By Mark Ogagan
Johannesburg’s oldest private institution, the Mayfair Convent School, which boasts over a century of history, will close down at the end of 2025.
The property is already up for auction, confirming the school’s closure after years of financial strain. The school was founded in 1913 by the Sisters of Mercy and has served children from Grade 0 to Grade 7.
It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013 and has long been part of Johannesburg’s Catholic education community. But despite its history, it will not survive rising financial pressures.
“It is with deep regret that we inform you that Mayfair Convent Primary School will be permanently closing its doors at the end of this academic year,” said Grace Masuku, chairperson of the school’s board, in a letter to learners and parents.
“This is not just the closing of a building—it is the closing of a chapter that has meant so much to all of us.”
Masuku explained that the school’s finances had been under constant review, and government support had been cut significantly.
“The government subsidy has been reduced in the past year by 13% and then 18% as communicated to you in previous letters. The school furthermore only received 50% of what was expected in the June 2025 subsidy payment,” she said.
This, she added, has made it impossible for the school to continue operating. “Despite our greatest efforts to sustain the school, challenges beyond our control have made it impossible to continue operating.”
“This means that Mayfair Convent School will not be able to financially sustain itself going forward beyond December 2025,” Masuku said.
Parents have been asked to continue paying school fees in full until December so that teachers and creditors can be paid.
“Without this commitment, our situation until December will be seriously affected,” Masuku warned. Staff had been consulted and understood that closure was the only option.
Masuku acknowledged how disruptive this will be for families. “We understand that this news will come as a shock and may raise many concerns for you and your family.”
“We are committed to supporting the learners as best we can as they seek placement at other schools. We encourage all parents to take the necessary steps to ensure they timeously enrol their children at another school for 2026,” she said.
She also thanked the school community for its loyalty and support. “Mayfair Convent School has been more than just a place of learning—it has been a community and a source of pride. While this chapter is coming to a close, the memories and impact will live on,” said Masuku.
“Since its founding by the Sisters of Mercy in 1913, our school has been more than a place of learning; it has been a second home, a place where your children have grown, laughed, and discovered who they are.”
The closure comes as other private schools are also shutting down. King David Victory Park in Johannesburg, one of the top-performing private schools in the country, will also close at the end of 2025.
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