ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
Stirling High School traces its origins back to 1927, when the East London Technical College—now the East London FET College—was established. In 1968, the college expanded to include the East London Technical and Commercial High School, which later split in 1974 into two separate institutions: Port Rex Technical High School in Vincent and Commercial High School in Stirling, located on what was once the city’s horse-racing track.
In January 1985, Commercial High transitioned from a specialist commercial school to a mainstream institution, adopting the name Stirling High School, after both the suburb and its primary school.
In 2025, Stirling High celebrated 40 years under its current name and a proud educational lineage spanning 97 years.
The school’s first headmaster, Mr. Peter Moore, led Stirling for nearly two decades, shaping it into one of the country’s leading co-educational schools. Upon his retirement in 2005, he was succeeded by Mr. Charles Foster, who upheld the school’s commitment to excellence and well-being.
The current headmaster, Mr. Doug Prior, was appointed in 2016 and continues to lead Stirling forward.
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OUR BADGE
The Stirling High coat of arms, designed by Professor Hugh Smith of Rhodes University, incorporates meaningful heraldic symbols:
- Battlements and twin towers – Inspired by Scotland’s Stirling Castle and the 19th-century frontier forts of the Border region.
- Flaming torch – A universal emblem of education and knowledge.
- Green and blue background – Representing Stirling Primary and Commercial High, the school’s predecessors.
- Green and gold – Honouring Stirling as the suburb for returning Springbok soldiers.
- Anchor – A nod to both the Stirling Castle and East London’s maritime heritage.
- Oak and coral tree leaves – Symbolizing the natural heritage of Scotland and South Africa.
OUR MOTTO
The school’s motto, “Semper Fidelis”, translates to “Always Faithful”, a phrase carried over from its Commercial High School roots and a guiding principle for the Stirling community.
OUR STAFF
