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About ATS
“Ad Susceptum Perficiendum” – “In order to achieve what has been undertaken.”
The Association of Trust Schools (ATS) is the governing body of independent primary and secondary schools in Zimbabwe. Founded in 1962, the association has been functioning to support independent education in Zimbabwe. With 65 member schools, (41 primary schools and 24 secondary schools), each of these schools is run by their own Board of Governors and are not-for-profit entities. ATS is run by an Executive Committee drawn from the Governing Bodies of member schools and representatives of CHISZ. It maintains a staffed office in Harare in the grounds of Chisipite Senior School.
The objectives of the ATS are to foster and promote education throughout Zimbabwe by
The ATS has instituted two Associations linked to the work:
Core Values
Our core values serve as the compass that guides us on our journey, shaping who we are and how we engage with others:
ATS members exemplify doing the right things right and consciously seek not to engage in any underhand activity with any stakeholder. They do not approach parents or students of another member directly and do not poach pupils or staff from other member schools. They are honest, transparent and able to openly stand up for all decisions. They are champions against cheating and plagiarism.
As a self-regulating association, ATS members are genuinely accountable for their standards and actions and those of the institutions under their stewardship. They are champions of ATS Codes of Conduct and policies agreed as best practices and do not seek to circumvent their letter or spirit. They promote and build a culture of accountability amongst themselves, their students, parents and staff.
ATS members’ governing bodies aspire and adhere to the best practices of school governance, ensuring that these are regularly reinforced and consistent among successive governing bodies. These include strategic oversight, planning and stewardship, non-interference in day-to-day management decisions and operating ethically in all ways. They do not seek to undermine other member schools or ATS Codes of Conduct and policies. They are considerate of and fair to Heads, staff, parents, and students.
Members ensure that their institutions are run by professionally qualified Heads and staff and in accordance with the best educational practices. Member schools’ curricula are modern, updated, open to change and go beyond only the academic elements of education. Our members’ faculty and staff go above and beyond and are thorough, committed, positive in outlook, engaged and helpful. They are not just focused on academic results, but also on producing well-rounded dynamic students.
Development Irrespective of the faith, belief system or philosophy of each member, all ATS Schools uphold a set of spiritual and moral principles. Our member schools do not simply teach such principles, but operate by them, handling all situations and decisions with the well-being of the student in mind. ATS member schools ensure that the moral dimension of school life is honored by all at the school – pupils, staff and parents. They are committed to raising principled, not programmed, children by example as much as by word.
ATS member schools exemplify service by governing body members serving on their Boards for free and by parents freely helping within school activities and functions. They foster a spirit of service in students through responsibility for the environment, engagement with the community and assisting schools and students less resourced and privileged than themselves.
Our members practice ‘learner-centred’, active education with high levels of student and teacher engagement. They foster the development of the whole child (mind, body and spirit) through the inclusion of a wide array of academic, sporting, cultural and service activities and opportunities within their schools.
