About Us
Home / About Us
Founders Message:
LisaAnn started her teaching career in 1988 at Florida Park High School. In 1998 LisaAnn was appointed to St Peters College as a founder member of the school. In many ways this is where some of the creative ideas
around the structure of Calibre Education started. Been appointed as Director of Staff and Students allowed her to establish a greater understanding of the needs of individual students. The Christian Academy where she was appointed to in 2004 formed another environment where she could explore the concept of successfully meeting the academic and social needs of young people. It was then from her own experience with her son that launched her on a quest to find new ways to educate young people and the founding of Calibre Education as Closing The Gap which aimed to create a compassionate and relevant service that supported young people in Mainstream schools and the development of programmes around their individual needs. By 2007 Calibre had formed into an Education Centre and today is a growing tribe of unique children united by a common goal in a system that remains faithful to LisaAnn’s original vision.
ADAM DOBSON joined LisaAnn in 2009. Adam graduated at Wits University with a BA (Ed). He worked at Woodmead School for a number of years before joining St Peter’s College in 1998. During his ten years at St Peter’s, he progressed from English and History teacher, to Head of Department, to Head of Academics to Deputy Headmaster. He has had extensive involvement in all areas of independent education for a number of years. In 2009, he made the decision to leave formal education to explore the possibilities and opportunities outside of the confines of a school and classroom. “Education should be fun and interesting for teachers and students,” he says, “and the irony of schools is that they promote their best teachers to positions where they no longer teach!” His philosophy is that all students can do better if they are motivated, and that all academic success hinges on self-confidence. “If you can give young people confidence,” he says, “then they will flourish, and out-pace the expectations formal education imposes on them and that they impose on themselves.
- Our Mission
To create a place where every student is truly seen, where learning is personal, calm, and purposeful, and where young people rediscover confidence through encouragement, structure, and genuine human connection. Our mission is to guide each learner with patience and dignity, helping them grow academically and emotionally, one meaningful interaction at a time.
- Our Vision
To build an educational home that changes how children experience school — a place where small classes, caring relationships, and consistent support allow every learner to flourish. We envision graduates who carry resilience, self-belief, shaped by the steady guidance and compassion they received at Calibre.
Our Subjects
Explore detailed information about our unique educational approach for each grade level. Click the button below to download the PDF and learn more about how we support our students’ growth.
What makes Calibre Education unique?
Students matter
A genuine 4:1 learning environment where every student is known, seen, and supported as an individual.
Students Belong
A calm, nurturing atmosphere that helps students feel safe, confident, and willing to try.
Still Have Questions?
Ask Us Anything, We’re Here to Help
FAQs
Is Calibre a remedial school?
No. Calibre is not a remedial school. Our small 4:1 classes simply allow us to teach in a way that honours each child’s pace and personality. This setting strengthens focus, deepens understanding, and creates space for supported learning that benefits any child — including those who are neurodiverse and those who simply thrive when they feel known.
Can you get a legitimate Matric at Calibre?
Yes. Our students have been successfully completing Matric for 18 years. Their certificates are issued by Umalusi and open the door to further study, just like any other fully recognised South African qualification.
Do you follow CAPS?
Yes. Our curriculum is fully aligned with the national framework. We teach the same content, but with the added benefit of personalised guidance and meaningful interaction.
Why do you not have homework?
Our system is designed differently. All academic work is completed at school, with teachers close by to guide, explain, and support. This reduces stress at home, avoids the usual homework battles, and ensures learning remains productive and positive.
What kind of children attend Calibre?
Calibre is fully inclusive. Many of our students come from independent school backgrounds, but all join us with one thing in common: they flourish in a space where they can be themselves, feel supported, and learn in a way that makes sense to them.