Across Africa, education is entering a defining era shaped by ambition, identity and a collective determination to move from access to achievement. In this landscape, High Performance Learning in Africa is gaining real momentum as countries work to strengthen systems that nurture curiosity, capability and confidence. The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2024) calls on every nation to build lifelong learning, equity and global citizenship as the pillars of future growth. This vision is taking shape through a new generation of schools and educators who believe that excellence is for everyone, not just a select few.
Reforms Driving Progress Across the Continent
Zambia’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026 sets a clear intention to develop a nation of well educated and highly skilled people. Kenya’s Competency Based Curriculum places collaboration, creativity and problem solving at the centre of learning. Ghana’s national plan elevates teacher growth and inclusion, while South Africa continues to strengthen leadership and innovation across its independent school sector.
These movements share a common belief that Africa’s future relies on learners who think critically, act responsibly and contribute confidently to their communities.
This is the environment in which the High Performance Learning framework has flourished.
Why High Performance Learning Fits the African Context
High Performance Learning offers a structured, research informed approach to developing advanced cognitive skills and the values and attitudes that support lifelong capability. Created by Professor Deborah Eyre, the model positions teachers as professional learners who grow continuously through reflection and collaboration. Research by the Education Endowment Foundation reinforces this approach, noting that effective professional development requires both initial training and sustained support across several terms.
Baobab College and the Courage to Evolve
At Baobab College in Lusaka, this philosophy is already shaping practice. Known as one of Zambia’s leading independent schools, Baobab has achieved strong academic results and a record of placing graduates in top global universities. Even with this success, the leadership chose to look forward and push higher.
Principal Trudie Masterson describes Baobab’s decision to adopt HPL as a purposeful step driven by belief in student potential.
“We adopted the High Performance Learning framework because it reflects our belief that high achievement is not reserved for a few. It is within reach for every learner,” she explains. “HPL aligns perfectly with Baobab’s vision to nurture confident, curious and capable thinkers who contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.”
Baobab College Principal, Trudie Masterson
Transforming Teaching and Strengthening School Culture
Masterson notes that HPL builds on Baobab’s strengths rather than trying to fix gaps.
“It transforms teaching from delivering content to developing thinking,” she says. “It gives our teachers the tools to create classrooms where challenge and curiosity shape progress. It unlocks habits of mind that last long beyond school.”
She adds that HPL has brought the school community even closer.
“We chose HPL because it builds a culture of shared ambition. It connects staff, students and families in a common language of growth and resilience.”
For Masterson, the greatest impact is the shift in how students see themselves.
“At Baobab College, we want our students to see themselves as capable of more. We want them to think like scientists, creators and problem solvers. HPL supports that mindset. It is not only about learning facts. It is about developing the confidence to apply knowledge with independence.”
A Continental Movement Towards Inclusive Excellence
Baobab’s experience reflects a wider African story. Premium schools across Nairobi, Accra and Johannesburg are reshaping the meaning of excellence. It is rigorous yet inclusive, globally informed yet proudly grounded in local identity.
The CESA 2024 framework envisions an Africa where education systems prepare well rounded citizens with twenty first century skills and a commitment to lifelong learning. High Performance Learning provides a practical way to bring that vision to life each day in the classroom.
Africa’s Confidence in Its Own Potential
The rise of HPL in African schools is ultimately a story of confidence. Confidence in teachers, confidence in learners and confidence in the continent’s power to define its own standards of excellence. The partnership between HPL and schools like Baobab shows how global research can support local ambition by amplifying it rather than replacing it.
When a school with a strong record chooses to aim even higher, it sets an example for the region. Baobab College stands as evidence that Africa’s new era of educational ambition is already here.
