Secondary education in Benin lasts 7 years and is divided into 2 phases, lower secondary or 1st cycle, and upper secondary or 2nd cycle. Secondary education here is not compulsory and parents have to pay school fees.
- Grades: 7 – 13
- Duration: 7 years
- Primary Languages: French
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term: throughout the year
Lower Secondary Education (1st Cycle)
There are two pathways in lower secondary education, namely general secondary education which lasts four years. To enter this stage students have to pass the Certificate of Primary School (Certificat d'études primaires) and an entrance test.
Upon completion, students will be awarded the Brevet d’Etudes du Premier Cycle (BEPC). The second pathway is the technical and professional first cycle of secondary education which is a 3-year program and requires students to have the Certificate of Primary School (Certificat d'études primaires) and t pass an entrance examination. Upon completion, students will be awarded the certificate of professional aptitude or Certificat d'Aptitudes Professionnelles (CAP).
Upper Secondary Education (2nd Cycle)
Upper secondary education is also known as the second cycle and has 3 separatepathways namely the general upper secondary (second cycle) education pathway, which is a3-year program upon which students will be granted the Baccalauréat (BAC). the second pathway is technical and professional secondary education, which also lasts 3years awards the Technical Baccaleaurat (Baccalaureat Technique).
The thirdpathway is the technical and professional secondary education with a focuson agricultural sciences which lasts for four years and results in the diploma ofagricultural sciences, the Brevet d'Etudes Agricoles Techniques (BEAT).
Let’s take a brief look at some international schools offering education for locals and expatriates in Benin.
West African International School
This is a bilingual school located in Cotonou, Benin. this school is dedicated to raising globally fit students that can function in any society or area. Instruction here is offered in both English and french. The school has 3 different branches in Cotonou at Quartier Jak, Gbejoromede, and Cocotomey. It offers education from the nursery stage to the secondary stage.
- Address: Ancien Orphee Palace Hotel Quartier JAK, Cotonou.
- Grades: nursery to 12th grade.
- Language of instruction: English, French
- Type: co-educational, non-profit.
- Terms: 3 terms
Curriculum- the school offers a broad curriculum with a range of subjects including Mathematics, Languages, biology, physics, chemistry, geography, Physical education, accounting, economics, Social Studies, Biology, French, History, Philosophy, to mention but a few.
Prospective students- students will be accepted based on passing the entrance tests and submitting the following requirements:
- completed application forms
- Photocopy of original birth certificate.
- Photocopy of international passport.
- Two (2) recent passport photographs.
The English International School-Gabon
This is an English medium international and multicultural school which follows the Cambridge International Primary Programme and the Cambridge Secondary Programme and is located in Cotonou, Benin. It aims to enable children to develop to their full potential and nurture a culture of honesty, creativity, sensitivity, and self-reliance to produce responsible, self-regulating individuals, who are confident, and who respect themselves.
- Address: Haie Vive, Cotonou, 08BP0430, Benin, West Africa
- grades: pre-school to year 13.
- Language of instruction: English
- Opening hours: 8:00- 12:00
Secondary school here is divided into lower and upper secondary schools. Lower secondary encompasses years 6 to 9 while upper secondary school encompasses years 10 to 12. The language of instruction is English.
Middle School (Years 6 to 9)- at middle school, students follow the 2 curriculums, the Cambridge International Examination Curriculum, and the British National Curriculum as follows:
Cambridge International Examination Curriculum- subjects include English, Mathematics and Science
British National Curriculum- French, History, Geography Art and Physical Education.
Other subjects taught include Music and Drama, Information Technology. Middle school activities include tennis, swimming, team games, and dance.
Upper School (Year 10 to 13)- Senior School encompasses Years 10 to 13 and prepares students for the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education on completion of Year 11, Advanced Studies-levels at the end of Year 12 and A-levels to complete Year 13. Non-examination subjects are considered vitally important to the holistic development of the student and subjects include music, drama, dance, and sporting components.
Curriculum- the following subjects are offered here at various levels. Students can choose from a variety of combinations offered here from subjects including Accounting, Agriculture, Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Economics, English as a First Language, English Literature, French as a First Language, French as a Foreign Language, Geography, Information and Communication Technology, Mathematics, Physics, to mention but a few.
Extracurricular activities- students have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of extracurricular activities offered by the school which includes Gymnastics, Senior Spanish Club, Football, Cooking Club, Capoeira, Judo Club, Debating and Literature, Science and Technology Fun, Origami, Chess Club, Creative writing and Public Speaking Club, Hip Hop and Dance Hall, to mention but a few.
Facilities- to enhance the student experience, the school offers bright and air-conditioned classrooms, a Library, playing field, among others.
Prospective students- Parents wishing to enroll their children should provide, along with the application:
- the birth certificate of the applicant
- Passport of the student
- Parents’ or guardian’s passport and ID
- Proof of application fee payment.
