Scholarships
Start in Grade 6. End with your first job.
We support extraordinary young minds on a journey from Grade 6 to their first job. We welcome 60 scholars a year. Our graduates are employed at leading South African organisations like PwC and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.
SBF PROGRAMMES
Start in Grade 6.
End with your first job.
SBF PROGRAMMES
Recruitment
Stage 1
Applications
Are you ready? After checking that all the required documents are ready, applicants/child can proceed with the application. All applicants MUST ensure that they upload the required documents during the application process. No late applications are accepted.
Stage 2
Screening
All applications are screened using the same criteria, with financial need and academic performance being the primary considerations. All applicants/child will receive an email confirming whether their application was successful and whether they move onto the next stage.
Stage 3
Explorers Quiz
The online testing is a facilitated process whereby several psychosocial and academic ability indicators are measured. These validated tests give us insight into our cohorts towards us effectively being able to support them on their journey with us.
Stage 4
Explorers Mission
The entrance exam seeks to ascertain an academic baseline among the applicants. The exam focusses on English and Math, and applicants do not need to study for these specifically as it will test them on an age-appropriate level. Only the top performing applicants will move forward from this stage, and all applicants will receive communication to this effect.
Stage 5
Explorers Story
Our social workers conduct home visits to get to know our applicants and their families, towards ensuring we place successful applicants at the right partner school and support them as appropriate.
Stage 6
Explorers Gateway
The Explorers Gateway marks the final stage of the SBF scholarship selection journey. Here, shortlisted candidates participate in a dynamic, hands-on experience designed to test their creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience.
Stage 7
Scholarship Offer
Successful applicants who have passed all the recruitment stages are offered a scholarship with us. We proceed with placement interviews at our partner schools, and our new cohort of scholars proceed with the preparation classes ahead of them going to high school the following year.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications for our Grade 8 2028 intake will open on 26 June 2026. Please follow our social media channels for updates.
Student Requirements:
Be in Grade 6 in 2026
65% minimum overall average in Grade 5 Term 4 and Grade 6 term 2
60% minimum for Maths in Grade 5 Term 4 and Grade 6 term 2
65% minimum for English in Grade 5 Term 4 and Grade 6 term 2
Demonstrate financial need
Stay within 30 kilometres of the SBF Newlands Office
SBF PROGRAMMES
Prep Pathfinders
Each SBF scholar begins their journey in Grade 7 through our Prep Pathfinders programme.
Over an intensive 7-month experience, scholars build strong
foundations—forming meaningful connections, accessing academic enrichment, and receiving the support needed to transition confidently into high school.
North Star
Every scholar enters Grade 8 academically ready, emotionally grounded, and confident in navigating high-performing environments - with parents equipped to support the journey.
SBF PROGRAMMES
High School
Scholars are placed in leading partner schools and supported through a comprehensive, holistic high school experience - ensuring they thrive inschool and beyond.
Through our Edge Programme, we prepare scholars to succeed in an ever-changing world by:
✅ Equipping future-proof skills
✅ Building adaptability and resilience
✅ Cultivating purposeful, impact-driven leadership
Scholars also benefit from full bursary-level support, including tutoring, boarding, sport, culture, and service opportunities.
North Star
To develop academically strong, holistically developed, future-ready leaders who take ownership of their learning, choices, and contribution to society.
SBF PROGRAMMES
SASLI
Our flagship 3-year leadership development programme for exceptional SBF graduates.
SASLI equips scholars at tertiary level with the power skills, mindset, and real- world readiness needed to thrive in a competitive world of work - while fostering active citizenship and integrated wellness.
In today’s highly competitive world of work, employers are seeking oven-ready graduates who are ready to hit the ground running. By actively equipping our laureates with the most powerful skills of all, we are generating a pipeline of extraordinary young people purpose-built to thrive.
North Star
To shape self-directed, work-ready graduates who translate their potential into real-world impact – through clarity, ownership, and meaningful contribution to create value for themselves, their communities, and employers.
