It lies on the watershed of the Western Matabeleland Highveld at an altitude of 1389 metres 100 kilometres from Bulawayo.

The first classes were held in a rondavel in the garden of Mr. And Mrs. S. J. Smith whose nine children formed the nucleus of the student body.

The original 5-acre (20,000 m2) plot was steadily extended so that the school occupied a one square kilometre site bordering on Plumtree village.

Under Hammond's guidance over the next 30 years, the character of the school was formed in a similar vein to Gordonstoun and Geelong - determined to produce the best leaders of the future.

Due to its remote location, senior boys were allowed to hunt for the school pot, in groups of three plus a young Ndebele tracker.