About Holy Cross
Over a century of Catholic education, resilience, and service — rooted in the legacy of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and the Maitland community.
A Girls' School with a Distinct Catholic Ethos
Holy Cross High School is an independent Catholic girls' high school situated at 161 Coronation Road, Maitland, Cape Town. We serve learners from Grade 8 through Grade 12, following the South African CAPS curriculum.
Though technically a private/independent school, our philosophy is to keep fees as low as possible so that private Catholic education remains accessible to families who could not normally afford it. Our admissions policy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or academic ability.
We are connected to the broader Catholic community around St John's Catholic Church in Maitland (163 Coronation Road), and are listed among the institutions associated with the Maitland parish by the Archdiocese of Cape Town.
School Information
Our History
From the Sisters of the Holy Cross to the first lay principal — over a century of faith, service, and education.
c. 1910
Founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross
Holy Cross was established in Maitland under the Sisters of the Holy Cross. The school originally offered boarding facilities, primary and high-school education, and a strong Catholic religious foundation.
1974
High School Separates
A new primary school was established nearby. The Maitland campus then continued exclusively as a high school for girls — the structure that endures today.
Apartheid Era
An Open School Stands Firm
Holy Cross became one of the first 'open' schools in Cape Town, admitting learners and staff across racial lines. Government funding was withdrawn as a result. The Sisters of the Holy Cross bore the financial burden to keep the school operating.
2009
Transition to Lay Leadership
The last Holy Cross Sister serving as principal passed away. For the first time in the school's history, a lay principal was appointed — marking a significant transition while retaining the school's Catholic identity.
2010
Centenary Celebration
Holy Cross High School celebrated its 100th anniversary — a century of Catholic girls' education, resilience through apartheid, and community service in Maitland.
Present
Continuing the Mission
Under lay leadership, Holy Cross continues to serve the Maitland community. The school maintains its commitment to accessible fees, a non-discriminatory admissions policy, and education rooted in justice and human dignity.
The Sisters of the Holy Cross
For decades, the Sisters of the Holy Cross were the heartbeat of this school. They sustained it financially, led it spiritually, and embedded in its culture a deep commitment to justice, women's education, and Catholic values.
When the South African government withdrew funding from independent schools during apartheid as a penalty for the school's open admissions policy, it was the Sisters who kept the doors open — bearing the cost personally.
In 2009, the last Sister serving as principal passed away. Though the school transitioned to lay leadership, the ethos and mission the Sisters embodied lives on in every aspect of school life — including Sr Flora, who continues as the School Animator today.
~1910 – 2009
Sisters in Leadership
Led by Holy Cross Sisters for a century.
2009 – Present
Lay Leadership
Ms Liza September carries the mission forward.
2010
Centenary
100 years of Catholic education in Maitland.
An Open School During Apartheid
One of the most significant chapters in Holy Cross's history is its stance during apartheid. At a time when South African education was rigidly segregated by race, Holy Cross High School chose a different path — opening its doors to learners and staff across racial lines.
This decision came at a real cost. The apartheid government withdrew funding from independent schools that refused to comply with its segregation policies. Holy Cross lost government support as a direct result of its open admissions stance.
"The school describes itself as having been one of the first 'open' schools in Cape Town — and the Holy Cross Sisters financially supported the school to keep it operating."
The school's current emphasis on accessibility, social justice, and non-discrimination is not modern marketing. It is the lived inheritance of a community that chose principle over funding — and kept those doors open for everyone.
Contact & Hours
Address
161 Coronation Road
Maitland, Cape Town, 7405
Phone
021 511 9365School Hours
Mon – Thu: 08:00 – 15:00
Friday: 08:00 – 14:00
Gospel Values in Daily Life
Our philosophy is rooted in Gospel values, justice, human dignity, community upliftment, education, service, and spiritual development.
Worship Together
Liturgy and prayer gather the school community — continuing the Catholic tradition of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
Sacred Moments
From Ash Wednesday to feast days, faith remains a living part of school identity and formation.