[1] These two schools have held the top positions in the competition for a number of years.

The competition was established in 1977 by Mona Leeuwenberg and Shirley Fitton, who were teachers at Diocesan College and Westerford High School, and since 1987 has been run by Professor John Webb of the University of Cape Town.

Saadiq, Haroon and Ashraf Moolla represented Rondebosch Boys' High School and achieved Gold Awards from 2003 to 2011.

[4] The trophy is awarded to a school from a disadvantaged community that shows a notable performance in the competition.

[3] The Lesley Reeler Trophy is awarded for the best individual performance over five years (grades 8 to 12).