Schools in Cameroon

Gross enrolment overall: 67.3% (2011)

Primary female–male ratio: 0.87:1 (2011)

Secondary female–male ratio: 0.84:1 (2011)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 45:1 (2011)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 24:1 (2011)

There are six years of compulsory education starting at age six. Primary school comprises six or seven years and secondary seven, with a first cycle of four or five years. School attendance is lower in the Far North province, where the population is partly nomadic. Some 66% of pupils complete primary school (2009). The school year starts in September. Many secondary schools are bilingual, with instruction in both French and English. Faith schools play an important role in the education system and are partly subsidised by the government.

There are many private and international schools in Cameroon including American School of Douala, American School of Yaoundé, Ecole International Le Flamboyant, Ecole International Le Flamboyant. Several Catholic schools in the country have received awards for their academic prowess.