Springs Technical High School was founded and officially opened on 19 January 1965, under the oversight of the Department of National Education. Initially, the school had 186 learners enrolled, both Afrikaans and English-speaking, and 20 staff members, with Mr CJ Coetzee serving as the first principal.
In April 1968, the school was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Transvaal Department of Education. By January 1973, the school’s status was changed to a Technical High School, focusing on specific fields of study.
The school experienced phenomenal growth, reaching 850 learners by early 1975, making it the largest secondary school in Springs at that time. Due to this exceptional growth, a decision was made to gradually transfer English-speaking students to Springs Boys’ High School to maintain the Afrikaans-medium status. This process began in 1977 and was completed by 1981.
Mr. JHG Struwig began his tenure as principal in April 1978. During his leadership, the school transitioned from an all-boys school to enrolling its first female student in 1983. Under Mr. Struwig, the school excelled academically, culturally, and in sports, setting a benchmark of excellence that remains today. A historic moment was celebrated on 9th September 1983 when the school anthem was sung for the first time.
After Mr. Struwig’s retirement in 1991, Mr. J.P. Smith took over as principal in 1992, serving until his retirement on 29th April 2005. A significant milestone was reached on 1st January 2000 when the school transitioned from an Afrikaans-medium to a dual-medium, multicultural high school. The first English student accepted was Springbok rugby player, Lawrence Sephaka. The school has since produced numerous world-class rugby players.
Over the past 20 years, the school has faced challenges but has also experienced immense positive growth and development, maintaining a steady enrollment of 920 students. Marina Rathe, who became principal on 1st January 2006, focused on building relationships with industry leaders to secure learnerships and bursaries for students. She introduced six new fields of study, namely, Woodwork, Building Construction, Fitting and Machining, Automotive, Sheet Metal and Welding, Power Systems, and Electronics, enhancing the school’s ability to prepare students for apprenticeships.
On 1st November 2022, Puseletso Hoaeane assumed the role of principal, continuing to lead the school towards greater heights. The school is now working on converting its registration status with the Department of Basic Education to become a School of Specialisation in Engineering. Through various partnerships with relevant enterprises, the school continues to position itself as a leading institution, developing learners to be global leaders.
Please note that Educators and Management are available by appointment. Educators are strictly available between 14:35 until 15:00 (Monday – Thursday). Please call the Admissions Office to set up make an appointment.
Should you wish to meet an executive member, please note that you will be referred to one of the Deputy Principals.
The Principal is inundated with back to back meetings and may not be available. Should the matter be urgent or time sensitive, please contact the Principal’s Personal Assistant, Rene Maree (admin@springsths.co.za) to advise on when the Principal may be available.