RIPPON PRIMARY SCHOOL, an educational institution that has served the community of Sydenham with excellence for 50 years has its beginnings in 1969.

The solid brick structure of ten classrooms each in three blocks, with an office block, was c ompleted to open in January 1969. However, a delay in the delivery of its furniture by the Department of Education, forced the appointed principal Mr A.J. Pavitt, to place the first intake of learners in the Parsee Rustomjee School building opposite St Theresa’s Primary School. The principal of St Theresa’s Catholic School, Sir Philomena, kindly looked after the Rippon staff and learners until the official move to the Rippon Road premises in April 1969.

Under the exceptional leadership of Mr A.J. Pavitt as Principal, Mr A. Geduld as Vice-principal and Miss F. Abrams who had been in charge of Sydenham infants housed at the Bethel Congregational Church buildings as second Vice-principal and staff of 27 teachers. Rippon became a formidable influence of Christian values in the children who formed the Rippon family. At one stage, Rippon housed 1200 learners using the ‘platoon system.’

The successive principal’s Mr Andrew Geduld, Mr George King, Mr Basil Clarivette, Mr Robert Katts, Mrs Jennifer Adams and Mrs Jennifer Timol continued this proud legacy. During their tenure, the Rippon learners excelled on the sports field, in academics and in the creative and performing arts platforms and later as environmental leaders in the community. Today many of these learners hold prominent positions in their career fields. Many of the first staff members went on to become Principals of other schools where they continued this legacy of excellence.

What Rippon is today is the result of the collaborative contribution of the parents, staff and children who have shared this journey of excellence.