INITIATING CHANGE

Ellis’s retirement ushered in the end of private ownership of Hilton College. In 1903, one hundred and forty Old Boys formed a limited liability company which purchased the school. Twenty five years later, the shareholders of that company donated their shares to a new entity, The Hiltonian Society, a non-profit-sharing Association which vests in its Board of Governors the complete control of the school and the title to all its assets. Membership of The Hiltonian Society is available to all Old Hiltonians, on application, once they reach the age of twenty one.

Three South African wars, two World Wars and thirteen headmasters on and the traditions established by the founders and early leaders of Hilton College still continue to thrive and flourish. But it is only Hilton’s ability to embrace boldly the challenges and changes of over 130 years that has allowed it to be the powerhouse and centre of excellence that it is today.
 

“Hilton has transformed a young Zulu boy to a real man” – at least that’s what my late father said to me soon after my leaving Hilton College. South Africa’s political scene was very difficult for black people, yet Hilton was an environment of equity for all. Hilton provided me with an excellent environment to crystallize my dreams and to begin to live them. Twenty years later, I actually agree that Hilton was the cradle of my manhood. Sandile Zungu

South Africa’s fledgling democracy is now firmly established and Hilton College is proudly a part of that. It is a world-class school but consciously a South African school, and remains committed to educating useful, contributing citizens, well equipped for fulfilling lives. Hilton College strives to be a centre of educational excellence in which the qualities of tolerance, sensitivity to cultural issues, social and political awareness and an acceptance of responsibilities are paramount. This sensible integration of academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual and life skills curricula enhanced by boarding, a unique estate, counselling and career guidance, has and will continue to produce the kinds of citizens and leaders with which South Africa can confidently embrace the future. This ability to equip Hilton boys with the potential to compete and contribute locally and internationally is what continues to make Hilton College a national asset of which this country can be proud.

Group & Individual