Riverside college
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#13
in Education & Training
NPS Score
0
Recommended: Unlikely
Jun '25 - May '26
Riverside college has a TrustIndex of 0 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 2 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Riverside college across 5 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
They use and abuse their Power! I am a matric learner at Riverside College, and I feel compelled to share my experience due to how seriously it has impacted my education and wellbeing. On 17 March 2026, I was called in by two teachers and accused of having a cellphone at school. I clearly denied this, as I am aware of the school rules. I even gave full permission to be searched — both my person and my bags — and no cellphone was found. Despite this, I was later called to the office and questioned again. Without any evidence, I was suspended for allegedly having and using a cellphone, as well as for being “disrespectful” when I tried to defend myself. During this process, I felt extremely intimidated. The owner, Elana Edwards, made a personal and inappropriate comment about my father, which I found completely unacceptable. Even after I asked for my family not to be brought into the discussion, the situation continued in a way that felt hostile and unprofessional. What is most concerning is that no evidence was ever presented. The school searched me, checked what they could, and still found nothing — yet I am facing suspension during my matric exams, with expulsion being considered. This is my final year, and this situation is putting my future at risk over an unproven accusation. In addition, there are broader concerns within the school environment. There have been incidents where learners feel intimidated when raising concerns or complaints, including being questioned and threatened over reviews posted online. This creates a culture where learners are too afraid to speak up. I believe schools should be places of fairness, respect, and support — especially for matric learners. Unfortunately, my experience has been the opposite. I hope this review encourages accountability and that no other learner has to go through a similar situation.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
They use and abuse their Power! I am a matric learner at Riverside College, and I feel compelled to share my experience due to how seriously it has impacted my education and wellbeing. On 17 March 2026, I was called in by two teachers and accused of having a cellphone at school. I clearly denied this, as I am aware of the school rules. I even gave full permission to be searched — both my person and my bags — and no cellphone was found. Despite this, I was later called to the office and questioned again. Without any evidence, I was suspended for allegedly having and using a cellphone, as well as for being “disrespectful” when I tried to defend myself. During this process, I felt extremely intimidated. The owner, Elana Edwards, made a personal and inappropriate comment about my father, which I found completely unacceptable. Even after I asked for my family not to be brought into the discussion, the situation continued in a way that felt hostile and unprofessional. What is most concerning is that no evidence was ever presented. The school searched me, checked what they could, and still found nothing — yet I am facing suspension during my matric exams, with expulsion being considered. This is my final year, and this situation is putting my future at risk over an unproven accusation. In addition, there are broader concerns within the school environment. There have been incidents where learners feel intimidated when raising concerns or complaints, including being questioned and threatened over reviews posted online. This creates a culture where learners are too afraid to speak up. I believe schools should be places of fairness, respect, and support — especially for matric learners. Unfortunately, my experience has been the opposite. I hope this review encourages accountability and that no other learner has to go through a similar situation.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
As a concerned parent, I am extremely troubled by this school’s discriminatory practices. Students of colour with natural, thicker hair have reportedly been told their afros are “too big,” “too exotic,” or that hair growing upward may not exceed 5cm. These rules disproportionately target Black learners and amount to racial **************. This conduct violates Section 9 (Equality) and Section 10 (Human Dignity) of the Constitution of South Africa, as well as Department of Basic Education guidelines, which require schools to respect learners’ cultural identity and prohibit policies that unfairly disadvantage students based on race or culture. Natural hairstyles are protected, and framing racialised rules as “uniform standards” is unacceptable. Additionally, break times are unreasonably short, providing insufficient rest for learners and teachers alike. This negatively affects wellbeing, concentration, and performance, contributing to fatigue and burnout. I urge the school to urgently review its hair policy and daily schedule to align with constitutional obligations and Department of Education standards. Until these issues are properly addressed, I cannot recommend this institution.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
As a concerned parent, I am extremely troubled by this school’s discriminatory practices. Students of colour with natural, thicker hair have reportedly been told their afros are “too big,” “too exotic,” or that hair growing upward may not exceed 5cm. These rules disproportionately target Black learners and amount to racial **************. This conduct violates Section 9 (Equality) and Section 10 (Human Dignity) of the Constitution of South Africa, as well as Department of Basic Education guidelines, which require schools to respect learners’ cultural identity and prohibit policies that unfairly disadvantage students based on race or culture. Natural hairstyles are protected, and framing racialised rules as “uniform standards” is unacceptable. Additionally, break times are unreasonably short, providing insufficient rest for learners and teachers alike. This negatively affects wellbeing, concentration, and performance, contributing to fatigue and burnout. I urge the school to urgently review its hair policy and daily schedule to align with constitutional obligations and Department of Education standards. Until these issues are properly addressed, I cannot recommend this institution.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
How does a 9th grade student who consistently does well in class, is respectful and polite, and has an outstanding no disciplinary record ever, not meet your entrance exam criteria? You did not even supply him with the necessary tools! Furthermore, how does a 5 year-old for Grade 00 also not meet your entrance criteria?
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
How does a 9th grade student who consistently does well in class, is respectful and polite, and has an outstanding no disciplinary record ever, not meet your entrance exam criteria? You did not even supply him with the necessary tools! Furthermore, how does a 5 year-old for Grade 00 also not meet your entrance criteria?
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Riverside College was a saving grace for my son who was not able to cope in the big government schools. They provided a safe environment where he could be himself and excel academically without the constant pressure of having to be accepted by the crowds. The teachers are amazing and go the extra mile in every aspect. Thank you to the headmaster and his team of educators for all the support and the positive influence that you have had on my son and my family as a whole!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Riverside College was a saving grace for my son who was not able to cope in the big government schools. They provided a safe environment where he could be himself and excel academically without the constant pressure of having to be accepted by the crowds. The teachers are amazing and go the extra mile in every aspect. Thank you to the headmaster and his team of educators for all the support and the positive influence that you have had on my son and my family as a whole!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Good day I have a daughter who was a scholar at riverside college in Burgundy Estate, My daughter was abused by a Maths teacher (Mr Marias), unfortunately we had to remove her to another school, We explained to Mr Swarts the principal the reason why we decided to take her out of the school besides the fact that the teacher had a problem with her, I am also relocating to Joburg and they have asked us to pay the full term as a notice I have sent them an email asking if they can waive or we pay installment as I can not afford since my husband was not working for 3 months Their terms and conditions are not fair to any parent but when we desperate for a school thinking that its a good school you sign, They sent my account for collection on the 2nd of July 2019 and due date was 01 July 2019, does that make sense? They didn't want to waive the notice claiming that they received a call from another school asking for my daughter's academic record which we did apply to the school to have options just incase they don't take my daughter back in Joburg All I can say Riverside College doesn't have a way to treat people, they really don't have humanity as if they don't deal with kids, If you don't pay as a parent your kids is not allowed to the premises until you pay, I mean really??? such an abuse even if you try and negotiate you don't win, My daughter was once asked to write in a different room because the fees were not paid and that time the fees were paid already and the proof of payment were sent. I really can't recommend anyone to go through that trauma
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Good day I have a daughter who was a scholar at riverside college in Burgundy Estate, My daughter was abused by a Maths teacher (Mr Marias), unfortunately we had to remove her to another school, We explained to Mr Swarts the principal the reason why we decided to take her out of the school besides the fact that the teacher had a problem with her, I am also relocating to Joburg and they have asked us to pay the full term as a notice I have sent them an email asking if they can waive or we pay installment as I can not afford since my husband was not working for 3 months Their terms and conditions are not fair to any parent but when we desperate for a school thinking that its a good school you sign, They sent my account for collection on the 2nd of July 2019 and due date was 01 July 2019, does that make sense? They didn't want to waive the notice claiming that they received a call from another school asking for my daughter's academic record which we did apply to the school to have options just incase they don't take my daughter back in Joburg All I can say Riverside College doesn't have a way to treat people, they really don't have humanity as if they don't deal with kids, If you don't pay as a parent your kids is not allowed to the premises until you pay, I mean really??? such an abuse even if you try and negotiate you don't win, My daughter was once asked to write in a different room because the fees were not paid and that time the fees were paid already and the proof of payment were sent. I really can't recommend anyone to go through that trauma
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