SPARK Schools is thrilled to announce the appointment of Garth van der Horst as its new Head of Schools. Bringing more than 30 years of international leadership experience across Africa and Europe, Van der Horst brings deep expertise and a global outlook to his new role.
Van der Horst has held senior leadership positions spanning the energy, trade, investment, and strategic business development sectors, with extensive experience in organisational turnaround, operational leadership, and driving sustainable growth in complex environments.
Most recently, he served as Chief Trade and Investment Officer at Wesgro, where he played a central role in securing international investment into Western Cape and supporting strategic economic initiatives. Prior to this, he held senior leadership roles within the Shell plc Group and at Vivo Energy, including Managing Director positions in Nigeria and Botswana, where he led large teams and multi-faceted operations.
Having worked across more than 50 countries, Van der Horst is recognised for his ability to lead change, build high-performing teams, and deliver meaningful results across diverse markets and operating environments.
Speaking about his appointment, Van der Horst said he was drawn to SPARK Schools’ mission of expanding access to quality education for young South Africans.
“What excites me most about joining SPARK Schools is the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that is making a tangible difference in the lives of young people. SPARK Schools’ innovative personalised learning model, commitment to accessible, high-quality education, and strong culture of care and support for scholars are deeply inspiring. I look forward to contributing my experience to support the organisation’s next phase of operational excellence and growth,” he said.
Earl Sampson, Chief Executive Officer of SPARK Schools, said Van der Horst’s appointment comes at an important stage in the organisation’s growth journey.
“Garth brings a wealth of international leadership experience, a strong operational mindset, and a proven ability to lead in complex environments. As we continue to expand our impact and strengthen educational outcomes across our network, his experience and leadership will play an important role in supporting the next chapter of our growth,” said Sampson.
Van der Horst’s appointment further reinforces SPARK Schools’ commitment to strengthening leadership capacity across the organisation as it continues to expand access to high-quality, affordable education in communities across South Africa.
About SPARK Schools
SPARK Schools is a network of private schools offering affordable, globally competitive education. Concerned by the state of South African education and committed to finding a solution, Stacey Brewer and Ryan Harrison co-founded SPARK Schools in 2012. They believed that an innovative approach could disrupt the crisis in South African education and dedicated themselves to creating a new model that would provide access to high-quality education for all.
SPARK Ferndale, the first school in the SPARK Schools network, opened in 2013 in Johannesburg. Since then, the network has expanded to serve more than 17,000 SPARK scholars at 26 schools in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
SPARK Schools’ purpose is to build a nation through high-quality, affordable education. They are society shapers, committed to nurturing scholars who are responsible, persistent, and kind and who positively contribute to South Africa’s future.
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