He was educated at Kingswood College in Grahamstown, and proceeded to the Graaff-Reinet Teachers’ Training College where he obtained a Primary Teachers’ Certificate and a Primary Teachers’ Higher Certificate in Infant School Method. He then obtained a Diploma in Physical Education from Rhodes University in Grahamstown.

Mr Niland is one of few men who is qualified to teach Foundation Phase children.

He has taught at Kingswood College in Grahamstown (Housemaster); Monterey Prep School in Constantia, Cape (Second Master); Selborne Primary School in East London (Vice-principal); Redhill Preparatory School in Morningside, Johannesburg (Headmaster) and Grey Junior School in Port Elizabeth (Deputy Principal).

Mr Niland has a keen interest in sport and has captained the Eastern Province Senior Athletic team, represented the Border Senior Athletic team; represented North-Eastern Cape under 20 Rugby team and participated in tennis, swimming, gymnastics, squash and cricket.

In 2005 Mr Niland was the winner of the West Coast / Winelands section of the National Teaching Awards, for the category “Lifetime Achievement Award”.