Milner's Kindergarten was an informal label for a group of men close to Alfred Milner around the turn of the 19th century. It drew mostly from members of the British Civil Service in South Africa. They favoured the union of the South African territories and, ultimately, an imperial federation of the British Empire itself. Its inner core was a secret society known as the Society of the Elect, which was founded by Cecil Rhodes.

The views of these men may best be inferred from The Round Table Journal, founded by Milner and other members of his circle. In its obituary for Patrick Duncan in the journal's September 1943 edition, it states:

"Duncan became the doyen of the band of brothers, Milner's young men, who were nicknamed . . .The Kindergarten, then in the first flush of youthful enthusiasm. It is a fast ageing and dwindling band now; but it has played a part in the Union of South Africa colonies, and it is responsible for the foundation and conduct of The Round Table. For forty years and more, so far as the vicissitudes of life have allowed, it has kept together; and always, while looking up to Lord Milner and to his successor in South Africa, the late Lord Selborne, as its political Chief, has revered Patrick Duncan as the Captain of the band."