Explore the history and identity that have shaped Oak Hills Academy.
Born at the height of Covid. Fuelled by passion. Directed by integrity and a deep love for young people - the next generation.
Oak Hills is the product of many years of preparation and dedication when no one was watching. Our Director responded to the call of God early in his life to walk alongside the young people within his reach, and began serving as a youth pastor. It was a passion that only grew as he realised there was more to offer young people than the spiritual life alone.
On 1 October 2013, he opened the doors of a pre-school and named it Shining Stars Christian Pre-school - armed with love for young people, one teacher, one support staff member, eight learners, and himself as everything else.
In 2016, he opened the doors of a primary school, NECA - again with one teacher, sixteen children this time, and again himself as everything else outside the classroom. That small stream kept widening and deepening, until it culminated in doors opening yet again in 2022 for Oak Hills. Oak Hills began with 38 learners, 9 teachers, and an unstoppable belief that the future is brighter - a belief earned by years of seeing and experiencing the leadership and provision of God.
Today, the family boasts more than 1,000 learners who walk through our doors each day to gather with fellow eagles and be challenged to excel, so that they may play a significant role in changing the world. Across our institutions, more than 60 staff members ensure that learners do not only learn in class but experience an environment they will forever cherish.
Siyakhula, in Waterford Park, Mbabane, is the newest member of the family. We are glad to welcome her, and together we are working hard to build on her foundation and make her a force to be reckoned with.
As part of this amazing Family of Schools, Oak Hills is committed to providing a modern, forward-looking education while upholding values anchored in the Word of God, and to playing an active part in our local community and beyond.
Hover or tap over the six logo elements to complete the crest.
The twin eagles at the base of the crest embody Oak Hills’ identity. Facing one another, they symbolise the belief that education is never solitary—it is a dialogue between student and teacher, ambition and guidance. Eagles stand for vision, courage, and soaring potential—never settling when they are made for the sky. That is our standard: see further, reach higher, never stop climbing.
The peaks behind the eagles are the literal heart of the school’s name. Beyond our identity, they speak to aspiration: mountains are a timeless symbol of challenges to be climbed and heights to be reached. They are not crossed without effort, but every summit reveals a wider view. Every student is called to embrace difficulty and summit their own potential.
The oak leaf is a rich symbol of strength, endurance, and wisdom. These are the qualities we seek to cultivate in every student. Just as the oak tree is slow to grow but long-lasting, our education is built with deep roots rather than quick results. We plant seeds that take time to mature, knowing that our students will be exceptional and lasting.
Crowned atop the crest, the mortarboard declares the school’s highest purpose: to produce graduates ready for the world. Everything we do, every lesson taught, every investment made, exists in service of this moment. The cap celebrates the work behind the milestone. It is the result of years of showing up, pushing through, and refusing to settle for less than your best. At Oak Hills, we honour that journey as much as the destination.
In classical heraldry, the shield symbolises protection and honour. Here, it is a declaration of safety and a protected environment. A place where students can take intellectual risks, ask hard questions, and grow into themselves without fear. The shield also embodies honour and accountability, reminding the school community that its reputation is worth defending every day.
Where Eagles Gather speaks to Oak Hills Academy as a place where learners, educators and families come together with shared purpose. It reflects a community built around ambition, guidance and the belief that every learner can rise with confidence. It stands for a home of high aspiration, where young people are encouraged to find their wings and rise together.
