Our school was founded in 1966 by Dr Sonia Machanick. The name Japari was taken from the names of her four children. 

Dr Machanick was a South African medical doctor, author and educational psychologist who pioneered new methods of teaching children with learning difficulties. Her work was well-recognised in the field of educational research.

Following Dr Machanick’s death in 1978, Kathleen Argyle took over as headmistress. Joan Gardiner succeeded her in 1994 and Steeve Reece in 2002.

Ingrid Kamffer assumed office in 2021 and under her headship, Japari School continues to support pupils who experience learning barriers in mainstream.