Secondary education in the Gambia consists of junior secondary, though mostly classified as upper basic school or middle school, and senior secondary school. Most international schools have a middle school starting from grades 7 to 9, which will determine if students will progress to senior secondary education or not.
Senior Secondary school or high school starts in the 10th grade, for 3 years, and ends with the 12th grade. To complete senior secondary education, students will sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), in the 12 grade.
- Grades: 7-12 or 13
- Duration: 6 years
- Primary Languages: French
- Terms : 2 terms
- Admission Term: throughout the year
Let’s take a brief look at some international schools offering some of the best education for locals and expatriates in the Gambia.
Marina International School
This is an English medium private international school located in Banjul, Gambia. The school is one of Gambia's premier international schools which admits a diversity of students from Nursery to Year 13 (Form 7). It is a Cambridge International Examinations Centre and follows the English National Curriculum and offers IGCSE, AS and Advanced level studies. The school aims to provide broad and high-quality education, by delivering an international curriculum in a culturally diverse environment.
- Address: P.O.Box 717, Banjul, The Gambia
- grades: Nursery to Year 13
- Language of instruction: English
- Student population: 1000+ (all grades)
High School- The school offers education in two sections the Junior school and high school. The secondary school offers preparation for various Cambridge International Examinations including the following
- Cambridge Checkpoint- Form 3 (Year 9).
- Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)- Form 5 (Year 11).
- Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary Level - Form 6 (Year 12).
- Cambridge International Advanced Level - Form 7 (Year 13).
Curriculum- from Form 1 to 3 or years 7 to 9, students take the following compulsory subjects: English Language, Literature In English, French, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (Geography and History), Design and Technology, Art and Design, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Music, Physical Education (P.E.), and Personal, Social Health and Economic Education (PSHE). Students will then proceed to form 4 or year 10 where they are encouraged to take a minimum of 8 subjects in the IGCSE curriculum.
Those who proceed to do the optional Certificate of Education (CIE) certificate must pass in a minimum of seven IGCSE subjects, including at least 2 from group 1 and (at least) 1 from each of groups 2 to 5 as follows:
Group 1: Languages- English as 1st Language, English as 2nd Language, and French)
Group 2: Humanities and Social Sciences- Economics, Sociology, Geography, History, and Literature-In-English. students who choose English as a 1st Language must do Literature-In-English as well.
Group 3: Sciences- Biology, Chemistry, andPhysics
Group 4: Mathematics- Mathematics (Core and Extended), and Further Mathematics
Group 5: Creative, Technical and Vocational- Accounting, Art and Design, Business Studies, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Design and Technology, Physical Education, and Music
Form 6- form 6 students will choose one subject from each group and will only be allowed to study three subjects. These are as follows:
Group A- Pure Mathematics, History, Information and Technology, French
Group B- Biology, Geography, Business Studies
Group C- Chemistry, Economics, Information and Technology
Group D- English Literature, Physics, Art and Design, Sociology, Accounting.
Physical Education is non-examinable but is compulsory for all students.
Prospective Students- the following documents must be submitted to complete the registration process:
- Two passport-sized photos
- Original birth certificate or passport of the child
- Original birth certificate or passport of one parent
- Application fee of D1 500
Extra-curricular Activities- students get to take part in extracurricular activities every Wednesday. These are non-academic activities where children can showcase their talents and have fun at the same time under guidance and freely. Teachers are responsible for the running and supervision of the clubs which include the Young Scientists Club, Debating Club, Choir or Singing Club, Hair Braiding or Plaiting Club, Cooking Club, Story Telling Club, Sports Club (Rounders, Group Skipping, Athletics), Football Club, Drama Club, Martial Arts Club, Basketball Club, Table Tennis Club, Craft Club, School Magazine Club, Colouring Club, Crochet Club, Performing Arts Club, Board Games Club, Leadership Club, Dance Club, Girls Club, Marble Designs, Arts and Craft, Sewing Club, Boxing Club, Fun With Video, Fitness Club, Walking Club, Simple Games, and Modern Gospel, t mention but a few. These are conducted outside of the ordinary class schedule after school from 3 pm to 4 pm.
SBEC International School
Is an international school that is divided into 4 sections namely, ECD, Arabic, Primary and High schools. The school aims to produce holistically nurtured bilingual students, in a stimulating and conducive environment where the uniqueness of each child is respected. It has small classes that ensure individualized learning and where each child is challenged and supported by the teachers, and their classmates in a culture of respect, discipline, and responsibility.
Secondary School Section
- Established: 2001
- Grades: form 1-6
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Primary Languages: English, French
- Terms : 2 terms
Accreditation: Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), Cambridge UK).
High School- the High school curriculum is based on the National, International, and French curricula. It is a bilingual international school that teaches in both English and French. The curriculum offers a variety of subjects for different stages as follows:
Form 1 to 3- The subjects offered in the first three years of high school are as follows: English, French, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Art, Design and Technology, Physical Education, Public Speaking, and Religious Studies.
Forms 4 to 6- the subjects they learn are divided into three streams, namely, the Arts, Science, and Commerce streams. The subjects offered include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Additional or Pure Mathematics, Sociology, Accounting, Business Studies, and Economics.
Facilities- The school offers a variety of facilities such as an Auditorium, Information and Communication Technology and Science Labs, a Library, PlayGrounds, Prayer Rooms, and Spacious Classrooms, to mention but a few.
Prospective students- prospective students must provide the following to be enrolled in the school.
- Two passport size pictures.
- A photocopy of the child’s birth certificate
- A photocopy of the child’s passport.
- Parents identification documents
- Parents passport
- Residence permit
- Proof of residence in the Gambia.
Banjul American International School
This is an international school, originally known as the Banjul American Embassy School. This school offers a globally-minded curriculum and has a diverse international community. The school offers a meaningful and rigorous American curriculum in a global context. Which aims to empower students who are enthusiastic, creative, lifelong learners who value integrity, cultural diversity and global responsibility, among other things.
High school Section
- Established: 1984
- Address: Banjul American International School, Atlantic Road, Fajara Serrekunda, The Gambia
- Ages: 10-18 years
- Duration of study: 6/7 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 2 semesters
- Academic calendar: September to June
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA).
Middle School: Grades 5 to 8 (10 to 13-year-olds)- The Middle School program offers a transition from an elementary school structure to a departmentalized secondary school structure. The curriculum here is based on AERO standards, Common Core State Standards for English language arts and mathematics, and Next Generation Science Standards for science.
High School: Grades 9 to 12 (14 to 18 years)- subjects offered include English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, are supplemented with specialty instruction in art, French, music, and physical education, to mention but few. They also have opportunities to gain leadership and community engagement skills through programs such as the Student Council and a Service Learning Project, to mention but a few.
Prospective students- the following are required for students who wish to apply for enrolment at the school, subject to space availability.
- 1 recent passport photograph
- A copy of passport or birth certificate (to verify age and official name)
- Certified copies of all previous school records and reports
- Copies of external testing scores and educational psychological reports, including IEPs.
- Copy of immunization/vaccination record
- Signed COVID19 Waiver Form
Tuition and fees-theTuition and Fees for 2021-2022 School Year are as follows:
Annual Tuition Fees
Grade Employer-Paying Families Self-Paying Families
Seedlings and Pre-Kindergarten: Half Day $ 6 257 $ 6 134
Pre-Kindergarten 1 & 2: Full Day $ 8 230 $ 8 060
Kindergarten – Grade 5 $ 20 446 $ 13 375
Grades 6-8 $ 23 433 $ 16 429
Grades 9-10 $ 25 287 $ 6 000
Grades 11-12 $ 25 287 $ 7 500
One-Time Enrollment Fees:
Application Fee $200
School Development Fee $4 500
Other Annual Fees: Yearly Registration Fee
By June 17, 2021 $100
By August 30 $150
By August 31 and later $200
