Cape Town, 03 December 2024: Edu Invest, a catalytic project powered by Wesgro in collaboration with the Western Cape Education Department, welcomes the approval of Phase 1 of the expansion of SPARK Schools' Eerste River campus.
Currently operating with temporary modular units, the campus will soon be transformed into a permanent, fully equipped educational facility.
SPARK Schools, a network of affordable private institutions founded in 2012, operates campuses across the Western Cape and Gauteng, with a mission to provide high-quality education at accessible costs. The Eerste River campus, currently serving 728 learners from Grade R to Grade 7, will undergo a significant upgrade, replacing its temporary structures with a modern school building that will feature essential infrastructure designed to enhance the learning environment.
Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, remarked: “As the demand for quality education continues to grow across the Western Cape, initiatives like SPARK Schools' expansion are vital in ensuring every learner has access to the best possible opportunities. We commend SPARK Schools for their commitment to excellence and innovation in education, and we look forward to the positive impact this project will have on students.”
The recent Education Sector Analysis by the World Bank, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Education, details critical areas within the education landscape such as that requires investment and effort to transform education for the Western Cape. It also emphasised the need for more classrooms and schools to address overcrowding. The report, while recognising budget constraints, recommended increasing private sector involvement, noting that independent school enrolment in the Western Cape remains low by international standards.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, hailed the expansion, stating: “With the rising demand for educational facilities and access to quality learning in the Western Cape, this development is a key step toward not only meeting that demand but also improving educational outcomes for learners across the province. It demonstrates what is possible if we help unlock higher levels of private sector investment into our education sector”
SPARK Schools operates under an asset-light model, with long-term lease agreements, allowing it to focus on delivering exceptional education while maintaining flexibility. The Eerste River expansion reflects this approach.
“We are excited to move forward with this important milestone,” said Earl Sampson, Managing Director at SPARK Schools. “Transitioning from temporary units to a permanent facility will provide greater stability and an enriched learning environment for our learners. With the backing of partners like Century Property Developments, we are bringing this vision to life.”
Construction on the new primary school building commenced in September 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by May 2025.
This project highlights SPARK Schools' commitment to providing affordable, high-quality education in South Africa. Following the completion of Phase 1, attention will shift to the high school, currently serving 237 students in Grades 8 and 9. The expansion will ultimately accommodate learners up to Grade 12, aligning with SPARK Schools’ mission to make quality education accessible at an affordable cost.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, underscored the critical role of education innovation to drive competitiveness. "Edu Invest reflects Wesgro's commitment to advancing the business of education. Education is the cornerstone of a thriving economy, essential for both economic prosperity and social well-being," Private sector investments, Stander stated, will enhance academic achievements and overall competitiveness.
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