On 2 November 1966 Mrs Anchen van Dyk and 9 other parents of the Northern Suburbs formed a committee to raise funds for a much-needed nursery school that offered a well-structured learning programme. By June the next year they had:
On 18 July 1967, the Bellville Nursery School opened its doors with one teacher and 25 learners, charging a fee of R16 per term. By January 1968, enrollment had doubled to 50 learners, requiring the employment of another teacher and the rental of a second classroom. The demand continued to grow, attracting children from Bellville, Durbanville, Parow, and Kuils River. By 1970, the school had expanded to three classrooms, highlighting the need for a permanent facility.
To meet this need, the school leased Plot 72 in Bellrail Road from the Bellville Municipality and secured a R20,000 loan from Sanlam. With strong community support, construction began, and by June 1971, the school moved into a purpose-built preschool. Staff and parents worked tirelessly to equip classrooms and develop the school grounds.
Shortly after relocating, the Department of Education began providing per-learner subsidies. By October 1975, the subsidy was replaced with funding for three teaching positions. (Unfortunately, two of these posts were abolished in 1997, though the principal remains employed by the Western Cape Education Department.)
The school officially became Bellville Pre-Primary School and, in line with the Schools Act of 1996, registered as a subsidized independent pre-primary school. Governance was transferred to an elected School Governing Body, consisting of at least five parents, the principal, teachers, and a non-teaching staff representative.
Over the years, learner numbers (±80), staff (8 members), and services have grown steadily. The school follows the National Curriculum Statement and prides itself on its intervention programme for learners with specific needs. Additional services include Aftercare, six extra-curricular activities, and on-site speech and occupational therapy. Graduates of Bellville Pre-Primary are welcomed at all primary schools in the area.
The school has long benefited from dedicated leadership. Mrs. M. de Jager served as principal for 20 years, followed by Mrs. Mavis Kaye, who has now been at the school for 13 years. Many past learners will also remember long-serving educators like Mrs. Janette van Rooyen, Maureen du Plessis, and Elize Mills, as well as Grezelda September, who ran the Aftercare facility for 10 years.
After many years of negotiations, the School Governing Body successfully purchased the property from the City of Cape Town in 2005. In response to the growing demand for quality foundation-phase education, parents overwhelmingly supported the expansion of the school to include Grade 1, 2, and 3.
Expanding Bellville Pre-Primary into Bellville Preparatory School required faith, perseverance, and strong community support—just as it did in 1967 when Anchen van Dyk first began this journey. (She remained on the school’s committee for at least 20 years!)
The school’s motto, “A sound education needs a solid foundation,” became even more meaningful when, in 2007, Bellville Preparatory School officially opened, now offering Grade R to Grade 3, ensuring a strong start for every learner.
Today, Bellville Preparatory School continues to build on its proud legacy, staying true to its founding values of quality education, community involvement, and a nurturing learning environment. With a dedicated team of educators, we remain committed to shaping young minds and preparing them for a bright future. As we look ahead, we honour those who laid the foundation while celebrating the passionate staff who carry the school forward today.
A sound education
needs a solid foundation.
Bellville Preparatory School. All rights reserved.
