KZN's most expensive school: The man behind Hilton College
Hilton College, the most expensive school in South Africa, has a rich history dating back to 1872. Founded by William Orde Newnham, it has evolved into a world-class institution. Here's what we know.
Hilton College, the most expensive school in South Africa, has a rich history dating back to 1872. Founded by William Orde Newnham, this prestigious institution has evolved into a world-class school known for its academic excellence and elite status.
The Founder's Legacy
According to BusinessTech, Newnham was born in 1825 in Farnham, Surrey, to a well-educated family. His father was a respected surgeon and his mother was Caroline Atkinson. Newnham's educational background includes studying at St John's College, Cambridge, where he met Rev. John William Colenso, a renowned mathematician.
After arriving in South Africa in 1855, Newnham established himself in the educational landscape of what was then known as the Colony of Natal and became a colonial schoolmaster.
His friendship with Gould Arthur Lucas, a British Army officer, was pivotal in securing land for the school.
The Birth of Hilton College
In 1871, Lucas helped Newnham secure part of a farm called Hilton, near Pietermaritzburg, to establish a new school.
On January 29, 1872, Hilton College officially opened its doors with an initial group of 50 pupils. Newnham was the headmaster of the school until he returned to England in 1877.
Fast forward to 1906 when William Falcon became headmaster, and this was a huge period of expansion for the school. In addition to erecting new buildings, the Falcon reign brought about the current uniform and the house system. The first three houses were named after Hilton College's first leaders.
The school has since grown, with notable contributions from Henry Vaughan Ellis, who transformed Hilton into a school modelled after the prestigious English public school system.
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