Primary education is free in Malawi, but Secondary education has to be paid for. Secondary school education takes 4 years from Form 1 to Form 4. Students can attend secondary school in public schools run by the government or in private institutions run by the private sector and individuals. Generally, fees in private schools are more than that of public schools.
- Grades: form 1-4
- Duration: 4 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term: any time of the year
- School types: private and public schools.
- Language of Instruction: English
- Award: Junior Certificate Examination (form 2) and the Malawi School Certificate Examination (Form 4).
Secondary school curriculum
The secondary school curriculum is broad and offers a variety of subjects including Agriculture, Bible Knowledge, Biology, Chemistry, Chichewa, English, Geography, Life Skills, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Developmental Studies, to mention but a few.
Students in secondary schools sit for two examinations, the Junior Certificate Examination (JCE) in Form 2 and the Malawi School Certificate Examination (MSCE) in Form 4, which are set by The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) but jointly administered together with the Ministry of Education.
International secondary schools in Malawi
Let us take a brief look at some of the schools that offer high school or secondary education for international students in Malawi.
Lilongwe Private School
This is a state-of-the-art school located in Lilongwe. The school believes that every child is unique and has hidden talents that need to be tapped. It offers opportunities and a healthy environment that allows students to excel and reach their full potential. It aims to create a joyful, friendly atmosphere in a stimulating environment, where learning is a pleasurable activity.
- Location: Area 2, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Curriculum: IGCSE (Cambridge)
- Type: private
Curriculum: The curriculum is aligned to the Cambridge International Primary Programme which prepares students for the rigorous academic demands of IGCSE in grades 9 and 10. The Curriculum is designed to ensure that students have a smooth transition from Middle School to Senior School.
Facilities: the school has several excellent facilities including Classrooms, a Library, and Laboratory Facilities
Kamuzu Academy
This is a selective, co-educational boarding school offering education for students aged 11 to 18. It is located close to the village of Mtunthama, about 150 km from Lilongwe. It was founded by Malawi's first President, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda. The school offers an education that is influenced by the UK National Curriculum. The Academy offers courses and programs leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations of the University of Cambridge and the other UK examining bodies at the end of Form 5, and to GCE AS and A levels at the end of the Lower and Upper 6th Forms respectively
- Opened: 1981
- Address: Private Bag 1, Mtunthama, Kasungu, Malawi
- Language of Instruction: English
- Curriculum: Cambridge
- Terms: 3 (September to December, January to March, and April to June)
Curriculum
The academy offers a broad curriculum covering areas including English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Latin, Greek, History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, ICT, French, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law, Art and Design, Music and Physical Education, to mention but a few.
Prospective students- all students wishing to enroll here should note the following: The Academy welcomes applications from all prospective pupils, regardless of origin, and considers a variety of factors in selecting its pupils, including academic and social factors. Entrants into the first form will be accepted based on their primary school leaving results.
Forms 1 to 3- will be admitted based on an Interview and written examinations.
Form Four- will be admitted based on an Interview, written examinations, and a Report from the previous school.
Advanced level students- these will be accepted based on an Interview, successful completion of MSCE, six GCSE passes or equivalent, Reports from the previous school, and An English aptitude test.
General document requirements are as follows:
- Application forms
- A non-refundable application fee
- Birth certificate
- Reports from the previous school
- Copies of passport (international students)
Hillview International School
This is an international school located in Limbe that offers education based on the English national curriculum. Its high school section was launched in 2015. The School follows the Cambridge Pathway with Checkpoint examinations at the end of Year 9 and IGCSEs at the end of Year 11. It follows the National Curriculum for England at Key Stage 3 and the Cambridge IGCSE at Key Stage 4.
High school
- Address: Hetherwick Road, Limbe, Malawi
- established: 2015
- pre-school students: 60+
- academic system: British, International
- curriculum: English national curriculum, Cambridge
- Teaching languages: English, French
- Opening hours: 7:10 am to 1:00 pm- Monday to Thursday and noon on Fridays.
- School calendar starts: September
Lower Secondary-Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 encompasses Years 7 to 9 and education here follows the National Curriculum of England and the Cambridge Pathway. At the end of Year 9, students sit for the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint exams in English, Mathematics, and Science. At KS3, students student the following subjects: students study the following subjects: English as a First Language, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, French as a Second Language, Computing and ICT, Art and Design, Business Enterprise, Music, Design and Technology, Food Science, and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE).
Upper secondary-IGCSE
Upper secondary starts from year 10 where students study towards the Cambridge IGCSE qualification. At this stage, students get to study subjects including Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology: Graphic Products, English as a First Language, English Literature, French as a Foreign Language, Geography, History, Information, and Communications Technology (ICT), Mathematics, and Physics.
Sports- the school provides opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of sports activities and inspire them to enjoy the sport. Sports codes that are offered here include Athletics and cross-country, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Mountain biking, Netball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tag Rugby, Tennis, and Ultimate Frisbee.
Facilities- students have access to a variety of facilities including a Hall and stage, an ICT Suite, a Library, Sports fields and grounds, Swimming pools, and Tennis courts to mention but a few.
ST. Andrew’s High School
This is an international school located in Blantyre offering a full and rounded education based on a British curriculum. At the end of Year 9, students will study at least eight subjects which they will study for two years, leading to IGCSE or an equivalent BTEC level 2 qualification and those going further to the 12th year will follow AS level or BTEC level 3 studies.
- Address: Joaquim Chissano Road, Brereton, Blantyre, Malawi
- established: 1938
- pre-school students: 390+
- academic system: British, International
- language of instruction: English
- School calendar starts: September
Sports and extracurricular activities
Students here are put into different houses where they will participate and compete in various activities. House competitions run throughout all three terms in a wide range of sports including football, rugby, netball, basketball, cricket, dodge ball, table tennis, badminton, swimming, athletics, hockey, cross-country, and rounder, to mention but a few. Students also take part in cultural competitions that include public speaking, short stories, music, drama, spelling bee, and chess, to mention but a few. These houses play a major part in the life of students at the school. Every student is a member of any one of 4 houses including Ndirande, Soche, Michiru and Chiradzulu.
Prospective students
Students who wish to apply to the school must fill in an application form and register for the diagnostic assessments conducted before a student is accepted. All registered students will also have to attend an induction day. Parents will also attend parent’s information evening where they will be kept abreast with how the school functions and the requirements.
Tuition and fees
Tuition Fee Years 7-9 Years 10-11 Years 12-13
Local Tax Payers $3 614 $3 692 $4 097
Non-Local Tax Payers $5 075 $5 190 $6 357
Boarding Fees
Local Tax Payers $2 721 $2 721 $2 721
Non-Local Tax Payers $2 815. $2 815 $2 815
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