, and comprehensive safety protocols ensuring the wellbeing of pupils from diplomatic families.
Courtney House International is the only school in Pretoria offering the Cambridge curriculum from Reception (4 years old) to Year 6 (12 years old) at primary level, continuing through to A-Levels. Class sizes are deliberately limited to ensure personalised attention for every learner. Teaching takes place in English, and the school offers a wide variety of sporting and cultural activities that complement its academic programme.
“Our greatest and most memorable achievements have been our affiliation with Cambridge International Education, which has allowed us to offer the Cambridge curriculum since 2003, producing years of excellent results and numerous awards,” Bailanis noted during the anniversary celebration.
Beyond academic excellence, Courtney House International has cultivated a rich tapestry of cultural and co-curricular achievements. Pupils have distinguished themselves at speech and poetry festivals, creative writing competitions, and Maths Olympiads, while competitive teams in table tennis and archery have garnered recognition. This diverse offering ensures pupils develop the broad competencies needed by tomorrow’s diplomats and global leaders.
A significant milestone occurred in January 2023 when Curro Holdings acquired the school as a Curro Select institution. This partnership introduced the innovative Curro Create offering and competitive sports programmes through Curro Sport enhancements that strengthen the school’s capacity to prepare pupils for global engagement.
“The acorn symbolises potential, patience, growth and strength,” Bailanis explained. “A single acorn possesses the power to become a mighty oak.” This philosophy resonates within diplomatic circles, where patience, strategic growth, and resilient strength define successful international relations.
Looking ahead, Bailanis expressed optimism: “May the next 30 years be as exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling as we continue to nurture young hearts and enrich young minds.”
For a nation deeply engaged in diplomatic discourse and international cooperation, Courtney House International School stands as a testament to the transformative power of quality education in shaping future ambassadors of global citizenship.