Welcoming Mr Jakes Fredericks — Headmaster, 2026 | A new chapter of excellence begins at Beaulieu Prep.

Beaulieu Preparatory School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Jakes Fredericks as its new Headmaster, effective January 2026. Mr Fredericks joins Beaulieu Prep after serving with distinction as Headmaster of St Andrew’s Preparatory School in Makhanda. With more than 30 years’ experience in education, including 24 years in senior leadership roles at some of South Africa’s leading independent schools, Mr Fredericks is widely respected for his strategic vision and his ability to foster communities of belonging. He previously served as Head of Boys’ Preparatory at St Stithians College, and held senior roles at The Ridge School and Pridwin Preparatory School. His background combines deep pedagogical insight with proven operational leadership, guiding schools through academic renewal, curriculum innovation, and cultural transformation. Mr Fredericks holds a BEd (Hons) in Education Management from UNISA, a Leadership Development Certificate from WITS Business School, and The Art of Leadership Certificate from Harvard Graduate School of Education (Boston, USA). He has served as both Chair and Vice-Chair of the Southern African Heads of Independent Schools Association (SAHISA) and represented Africa on the International Boys’ Schools Coalition Task Force on Transformation and Diversity, contributing to global discourse on inclusion and belonging. Mr Fredericks is married to Tania, a teacher with 27 years of experience. He enjoys the outdoors, especially time in the bush. He loves to sketch and paint, is a sports fanatic, and an avid reader, especially of historical fiction. Beaulieu Preps' outgoing Head, Mrs Noële Hillen, will retire at the end of 2025 after 30 years of dedicated service. Her leadership has left a legacy of academic and cultural distinction that Mr Fredericks is poised to build upon as the school enters an exciting new era. Mr & Mrs Fredericks look forward to joining the Kyalami community and engaging with Beaulieu’s pupils, staff, and parents as they collectively “reach for the stars.” As Beaulieu Prep looks toward 2026 and beyond, the Kyalami Schools Group celebrates the start of an inspiring new era under Mr Fredericks’ leadership — one defined by innovation, inclusion, and the pursuit of excellence.