Kearsney College - History

History

Kearsney's badge was designed by the then headmaster, R H Matterson, and the chaplain, the Rev. W H Irving, in about 1923. The greyhound is taken from the arms of the Founder, Sir James Liege Hulett. The scallop shells and the dividing chevron are from the arms of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. The pheon, or arrowhead, is taken from the badge of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where Matterson studied. The motto "Carpe Diem", traditionally at Kearsney translated "Seize the Opportunity", comes from the Roman poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus, known as Horace, (Odes 1, xi, 8).

Kearsney College takes its name from a small Kentish Village and owes its existence to the foresight and generosity of Sir Leige Hulett who gave his family home on Natal's North Coast near Stanger to the Methodist Church.

Although remotely situated, the school opened with 11 boarders and two day scholars in August 1921. The mid-1930s was a difficult time in Kearsney's history. The Great Depression and threat of malaria on the North Coast prompted a search for a site where the school would be better placed to grow and prosper.

On hearing of the school’s predicament Mr Clement Stott of Botha’s Hill donated 25 acres (100,000 m2) of land. At the same time Mr J.J. Crookes offered to build a Boarding House. The move was completed a month before the outbreak of World War II, on a wattle-crested rise where Shaka’s Zulu Impis once rested after crossing the Umgeni River. The new Kearsney College opened with 96 boys.

Botha's Hill with its proximity to Durban and Pietermaritzburg has provided an excellent site and the school has profited from the theatrical, cultural and sporting activities offered by these two major centres.

Many of the colleges buildings and facilities have been donated over the years by people who shared the same vision as its original benefactors. The college now stands on an estate of 50 hectares and includes a Conservancy area on a section of virgin land which adjourns the college.