Thornton Primary School

The building of Thornton Primary School was completed in September 1953. Mr J. L. Smit was appointed the first principal and assumed the post as from November 1953. The School was named after Sir Edward Thornton after whom the suburb had been named.

On 20 January 1954 the very first learner to be enrolled at the school was Wilhelmina Batt and the second was her sister,

Jacoba. In 1954 there were 195 learners and 6 teachers.

The learners assisted in clearing and leveling the ground to the East of the building where a rugby field was established. In due course other sporting facilities which catered for netball, cricket, tennis and hockey were added.
In 1955 the school badge was designed by Mr Mostert. The badge was adopted along with the motto "Eenheid - Unity", which was chosen by the parents and the community.

On Friday, 11 November 1966 the new extensions to the building, which included a school hall, was officially opened. The Administrator of the Cape, Mr J. N. Malan , was the guest speaker.
The school song was composed by Mrs L. Conradie, who served the school as music teacher for many years.

The school not only produced six Craven Week Rugby players but was awarded a great honour when one of their teachers, Mr M Dippenaar, was selected to coach the Under 13 Craven Week Rugby Team in 1977. Over the years the school has produced numerous sporting stars in a variety of sports which include, Ice hockey, Netball, Volley Ball, Karate, etc

A second Grade R class was opened in January 1994 and the Aftercare facility was built in 1997.

The school has had four principals. Mr J. L. Smit, Mr M. Meyer was appointed as principal in 1974. Mr J Voigt was appointed in 1985 and was followed up by the present principal, Mr S. G. Paine in 1997.