Primary education in the Gambia is under lower basic education. It consists of 6 years of education and aims at developing the children’s basic knowledge, which will lead to the development of their intellectual, physical, and moral autonomy. Primary education also helps to prepare the children for secondary education and lifelong learning. They learn to discover their capabilities and new avenues in education.
Primary education
- Ages : 7-13 years
- Grades : Grade 1-6
- Duration of study : 6 years
- Primary Languages : English
- Terms : 2 terms
- Admission Term : throughout the year
Curriculum- the primary school curriculum focuses on a variety of subjects and areas including Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Arts, Music, Geography, History, Geography, Science, Languages, Physical education, reading and writing, arithmetic, and the development of problem-solving abilities, to mention but a few.
The following are some of the schools where parents can enroll their children in The Gambia.
Marina International School
This is an English medium private international school in Banjul, Gambia. The school has been Gambia's premier international school for more than 60 years. The school admits a diversity of students from Nursery to Year 13 (Form 7). The school is a Cambridge International Examinations Centre and follows the English National Curriculum and offers IGCSE, AS and Advanced level studies. It 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)
Junior School- The school offers education in two sections the Junior school and high school. The junior school offers education from foundation class to the 6th year.
Curriculum- The school offers The Cambridge Primary Curriculum Framework which offers a variety of subjects including English, Mathematics, and Science to prepare students for the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Examinations at the end of Year 6. Besides the aforementioned subjects the following subjects are also offered in the school, and these are examinable and include French, Geography, History, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The junior school also offers non-examinable subjects which are compulsorily taken include Arts and Craft, Music, and Physical Education (PE).
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 p[articipate in extracurricular activities every Wednesday. These are non-academic activities where children can showcase their talents and have fun at the same time. 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 (includes 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. 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.
- Early Childhood Section
- Established: 2001
- Ages: 7-13
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Primary Languages: English, French
- Terms : 2 terms
Accreditation: Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), Cambridge UK).
Junior School- Junior School here follows Key stages 1 and 2. It follows the National, International (Cambridge), and French Curricula. The curriculum and teaching methods aim to transmit knowledge and inspire students to seek more knowledge. The subjects learned in Junior School include English, French, Mathematics, Science, Social and Environmental Studies, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Art, and Design.
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.
Ecole Française de Banjul/ the French School of Banjul
This is an international school that offers an internationally recognized french based education. The school offers education from the nursery school to the 12th grade. Teaching here is conducted in French, but with certain topics included in the French program studied in English.
- Founded: 1984
- Location: Kairaba avenue, P.O. Box : 4682 Bakau, Behind the Alliance Française
- Grades: nursery to 12th grade.
- Language of instruction: french
- Type: co-educational, non-profit
- Terms: 2 (September to July)
- Accreditation: AEFE
Elementary School- the elementary school section here admits students from the age of 6 to 11 years. 5 classes are offered here namely CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, and CM2. The school recognizes and accepts that students are different and unique. The five school years are divided into two cycles, namely Cycle 2 and Cycle 3.
Cycle 2: CP, CE1, and CE2- subjects offered include foreign languages, mathematics, world exploration activities, arts education (visual arts and music education), and physical education and sports, to mention but a few.
Cycle 3: CM1, CM2, and 6th- subjects offered include literature, history and geography, experimental sciences, and Information and communication technologies.
Facilities- The school offers a variety of facilities including A Library, 6 classrooms, one with an Interactive Digital Board, A computer in each classroom with an internet connection, An art room, and A multi-sport playground, to mention but a few.
Tuition and Fees- The following are the fees for 2021-2022 quoted in Euros.
1st registration fee for primary (once off) 200 euros
Books: Package-6th to 4th (every each year at registration) 60 euros
Tuition Primary 6th to 4th :Tuition + Reg Middle School High School
French, Gambian 2 875 3 715 3 680
Other nationals 3 703 4 543 4 588
CNED registration fees : Paper and digital version Digital version
Middle School 1050 euros 850 euros
High school - 995 euros
