Former teacher ready to expand college to the senior phase

After 27 years in education, former teacher Ailsa Nel is ready to expand Birnel College to the senior phase.

Founded in 2016, Birnel College was born of the necessity for quality private education on the far East Rand.

“This is the third year that we have Grade Sevens. I did not feel comfortable to go into a high school. It is not my niche. I was trained in foundation and intermediate phases,” explained Ailsa Nel, the school’s founder.

After many conversations with Chris Ebbinkhuysen, affectionately known as Mr E, Nel finally decided to take on Grade Eights in 2025.

“I knew that he was the right person to take it forward. We have the same passion, drive and values for education,” she explained.

Mr E started teaching at Pinegrove Primary School in 1994.

He was also the deputy principal at Selcourt Primary School for a few years, until he had the opportunity to teach internationally in the UAE.

“It was a great experience to be in the UAE for the past 10 years, but I wanted to come back home. I am very excited. The school has an incredible vision,” he added.

He is also a born-and-bred Springsite.

“Springs is a close community, and you have a rapport that you don’t get in other places. A lot of people want to leave, but we can actually build it and make it all better here,” added Johan Nel, the co-founder.

“The people here have been good to us,” said Ailsa.

She emphasised that the culture of the school is child-centred.

“From my international experience, I will bring aspects of the curriculum that are not taught in South Africa. Teaching strategies are important as people teach differently. Many initiatives that worked there could work here,” said Mr E.

Nel also emphasised that there will also be a physical expansion of the premises. Among their many cultural and sporting activities, the school also has baking classes for the foundation phase.

Applications for 2025 are open.