Leaves FIFA to establish a budget-friendly educational institution in South Africa
In the heart of Johannesburg, SPARK Schools, a pioneering educational institution, continues to make waves in the industry. Founded in 2013 by Stacey Brewer and her co-founder, the school started with just 160 students and 20 staff members. Today, it educates over 17,000 children across 26 campuses, making it the largest employer in the sector, with approximately 1,500 people on its payroll – a significant number compared to its competitors.
Stacey Brewer, a native of Johannesburg who earned a BSc from Rhodes University, spent time working with high-net-worth individuals overseas before returning to South Africa. During her time abroad, she pursued an MBA to secure a job abroad and was eventually drawn back to her homeland by the poor state of South Africa's education system, as revealed during her MBA studies.
Brewer's thesis focused on building a sustainable financial model for low-fee private schools, and this focus is evident in SPARK Schools' unique operational model. The school employs a rotational system that staggers the use of physical space and personnel hours, allowing it to cut costs and keep education affordable for students. This affordability, coupled with the school's proven effectiveness – with some learners advancing two years in a single academic year – has made SPARK a beacon of hope for many families, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic, however, presented its own set of challenges. Many families struggled due to lack of resources for online learning and payment of fees. SPARK Schools, in response, worked tirelessly to ensure continuity of education, a testament to its commitment to its students.
In April 2025, Earl Sampson and Jolie Hodson were appointed as CEO of SPARK Schools, with Brewer shifting to a more supervisory role as the Chair and Strategic Advisor. Brewer's focus now is on product development, cross-border expansion, and new business models, with a dream of seeing SPARK Schools expand beyond South Africa and become a strong player across the continent.
The use of technology at SPARK Schools creates a data-rich environment that allows for differentiated instruction, helping to close the learning gap for students who arrive several grade levels behind. This approach, combined with the school's commitment to affordability, has earned SPARK Schools a reputation as a leader in innovative, effective, and accessible education.
Brewer's vision extends beyond the borders of South Africa. She aims to ensure that Africa gets a global voice as an innovator in education, positioning SPARK Schools not just as a provider of quality education, but as a catalyst for educational revolution across the continent.
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