Mayfair Convent School, a private Catholic primary school with more than a century of history, will permanently close its doors at the end of 2025, marking a sad end to a longstanding institution in Johannesburg’s education landscape.
Founded in 1913 by the Sisters of Mercy, the school has served generations of children from Grade 0 to Grade 7, and was a pillar of Catholic education in the Mayfair community.
The announcement of its closure follows years of mounting financial strain, worsened by cuts to government subsidies.
The school property has already been placed on auction, confirming the decision.
“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,” said Grace Masuku, chairperson of the school’s board, in a heartfelt letter to parents and learners.
Financial Challenges Proved Too Great
According to Masuku, the school had been under constant financial review, and recent reductions in government funding made it impossible to remain operational.
“The government subsidy has been reduced in the past year by 13% and then 18%. The school furthermore only received 50% of what was expected in the June 2025 subsidy payment,” she explained.
Despite the board’s best efforts to sustain the school, including appeals to parents and stakeholders, the institution will not be financially viable beyond December 2025.
Parents have been asked to continue paying full fees through to the end of the academic year to ensure staff salaries and outstanding creditors are paid.
“Without this commitment, our situation until December will be seriously affected,” Masuku warned.
Emotional Goodbye to a Beloved Institution
The announcement has been met with deep sadness by current and former students, staff, and community members.
“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.
The school celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013, marking a legacy of academic and moral formation underpinned by Catholic values.
Staff have been informed, and the board has committed to assisting learners as they transition to new schools for 2026.
Broader Trend of Private School Closures
Mayfair Convent is not the only private school to announce its closure in 2025.
King David Victory Park, one of the top-performing Jewish schools in South Africa, will also shut down at the end of the year.
The school, established in 1960, is part of the broader King David network, which includes several other schools in Johannesburg.
Despite its academic excellence – with matriculants averaging 3.39 distinctions in 2024 – the South African Board of Jewish Education has opted to close the Victory Park campus after a strategic review.
“The decision followed careful consideration of many factors,” said General Director Rabbi Ricky Seeff.
A Sobering Moment for Independent Education
The closures of Mayfair Convent and King David Victory Park point to growing financial instability in South Africa’s independent school sector, especially in the face of declining enrolments, economic pressure on families, and reducing government support.
While the legacy of these institutions will be remembered, their closure signals the end of important community fixtures that served not only as educational spaces, but also as cultural and spiritual homes for thousands.
For now, parents, learners, and educators must prepare to say goodbye – and begin the search for new beginnings.
