A Brief History...

Laddsworth was founded on March 1st, 1903, and was named Hilton Primary School. It began its life with an enrolment of 13 pupils, led and taught by Miss Daisy Ladds, a youthful but determined 20 year old.

A highly respected and dedicated teacher, Miss Ladds was asked by a parent of young children to re-start the tiny school previously run by a certain Miss Chipp. Miss Chipp had left the school to marry her sweetheart. The new school was first housed on the verandah of Miss Ladds' home. Undaunted by the humble facilities available, Daisy taught using a chalkboard set on a stand. The pupils wrote on slates and sat around a single, large table. The school grew steadily, particularly during a period when the Hilton Rail Tunnels were under construction. Pupils walked to school, or arrived by pony and trap. One even rode on a wicker-saddled donkey. School hours were 08h30 to 12h30, but pupils arriving from surrounding areas by train often missed between 40 and 80 mins of study time per day. The school later moved to the Hilton Hall, built in 1901. In April 1914, the school became government-aided, and in August that year, was named the Hilton Road Government Primary School. Miss Ladds was also joined by an assistant.

The 1918 Spanish 'Flu epidemic caused the school to be closed from October to February 1919. In 1920, a second assistant joined the staff, and the enrolment had risen to 60. The little school was literally bursting at the seams by the late 30's. Miss Ladds taught the Grade 1's and 2's in the refreshment room leading off the end of the hall. Miss Clark (Std 1 & 2) occupied a tin shanty outside, and Miss Pringle (Std 3 & 4) and Miss Rogers (Std 5 & 6) shared the hall. In 1927, Afrikaans was added as a school subject. Miss Pringle served from 1935 to 1946, and went on to found Northern Park Primary School.

By 1935, the Public Hall was therefore no longer a suitable venue. A modern school was then built in Winstead Road, and opened on 25 January 1937. It comprised three classrooms and an office. Even this was inadequate for the 71 pupils enrolled at the time, so a further classsroom was added in January 1938.

Daisy continued as Principal until her retirement in 1942, but remained on the staff until 1949. The school was renamed Laddsworth Primary School in her honour on 24 February 1956. This was made official in a ceremony held on March 1st, 1958. This step was the result of efforts by the then Headmaster, Mr. I.J. van der Vyver, who took over the reins in January 1948.

During the intervening years, the school had been run very successfully by Mrs. D. Norenius (1942-1947) and Mrs. M.R. Nicoll (1947-48). Another of the school's long-standing staff members, Mrs. Pretorius, joined in 1947, and left in 1972, 22 years later.

Daisy Ladds died on 13 March 1964. Her memorial plaque is to be found at the Church of the Ascension in Hilton.

The Headship moved in 1970 to Mr. Swithin Stride, who ran the school until 1992. It was during this period that the new school was built in its current location. A ceremonial march to the new campus took place on 31 October 1988. Mr. Stride was followed by Mr. Leigh Franklin, headmaster from 1993 until 1994. An acting principal was in place until the arrival of Dr. Glynnis Prinsloo in 1997. She was Headmistress thereafter until August 2002. Mrs. Shelley McCullough was Acting Principal from August 2002 until May 2003, when the current Head, Mrs. Anne Tarr took over the reins.

Three other staff members require a mention. Two Zulu grounds staff began service in 1957, and included Mr. T. Daniel Mdlala (Induna), and Mr. M. Andreas Ndlovu. The third person was Mr. Jack Zuma, who retired in 1957 after 23 years' service. The latter was known and loved by pupils and teachers alike. If a female staff member arrived back after dark, it was Mr. Zuma who would escort her from Hilton Station to her accomodation. All three men offered significant and valued service to the school during their tenure.

On Monday , 31 October 1988, the school moved across the road to its present location, its modern facilities and extensive grounds being a quantum leap forward. The history of Laddsworth has contributed to its unique atmosphere - it remains a combination of a closely knit community school and a modern, innovative educational institution.