LEAP represents a solution to one of South Africa's key problems; the acute shortage of skills, particularly amongst the previously disadvantaged. As the only privately funded MST (Maths, Science and Technology) school in South Africa, LEAP has a clear focus to create and maintain a structured learning environment that will allow each young person to develop fully as a human being and to develop a positive, caring lifestyle and appropriate work ethic.

LEAP’s aim is to enable each student to gain access to tertiary study opportunities, to be successful in the chosen career path and to develop as a socially responsible citizen of South Africa. Our students do this by graduating from the school with a university exemption; with Science, Maths and English on the higher grade. Additionally, the objective of the school is to establish an environment where positive role models are created and where successes are shared and celebrated, thereby breaking old models associated with disadvantage. This is reinforced with LEAP's unique relationship with the technology arm of the Shuttleworth Foundation, allowing for specialised technology training for all LEAP students.

LEAP is based on an innovative model that encourages replication, and thereby enhanced impact on the nation at large. While LEAP's focus is mainly on the subjects of Science and Maths, it is possible that future schools focus on other areas, such as arts and drama, or sport.

The students of the LEAP Science & Maths School share a number of characteristics.

• They all come from disadvantaged communities.
• Have never studied at an advantaged educational institution.
• Have shown enthusiasm and high levels of energy in the admission phase.
• Have exhibited a willingness to work long hours and under some pressure.
• Have begun to develop a greater awareness of the importance of their roles within their families and communities.

Potential candidates for LEAP are identified in their schools of origin by teachers in the community.