St Joseph’s Preparatory and College is a new venture by the Thomas family in partnership with Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI). This is the 24th school within its portfolio across the two education-focused investment funds and the second school that it has financed and established in the Eastern Cape.
OMAI as invested through EduFund, its recently established education fund that has a proud history of financing and investing in the education sector in South Africa, with the objective of earning an attractive risk-adjusted return for its investors and making a substantive positive impact in the sector. Its goal is to work with mission-driven entrepreneurs who strive to make a positive impact in the independent education sector in South Africa – which benefit communities, families and the young leaders of tomorrow.
Who we are
The Thomas Family are the founders of East London Science College, a private high school established in East London in 1999. It celebrates its 24-year anniversary in 2023 and has a proven academic track record. In 2021, the school achieved a 100% matric pass rate with 72.6 % bachelor pass and 78 distinctions. It was among the six distinguished schools that achieved a 100% pass rate in the Buffalo City District, Eastern Cape.
The Thomas Family have been involved in education within the Eastern Cape for over 30 years. Mr Piyuse Thomas (BSc Physics, Teacher’s Diploma) is a Physical Science educator by profession and Mrs Shyni Thomas (MSc Mathematics, B.Ed.) is a Mathematics educator. Mr and Mrs Thomas both come from a family of educators.
Our ethos
Investing and interacting within the Eastern Cape community for the past 31 years has kindled an enthusiasm within us to improve the educational narrative within the province. Not only will our school be focused on our learners, but it will aim to effectively integrate the bonds between staff, parents, and the wider community.
We aim to empower learners to discover their individual genius so that they can unlock their true potential and pave their way to unlimited greatness. This will be achieved by developing well-rounded, confident, innovative, and globally-engaged individuals who aspire to realise their dreams.
We have firm faith in the prosperous future of our country, and it is because of this conviction that we will endeavour to build and grow educational institutions and resources that equip our learners to grasp their inner strength.
Our values
We will achieve our goals by acting upon these values of:
- Accountability:
- Integrity:
- Mutual trust and respect:
- Consistent and fair discipline:
- Co-operation; and
- Service.
Inspiring Greatness
