Instilling Jewish Values, Delivering an Exceptional Education and Inspiring a Life of Purpose
Established in 1948, King David’s founding fathers were intent on creating a generational asset to ensure that the Jewish story lives on. Realising the inadequacy of the existing part-time cheder offering to transmit Jewish identity, pride, values and practice, founders went door-to-door to get the 100 signatures required to form a day school for Jewish children that would offer all this alongside an outstanding secular education. At the very first Friday assembly, a charity tin was passed around, emblazoned with the words “think of others”. This moment cemented our identity as a community school where no child is turned away for financial reasons. Today, we remain true to our original vision – to Instil Jewish Values, Deliver Exceptional Education, and Inspire a Life of Purpose.
Our Jewish Ethos Is Not Just
a Part of What We Do – It Is
the Core of Who We Are
King David’s leadership, culture and community are shaped by a robust Orthodox Jewish identity permeating every sphere of school life. Our Jewish ethos is not just a part of what we do – it is the core of who we are. It is our magic. It is our differentiator. A Jewish education is not an accessory. It’s an inheritance. It’s what anchors our children in a world that often encourages them to forget who they are. It’s what gives them a language of values, identity, resilience, and purpose. It’s what connects them to generations before them and communities across the globe. At King David, we don’t just offer Jewish education. We offer joyful Jewish life through immersive Torah learning, Hebrew language, prayer, connection to Israel, history, heritage, and a lived culture that shapes how children see the world and themselves within it.
Our Values
Neshama
Community
Torah & Israel
Pride in our Jewish identity and values. Knowledge of Jewish heritage and tradition. Gratitude and love for our Jewish State and all it has achieved.
Koach
Energy & passion to achieve the extraordinary while remaining humble. The will to face setbacks with faith, resilience and strength.
Creativity
A focus on problem solving, innovation and collaboration, incorporating cutting edge technology and creative arts.
Excellence
Being the best version of oneself. Working with integrity and professionalism.
Why Families Choose King David
We are relatively new to the KDLPPS family and are so grateful for how easily our kids settled into the school and for the warm welcome we’ve received. We’ve felt genuine care and kindness from everyone across the school.
Elaine Loeb
King David Pre-Primary School Linksfield Parent
The nurturing environment, strong values, and genuine care shown to every child have given our girls the confidence to grow, learn, and thrive. We are deeply grateful to be part of such a remarkable school community.
Kerri Marks
King David Ariel Parent
There is genuine kindness and love at Minnie Bersohn, along with a sincere focus on seeing each child as a unique individual, celebrating their strengths while thoughtfully supporting their areas for growth.
Lisa Mondschein
Minnie Bersohn Parent
The warmth, care, and genuine love that the teachers pour into every single child is remarkable. We love the beautiful way Jewish values are woven into daily life at school. Watching the kids develop such a natural and joyful connection to their Jewish identity at such a young age is something we don’t take for granted.
Galit Smookler
RKNS Parent
King David Primary School Linksfield is a warm and nurturing school where children are encouraged to grow with confidence and purpose. The school is led with compassion and genuine commitment to every child which creates an environment where learners, families, and teachers feel supported and inspired.
Bianca Furman
King David Primary School Linksfield Parent
King David Sandton feels like home. It continues to go from strength to strength, while maintaining the warmth, sense of belonging, and community that make it so special. Our children feel known, seen, and supported every day, and we are incredibly grateful to be part of this wonderful school community.
Calli Ostrofsky
King David Primary School Sandton Parent
Choosing King David Linksfield as a school for our children was one of the best decisions we ever made. Not only did our children excel academically but their Yiddishkeit, Jewish sense of identity and value system was strengthened.
Justine Levy
King David High School Parent
A Community for Life
King David is more than a school—it’s a lifelong community. From supporting Jewish education and celebrating our alumni to welcoming new staff members, there are many ways to stay connected and make an impact.
South African Board of Jewish Education (SABJE)
Since 1929 the SA Board of Jewish Education (SABJE) has led the pursuit of Jewish Education within the South African community. The SABJE is the controlling body of the King David Schools and represents all South African Jewish schools in educational matters with the Government, the Department of Education, NAISA (The National Alliance of the Independent Schools Associations), The Independent Schools Association of South Africa (ISASA), as well as the Independent Examination Board (IEB).
Under the leadership of Alan Joffe (Chairman), Rabbi Ricky Seeff (General Director) and a highly skilled and competent Board of Directors and professional staff, the SABJE has a clear vision of the future of the King David Schools. This vision incorporates academic excellence, fostering the Jewish ethos of our schools, and providing as many opportunities as possible to allow our students to achieve success in their future endeavours.
The Board’s purpose is to guide the King David Schools ensuring that the strategy, ethos and finances are all sound and in place.
SABJE Board Members
Alan Joffe
Lesley-Anne Gatter
David Bloch
Rabbi Ricky Seeff
Ilan Zwarenstein
Eli Atie
Raelene Tradonsky
Anthony Glazer
Mandy Nienaber
Mark Levy
Hylton Kallner
Carin Berman
Shaun Matisonn
Linda Fine
Rob Leon
Amit Brill
Doron Joffe
Daniel Zinman
Amanda Porter
Jonathan Goldberg
School Principals
Joseph Beer
Caron Levy
Mandi Defries
Myleen Ben-Melech
Shelly Freinkel
Andrea Ben
Lorraine Srage
King David Nurtures Alumni Who Are Global Leaders and Players in Every Profession
King David’s alumni network is a strong community of thousands, spread across the globe. Wherever you go in the world, the name King David is synonymous with excellence and Jewish pride. Being a Davidian is an identity that comes with both belonging and opportunity, long after leaving school! The instant bonds with fellow alumni across the generations open doors, while the warm connections and history our alumni share have created a global community of over 15,000. This strong, active, and united King David network contributes to the sustainability of King David schools, ensuring that the values and ethos are maintained, and that no Jewish child is denied the privilege of a King David education for financial reasons.
The King David Schools’ Foundation nurtures a lifelong connection with alumni, ensuring they remain KonnecteD through reunions, events, WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages and shared alumni news, celebrations and achievements in the KDSF newsletter.
Get in touch to share your nachas with the King David family!
Dynamic Davidians
King David nurtures alumni who are global leaders and players in every profession, from arts, business, to law, and medicine, in Jewish communities and societies on every continent. Dynamic Davidians, outstanding alumni who have excelled in their chosen fields, are featured below and on the KDSF website.
