On 16 April 1812, the English governor of the Cape, Sir John Cradock, sent a circular to the magistrates of the Cape Districts, which included Tygerberg and Koeberg. In it, he encouraged all the magistrates to propose ways of improving the districts' education systems. The magistrate of the Cape District, J. Zorn, reported on educational conditions in his district on 8 June 1812.

However, Magistrate Zorn had already recommended 14 years earlier (± 1798) that Pampoenkraal would be the designated place for a central school in the area. This school would serve Koeberg, Tygerberg and part of the Cape Flats. Magistrate Zorn's recommendation was only realized in 1827, 15 years after his report to Sir John Cradock, when a reader-teacher was appointed for the newly founded Congregation "aan de Tijgerberg" (Durbanville). The proverbial two birds with one stone could now become a reality.

Understandably, church and school were inextricably linked in those years and when the Congregation (of Durbanville/Pampoenkraal) was established in 1826, the first state-supported teacher was appointed shortly thereafter.

The first parish clerk and reader of the NG Congregation in Durbanville/Pampoenkraal, Hendrik Francois Mellet, was appointed on 25 February 1827. He served in the church on Sundays and taught during the week. Teaching took place in the Congregation's "voorlezersgebouw" and Mr Mellet also took up residence there.

As a schoolmaster, Mr Mellet had to abide by the following rules:

• he had to instruct pupils in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Religion;
• he had to teach for 6 hours every day, except Wednesday and Saturday;
• the pupils had to be treated with kindness and politeness; and
• in his dress and behaviour, the master had to set an example of cleanliness and orderliness.

During the period 1827 to 1886, fourteen principals came and went. They taught in various buildings, even in the courtroom.

In 1897 there were 91 pupils in the school and four newly built classrooms were occupied (premises which were later converted into a Civic Centre and municipal offices in Durbanville).

The further history of education in Durbanville is colourful. Durbanville Primary School was established in January 1955 when the primary school separated from the High School. Mr A.A. de Wet became the first principal and, on 22 August 1958, a copper commemorative plaque was unveiled by the mayor, Mr G.C.A. van der Westhuyzen, at this new school building in Weyers Avenue, Durbanville. Mr de Wet created the school badge and motto and wrote the lyrics of the school song. The music was composed by a music teacher, Mr Freddie Carle.

Mr de Wet was succeeded by the following principals: Messrs P.J. Dreyer, L.A. van Zyl, M.J. Franken and J.C. Swart. Mr Pierre du Toit has been the principal since April 2020.

Blue Heritage Plaque status from the Heritage Association of South Africa was awarded to Durbanville Primary School in June 2022 in the category, Schools over 125 years old. 

Blue Heritage Plaque