When SPARK Schools co-founders Stacey Brewer and Ryan Harrison realised the challenges in the education system in South Africa, they took action instead of complaining.
As social-impact entrepreneurs, they aimed not just to open another private school but to create accessible, high-quality education for previously underserved South African families.
In 2013, they opened the first SPARK School in Ferndale, Johannesburg. Fast forward a decade, and SPARK has expanded to operate 20 primary and 4 high schools across Gauteng and the Western Cape.
In 2024, SPARK will introduce SPARK Alberton Primary and SPARK Midrand High, growing their network to 26 schools.
Our visionary leader, Stacey Brewer, the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, reflects on the journey: “Starting SPARK 10 years ago, I was so proud of starting one school with 160 scholars and 20 staff members and never dreamed that today we would be operating 24 schools serving over 15 000 scholars and employing over 1300 staff,” says Brewer.
Furthermore, Brewer shared the organisation’s goal for the next five to ten years to expand SPARK network to 47 schools by 2028, serving over 30 000 scholars.
Additionally, the organisation has ambitions to expand into the African continent, hoping that more African communities are served to reach their full potential.
READ MORE: SPARK Witpoortjie making a difference in their community
Brewer emphasised the organisation’s dedication to our scholars.
“My dream is for you to become the person who demonstrates our core values at all times; my dream is for you to reach your full potential and have the freedom of choice to build a better future for all,” says Brewer.
To celebrate this huge milestone, SPARK employees reflected on the 10-year journey and signed a pledge to recommit to serving parents, scholars, colleagues, their community and country. The event was held at SPARK Ferndale on 28 September 2023.
Brewer also reminded SPARK employees and scholars about what it means to be a team member and a scholar at the organisation.
“We are here to create a spark to change and better the education system in South Africa.”
Click here to learn more about SPARK Schools and how you can apply to our schools.
