Independent Schools in Zambia

Gross enrolment overall: 69.4% (2007)

Primary female–male ratio: 1.01:1 (2010)

Secondary female-male ratio: 0.83:1 (2008)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 58:1 (2010)

Secondary pupil-teacher ratio: 22:1 (2008)

There are seven years of compulsory education starting at age seven, and five years of secondary, with cycles of two and three years. Some 53% of pupils complete primary school (2008). The school year starts in January.

Previously, only mission schools were permitted to offer quality education and incorporated Christian values in their academic calendar. Today, however, there is a large number of private or independent schools in Zambia, such as the International School Lusaka, Lusaka International Community School, Baobab College, Rhodes Park School and the Roman Catholic St Mary’s Seminary. Private schools generally follow the British system, but also offer curricula approved by the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ).