Schools in Rwanda

Gross enrolment overall: 67.4% (2012)

Primary female–male ratio: 1.02:1 (2012)

Secondary female–male ratio: 1.07:1 (2012)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 59.3:1 (2012)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 22.9:1 (2012)

There are nine years of compulsory education starting at the age of seven. Primary school comprises six years and secondary six, with two cycles each of three years. The school year starts in January.

Some 35.6 per cent of pupils complete primary school (2011). In 2003 the government launched plans for a new school system with nine years of compulsory basic education. In October 2008 the government decided to change the medium of education from French to English.

There are numerous independent or private schools in Rwanda. Almost all of the country’s private schools are located in Kigali. The International School of Kigali and the Kigali International Community School are independent educational institutions offering college preparatory programmes. They serve students from pre-school to Grade 12, and both provide US accreditation. Other private schools also provide pre-university qualifications with international accreditation. Many private schools are religious-based, usually either Christian or Islamic. Private schools instruct pupils in English and French from a pre-primary level to the end of secondary schooling.