Ashton Ballito Alumni

Introducing Mrs Andrea Pope, Our Head of Ashlings Early Learning Centre (Pre-Primary)❤️🌈

It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Mrs Andrea Pope as the Head of our Ashlings Early Learning Centre (Pre-Primary)

For the past 11 years, "Mrs Popie" has been a treasured member of the Ashlings family, inspiring countless young students with her warmth, dedication and passion for early childhood education. Having taught in both our Seahorses and Starfish classes, she has become a much-loved and respected teacher.

Mrs Pope's journey with Ashton is one that truly reflects the heart of our school. She has experienced Ashton as a teacher, a mother, a Grade Tutor and now as our Phase Head. Both of her sons have progressed through the Ashton school system, with one matriculating last year and the other completing his matric year this year. This unique perspective gives her a deep understanding of the Ashton ethos and the importance of nurturing every student from their earliest years through to Matric.

We look forward to the exciting future of Ashlings under the leadership and guidance of Mrs Pope. ❤️✨

🎉 Best of Ballito 2026 Finalists ! 🎉

We are proud to share that we have been named a finalist in the 2026 Best of Ballito Readers' Choice Awards for the fourth consecutive year. 🌟

We have been nominated in the following categories:

🏆 Best Creche / Playschool
🏆 Best Pre-Primary School
🏆 Best Independent Pre-Primary School
🏆 Best Private Primary School
🏆 Best Private High School
🏆 Best Sports Club / Coaching
🏆 Best Music Lessons
🏆 Best Swim School (Charl Crous)

A sincere thank you to everyone who nominated us. We are honoured to be recognised across so many areas of school life and grateful for the continued support of our Ashton community.

Voting is now open:
https://www.bestofsouthafrica.co.za/ballito/bob-voting-category-education/

🏉 Built from passion. Engineered for performance. Designed for the future. 🏉

We are incredibly excited to introduce our new custom-built Scrum Machine, proudly designed and manufactured by Shaun and Peter Boucher. Combining innovation, engineering expertise, and a passion for rugby development, this outstanding addition will help take our training sessions to the next level.

Built over approximately 6 weeks and requiring more than 400 hours of workmanship, the machine was carefully manufactured using steel fabrication, plasma cutting, galvanising, and powder coating to ensure durability and longevity.

Featuring a unique wheel system capable of 180° movement, the machine allows for smooth operation with no need for 3-point turns, creating a more efficient training experience. Built without hydraulics, it reduces maintenance requirements, lowers costs, and eliminates common failure points. Its interlocking steel construction was specifically designed to maximise strength and ensure no weak points.

Weighing approximately 800kg, with carefully engineered weight distribution and additional loading capabilities, this scrum machine has been built to simulate realistic scrum conditions while prioritising player development and performance.

A special mention to Shaun Boucher, an Ashton alumnus (Class of 2018) and mechanical engineer, and Peter Boucher, whose vision, expertise, and countless hours of work have created a lasting resource for our rugby programme and future generations of players.

Thank you, Shaun and Peter, for turning an idea into something exceptional. 💪🔥🏉

🎶✨ An Evening of Unforgettable Music Awaits! ✨🎶
Join us for a spectacular Collaborative Concert, bringing together the incredible talents of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir, KZN Youth Wind Band and the Ashton Senior Choir.
📍 Venue: Grace Hall, Ashton Ballito
📅 Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
Enjoy a relaxed barnyard-style evening – bring your own dinner, sit back, and soak up an inspiring night of powerful performances and beautiful harmonies.
🎟️ Tickets: R150 (adults). Scan the top QR code to purchase your ticket off the Karri App.
Tickets will also be able to be purchased at the door.
🍔Pre Ordered Meal Combos may be purchased off the Karri App as well by scanning the bottom QR code on the poster. Deadline for food orders 12pm on 8 May.

This special evening celebrates collaboration, musical excellence and the passion of young performers.
Don’t miss out – gather your friends and family for a memorable night of live music! 🎤🎺🎼