Secondary education in Zambia consists of 2 levels, that is, Junior Secondary and senior secondary or high school. Upon completion of junior secondary school, excelling students will progress to senior secondary school. Secondary education in Zambia consists of 2 years of junior secondary, that is, grades 8 and 9, and 3 years of senior secondary, from grades 10 to 12.
- Duration of study: 5 years (2 years junior secondary and 2 years senior secondary or High school
- Ages : 14- 18 years
- Levels : Junior Secondary and Senir Secondary
- Primary Languages : English
- Terms : 3 (1st term- January to April, 2nd Term- May to August, and 3rd Term September to December)
- Admission Term: 1st Term (January)
- School Types: private and public.
Junior Secondary School
Junior Secondary in Zambia encompasses grades 8 and 9. The general age range for junior secondary students is 14 to 16 years. Junior secondary school education forms the basis for students to acquire knowledge, skills, and values needed for further education. The junior-level curriculum equips learners with the knowledge and relevant skills to either continue with the academic education or pursue a pre-vocational qualification and life skills. The curriculum at this level focuses on producing competent students in areas of:
- Communication Skills (oral and written)
- Mathematical Skills
- Information and Communications Technology Skills
- Scientific Skills.
- Pre-Vocational and Life Skills
Education at this level has 2 career pathways including the Academic Pathway and the Vocational pathway. Those who choose the academic pathway will study the following compulsory subjects: Business Studies (Entrepreneurship integrated), English Language Computer Studies, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Religious Education, and Zambian Languages. Optional Subjects include French, Chinese, and Portuguese.
Those who chose the Vocational pathway will study Agriculture, Technology, Performing and Creative Arts, Physical Education and Sports, and Home Economics and Hospitality. Learners who chose the Vocational Career Pathway will be allowed to take a maximum of seven subjects.
All learners in Junior Secondary school will be expected to take part in the following activities which are part of the school curriculum: Clubs and Associations, Sports, Preventive Maintenance, and Production Units, to mention but a few.
The Junior Secondary School Leaving Examination (JSSLE) is administered annually by the Examinations Council of Zambia to grade 9 students in general education programs in public, private, grant-aided, and community schools.
Senior Secondary School
Senior Secondary School education encompasses Grades 10 to 12 and is aimed at adequately preparing students for Tertiary Education and employment, should they choose not to further their education. The curriculum and extracurricular activities at this level are aimed at developing well-rounded, accountable, and well-educated student that is capable of communicating effectively in both speech and writing, understanding, interpreting and applying mathematical, scientific and technological concepts, applying the knowledge, skills, positive attitudes and value systems of vocational and life skills in real life.
Secondary education also has 2 career pathways as in the junior secondary level, which is the Academic pathway and the Vocational Pathways. The academic pathway will focus on three main areas including:
Social Sciences- Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Science, Geography/History, Civic Education, Literature in English, and at least one optional subject from Zambian Languages, Religious Education, and Foreign Languages.
Business Studies- Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Civic Education, Principles of Accounts, Commerce, Science and at least one optional subject from the following: Religious Education, Geography/History, Zambian Language, Literature in English, and Foreign Languages
Natural Sciences- Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Additional Mathematics, Civic Education, and at least one optional subject from the following: Geography/History, Zambian Language, Religious Education
The Vocational Pathway will offer the same programs like those offered in junior secondary which include Agriculture, Technology, Home, Economics and Hospitality, Performing and Creative Arts and Physical, and Education and Sports. All students in the senior secondary will be expected to take part in extracurricular activities including Club and Associations, Sports, Preventive Maintenance, and Production Unit. On completion of secondary studies, students will get a School certificate and a General Certificate of Education or the IGCSE from Cambridge.
Let us take a brief look at some schools offering junior secondary and senior secondary education in Zambia. You offer education for locals, international students, or expatriates.
Chalo Trust school
This is a Co-educational Christian primary and Secondary Boarding school located in Lusaka. The school aims to create an ideal environment where students of diverse economic, cultural, and spiritual backgrounds thrive together. It aims to instill a culture of lifelong learning, personal and spiritual development.
The school offers Placement Testing, Education Counselors, and Advisory Teaching services, every student is steadily prepared to handle and pass their exams with confidence.
- Established: 2004
- Address: 44A/E/609 Hybrid Rd, Chamba Valley, Lusaka, Zambia.
- Student Population: 170+
- Teachers: 27
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Accreditation: Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
- Tuition Fees Range: K6 400- K14 550 per term
The school offers a broad curriculum that caters to both locals and international students.
Junior Secondary Curriculum- students are expected to take a minimum of 9 subjects of which 7 of them are compulsory core subjects, 2 are optional and examinable and 1 is compulsory and non-examinable. Compulsory core subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Business Studies, Computer Studies, and Religious Education. Examinable optional subjects include Music, French, and Agricultural Science, and the 1 compulsory but non-examinable subject is a choice between Physical Education, and Morality and You (MOYO). The curriculum is aimed at introducing children to a wide range of subjects which create a foundation for a child's secondary school education. At this level, the school offers the Zambian syllabus, where students sit for the Junior Secondary School Leaving Examination, and those who pass the examination, progress to Grade 10.
Senior Secondary School Curriculum- the secondary school curriculum here ensures that students will get admitted to universities and colleges, and also will have the requisite skills and confidence to thrive, be it at university or in the workplace. From Grade 10 to Grade 12, the school’s curriculum intends to prepare students for pre-university and university education. Students are introduced to a wider range of subjects which create a foundation for any student hoping to get into any university in the world. At this level, students are awarded the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) which is offered by Cambridge University through Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).
At the senior secondary level, students are required to take a minimum of 8 examinable subjects and at least 1 non-examinable subject as follows: Compulsory Examinable Subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Pure Physics, Pure Chemistry, Geography, and Computer Science, Physical Science (Chemistry or Physics). Optional but Examinable Subjects include Religious Studies, Business Studies, Commerce, French, History, English Literature, Agricultural Science, Principals of Accounts, Additional Mathematics, and Development Studies. Compulsory but non- Examinable subjects include Physical Education, and Morality and You (MOYO).
Tuition and fees
Students can expect to pay the following as tuition and other fees for both Boarding Students and Day students:
Grade 8 and 9 -New Students
Description Fees-Boarding Day Fees
Application form K50 K50.00
Enrolment K1 500 K1 500
School Fees (per Term) K12 000 K6 550
Total K13 550 K8 100
Grade 8 and 9- Returning Students: School Fees (per Term) K12 000 K6 550
Grade 10 to 12 - New Students
Application form K50 K50
Enrolment K1 500 K1 500
School Fees (per Term) K13 000 K6 400
Total K14 550 K7 950
Grade 10 to 12- Returning Students: School Fees (per Term) K13 000 K6 400
Other Costs
PTA (per Year) K500 K500
Uniform Set (Boys) K1 440 K1 440
Uniform Set (Girls) K1 620 K1 620
Transport (Optional) N/A K1 550
Lunch & Tea Break (Optional) N/A K1 250
Extracurricular activities- Students can take part in a variety of extracurricular activities that are offered at the school. The school provides a wide range of sporting and non-sporting activities designed to meet the needs and interests of each student. They can join a sports team or any of the clubs that can be found here. Students can take part in football, netball, volleyball, basketball, and clubs such as the JETS club, Environmental Education and Community Services club, Performing Arts Club, and Communication Forum Club.
General Application Requirements
- A completed Application Form.
- School records, including grade reports for the past year.
- School transcript from the student’s former school.
- A scheduled visit day.
- Student's medical records and history
- 1 year of school records including grades and formal transcripts.
- For students applying to Grade 8 or Grade 10, their records of the Zambian National Examinations will be required, or equivalent qualification from country of origin.
- A test might also be rendered to assess the student’s basic understanding of literacy and math.
- Medical and Background Information
Lusaka International Community School
This is a Council of International Schools (CIS) accredited International school offering Pre-Primary to Secondary education in Zambia. The school has a diverse student body from more than 50 countries and offers a warm atmosphere with committed and caring staff.
The school provides a holistic learning environment and enriching cultural experiences. The school aims to provide an internationally recognized education to a culturally diverse, globally-minded student body in a caring and supportive learning environment.
- Established: 1993
- Address: 242A Kakola Road, Roma, Lusaka
- Tuition Range: US$10 490 to 10 810
- Student Representation: 50+ countries
- Campus: Urban
- Accreditation: Council of International Schools (CIS) and Independent Schools Association of Zambia (ISAZ).
The school offers a fully inclusive Cambridge Assessment International (CAI) Curriculum, at AS and Advanced Level. All students at Year 9 will complete the CAI checkpoint examinations in English, Science and Mathematics.
The school offers an extensive curriculum supplemented by a broad and balanced range of extracurricular activities and a diverse enrichment Programme in areas including Photography, Fashion Design, Robotics, Duke of Edinburgh Award, World Scholar's Cup, Model United Nations, and much more. Students can take part in a variety of sporting activities including swimming, basketball, and football.
Tuition and fees- note that all fees are in US$
Tuition Level per Annum Term 1 Term 2 Term 3-4 Monthly x 11
Year 7 - 11 10 490 2 270 2 550 2 835 1 001
Advanced Level 10 810 2 340 2 630 2 920 1 032
Other Fees
Payable by All New Applicants Secondary A-Level
Assessment Fee 50 -
Registration Fee 200 200
Refundable Security Deposit 1 500 1 500
Capital Development Fund 1 750 500
Total 3 500 2 200
Application requirements
- Copy of student’s birth certificate and passport
- Copy of parents or guardians ID and passport.
- Copy of student’s most recent academic records or school report
- Copy of all permits applicable to the family
- Medical Record Form to be completed in full by the parent or guardian.
- Signed and dated Fee Structure and Tuition Fee Payment Policy.
- Financial Clearance Certificate to be completed by current or previous school
- Confidential Student Reference Form to be completed by student’s current or previous class teacher or Form Tutor.
Pestalozzi Education Centre
This is a co-educational international school located in Lusaka, Zambia, offering education for children from Kindergarten to the 12th grade. the international curriculum here enables students to enroll anywhere or continue their education anywhere in the world.
The school positions students to be able to access education at any university or school in the world. The school offers an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and an Examinations Council of Zambia-based curriculum. It is part of Enko Education, which is a network of some of the best schools in the continent.
- Address: Box 194 Postbag E835 Lusaka, Zambia.
- Students per class: 28
- Tuition Rates: K19 000- K31500
- Opening hours: 7 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Accreditation: Cambridge, International Baccalaureate
Curriculum- the school offers education in 2 tracks, namely the international track and the national track. From G9, students can choose between the National track and the International track. In this regard, the school offers the national curriculum from G9 to G12, and also offers the international track which is a combination of the best secondary qualifications, namely, Cambridge IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Languages taught here include English, French, and Chinyanja.
Students can take up a variety of Sports activities both competitively and recreationally. Such activities offered by the school include Volleyball, Basketball, Netball, Handball, Football, and Badminton. They can also take up various extracurricular activities including Chess, Scrabble, Bingo, Puzzles, Word building, Outdoor adventure, Drama or Performing arts, Music, Dance, Poetry, and Visual arts, mention but a few.
What is required for Admission?
- Application fee payment
- Learner’s birth certificate or passport
- a study permit
- Learner’s ID pictures
- Most recent school reports for the last 2 years
- Transfer letter or School fee clearance certificate from the current school
- Parents or guardians ID or passport
Tuition and fees- parents or guardians can expect t fay the following as tuition and other fees, note the amounts are in Zambian Kwacha:
Assessment Fee 500
Enrolment Fees 1000
Re-Enrolment Fees 500
