At the heart of what Bishops offers is a commitment to a values-driven education that prepares the boys for life beyond school, and inspires them to realise their dreams. The school has a long tradition of striving for excellence in all areas; academic, sporting, pastoral, cultural and spiritual activities contribute to the richness and diversity of life at all three schools.
The Old Diocesan Invest in our Future Foundation (IIOFF) has been established in partnership with specialist wealth management company, Citadel, and with the support of the broader Bishops community will provide financial and mentorship support to school leavers. It is positioned as an extension of the school's existing mentorship programme, which supports numerous boys throughout their high school careers. The current vibrant OD mentorship programme dovetails with the objectives of the IIOFF.
We are looking for companies and individuals to assist us with bursaries (sponsor a student for a particular tertiary education course) and internships and give them the opportunity to work at your company for a period of time, including vacation work.
Mentorship also forms part of the process which will enable the success of young ODs during the initial years of both tertiary education and early work careers. Mentorship by older ODs is vital to ensure both the success of the OD Union and of the school itself. The OD mentorship programme works with boys from Grade 10 and encourages ODs to connect and support each other professionally. With the establishment of the Invest in Our Future Foundation, this will give a significant boost to the programme which provides mentorship right throughout an OD's life and forms part of the culture and service to others, which underpins the OD value system.
In 2020, the ODU embarked on a new initiative, the Invest in Our Future Foundation which raises funds for ODs who wish to undertake tertiary education and other activities which demand capital and financial assistance.This is one of the key building blocks in the overall transformation of the school and consequently the ODU, to meet the challenges of a changing South Africa.
In partnership with Citadel, the ODU is currently building the Invest In Our Future Foundation (IIOFF) which invests in the education of our youth.
The Old Diocesan Union (ODU) would like to welcome everyone, who is part of the Bishops family, to the school and broader community.
To visit to IIOFF Website please click on THIS LINK.
James Sedgwick
(1976 F)
James Sedgwick is a Capetonian, married 34 years, with 2 adult children.
James was a boarder at Founders and completed a post-matric year after matriculating in 1976. "Small beginnings but lots of enthusiasm achieve much if one just keeps at it" is what saw him and a few others to introduce rowing as a sport at Bishops. He went on to study a B Comm. degree at UCT, after which he entered the banking sector, ran his own businesses, and dabbled in property development.
James acted as Director and Chairman of the NPC, The Sunflower Fund, for 9 years until 2020. He is currently retired (or on sabbatical), is a member of the ODC. James was the son of an OD (1948O), who always said: "There but for the grace of God go I" and who quietly demonstrated the need to help those less privileged to reach their potential. "I have never forgotten this lesson, and my mission in the IIOFF is to embrace the pillars of the ODU in 'friendship, support and giving back. There is much work to be done, and I'd like to encourage other ODs to participate wherever they can."
Sanjay Daya
(1994 G)
As a day boy at Bishops, Sanjay enjoyed being part of the first South African school rugby team to tour Argentina and Brazil in 1993 (Mr Dobson and Mr Kaplan as coaches).
Since leaving school and finishing up at Rhodes University, Sanjay has proven himself as an entrepreneur; with turnaround strategies, multiple exits, and founding new businesses. He is married with 3 children and enjoys playing golf and following the Springboks on their travels.
After owning multiple restaurants, he founded SD Brands in 2012, to facilitate the management of restaurant groups. He is also a director of Suritec Pty Ltd (tech company) and is the co-founder and CMO of Locstat (AI insights)
Sanjay is an active ODU committee member after previously (2018) serving as the Vice Chairman of the Maitland Cottage Orthopedic Hospital.
"I am particularly committed to ensuring that 100% of the boys on a bursary at Bishops are supported beyond Grade 12. The IIOFF will be instrumental in delivering this ambition. It is very personal to me as I was unable to further my university education due to a lack of funds."
Simon Burrow
(1968 F)
Simon was at Bishops from 1959 to 1968. He boarded at Rossall; Bramley (first intake); and then Founders. He was Captain of School Athletics (with colours); 1st XV Rugby (with colours); Boxing team (with colours); 2nd X1 Cricket and a Prefect.
Simon graduated as a schoolteacher at UCT (coaching athletics and refereeing rugby at Bishops) and went on to have a successful career in marketing and communications with his own business and within the Clicks Group; responsible for the creation of the Clicks ClubCard and the oversight of other large projects. After a number of years in Australia and New Zealand with the Clicks Group, Simon purchased a Villa in Ménerbes, France, where he now has a self-catering rental business.
"I hope to see the IIOFF grow from strength to strength; its success relies on awareness of the programme and the value it brings to its recipients. I'd like to ensure we achieve that goal"
James Sedgwick
(1976 F)
James Sedgwick is a Capetonian, married 34 years, with 2 adult children.
James was a boarder at Founders and completed a post-matric year after matriculating in 1976. "Small beginnings but lots of enthusiasm achieve much if one just keeps at it" is what saw him and a few others to introduce rowing as a sport at Bishops. He went on to study a B Comm. degree at UCT, after which he entered the banking sector, ran his own businesses, and dabbled in property development.
James acted as Director and Chairman of the NPC, The Sunflower Fund, for 9 years until 2020. He is currently retired (or on sabbatical), is a member of the ODC. James was the son of an OD (1948O), who always said: "There but for the grace of God go I" and who quietly demonstrated the need to help those less privileged to reach their potential. "I have never forgotten this lesson, and my mission in the IIOFF is to embrace the pillars of the ODU in 'friendship, support and giving back. There is much work to be done, and I'd like to encourage other ODs to participate wherever they can."
Sanjay Daya
(1994 G)
As a day boy at Bishops, Sanjay enjoyed being part of the first South African school rugby team to tour Argentina and Brazil in 1993 (Mr Dobson and Mr Kaplan as coaches).
Since leaving school and finishing up at Rhodes University, Sanjay has proven himself as an entrepreneur; with turnaround strategies, multiple exits, and founding new businesses. He is married with 3 children and enjoys playing golf and following the Springboks on their travels.
After owning multiple restaurants, he founded SD Brands in 2012, to facilitate the management of restaurant groups. He is also a director of Suritec Pty Ltd (tech company) and is the co-founder and CMO of Locstat (AI insights)
Sanjay is an active ODU committee member after previously (2018) serving as the Vice Chairman of the Maitland Cottage Orthopedic Hospital.
"I am particularly committed to ensuring that 100% of the boys on a bursary at Bishops are supported beyond Grade 12. The IIOFF will be instrumental in delivering this ambition. It is very personal to me as I was unable to further my university education due to a lack of funds."
Simon Burrow
(1968 F)
Simon was at Bishops from 1959 to 1968. He boarded at Rossall; Bramley (first intake); and then Founders. He was Captain of School Athletics (with colours); 1st XV Rugby (with colours); Boxing team (with colours); 2nd X1 Cricket and a Prefect.
Simon graduated as a schoolteacher at UCT (coaching athletics and refereeing rugby at Bishops) and went on to have a successful career in marketing and communications with his own business and within the Clicks Group; responsible for the creation of the Clicks ClubCard and the oversight of other large projects. After a number of years in Australia and New Zealand with the Clicks Group, Simon purchased a Villa in Ménerbes, France, where he now has a self-catering rental business.
"I hope to see the IIOFF grow from strength to strength; its success relies on awareness of the programme and the value it brings to its recipients. I'd like to ensure we achieve that goal"