LEAP 3 (Alexandra)

General information

The LEAP learning community includes:
- Six independent high schools offering an excellent education to disadvantaged young people
- The LEAP Future Leaders teacher training programme
- A learning centre providing tutoring to students from our partner township schools
- A community support and development programme
- An active past students’ association – LEAPSA
- Collaborations and partnerships that contribute to education development globally

As part of a global community, LEAP shares widely to build a social movement that will transform education and learning for all.

While more and more children go to school in South Africa today, the qualifications they come out with mean less and less – particularly in science and maths. The majority of our young people have few opportunities, limited prospects and low expectations.

LEAP Science and Maths Schools expect excellence – particularly in mathematics, science and English – and so guide young people towards a successful future.

LEAP schools:
- Provide free education to students with potential from high-need township communities.
- Insist that all students study mathematics, physical science and English.
- Have an extended school day (8:15am to 5:15pm) and also provide Saturday classes and holiday programmes.
- Encourage self-awareness, confidence and personal development.
- Engage students in community work and activities that affirm cultural identity.
- Have smaller classes and schools to support accountability and help build relationships.

The LEAP model works. These schools take in young people facing the most serious academic and social challenges, but have managed to achieve a 94% Grade 12 pass rate with 75% of graduates pursuing tertiary studies. The combination of personal empowerment and academic excellence is the key that unlocks real change.

LEAP currently has six independent high schools:

Western Cape: LEAP 1, established in 2004, serves the community of Langa. LEAP 2, set-up in 2007, serves the communities of Gugulethu and Crossroads.

Gauteng: LEAP 3, established in 2008, serves the community of Alexandra. LEAP 4, initiated in 2011, serves the community of Diepsloot. LEAP 6 serves the community of Ga-Rankuwa and was started in 2012.

Limpopo: LEAP 5 is based in the semi-rural community of Jane Furse and was established in 2012.