Former Selborne College deputy headmaster Neill Erasmus has been appointed as the new principal of Crewe Primary School.
With a teaching career spanning more than 36 years, the 58-year-old began his journey in 1989 at East London’s Alphendale High School as a Grade 12 Afrikaans teacher.
He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming head of academics in 1990, head of department in 1996, and eventually resigning from his position in 2001.
“After I resigned from my state job, I was immediately appointed by the school governing body at Crewe Primary School, where I taught Afrikaans and EMS to Grade 7 learners,” he said.
He then joined Selborne in 2008 and was appointed deputy headmaster in 2021, a role he held for three years.
While at the school, he also led the Afrikaans department and took on several leadership responsibilities, including head of Afrikaans and head of assessments.
Returning to Crewe Primary as principal feels like a homecoming, Erasmus said.
“Seventeen years ago I was there as a teacher, and now I’m back to lead the school. It’s incredibly special.
“When I was still deputy headmaster at Selborne, I used to say I never wanted to become a principal — except at Crewe. I’ve always had a deep emotional connection with the school.
“Crewe Primary has long been regarded as one of the top primary schools in the metro.
“When I taught here before, I witnessed how it flourished academically. It was truly a centre of excellence.”
Erasmus officially joined the school on Monday, marking his first week as principal.
He matriculated from Arcadia High in Gqeberha in 1984 and went on to complete a three-year teaching diploma at Dower College of Education.
In 2015 he enrolled at the University of Fort Hare, where he completed an NDP in Afrikaans, followed by BA honours, which he passed cum laude in 2017. He also earned a master’s of arts in Afrikaans in 2021.
Looking ahead, Erasmus is determined to restore Crewe Primary to its former standing.
“My long-term vision is to return Crewe to being one of the top primary schools in East London,” he said.
“My mission as principal is to produce the best quality learners. When they leave us for high school, they should be learners in demand.”
Daily Dispatch
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