Pioneering remedial education in Pretoria
Our Story
- 1976–1977A visionary idea becomes reality. The school opens in Hatfield with one learner, five staff members, and the full support of over 300 community volunteers.
- 1977–1979PPS relocates to 262 Murray Street in October 1977, establishing its unique three-part model: school, therapy centre, and part-time afternoon clinic.
- 1980sBecomes Pretoria Preparatory School in 1980, a registered Non-Profit Company committed to integrated, whole-child support.
- 1990s–2000sThe school expands its buildings, curriculum, and support services; integrates technology and remains a leader in specialised education.
- 2020 onwardsPPS thrives through the challenges of the pandemic, reopens key support services, and continues to innovate through new facilities, digital tools, and learning models.
Our Core Values
Respect and Belonging
PPS fosters a culture rooted in respect, diversity, and belonging. The school actively promotes fairness, ensuring all learners, staff, and families feel safe and that their dignity and rights are upheld.
Compassion and Integrity
Emphasis is placed on learners and staff being kind, compassionate, trustworthy, honest, and reliable. These values are gently nurtured through daily interactions and a caring school culture.
Growth Through Perseverance
Learners are encouraged to be self-controlled, grateful, and to persevere, especially when facing learning challenges—reflecting the school's remedial and developmental ethos.
Responsibility and Accountability
Staff and learners alike are expected to take pride in themselves and their school, follow instructions, care for property, and conduct themselves appropriately, reinforcing a sense of responsibility.
Teamwork and Support
The school culture strongly values collaboration among educators, therapists, parents, and external specialists. We take pride in bringing together a supportive team that works collectively in the best interests of each child.
Our Leadership Team
We can only empower our learners and guide them to success through compassion, perseverance and by working as a team. Success is a shared commitment between dedicated teachers, motivated learners, and supportive parents.
Sherrill Wagenaar
Principal
Joined the PPS Team in 1992 as a teacher.
"We can only empower our learners and guide them to success through compassion, perseverance and by working as a team. Success is a shared commitment between dedicated teachers, motivated learners, and supportive parents."
Gail Murray
Deputy Principal
Joined the PPS Team in 1996 as a teacher.
"Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."- Albert Einstein
Kirsten Thompson
DH Foundation Phase
Joined the PPS Team in 2007 as a teacher.
"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think if only you try!"- Dr Seuss
Shannon Henry
DH Intermediate Phase
Joined the PPS team in 2021 as a teacher.
"Every learner shines in their own way. My job is to make sure they know it."- Unknown
Tessa Harmse
Head of Therapists & Assessment Team
Joined the PPS Team in 2009 as a Speech Therapist.
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Susan Meyer
Bursar & HR Manager
Joined the PPS Team in 2018 after holding various corporate positions for 12 years.
"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. And, remember, Slow and Steady wins the race. Life is good, enjoy it!!"
Join Our Community
If you believe Pretoria Preparatory School could be the right fit for your child, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch or come and visit us to experience the PPS environment firsthand.
See Admissions Process