Union High School consists of two separate departments operating together. The Primary Department, headed by Bruce Maree, is for Grades 5 – 7.  The Senior Department, led by school headmaster Dave Mugglestone, runs from Grades 8 – 12.   

This unusual division of academic levels dates back to 1963, when a separate prep school was established as a “feeder” for the high school.  Unwilling to tamper with a system that works, Union continues the system and capitalises on its advantages. 

According to Dave Mugglestone, pupils move from prep school to high school “without trauma”.

As die eerste hoërskool in Kaapland met Afrikaans as sy enigste voertaal, beklee die Hoër Volkskool 'n besondere plek in die geskiedenis van Kaapland se onderwys en deur die jare het hy steeds as 'n baanbreker sy plek op die terrein van die Afrikaanse kultuur konsekwent gehandhaaf. Uit beroemde voorsate soos die"Midland Seminary" vir dogters, en die "Boy's College" stam die Hoër Volkskool.