About Us
Southgate Preparatory School is a new private institution established under the guidance of the Zion Christian Church, created to meet a growing need for a school that combines academic excellence with strong moral and spiritual foundations. We open our doors to our first students in January 2027, with a campus and programme designed from the ground up to support the whole child. The idea for Southgate was born from a simple observation: that families in Zimbabwe and across the region deserve a school offering the very best of both worlds, i.e. an education recognised internationally, and a character formed by deep rooted faith and community values. Backed by the resources and vision of the Zion Christian Church, Southgate has been carefully planned from its curriculum to its campus, ensuring that when our doors open in January 2027, every element is ready to support our founding students.
Our Story
Southgate Preparatory School was born from a conviction, not a chronology. ZCC set out to build a school where faith and academic ambition could grow side by side, not compete, for a generation of students ready to lead in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Our Mission
Our mission is to nurture confident, capable and grounded young people who excel academically and carry strong values into every stage of life. Everything we do is guided by: • Excellence — in the classroom, on the field and in character. We hold every student, teacher and leader to the highest standard, believing excellence is a habit built through consistent effort and encouragement. • Integrity — honesty and accountability in all we do. We teach our students to do what is right, especially when no one is watching. • Faith — a life shaped by the values of the Zion Christian Church, providing a moral compass that guides decision making and character. • Community — belonging, respect and care for one another, built through shared traditions, teamwork and mutual support. • Stewardship — responsibility toward people, land and resources, reflected daily in our agricultural programme and our approach to sustainability.
Our Vision
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Admissions Open For 2027
What We Stand For
Southgate's values aren't a poster in a hallway, they're the standard behind every lesson, every conversation, and every decision we make as a school. Four things guide us, in this order.
Faith
Academics
Achievement
Global Outlook
Our Foundation
Southgate Preparatory School is proudly affiliated with the Zion Christian Church, one of the largest and most respected church communities in the region. This affiliation shapes our ethos of discipline, humility and service, and connects our students to a wider community of faith that extends well beyond the school gates.
This foundation gives Southgate more than a set of values, it gives our students access to a vast network of fellowship, mentorship and support that stretches across Zimbabwe and beyond. Church leaders, congregants and alumni form an extended family around our school, reinforcing the lessons taught in the classroom with lived examples of faith, discipline and service.
Head's Welcome
When I meet a family for the first time, I don't usually start by talking about results. I start by asking what kind of person they hope their child becomes. That question, more than any other, is why Southgate exists.”
I’ve spent 16 years in education, and I’ve come to believe a child’s character will carry them further than any exam score. At Southgate, academic excellence and character aren’t competing goals, they grow from the same root.
Southgate is founded on the ZCC faith, and that matters to me personally. But whether your family shares that faith or is new to it, I want you to know this: you’ll be welcomed here, not simply tolerated. We’re building a community, not a gate.
To families considering our Founding Cohort, thank you for trusting us with something as precious as your child’s early years. I’d love to meet you, show you the campus as it takes shape, and talk through what’s next.
Rudeus Muchenjewe
Founding Head : Southgate Prep
Voices from Our
Community
“What struck me first wasn't the results, it was how my daughter talked about kindness at the dinner table. Southgate is building character, not just report cards.”
Rebecca Chido
“I came to Southgate not knowing anyone. I left with a faith, a group of lifelong friends, and the confidence to study abroad. This school prepared me for far more than exams.”
Phillip Sakala
“As a teacher, what I value most is that Southgate never asks me to choose between academic rigour and pastoral care. Here, they're the same job.”
Tanya Richards
“We looked at international schools across the region before choosing Southgate. What won us over was simple, they treated our son like a person before they treated him like a student.”
Darnel Mukudzwa
Frequently Asked
Questions
No. Southgate Preparatory School welcomes children and families from all backgrounds. While the school values strong Christian principles and character development, admission is open to families who share our commitment to providing children with a nurturing, respectful and high-quality education. We welcome every family to become part of the Southgate community, where children can learn, grow and thrive together.
The school is preparing to welcome its first students in January 2027. Families are encouraged to register their interest and contact our Admissions Office for the latest updates on enrolment and the school opening.
We combine strong Christian values with a modern, holistic approach to education. We focus not only on academic achievement, but also on character, confidence, leadership, creativity, sport and personal development. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment where every child is known, supported and encouraged to discover their strengths, develop their potential and grow into a responsible and confident young person.
The school is working towards having the school fully prepared for students by January 2027. Any remaining development will be carefully managed to ensure that students have a safe, comfortable and welcoming learning environment from the beginning of the school year.
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