The Trust
Our goal is to impact the overall teaching ecosystem and subsequently the academic outcomes of the schools where we have a presence.
South Africa spends more on education than any other country in Africa. Yet our schools are failing us. Many people believe that donating resources such as libraries and computers are enough to make a difference. Or that building new classrooms and repairing structures guarantee a better performing school. These endeavours are noble and they help, but we’ve seen that they are not enough.
To really change a school for the better, you have to aim for the heart of it: its people. Specifically its leaders. So we start at the top. Because excellent principals lead to excellent schools and excellent schools lead to exceptional individuals. A simple, but powerful trickle-down effect.
So, quite simply, the Principals Academy Trust empowers principals who head up schools in marginalised communities with all the tools they need to create conducive learning environments that promote continuous improvement. To strengthen the impact achieved by targeting the principal, we also assist from ground-level up by providing classroom support. In this way we can make a positive impact on the quality of schooling in South Africa.
OUR HISTORY
The Principals Academy Trust (PAT) was founded in October 2012 in collaboration with the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. The founders were keen to contribute to the development of effective education leadership and management in the public education system. They collaborated with UCTs Graduate School of Business to develop an executive management development programme targeting education managers in this school system.
The three founding members understood and believed that improving the management and leadership skills of principals in dysfunctional schools who were serving marginalised communities, together with improving the quality of teaching, would be the most critical factors in improving learners’ performance.
The first cohort of principals registered for the UCT GSB course in 2013, receiving mentoring from the retired principals in order to apply the strategies they were learning during the course. In 2024 PAT has 17 retired principals who act as coaches for 109 principals. Over 300 000 pupils attend the 285 schools that have formed part of the programme since its inception.
WHAT WE DO
The programme consists of three components:
1. Academic support
Each year 25 to 35 principals are selected to complete the Principals Management Development Programme (PMDP) offered at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. This part-time short course programme allows the principals to complete the training while applying the principles learnt to real problems in their specific schools. It runs during school holidays from April to December each year. Principals are evaluated on an ongoing basis through course-work assignments and elements such as weekly reflections, critical incident logs, know-yourself workbooks, ethics workbooks, a financial assignment etc. Participants receive a certificate once the short course programme is completed.
2. Coaching/mentoring
Eighteen retired school principals — with a track record of success as heads of high-performing schools – offer individual support to the principals in the programme. Principals are coached for a minimum of three years.
3. Teacher support
Teachers are assisted through an after-school teacher-support programme with a focus on mathematics and English. Foundation Phase (FP) classroom support is also offered by a team of nineteen retired Foundation Phase teachers.
WHERE WE CURRENTLY WORK
The Academy has achieved success and offered valuable support to schools in the Western Cape since 2012. These schools are in the following areas:
Athlone, Bellville, Blackheath, Bonteheuwel, Bothasig, Botrivier, Bredasdorp, Caledon, Claremont, Cape Town, Crawford, Delft, Driftsand, Eerste Rivier, Franschhoek, Gansbaai, Genadendal, Grabouw/Elgin, Grassy Park, Gugulethu, Hermanus, Hout Bay, Kenilworth, Kenwyn, Khayelitsha, Koue Bokkeveld, Kraaifontein, Kuilsriver, Langa, Lavender Hill, Lotus River, Lower Crossroads, Macassar, Maitland, Manenberg, Masiphumelele, Melkhoutfontein, Mfuleni, Mitchell’s Plain, Muizenberg, Napier, Newlands, Nyanga, Paarl, Parow, Philippi, Plumstead, Prince Alfred’s Hamlet, Retreat, Riversdale, Seawinds, Simon’s Town, Steenberg, Stellenbosch, Stanford, Sun Valley, Swellendam, Vredenburg, Vrijzee, Wellington, Westlake, Witzenberg, Woodlands, and Wynberg.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
PAT is committed to continuous learning and improvement by implementing our MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) framework. This approach enables us to assess the effectiveness of our programmes, ensure resource accountability, and refine our methodologies based on data-driven insights.
Our MEAL framework focuses on:
- Monitoring: Tracking the progress of leadership coaching and classroom interventions to measure their impact on school leadership, teaching quality, and learner outcomes.
- Evaluation: Conducting regular assessments of the coaching programme’s effectiveness, including pre- and post-intervention analysis, to ensure we meet our objectives and continuously improve our practices.
- Accountability: Ensuring transparency and responsibility for the resources entrusted to us by funders, as well as the results achieved within schools.
- Learning: Using evidence from monitoring and evaluation to improve programme design and implementation, fostering a culture of ongoing learning within PAT.
The MEAL framework enables us to capture a wealth of data and information. PAT team members and school leadership teams use various tools to monitor their progress and align with their goals.
In 2024, we expanded our team by adding a Data Analyst Consultant to further strengthen the MEAL framework. The consultant, along with a new database system, enables us to gather and analyse data more effectively, providing deeper insights into the impact of our work. This allows us to track the progress of individual schools, identify trends, and ensure our interventions are yielding meaningful, sustainable results for the schools and communities we serve.”
MEET THE TEAM
PAT school principals are visited once a fortnight for a minimum of an hour, on a one-on-one basis. Emphasis is placed on mentoring for change. The focus is on fostering leaders who:
- develop a sense of confidence in the principles of good education, which enable them to lead effectively.
- put teaching and learning first and who have the ability to rally the entire school community around this goal.
- will drive change where this is needed; will address shortcomings and therefore ensure that quality teaching and learning become the school’s number one priority.
- will have the courage to focus on the needs of all children.
OUR MENTORS/COACHES
KEITH RICHARDSON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND MENTOR
Qualifications: BA (UCT), Secondary Teachers’ Diploma (UCT), MEd (University of Exeter)
Taught: Latin, English and History at Wynberg Boys’ High School and Plumstead High School.
Principal: Wynberg Boys’ High School (1999 – 2015), Springfield Convent (2019)
Keith has wanted to be a teacher ever since his days at Bishops Prep School. While he acknowledges the importance of academic results, he maintains that these are of little use unless learners are given the opportunities to develop as human beings as well. During his seventeen year tenure as a principal, he has stressed the importance of relationships in building up a school community – with educators, parents and learners all fulfilling their respective roles. He also acknowledges the importance for South African society for schools to produce leaders who will one day strive to make a difference in whatever sphere of life they choose to involve themselves.
BRUCE PROBYN
TRUSTEE
Qualifications: University of Cape Town – Bachelor of Science, Secondary Teachers Diploma, Bachelor of Education
Teaching Experience: Biology Teacher at Union High School, Plumstead High School, Fish Hoek High School (HOD and Deputy Headmaster), SACS(Deputy Headmaster)
Principal: Sea Point High School, Wynberg Boys High School, Diocesan School for Girls, Herschel Girls School
Known for his charismatic and empathetic leadership style, and often classed as a legend by the schools that have had the privilege of being under his leadership, He is a Trustee of the Principals Academy Trust, on the Board for Western Province Preparatory School and a Member of the Rondebosch Boys Schools Educational Trust.
PAUL CASSAR
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: MA in Contemporary History (UFS) with a 1984 thesis, ‘The Emergence and Impact of Dr F van Zyl Slabbert in SA Opposition Politics, 1974-1981’. HPTC (Bloemfontein Teachers College)
Having taught in a full spectrum of Free State schools, Paul was the first ‘gentleman headmistress’ of Eunice Girls High School in Bloemfontein. The longest-serving Eunice principal (1987 – 2014), Paul, was credited with creating a climate for teachers and learners to excel. He had a reputation for always greeting all girls by name.
Paul was a founder member and executive member of the SA Girls Schools Association and the African Schools Coach in Microsoft’s Global Partners in Learning Initiative.
Upon retirement, he was given a two-year contract to train principals and deputies in the Free State Province.
He is the current Chairperson of the local Education Minister’s Advisory Council and the author of PAT’s fortnightly letter to principals entitled Keeping in Touch in Tough Times.
ALAN CLARKE
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: UCT – Bachelor of Science, Secondary Teachers Diploma, Bachelor of Education.
Taught: Biology/Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics
Principal: Queens Park High School &
Westerford High School
Alan is a highly respected education specialist who has enormous experience in education policy and school management practices. He was a founder member of the South African Principals’ Association (SAPA) and served as General Secretary for the association for a number of years. He has written two books, The Handbook of School Management (2007) and The Handbook for School Governors (2009). He founded School Management & Leadership, a journal which aimed to support the professional needs of principals and others who occupy leadership positions in South African schools. His analytical mind and in-depth knowledge of South African schooling systems plays not only a vital role in coaching and mentoring, but also evaluation, interventions and workshops.
RONALD BALIE
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: PTC, PTD – Hewat, BA, B.Ed(Honours) – UWC
Taught: Ceres Secondary School
Principal: Ceres Secondary School
Retired in 2016, after 40 years in teaching, of which 26 years were dedicated to being the principal of Ceres Secondary School. Ronald served on both the Cape Winelands Principals’ Forum and Provincial Principals’ Forum, respectively as chairman and vice-chairman. He currently coaches/mentors various school in the Witzenberg Municipal District as part of the Principals Academy programme.
ANNE VAN ZYL
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: University of Cape Town: BA, UNISA: UED and BEd (Educational Management), University of Paris: Diploma teaching French to Foreigners.
Career: Personal Assistant to Military Attache, South African Embassy, Paris and to Vice President of CSIR Pretoria, teacher of French and English at Loreto Convent and Pretoria High School for Girls.
Principal for a total of 26 Years at Pretoria High School for Girls , St Stithians Girls Prep and College, Stanford Lake College, Bridge House School and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
Anne’s involvement in school leadership has focused on strategic planning, global citizenship and curriculum development and staff development. Anne has organised and spoken at local and international conferences on the importance of women at all levels and the role of servant leaders in building South Africa. She is an Honorary Member of Round Square, an international organisation focusing on student participation in leadership, environmental awareness, adventure, service and democracy.
Anne continues her interest in the Good Work Foundation based in Mpumalanga, an organisation developing digital hubs and working with rural primary schools, training young unemployed adults as facilitators. She is also on the Board of Releve Ballet Projects of SA., an NGO working in local townships. Anne is currently coaching/mentoring principals on the Principals Academy programme.
CLIVE BARHAM
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: Stellenbosch University: Primary Teacher’s Diploma, Higher Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education.
Taught: Boston Primary School, Durbanville Primary School
Principal: Golden Grove Primary School (4 years), Kirstenhof Primary School (18 years)
Actively involved as an Executive Committee member of the South African Principals Association for many years. Clive has a passion for enabling staff to develop their leadership competencies. He has a supportive and compassionate leadership style and enjoys humour. Clive is currently coaching/mentoring schools on the Principals Academy programme.
MIDGE HILTON-GREEN
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: Rhodes University: Bachelor of Arts, UED, Bachelor of Education.
Taught: St Aidan’s College, Dale College, St Andrews Prep, Kingswood Junior, Bishops Prep, Christel House Junior
Principal: Kingswood Junior, Bishops Preparatory, Christel House
Midge has wide experience in dealing with schools at different socio-economic levels, and the experience that he brings to the Principals Academy in working with children from extremely poor and marginalised backgrounds is hugely valuable. Midge has published two books, Ka-ching Traders and Ka-ching Business Parenting. His calm, calculating manner, relaxed style and vast experience makes him a useful asset to the Principals Academy team and much appreciated by the principals he mentors.
DERRICK MOORE
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: PTD 111 Teacher Training qualification; UNISA – Bachelor of Arts; UCT – Bachelor of Education (management and leadership)
Taught: William Pescod High School, Heathfield High School (Geography, Economics and Business Economics)
Principal: Heathfield High, A Z Berman High School, Portland High, and Kleinberg Primary School
Retired as principal of Heathfield High school in 2010 after 34 years at the school, 18 thereof as principal. During that period Derrick served as a circuit manager for 2 years. Two years into retirement he was requested to manage the establishment of A Z Berman High School in Mitchell’s Plain for 3 years. Thereafter Derrick served as caretaker principal at Portland High followed by Kleinberg Primary School. At present Derrick has various schools which he interacts with as mentor/coach within the Principals Academy Trust and has worked within the IQAA doing verification of Independent Schools self-assessment applying the SIAM (School in a Mirror) tool.
GREG KING
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: PTD III (Phys Ed) Bellville Teacher Training College), BA (Eng and Psychology), BA: Hons (Psych), MEd (Education Policy Development)- UWC
Principal: Goeie Hoop Primary School (1999-2008)
Circuit Manager: Metro North Education District (2008-2021)
Having taught the full spectrum in High and Primary schools, Greg has a total of 39 years of teaching experience of which 32 years have been in school management.
Greg has a passion for in-service training and development having been involved with the School Management and Leadership Development (SMLD) courses from its inception at WCED- CTLI. Greg was involved in the SMLD Curriculum development and facilitator of modules to Departmental Heads, Deputies, Principals and aspiring school leaders.
Greg has a strong belief in teacher empowerment and development. He devised, coordinated and facilitated Induction courses for all Metro North’s newly qualified and appointed teachers, as well as coordinated Mentoring and Coaching short courses for SMT members in collaboration with Stellenbosch University School of Public Leadership (SPL)
Greg continues to facilitate modules at CTLI: SMLD courses.
TESSA FAIRBAIRN
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: UCT: BA Hons, Secondary Teacher’s Diploma, B Ed
Taught: Livingstone High School, Camps Bay High School, Kings Academy, Madaba, Jordan, La Cotte International School Primary, Aubonne, Switzerland
Principal: St Cyprian’s School
Former Head of St Cyprian’s School (1990-2007) and former Weinberg Chair in Peace and Prosperity King’s Academy, Madaba, Jordan. Currently working with the Principals Academy Trust as a principal coach/mentor. Also working with teachers on a weekly basis: supporting and mentoring Foundation and Intermediate Phase English teachers in a Teacher Support Programme (TSP).
ESTIENNE RHEINICKE
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: PTC Hewat Training College, BA (UNISA), B.Ed. (Univ. of Stellenbosch – Educational Management & Educational Psychology)
Taught: Wishof Primary School (PL1 Teacher – 7 years, HOD – 3 years
Principal: Wishof Primary School Deputy Principal (1 year); De Heide Primary School Deputy Principal (9 years); De Heide Primary School (15 years)
Acting-Principal: Emil Weder SS (2017)
IMG/Circuit – Manager (WCED): Ceres Area (1 year)
IMG/Circuit – Manager (WCED): Overberg (4 years)
Estienne believes in leading by example. His outstanding management skills won him the award for Excellence In Primary School Leadership for the Overberg/Winelands District.
This was during the implementation years of the National Teachers Awards Scheme of the Department of Basic Education.
He is proud to have been part of the Overberg District Team that was instrumental in the preparation, mentoring and motivating matric learners between the years of 2012 and 2015. These matric learners from the Overberg District made it into the top 5 districts in the country every year. One of these years this District was the top district in the country.
Estienne is currently coaching/mentoring schools on the Principals Academy programme.
NOMSA SHOSA
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: BA, HDE, BED (UFH ,1989), Certificates: ACE (UWC), Special Education (University of Oslo) 1994
Taught: High school teacher (Desmond Mpilo Tutu High( 1990 – 1992)
Principal: Siyazakha Primary School.(1988 – 2020)
Most of Nomsa’s teaching experience of 20 years, has been on management level, HOD, Deputy principal and principal.
In 2006, Nomsa was part of a delegation to Tanzania to see how other underdeveloped countries cope with their systems of education. This empowered her in aspects of strategic management, institutional transformation and design. From 2021 to 2023, she was part of the local Education Minister’s Advisory Council. She is versatile, adaptable and energetic.
FRANK PETERS
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: B Sc (UWC), B Ed (Unisa), M Ed (UC Berkley), D Ed (UPE)
Career: Frank taught Biology and Mathematics and served as principal at David Livingstone High School in PE (1982 – 1996). He joined the Eastern Cape Department Of Education (DOE) in 1996 where he served in various capacities including High School Planner, Curriculum Specialist, Teacher Development coordinator and GET Curriculum Director until his retirement in 2010. He worked as consultant for General Motors SA (2012-2017) on their Leadership and Management support project and for the ECDOE in their School Development Support Project (2018). During this time, he mentored several school principals in Port Elizabeth.
Frank brings with him, rich and valuable experiences in working with learners, teachers, principals and SMTs from marginalised backgrounds. He has also worked in Teacher Support programmes in the USA and Malawi. His calm, supportive and positive approach to dealing with school management issues has always been highly valued by those he worked with.
SUE REDELINGHUYS
MENTOR/CAOCH
Qualifications: BA Hons (Psychology); HED; DSE(RE); Life Coaching Diploma
Teaching Experience: Highlands North Boys High School; Rivonia Primary School; Redhill Preparatory School; Dainfern College.
Leadership/ Management Experience:
HOD – Rivonia Primary School; Deputy Principal – Redhill Preparatory School;
Principal – Dainfern College Preparatory School; Principal – Dainfern College High School.
Executive Head Dainfern College (Grades 00 -12). Executive Head – St Cyprian’s School (Grades 000-12)
Sue has a wide range of educational and leadership experience across different types of schools – primary and high schools, boarding schools and day schools, monastic and co-educational schools, public and private schools. In a career spanning more than 40 years, in which she was a Principal and Executive Head for 21 years, Sue has had many opportunities that have shaped and inspired her to remain involved in education post-retirement. Sue introduced Lego Coding and Robotics at Dainfern Preparatory School in the early 2000’s and spearheaded IT integration in learning at St Cyprian’s School through the Global Microsoft in Learning Initiative in South Africa – a programme that encouraged project-based, digital learning to facilitate the growth of 21st century skills.
Sue served as the education specialist on the School Boards of Somerset House Preparatory School and Roedean School for Girls. In addition, she was the South-West Region Representative on the SAHISA Board and the African Trustee of the global Round Square Board. She is an Honorary member of both organisations.
Sue has worked with IQAA, the Independent Schools Quality Assurance Association, to accredit schools for ISASA membership and to ensure that ISASA accredited schools maintain the quality standards required for ongoing association.
Latterly, Sue has qualified through SACAP as a Life and Business Coach and, in addition to working for PAT as a coach/mentor, is pursuing her passion as an independent Life and Leadership Coach for individuals, PBO’s and businesses.
DAVID CHARLES
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: PTD III (Science) – Bellville Training College, BA and BEd Hons – UWC
Taught: Biology and Natural Science teacher: Parkview Primary (1 year), Scottsdene High School (1 year), Cedar High School (4 years as teacher, 3 years as HOD, 8 years as Deputy Principal)
Principal: Cedar High School – Principal (23 years)
David is passionate about developing human resources in South African learning and teaching institutions. He has forty years of teaching experience, the last twenty-three years, he served as principal of Cedar High School in Mitchell’s Plain.
He believes in a learner-centred approach and that developing a committed and dedicated leadership team is paramount to the growth of any organisation. Emotional intelligence and a strong dose of self-belief make him a formidable leader. David is currently coaching principals who are part of the Principals Academy programme.
GAVIN FISH
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: BA in Physical Education (and History major), HDE (StellenboschUniversity)
Taught: Physical Education and History at Plumstead High School and Muizenberg High School
Principal: Fish Hoek High School (2010-2021)
Gavin remains totally sold on South Africa’s youth. Blessed with a long-suffering wife, two adult children and a daughter-in-law, a bicycle and uncountable bonsai, Gavin was in education for 34 years, the last 12 as principal of Fish Hoek High School. He is steeped in the traditions of Scripture Union and a life-long commitment to Jesus Christ and now works in his community as a Life Coach, Mentor and Public Speaker with a heart for teens, young adults and their parents.
DHANAN NAIDOO
MENTOR/COACH
Qualifications: BA HDE (UKZN) and B. TECH PROJECT MANAGEMENT (CPUT)
Teaching: Taught Mathematica at Stanmore Sec (KZN), Fairbreeze Secondary (KZN) and Rylands High School (1983-1997)
Principalship: Deputy Principal of Chris Hani Secondary (Khayelitsha) and Principal of Sophumelela Secondary (Samora Machel) ( 1997 -2008)
Circuit Manager: Metro South Education District(2008-2021)
Dhanan’s journey in education has given him insight into the challenges principals face at a personal, organisational and contextual level. He believes in creating a safe space to courageously explore and reflect upon possibilities to accomplish the mission and collective vision of the community.
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OUR OFFICE STAFF AND CONSULTANTS
JOANNE HAW
Joanne is responsible for the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework and serves as our Operations Manager. She plays a key role in ensuring our programmes are impactful and well-coordinated.
HEIDI SHORT
Heidi is responsible for data analysis and reporting as a consultant, ensuring that our MEAL framework is data-driven and impactful. She works closely with the team to provide insights that enhance our programmes and support informed decision-making.
LINDA ROODMAN
Linda is your first point of call when contacting our offices. She ensures the smooth running of the office, fulfils an administration role and makes sure that all our programmes and communication remain on track.
HANNALIE VAN DER MERWE
Hannalie manages funder communications, ensuring clear and effective engagement with our supporters. As a consultant, she provides expert guidance on communication strategies, helping to maintain strong relationships with our funders.
JEANETTE CLARK
Jeanette oversees governance matters, ensuring PAT’s operations align with best practices and regulations. As a consultant, she provides expert guidance on compliance and governance, maintaining our organisation’s integrity.
TEACHER SUPPORT PROGRAMME STAFF
Heather Bailey
Bonita Engelbrecht
Catherine Meier
Marilyn Jacobs
Melinda van der Molen
Shelagh Scholtz
Anita Bath
Meryl Fourie
Tracey Micklethwaite
Dorothy Raine
Janet Venter
Charmain Meintjes
Shona Breytenbach
Kath Eve
Myles Bing
Julie Womack
Julene Philander
Cathy Anderson
Pat McKenzie
René Sinclair
Reinette Bing
Caeleen Holmes
Coretha Aucamp
CONTACT US :
Cape Town,
Western Cape,
South Africa
Registration and Tax status: The Principals Academy Trust is a registered Trust (IT2943 / 2012) and Public Benefit Organisation with donor deductibility status / Section 18 A (PBO no: PBO 930 041 885).