On Sunday, 2 August 2026, St Andrew’s College celebrated Founder’s Day. It was an opportunity to pause, remember and give thanks for those whose vision, sacrifice and faith gave birth to our school in 1855, and in particular, Bishop John Armstrong.
In his Founders Day address, Headmaster Tom Hamilton reminded us that:
“Founder’s Day therefore is not simply about remembering history. It is about recognising that we have inherited something precious.”
He reflected on the vision of our founders, who sought to establish a Christian school committed to developing “character as much as intellect”, and preparing young men for lives of meaning, purpose and service.
He also reminded us that our history extends beyond the College we know today. In 1855, the Anglican Institution was established alongside St Andrew’s College to educate black boys, sharing the same Headmaster, many of the same teachers and the same playing fields. Its story is an important part of our shared heritage and one that College is seeking to reclaim the memory as we approach our 175th anniversary.
As Tom said:
“We are custodians of a tradition, a faith and a set of values that have shaped generations of Andreans. Our responsibility is not merely to preserve them, but to live them courageously and faithfully in our own time.”
These words bring to mind another very special Founder’s Day in 2005 which was College’s Jubilee 150th year.
Who could forget the joyous procession from the Cathedral to College, led by our Patron of the 150th, the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, together with Dr Tim Nuttall, then Deputy Headmaster, David Wylde, then Headmaster, and Bishop Thabo Makgoba?
And in just four years’ time, we will be celebrating our 175th.
As we journey from 150 to 175, we honour those who came before us, celebrate who we are today, and look forward with confidence to the future..