Collaboration schools
education
We believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education that prepares them to participate in and contribute to society. Whether they choose to pursue further studies or enter the workforce, their education should provide them with the skills and knowledge to shape their future. We are compelled by a vision of educational equity where every child can access excellent quality education regardless of where they are born.
Working in no fee public schools in under-resourced communities, transforming those schools into centres of excellence allowing children from disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education at their closest community school.
WORKING IN
no-fee schools
In South Africa, about two in three children attend no-fee public schools, where learning resources, classrooms, and basic facilities are stretched thin. But beyond physical resources, the most significant constraint is time – teachers need more time to engage meaningfully with large classes, and school leaders need time to support and develop their teachers effectively. Unfortunately, many school leaders lack the necessary training and coaching to manage and lead their schools successfully.
Strengthening School Leadership
Common Good is a school operating partner in the Public Schools Partnerships project, working closely with school leaders – including principals, deputies, and department heads – to improve teaching and learning in their schools. Our approach focuses on:
Training and coaching school leaders to effectively guide and support their teachers by developing their coaching and leadership skills, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning in our schools.
Providing Operational Support to free up time for the leaders to focus on teacher development and curriculum delivery.
Strengthening governance, management, and instructional practice to ensure long-term, sustainable improvements.
By building trust and working alongside school leaders, we help them meet and exceed expectations, transforming their schools into environments where quality education can thrive.
As a fairly newly appointed principal at Disa Primary School, the support I have received from our operating partner, has been of immeasurable value. They lean in wherever they are needed, from Human Resources and Operations (Lynn Davids and Jessica Van Nelson), and financial management (Sindiswa Mpaliso) to School Improvement Plan development (Matthew Draper) and Instructional leadership (the Big D – Dave De Korte). It is very reassuring to know that I have a legion of expertise to call on. I would recommend becoming part of the collaborative school’s project, with Common Good, to any principal, who knows what they want for the learners in their school. 
Dawn Afrika-Karels
DISA Primary School Principal
Education Impact in 2024
Learners received excellent education in 7 partner schools through 213 teachers & staff
2024 highlights
Teachers & staff supported across our 7 collaboration schools.
Collaboration Schools Assessment papers printed and distributed.
2024 highlights
Matric Success at
Silikamva High School
In 2024, Silikamva High School achieved a remarkable 94% Matric pass rate, a significant improvement from just 40% in 2019. The steady progress over the years – 62% in 2020, 85% in 2021, 87% in 2022 and 93% in 2023 – demonstrates what is possible with strong leadership and targeted support.
Systemic Test Improvements
Learners in Grades 3, 6, and 9 across the Western Cape participate in Systemic tests to measure home language and mathematics proficiency. In our partner schools:
- The average mark increased from 31% in 2021 to 37% in 2022, and 40% in 2023.
- This year-on-year improvement highlights the sustainable progress being made.
Collaboration Schools Assessments (CSA) Results
Since 2022, we have conducted our own version of standardised testing called the Collaboration Schools Assessments (CSAs). They are aligned to the national curriculum, to assess learning progress. In 2024:
- CSA results showed a 9% increase in the average mark from 2023.
- This data indicates likely improvements in Systemic results for 2024 and, more importantly, strengthened teaching practices in our schools.