Our students have excelled in ancillary academic research, which is recognised within the school’s Academia Award system. This covers Olympiads (English, Maths, Science, Life Sciences), research projects, Eisteddfodau and similar opportunities. Particular successes recently have come from Martin Kemp (represented South Africa at World Science Fair in Boston, 2008), James Foulkes (selected to represent SA in Reunion Islands at the International Science Fair in 2010) and Lucas Anderson (top 3 in the National Science Olympiad in his age-group in 2008 and 2009).

There is a decades-long tradition of excellence in Maths Olympiads, with numerous Stirling students selected to represent Border and even South Africa in Maths Olympiad teams. Stirling has been recognised as one of the top Maths schools in the country and receives regular funding from the Epoch and Optima Trusts (founded by AngloAmerican) specifically for the enhancement of Maths education.

Life Science and Natural Science students are very active in extra research and activities, including the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, Olympiads and the Grahamstown Science Festival. Regular academic tours and excursions in subjects like Tourism, English, Business Studies and Music are also on offer.