Walking through the gates of Clifton Preparatory School, the first thing that strikes you is the aesthetic beauty of the campus—a carefully curated environment that feels at once welcoming and inspiring. Headmaster Kevin Hambidge smiles as he explains how the school’s design is rooted in its origin story: a vision of creating not just classrooms, but a home for learning, inclusion, and growth.
That sense of home is unmistakable. Pupils call out Mr H from a distance, their voices full of affection, a testament to the bond between learners and leadership. It is in these moments that Clifton’s culture of one team, one purpose reveals itself. Everyone—staff, students, and parents alike—feels part of something greater.
A School Where Every Child Belongs
One of the most striking parts of my tour was the genuine inclusivity that permeates Clifton Prep. I met students with special needs who, instead of being sidelined, were joyfully integrated into the rhythm of school life. They spoke about their teachers with pride and walked the campus with confidence, proof that Clifton has built an environment where every learner can thrive.
Friendly staff greeted me warmly, and in every classroom and corner, there was a tangible sense of respect, collaboration, and joy.
Beyond Books: A Culture of Creation
At the heart of Clifton’s approach is a new drive towards (STEM-driven) Resource based curriculum. Works is underway —but here, learning is not confined to textbooks. I stepped into a lab buzzing with activity, where students were tackling problems through hands-on projects and original research. These were not assignments for marks, but explorations in value creation, equipping young minds to think critically, innovate, and lead.
And then came the Mariamba band—a stirring performance that filled the courtyard with rhythm and energy. This was more than music; it was culture in motion. Music at Clifton has become so central that it has birthed Clifton Music Festivals, drawing (schools) performers from across the country to celebrate talent. Some of the exciting ventures being explored is the Clifton Culture Week, a signature showcase of dance, arts, innovation, and heritage—an embodiment of the school’s holistic philosophy.
Anchored in Global Standards
Clifton’s future-facing model is reinforced by its affiliations with respected international and regional bodies that help enhance the value creation and the future of learning.
These partnerships ensure that Clifton Prep learners meet and exceed global benchmarks while remaining deeply grounded in local identity and purpose.
The Hambidge Effect
As I concluded my tour, I could see why Kevin Hambidge is so beloved by his pupils. More than a headmaster, he is a cultivator of values—someone who blends discipline with warmth, innovation with tradition, and excellence with humanity. His leadership has positioned Clifton as a beacon of what the future of learning in Africa can look like: academically rigorous, culturally rich, inclusive, and joyfully alive.
At Clifton Preparatory School, the future of learning isn’t something students wait for—it’s something they live, every single day.
