Built a low-cost school in South Africa after departing from FIFA
Stacey Brewer, a native of Johannesburg and a BSc graduate from Rhodes University, has been instrumental in transforming the education landscape in South Africa and beyond. Brewer, who also holds an MBA, founded SPARK Schools in 2013 with just 160 students and 20 staff members.
Brewer's vision for SPARK Schools extends beyond South Africa's borders, aiming to establish the school as a strong player across the continent. During her MBA, her professors highlighted the poor state of South Africa's education system, which served as a catalyst for Brewer's mission to improve education in Africa.
SPARK Schools' unique operational model, which includes a rotational system that staggers the use of physical space and personnel hours, allows the school to cut costs and keep it affordable for students. This model, coupled with the extensive use of technology, creates a data-rich environment for differentiated instruction, enabling some learners to advance two years in a single academic year.
Under Brewer's leadership, SPARK Schools has grown significantly. Today, the school educates over 17,000 children across 26 campuses. In 2016, the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study assessment revealed that 80% of grade four students in South Africa couldn't read for meaning. However, SPARK Schools' innovative approach seems to be making a difference, as its students are making strides in literacy and other academic areas.
In April 2025, Earl Sampson was appointed as CEO of SPARK Schools. Under his leadership, Brewer shifted to a more supervisory role as the Chair and Strategic Advisor, focusing on product development, cross-border expansion, and new business models. Sampson's appointment has allowed Brewer to focus on her broader vision of ensuring that Africa gets a global voice as an innovator in education.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for SPARK Schools, as many families struggled to pay fees and lacked the necessary resources for online learning. However, the school adapted, ensuring that education continued uninterrupted.
SPARK Schools' commitment to youth is evident in its workforce. Around 64% of its staff are youth, reflecting the high youth unemployment rate in the country. This commitment extends to the students as well, as the school provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future.
As SPARK Schools continues to grow and expand, Brewer's dream of making a significant impact on education across Africa seems increasingly within reach. With its innovative approach, data-rich environment, and commitment to youth, SPARK Schools is poised to lead the way in education on the continent.
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