Melkbosstrand Private School is celebrating a significant milestone this July – 20 years of shaping young minds and hearts through education rooted in Christian values. Our school, which is located just outside Melkbosstrand, a quaint suburb of Cape Town, has grown from humble beginnings into a place noted for individual attention, academic excellence, and a Christian ethos, ensuring spiritual grounding for its learners.
As we pause to celebrate two decades of MPS, we reflect on the journey that has brought us here. No journey is easy nor smooth and we are grateful for ours having been one paved with dedication, faith, and a deep commitment to “Raising and Releasing Changemakers” of the future.
A Seed Planted in Faith
Melkbosstrand Private School’s four founding members had a dream to establish a Christian-based school that offers a values-driven alternative to mainstream education. This became a reality when the school was officially registered on 25 July 2005 as a Section 21 non-profit company. MPS has remained anchored in its Christian ethos since its inception 20 years ago.
From the very first bell, prayer and Biblical values, as exemplified by the school’s motto of Psalm 23, have been woven into the fabric of daily school life, shaping not just academics, but overall, the character and purpose.
“The vision of the founding members has always been to raise up a generation of young people, equipped not just with knowledge but with wisdom, compassion, and faith,” says Mr. Oloff Dreyer, current CEO.
“Looking back, we see God’s hand in every step – His provision, guidance, and grace.”
Moments and Milestones
Over the past two decades, Melkbosstrand Private School has celebrated countless memorable moments, both big and small. For the sake of brevity, we’ve included a just a few of the most outstanding moments and milestones:
2005 – The school is registered as an NPC.
2006 – Official opening of the Primary School with 89 learners and a handful of teachers, united by passion and purpose.
2008 – Addition of the High School and Pre-Primary School, known as Noah’s Ark, broadening the school’s educational reach.
2012 – First Grade 12 class matriculates with a 100% pass rate – an achievement and trend that has been proudly upheld year after year.
2013 – The School hall is built and the first MPS High school sports tour to Glenwood House in George.
2015 – MPS’ 10th year celebration with a performance by singer, Heinz Winkler.
2017 – MPS participates in the Parklands College Festival of Music, collaborating with other schools and the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
2019 – MPS is awarded Umalusi accreditation, ensuring quality assurance in education. MPS proudly takes delivery of its first MPS school bus. Our beautiful mascots – the Lion and the Lamb are introduced. Learners were challenged to design a school mascot in a competition and the winning entry was based on our values at MPS: Christ-centredness, Courage, Respect, Integrity, Innovation and Quality Work.
2021 – Start of our partnership with Keller Education and implementing a unique and different teaching methodology focused on learner and educator welfare. We also enjoyed a fresh new look for MPS with a strategic review of our school’s branding and its value proposition to its clients. This resulted in the #Changemaker positioning and the new brand identity which supports what we are about at the school.
2022 – Pivotal shift from the CAPS curriculum to the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) curriculum. This move positions MPS among a select group of South African schools committed to deeper critical thinking, robust academic standards, and greater learner agency.
2023 – Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) membership – “ And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
2024 – MPS matric group achieves a 100% pass rate in the first IEB NSC examinations, with a 91.4% Bachelor’s pass rate.
2025 – Awarded Keller Education Flagship school status, one of only 3 schools nationally.
A Place Where Children Flourish
From the very beginning, the school’s unique rural setting, surrounded by a farm and the rolling hills of Melkbosstrand, has allowed learners to experience education beyond the classroom walls. Here, children interact with farm animals, nature, grow in confidence, and develop a strong sense of stewardship and wonder for God’s creation.
“We’ve always believed that learning should be about more than textbooks,” reflects Allan Norton, Head of MPS Intermediate, Senior and FET phases.
“Our setting gives learners space to breathe, to explore, and to discover themselves and their purpose. That’s something no traditional urban school can offer.” adds Mr. Norton.
The school’s commitment to small class sizes remains one of its strongest assets. It ensures that every learner receives individual attention, tailored academic support, and the opportunity to grow at their own pace.
“This is a place where we don’t just teach. We journey with each learner – emotionally, academically, and spiritually. That means taking the time to truly know them, to walk alongside them through both triumphs and challenges. Our approach is deeply personal. We foster a sense of belonging, security, and purpose in every classroom, and that creates the foundation for real growth.” shares Antoinette Gauche, Head of the ECD and Foundation phases and who has been at the school since its inception and one of the school’s longest-serving educators.
“From their very first steps in our ECD classes to the confident strides they take into the Foundation Phase, we witness something beautiful; children developing not only academically, but also in character and faith. And that’s what makes our work so meaningful – we’re shaping whole human beings, ready to make a difference in the world.” adds Mrs Gauche.
Christ at the Centre
The heart of Melkbosstrand Private School is and always will be Jesus Christ – the biggest Changemaker the world has ever known.
Every school day begins with devotion, and biblical values are woven into the curriculum, not as an add-on, but as a guiding framework.
The school aims to nurture not only smart minds, but strong and faith-based hearts – learners who grow into adults that lead with integrity, humility, and faith.
Throughout the years, learners have been encouraged to pursue their God-given talents, trust in His plan, and understand that success means serving others with love, humility and purpose.
Looking Ahead: Building the Next 100 Years
As Melkbosstrand Private School celebrates this 20th anniversary, it does so with deep gratitude — to the founding members, current and past headmasters, teachers, learners, parents, and supporters who have walked this journey together.
Plans for the next chapter include:
- The prospect of breaking ground on the High school campus.
- Continued investment in academic enrichment and modern learning tools,
- Strengthening the school’s outreach and community involvement programmes,
- Fostering leadership development in learners across all grades,
- And always, remaining faithful to the school’s founding mission: to offer a holistic, Christ-centred education that prepares children for life.
A Family That Grows Together
As we commemorate this special milestone, we are reminded that Melkbosstrand Private School is not just a place of learning, it’s a family. A community where every child is seen, every teacher is valued, and every achievement is shared.
The following quote sums up the MPS approach quite well:
“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove …. but the world may be different because I was important if the life of a child “
– Forest E. Witcraft, Scouting magazine, October 1950.
“What makes this school special isn’t just our results — it’s our relationships,” says Oloff Dreyer.
“We give children more than knowledge. We give them roots, wings, and a firm foundation in Christ.”
Join the Celebration
Watch the media, social media and our website for the details of the celebrations planned for the weekend of 26 and 27 of July 2025, where more details will be provided.
Here’s to 20 years of Melkbosstrand Private School — and to many more years of faith-filled learning, growing, and leading. To all parents who would like to become part of the MPS journey – a reminder that enrolments are open all year round. Contact us and arrange to come aong and see what makes MPS different – we look forward to meeting you!
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