From maintaining an exceptional academic record to championing environmental sustainability and nurturing young talent, Lilyfontein School continues to demonstrate that
excellence in education extends far beyond the classroom.
This commitment has earned the school’s headmaster, Nic Els, recognition at the Eastern Cape MEC Excellence Awards 2026, where he received the MEC’s Award for Top Performing
School and the Leadership in Education (FET) Award.
The awards ceremony took place at Hemingways Hotel in KuGompo City recently, celebrating achievements in education and recognising leadership and excellence withinthe province’s schools.
The school has achieved a 100% pass rate in 20 of the past 21 years and is one of only three schools in the Eastern Cape to have achieved a 100% pass rate for at least five consecutive years.
Its achievements extend beyond academics.
The school has maintained its Wessa Eco Schools flag for 20 consecutive years, reportedly the longest-running record of its kind in the province, and has won the regional recycling award in four of the past five years.
Lilyfontein has also demonstrated its commitment to nurturing talent, with the 2025 and 2026 winners of Eastern Cape Has Talent award being pupils of the school.
Its educational programme encompasses academics, sport, adventure and cultural
activities, providing pupils with opportunities to develop skills and interests beyond the
classroom.
The school has also hosted the provincial schools’ cross-country championships on behalf
of the province.
For Els, however, the greatest reward lies not in the accolades, but in the difference education makes in the lives of young people.
“I’m honoured and humbled by receiving the award. My biggest reward, however, remains
seeing the growth and development in young people,” he said.
“It gives true meaning to what we do as teachers and is the reason why we chose our profession. Winning awards is a nice extra and a good motivator.”
Els said the school’s achievements were not the result of one person’s efforts, but can rather be attributed to the dedication of the people who contributed to its success.
He acknowledged the role played by the school’s educators, support staff and pupils in
building a culture that prioritises high standards and collective responsibility.
“I’m the first to acknowledge that all could not have been achieved if it was not for all of the strong and dedicated people who surround me,” he said.
This emphasis on teamwork reflects the message delivered by Eastern Cape MEC for Education Fundile Gade, who highlighted the importance of professionalism, accountability, innovation and collective responsibility in creating successful school environments.
For Lilyfontein, maintaining high standards is not simply about earning recognition, but about remaining committed to the goals the school has set for itself.
“We have set our own goals we are working
towards,” Els said
“As a school, we work hard and set high standards for ourselves. We do this for ourselves
and not necessarily for awards,” he said.
For Els and the Lilyfontein community, the awards serve as an encouraging acknowledgement of years of dedication to education.
However, the school’s continued growth and the development of its pupils remain central to
its mission.
As Lilyfontein continues to pursue its goals, its achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when dedicated educators, supportive staff and committed pupils work
together towards a shared vision of excellence.
education. Picture: SUPPLIED