Schools
LEAP Science and Maths Schools expect excellence – particularly in mathematics, science and English – and so guide young people towards a successful future.
All LEAP schools:
- Provide free education to students with potential from high-need communities
- Require that all students study mathematics, physical science and English
- Have an extended school day (8:15am to 5:15pm), Saturday classes and formal holiday programmes
- Actively engage with students to develop self-awareness and confidence
- Engage students in community work and activities that affirm cultural identity
- Have smaller classes and schools to support accountability and help build relationships
LEAP’s holistic approach includes engaging with the broader community and developing partnerships and collaboration that add shared value. Every LEAP school is partnered with a more privileged school as well as township schools in the community the school serves. This three-way collaboration makes for stronger, better-equipped schools and the opportunity to share excellence in all spheres.
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LEAP 1 – Langa
The first and oldest of the LEAP Science and Maths schools, LEAP 1 in Pinelands serves the community of Langa on the Cape Flats. LEAP 1 students are taught in English and isiXhosa. Established in January 2004, LEAP 1 has a lively, college-like atmosphere and enjoys a partnership with prestigious Cape Town school, Bishops. LEAP 1 is highly active in the community, with a number of student projects supporting the people – young and old – of Langa.
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LEAP 2 – Gugulethu & Crossroads
Serving learners from the townships of Gugulethu and Crossroads outside Cape Town, LEAP 2 students are taught in English and isiXhosa. The school occupies the floor above LEAP 1 in Pinelands. Established in 2007, LEAP 2 has a diverse and active student body and partners with Herzlia United Schools. The school opened a satellite Grade 9 class serving Grade 9 and 10 students living in Delft in 2013.
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LEAP 3 – Alexandra
Serving Johannesburg’s historic Alexandra township, LEAP 3 is in Linbro Park and students are taught in English, isiZulu, Sepedi and Sesotho. It opened in 2008 and the school has achieved extraordinary results in the Grade 12 exams. Set on the rambling grounds of a large family home, LEAP 3’s campus has a distinctly homely feel. Redhill High School in Sandton is LEAP 3’s partner school, providing science lab facilities and cultural exchanges.
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LEAP 4 – Diepsloot
LEAP 4 brings the LEAP model to Diepsloot,a sprawling new township just outside Johannesburg. The students are a mix of many cultures, predominantly Sepedi. The school offers isiZulu and Sepedi as home languages, along with English. Based in a converted warehouse in Diepsloot, the school faces the infrastructure challenges so prevalent in informal communities. Nearby Dainfern College is LEAP 4’s privileged school partner. The Aveng Group, already a committed LEAP partner, is the founding supporter of LEAP 4.
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LEAP 5 – Jane Furse
A LEAP school serving the community of Jane Furse in the remote Sekhukhune district of Limpopo opened its doors in 2012. The school, located in one of the worst performing provinces in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations in recent years, will focus on equipping its students with the academic and life skills they need to be able to continue their studies and pursue fulfilling careers.
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LEAP 6 – Ga-Rankuwa
LEAP identified Ga-Rankuwa near Pretoria as the location for the sixth LEAP School after being requested to look into the area by the Anglican Diocese of Pretoria. The Diocese was concerned by the community’s poor educational results and high unemployment rate, particularly among young people. The school opened in 2012.