.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Peterhouse Special Needs School
Peterhouse School is a special needs school in South Africa that supports learners who experience barriers to learning and may find it challenging to thrive within a mainstream academic environment. Our school provides specialised education and support for learners who have struggled with traditional schooling, have repeated grades, or have been identified with learning difficulties or additional educational needs.
OUR VISION
At our special needs school, we provide a warm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every learner is valued, encouraged, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential. We welcome children with moderate barriers to learning and are committed to providing personalised education, care, and support that meets their unique needs.
As a small school, we believe that every child deserves individual attention. Our classes are intentionally kept small, with approximately 10 learners per teacher, allowing for meaningful relationships, focused learning, and personalised support. Learners thrive in a calm, structured environment where fair discipline, consistency, and encouragement help them feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.
Our educational programme goes beyond academics. We focus on developing practical life skills, social interaction, emotional well-being, and self-confidence to help learners become as independent as possible. Working alongside experienced therapists, we provide additional support that strengthens communication, behaviour, and everyday living skills, ensuring each learner is prepared for life beyond the classroom.
Every learner benefits from an individualised education, care, and behavioural management programme tailored to their strengths, learning style, and developmental needs. We follow the South African National Curriculum, carefully adapting lessons to suit each learner's abilities while maintaining high educational standards.
Learning takes place in a safe, predictable, and highly structured environment where children feel secure, supported, and motivated to succeed. Through inclusive education, we foster a strong sense of belonging, encourage positive social relationships, promote emotional well-being, and celebrate every achievement—big or small.
Our goal is to help every learner develop academically, socially, and emotionally while building the confidence and independence they need to navigate life successfully. By creating a caring school community where every child feels accepted and included, we empower learners to grow into capable, confident individuals who are ready for the future.
Our mission is to support and nurture every learner throughout their journey with us, providing the guidance, encouragement, and care they need to grow in confidence and reach their full potential. We believe every child should have the opportunity to be themselves, celebrate their individuality, and develop the skills needed to experience success in their own unique way.
Through a caring and supportive approach, we focus on enhancing each learner’s well-being by creating an environment where they feel valued, understood, and empowered. We provide a happy, safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment where learners are encouraged to explore, develop their abilities, and achieve meaningful success.
By adapting learning experiences to meet individual needs, we strive to enhance academic achievement while supporting personal growth, independence, social development, and lifelong learning skills.
OUR MISSION
Sensory room
CURRICULUM
The DCAPS (Differentiated Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) curriculum is a specialised South African curriculum designed for learners with significant barriers to learning, particularly within special needs schools. Unlike the mainstream CAPS curriculum, DCAPS provides a more flexible and individualised approach that focuses on each learner’s unique abilities, strengths, and developmental needs.
The DCAPS curriculum supports a holistic approach to education by combining academic learning with practical skills, personal development, and life skills that promote greater independence. Learning is adapted into small, manageable steps, allowing learners to progress at their own pace while building confidence and understanding.
HOW WE SUPPORT LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Sensory
room
.jpeg)
Our sensory room provides a safe and supportive environment for learners with special needs to regulate sensory input, manage emotions, and reduce anxiety. These spaces support improved focus, emotional well-being, and the development of essential social skills.
Water
wizards
Swimming lessons for learners with special needs provide essential water safety skills while supporting physical development, confidence, and independence. Adaptive swimming activities promote coordination, sensory regulation, social skills, and overall well-being in a safe and inclusive environment.
Ball
stars
Our sensory room provides a safe and supportive environment for learners with special needs to regulate sensory input, manage emotions, and reduce anxiety. These spaces support improved focus, emotional well-being, and the development of essential social skills.
Sow
beautifully
.jpeg)
Our sensory room provides a safe and supportive environment for learners with special needs to regulate sensory input, manage emotions, and reduce anxiety. These spaces support improved focus, emotional well-being, and the development of essential social skills.
Creative
hands
Our sensory room provides a safe and supportive environment for learners with special needs to regulate sensory input, manage emotions, and reduce anxiety. These spaces support improved focus, emotional well-being, and the development of essential social skills.
Musical
minds
.jpeg)
Musical Minds supports learners with special needs through the therapeutic and developmental benefits of music. Music-based activities encourage cognitive growth, communication, social interaction, emotional expression, and motor skill development in an enjoyable and inclusive environment.
HEALING HUGS
At Peterhouse School, we believe that meaningful connections and positive experiences play an important role in supporting our learners’ emotional well-being and social development. As part of our inclusive support programme, our specially trained therapy dogs visit the school once a month to spend time with our learners through supervised play and interaction.
Our therapy dogs are carefully trained and accustomed to working with children with special needs, creating a calm, safe, and supportive environment where learners can engage, connect, and build confidence. The dogs’ gentle nature and love for children help encourage communication, emotional expression, and positive social interaction.
During these sessions, learners are guided on how to interact with the dogs in a respectful and caring manner. They learn important skills such as being gentle, understanding boundaries, and showing kindness towards animals. These experiences help develop empathy, responsibility, confidence, and emotional awareness while creating moments of joy and connection for our learners.
School fees
ANNUAL | BI-ANNUAL | QUARTERLY | MONTLY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Grade RR - 7 | R 55 800.00 | R 27 900.00 | R 13 960.00 | R 4650.00 |
Additional fees
First time registration fee: R 3 000.00 (Not included in school fees)
Admin fee: R 300.00
Discounts
-
All discounts must be authorized and approved by the Management of Excelsior Academic School.
-
No discount will be granted for the first child enrolled on annual school fees.
-
The second child enrolled will receive a 5% discount on their annual school fees.
-
The third child and any additional children enrolled will receive a 10% discount on their annual school fees.
-
Promotional discounts may be offered from time to time and are subject to Management approval.
-
The bursary policy applies to learners who have been accepted onto the school’s bursary scheme.
-
A 5% discount will be granted on the total annual school fees when full payment is made upfront on or before 31 January.
Please note
-
Fees do not include stationary and/or workshops
-
Fees do not include textbooks, billed on registration
-
Fees do not include excursions, camps and tours.
Banking details
Please send all proof of payment to: finance@excelsiorac.co.za
Bank: ABSA
Branch code: 632 005
Branch: Springs
Account number: 4070283266
Type of account: Cheque
Name of account: Excelsior Academic School
Reference: Student number and what you are paying for, eg (PHS111 K. Jones School Tour)