About Us

Hillcrest Preparatory School was founded in 1982 under the premise of the need for a multicultural community that would serve Zimbabwean students in general and from Mutare in particular.

In the early days before the current infrastructure was up, lessons were conducted at La Rochelle in composite groups. Following the purchase of the estate where the school is now located, operations shifted from La Rochelle. The main farm house, which now houses the school administration, was converted into classrooms. With no time at all, classroom blocks were under construction. A purpose built infants section followed as well as the swimming pool. The Paul Michalec Recreational Centre was the cherry on top of this huge educational undertaking. This best epitomised the motto of Hillcrest “SIMBA MATE”.

The formative years of the school was characterised by a strong unity of purpose by pupils, parents, friends and the Mutare community, who joined hands to plant grass on the fields and trees around the school. Cake sales boosted the fundraising efforts and so did other spirited community initiatives. Corporate support enabled this ‘labour of love’ to bear fruits which we see today each time we walk through the school gates. Hillcrest is truly a place of natural beauty.

The history of the school would not be complete without mentioning the names of some of those who were at the forefront of its creation. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Messrs, D. Knight, A. Stephenson, J. Lewis, A. Went, E. Stockil, D. Meikle, B. Watkins, B. de Buys, F. Heyne, Bishops Muchabaiwa and Masuko, P. Genari and D. Jahwi