Discover Headstart Academy’s story and our passion for child development.
Unlock Your Child’s Brilliance!
Our Vision
Headstart Academy was founded with one clear vision—to give every child the opportunity to thrive academically, emotionally, and athletically. Inspired by pioneering research from Germany’s Powerbrain Institute, we’ve developed a unique cognitive training programme tailored specifically for South African children.
I really didn’t like school as a kid. Probably in part because it seemed like it just didn’t come naturally to me. Sitting and listening for extended periods of time felt mostly tedious and then sitting down to study when I could be outside playing, that was a nightmare — I just couldn’t focus, and specifically languages seemed impossible. The ones that were logical or easier to grasp, I could manage. But when it came to putting in extra effort for the ones I struggled with, I wanted nothing to do with it.
I got demotivated really quickly. At some point, the belief started cementing itself that I was just actually not that smart, especially in comparisons to my siblings who seemed to be cruising straight A’s at seemingly all times. I started to accept that I was just not smart enough. There were talks about ADHD and all those kinds of things, and honestly, I took it on as my identity.
That’s when my mom decided enough was enough. She found the Powerbrain courses in Germany and that’s where things started to shift. The courses had a massive impact and I ended up completing 2 or 3 of them over the next few years, it was like a switch flipped. The spiral seemed to have ended and I still attribute those moments to the turning point for me. My marks started improving, studying became more manageble, my confidence grew, and suddenly I was actually ready to take on challenges instead of avoiding them.
Over time, that momentum just kept building. I started pushing myself more, especially in sport, and that same kid who used to struggle in class eventually made the Dean’s List at university — and even took a shot at playing tennis professionally.
The biggest achievement for me in all of it was that I got to a point where my brain and my mind had become my asset instead of my downfall.
I really didn’t like school as a kid. Probably in part because it seemed like it just didn’t come naturally to me. Sitting and listening for extended periods of time felt mostly tedious and then sitting down to study when I could be outside playing, that was a nightmare — I just couldn’t focus, and specifically languages seemed impossible. The ones that were logical or easier to grasp, I could manage. But when it came to putting in extra effort for the ones I struggled with, I wanted nothing to do with it.
I got demotivated really quickly. At some point, the belief started cementing itself that I was just actually not that smart, especially in comparisons to my siblings who seemed to be cruising straight A’s at seemingly all times. I started to accept that I was just not smart enough. There were talks about ADHD and all those kinds of things, and honestly, I took it on as my identity.
That’s when my mom decided enough was enough. She found the Powerbrain courses in Germany and that’s where things started to shift. The courses had a massive impact and I ended up completing 2 or 3 of them over the next few years, it was like a switch flipped. The spiral seemed to have ended and I still attribute those moments to the turning point for me. My marks started improving, studying became more manageble, my confidence grew, and suddenly I was actually ready to take on challenges instead of avoiding them.
Over time, that momentum just kept building. I started pushing myself more, especially in sport, and that same kid who used to struggle in class eventually made the Dean’s List at university — and even took a shot at playing tennis professionally.
The biggest achievement for me in all of it was that I got to a point where my brain and my mind had become my asset instead of my downfall.
Today Headstart exists because I know what it’s like to struggle, to doubt yourself, and to think maybe you just don’t have it in you — and I also know how powerful it is when the brain finally starts working with you instead of against you.
Meet Our Team
Our Coaches
At Headstart, we’re a team of passionate, dedicated coaches who truly live and breathe what we teach. Each of us has completed the full certification and experienced the program firsthand, giving us a deep understanding of both its impact and the process of growth and change. We know that growth isn’t always comfortable (we’ve been there too!) — but it’s also where the magic happens.
We love working with people of all ages, helping them uncover their strengths, reach their potential, and find their own unique path forward.
Our Behind the Scenes Hero
Hi I’m Nicola van Schalkwyk
I am the lady behind the camera here at Headstart Institute.
I am passionate about capturing moments and bringing ideas to life. It brings me great joy to capture the progress and improvement of people positively impacted by Headstart. I also aim to help people understand and become aware of brain training and other cognitive exercises so that even more lives can be changed for the better.
In my free time you’ll find me in nature or baking something delicious in the kitchen.
Our Journey at a Glance
Institute for Tennis Professionals
Concept for ITP developed
Developing the idea of a base for athletes, starting with tennis players, to unlock their potential and reach elite performance.
Headstart Launch
Evolving from ITP into a broader platform to offer cognitive training, emotional regulation, and performance optimisation.
Partnership with PowerBrain Institute
Formal cross-continental partnership established with the PowerBrain Institute in Germany, granting access to their intellectual property and training systems, and marking the beginning of formal specialization in neuro-cognitive and neuro-mental training.
Introducing Headstart Tennis
combining tennis performance and PowerBrain cognitive training for the first time.
First SA PowerBrain Course
extending the model beyond sport, into academics and overall brain performance. Launching our courses to the South African for the first time.
Subheading
First Company Workshop
laying the foundation for internal alignment, structure and long-term strategic direction.
Growth of our Team
in February Maria Weber joined as a Cognitive Training Coach. Anton joined us in April, contributing to coaching operations and company development.
Headstart Academy Launch
launched as a dedicated branch of the Institute, focusing on schools, teachers, parents and students.
Our 1st Major Flop
a public webinar with zero attendees — a defining early lesson in outreach and engagement.
1st International Work Trip
completed, beginning Headstart's overseas collaboration and global reach.
Wimbledon Milestone
represented as player-coach, applying Headstart’s neuro-cognitive methods at elite level.
Team Growth
Nicola joined as Videographer and Content Creation Lead, expanding brand presence and digital communication.
