About BESA

From an aftercare to a high school on a quiet hill.

We're not just a school. We're a family. Learners feel a genuine sense of belonging here, with BESA being a home away from home.

The BESA admin building behind trees and a brick path

Our story.

Initially founded as an aftercare facility in mid-2005, Brackenhurst Education and Sport Academy (BESA) grew from a homework supervision and care centre into a small, family-owned private high school in Walkerville five years later. Re-branded as BESA Leadership Academy, our doors officially opened in January 2010 with just 51 learners in Grades 8 to 11.

2005
An aftercare centre

Brackenhurst Education and Sport Academy opens as a homework supervision and aftercare facility.
2010
First day of school

Just 51 learners took a leap of faith with us when we opened our doors on 13 January 2010. The whole school was housed in the main building, now the office and admin block.
2011
Building it together

Renovations began on the tuckshop in January. An existing building became 5 new classrooms (N1 to N5), the toilet block was built in August, and the Grade 8 orientation day cleaned out the old pool.
2012
New classes

Construction began in late 2012, as greater numbers brought about the need for more classroom space.
2018
A 6000 m² field

Work began on our field: large enough for a full-size soccer pitch and a 320 m athletics track.
2019
The lapa

A lapa and canteen area was added, providing an awesome space for our learners to enjoy together.
2025
Fifteen years

BESA celebrates 15 years, with 14 classrooms, a science laboratory, an auditorium and a dedicated art classroom.

Did you know?

Our auditorium used to be a hangar for a microlight aircraft, and the road leading up to our school was once a runway.

Did you know?

Our road was once in such a bad state after heavy rain that we had to ferry learners up and down in a 4x4 while their parents waited at the bottom.

The muddy 4x4 that once ferried learners up the road

Mission

Our mission is to provide the highest quality education, care and supervision for all learners with the goal of assisting them to grow, develop and achieve their true potential.

Vision

To provide the best possible education by ensuring individual attention for all learners.
To provide learners with exposure to as much as possible to broaden their knowledge and view of the world.
To provide a genuine sense of belonging where learners feel that school is a home away from home.
To provide an opportunity for learners to take ownership and have pride in their school and themselves.
To increase learners' self-confidence and responsibility, which will better equip them for the future.
To maintain a maximum class size of 20 learners, where emphasis is placed on academics.
To instil a culture of good manners, respect and appreciation.
To continually strive towards sound morals, values and ethics.
To encourage participation in sport and cultural activities.
To provide parents with peace of mind that their children are well cared for and safe.
To be a well respected and trusted organisation in our community.
To develop policies which are proactive and constructive.

Our facilities.

Nestled on a quiet hill near the R82, our school has a 180 degree view of the south of Johannesburg.

Office and admin block

Believe it or not, this building housed our entire school for the first year of our existence.

6000 m² field

Construction began in 2018. It is large enough to hold a full-size soccer pitch and a 320 m athletics track.

Art classroom

Our newer classroom block includes a designated matric examination venue, set apart from the main classrooms for extra peace and quiet.

Classrooms

Four blocks of classrooms, 14 in all, each able to seat 20 learners comfortably.

Science laboratory and auditorium

A science laboratory for practical work, and an auditorium in a former microlight hangar.

Multi-purpose court

There can't be many better settings in which to play a tennis, netball or volleyball match.

Counselling space

Healing and therapy sessions with an on-site qualified counselling psychologist.

Lapa and tuckshop

Added in 2019: an awesome space for our learners to enjoy together.

15 m swimming pool

Not full-size, but large enough to host our inter-house swimming gala every year.

Learner book nook

A quiet space in our admin block, open to all learners and staff on a free to read and return system.

Court grandstand

A great spectator vantage point, and the home of our daily morning assemblies.

School buses

Three dedicated buses collect and drop off learners at various destinations.

BESA sunsets

Our peaceful learning environment has the most stunning sunsets.

Where are they now?

Meet our alumni.

Read their stories