Education and Schools in Botswana

There are many options for education and schools in Botswana. To choose the right school, parents will likely consider their budget and the cost of living, the language of instruction and curriculum, as well as the academic culture.

While public schooling is available, these schools often lack resources, and the standard of education varies considerably. As such, most expat parents opt for private and international schools.

Although there might be dedicated Setswana classes, the primary language of instruction for many private schools in Botswana is English. These schools are known as English-medium schools.

Botswana also offers higher education opportunities at several universities and technical colleges. Nursing and teaching vocational courses after secondary school are also available.

Public schools in Botswana

The education system in Botswana has improved as the economy has grown. Botswana’s Ministry of Education and Skills Development manages the public schooling system. Education in Botswana is free for the first 10 years, ranging from primary school to junior secondary school. 

Schooling in the country is divided into three sections: 

• Primary school (ages 6 to 13)
• Junior secondary (ages 13 to 15)
• Secondary school (ages 15 to 17)

In primary school, each year is referred to as a 'standard', while in secondary school, it is known as a 'form'. The senior secondary level offers both vocational and academic streams.

You have the option to enrol your children in local schools, but many public schools outside the main cities lack resources and are underfunded and understaffed.

Useful links

• Ministry of Education and Skills Development – School Registrations

Private and international schools in Botswana

International schools in Botswana are of a high standard and follow a curriculum model from a foreign country. To ease your children's transition into life in Botswana, you may consider enrolling them in a school that follows your home country's curriculum and language.

Most of the country's international schools are based in the capital and other large cities and towns. 

Many offer the UK’s curriculum with Cambridge IGCSEs and A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate curriculum. Some schools incorporate the Botswanan national curriculum alongside an international curriculum. 

Botswana’s international schools are typically well resourced and staffed with qualified, experienced teachers. Children here will benefit from access to high learning standards, smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

The catch is the high cost of tuition. As an expat working in Botswana, you may be able to negotiate an allowance for your children’s school fees. If you enrol more than one child in a particular school, you may qualify for discounts.

Given the high demand for international schools, space is often limited. We recommend that expat parents research the international schools in Botswana and their admissions procedures to ensure they can begin the application process as early as possible. 

Nurseries in Botswana

Preschool is not compulsory in the country, but many options are available. Parents can find private childcare and daycare centres easily if they live in Gaborone or other large towns and cities. When selecting a nursery, many parents focus their search on areas and suburbs close to their accommodation.

Many nurseries are independent while, some are faith-based or follow a Montessori approach. Several international schools, like Gaborone International School, offer preschool, primary, and high school education.

Special-needs education in Botswana

Unfortunately, special needs education is limited in Botswana. While the need for integrated classes is recognised, few schools afford the resources and staff to support this, particularly in public schooling. Traditional schools that cannot offer comprehensive support may be reluctant to admit students with behavioural, learning or physical disabilities or challenges.

This is changing though, as more students with special educational needs are enrolled in mainstream classes today. Many universities in Botswana also offer teacher training programmes with a specialisation in special needs education, increasing the country's capacity to educate children with special needs. 

Children whose needs are determined to be too severe for inclusion in mainstream classrooms can enrol in one of the few special-needs schools in the country. Ambrose Academy is one of the best special-needs education schools in Botswana, providing an environment where students can develop holistically. 

International schools are more likely to offer learning-support programmes for diverse learning needs. It's best to contact the schools directly to determine the available support services.

Useful links

• Botswana Department of Special Support Services (DSSS) 
• Ambrose Academy

Tutors in Botswana

As education is highly valued in Botswana, tutors are an abundant resource. Whether students don't want to feel left behind academically or they want extra support close to exam time, private tutors specialised in certain subject areas can help prepare and support children. Tutors also offer extracurricular activities, from piano and guitar to dance and horse riding.

One of the best ways to find a tutor is to check online resources. Networking and asking other families can also be good options. Several private tutoring companies are also available.

Useful links

• TeacherOn
• Lion Tutoring