Independent Schools in Malawi
- Overview
- Independent schools
Gross enrolment overall: 67.7% (2010)
Primary female–male ratio: 1.04:1 (2010)
Secondary female–male ratio: 0.91:1 (2010)
Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 79:1 (2010)
There are eight years of compulsory education starting at age six. Primary school comprises eight years and secondary four, with two cycles each of two years. Some 42% of pupils complete primary school (2008). The school year starts in January.
Most education institutions in Malawi are government run, but a few private schools have become available in order to address the need for education at primary and secondary level. Independent schools follow the Malawi National Curriculum, and also run British-style A-level courses and examinations. The Bishop Mackenzie International School in Lilongwe is the only school in Malawi to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification. Private schools register with the Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM), which provides a policy forum, general assistance and training for teachers.