Students who have completed elementary education can enroll in one of two secondary education streams namely, secondary general education or vocational and technical education. the Secondary general education stream is designed to prepare students for higher education. Secondary school consists of the lower secondary level and the upper secondary level in both the Anglophone and Francophone systems.
- Grades: 7-13
- Duration: 6 years
- Primary Languages: English, french
- Terms : 2 semesters
- Admission Term: throughout the year
Lower Secondary school
Anglophone system- lower secondary education, or the first cycle, lasts five years, from the first form to the fifth form (grades seven to 11). Students here focus on 5 areas of learning, namely, languages and literature, science and technology, social sciences (humanities), personal development, and arts and national cultures. They will take subjects from each learning area including both English and French, mathematics, physics, computer science, history, citizenship education, sports and physical education, national languages and culture, and art, among others. At the end of the fifth form, students at both public and private schools will sit for either the General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level (GCE OL) or the Bilingual Education, Ordinary Level, which includes a more advanced French language component.
Francophone system- lower secondary education here is known as the premier cycle and lasts four years, from grades seven to ten (sixieme to troisieme). Public schools that catering exclusively to Francophone students are known as lycées. At the end of four years, students sit for the lower secondary exit examination, the Brevet d’Etudes du Premier Cycle (BEPC).
Upper Secondary school- upper secondary school duration varies between the anglophone system and the francophone system. The length of study at the upper secondary level (second cycle or deuxième cycle). Students enrolled in the Anglophone system study for two years, lower and upper sixth form (grades 12 and 13), and on completion, sit for the General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level (GCE AL). they will sit for a maximum of five subject examinations.
secondary students enrolled in the Francophone system will sit for the Baccalauréat de l’Enseignement Secondaire General, After three years. After the first two years of upper secondary education, students that do not intend to pursue tertiary education can take the Probatoire de l’Enseignement Secondaire General.
Technical And Vocational Education- students who have completed elementary education can also choose to enter the technical and vocational education (TVE) secondary track, known in French as l’enseignement et la formation techniques et Professionnels (EFTP). Programs here are offered in a variety of specialties, categorized as either industrial or commercial. These are aimed at preparing students with the basic industry-relevant skills that the country needs.
technical and vocational education (TVE) secondary education is also divided into two cycles (first and second cycle). Education here also follows the anglophone and francophone systems. In the Anglophone system, the first cycle lasts for five years, and to complete it, students sit for the General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level Technical (GCE OL Technical), also known as the Technical and Vocational Education Examinations, Intermediate Level. Students here will sit for a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 11 subjects. Compulsory subjects to be taken include English, French, mathematics, and six subjects related to their area of specialty.
The second cycle in this stream lasts for two years, after which students sit for the General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level Technical (GCE AL Technical), or Technical and Vocational Examinations, Advanced Level (TVE AL).
In the Francophone system, the first cycle of education lasts for four years then students sit for the Certificat d’Aptitude Professionelle (CAP), which includes both written and practical components. The second cycle lasts for three years and students will be awarded either the Brevet de Technicien or the Baccalaureat de Technicien.
Let’s take a brief look at some international schools considered by ex-pats to be offering some of the best education in Cameroon.
American School of Yaounde (secondary school section)
This is a non-sectarian, independent, co-educational school that offers US styled education and consists of 4 sections namely the early childhood (Prekindergarten 3 to kindergarten), elementary school (grades 1 to 5), middle school (grades 6 to 8), and high school (grades 9 to 12).
- Founded: 1964
- Address: B.P. 7475 Rue Martin Samba, Yaounde, XAX Cameroon
- Grades: pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade.
- Language of instruction: English
- Type: co-educational, non-profit.
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Terms: 2 semesters (August to June)
Middle years program- The school offers a middle years program that encompasses grades 6 to 10 (students aged 11 to 16). The program uses an inquiry-based curriculum that aims to promote independent critical thinkers and provides a foundation of skills and knowledge to prepare students for success in the Diploma Programme.
Curriculum- Students in the middle years' program study eight subjects including Design, Individuals and Societies, Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physical and Health Education, Sciences, and The Arts (Visual Arts and Music).
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program- the Programme is designed as a challenging and balanced program for students in grades 11 and 12. It aims to prepare students for success at university and beyond. The program emphasizes the development of the whole student physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.
Curriculum- students here study six courses at a higher level or standard level. Compulsory Subject areas include Language A (Studies in Language and Literature) Language B Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts.
Facilities- the school offers a wide range of facilities that consist of 25 classrooms, a computer lab, 2 science labs, a 16 000-volume multimedia library, a learning support center, ELL support center, a Canteen, a multi-purpose room, a courtyard for events, Sports facilities including 2 tennis courts, one multi-purpose outdoor court, a covered basketball court, a swimming pool, a kiddie pool, a soccer field with artificial turf, and 2 playgrounds.
the program has three core requirements aimed at broadening the students' knowledge, learning experience, and understanding. These include:
The Extended Essay- where students engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of their subject areas.
Theory of Knowledge- a course designed to encourage students to individually reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language, and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical, and historical).
Creativity, Action, Service- where students actively learn through doing real tasks beyond the classroom.
Prospective students- the following are required for students who seek to apply for admission to the school:
- A non-refundable application fee of $650
- School records from the last two years
- Special education testing or an Individual Education Plan (IEP), if applicable
- A student evaluation form, from a current teacher (transferring students)
- Copy of the student’s passport or birth certificate
Tuition and Fees
The following are the fees to be paid by secondary school students here. Parents who pay the full tuition early will receive a 3% discount and Those who request a payment plan will pay a 3% financing fee.
Classes Semester 1 Semester 2 Annual
Middle and High School: Grades 6 – 12
Grades 6 – 8 Tuition $11 480 $11 480 $22 960
Grades 9 –10 Tuition $11 935 $11 935 $23 870
Grades 11 – 12 Tuition $12 175 $12 175 $24 350
Additional Fees
New Students Returning Students
Application Fee $650 one-off $0
Capital Levy $7 500 one-off $500
Capital Levy- Pre-K4 $1 000 $1500
Capital Levy- Pre-K3 $1 000 -
Learning Support Program (need assessed) $3 000 $3 000
British Isles International School
This is a private, international Anglophone school offering the English National Curriculum from Reception through to A-Levels. It is the only international school in the region that offers British Advanced Levels (Years 12 and 13) and is open to students of all nationalities and educational backgrounds.
Established: United Kingdom national department of education
- Location: Douala, Makepe
- Language of instruction: English
- Grades: reception to advanced level
- Curriculum: IGCSE (Cambridge), National Curriculum for England
- Type: Co-educational
- School Year: September – June
- Opening Hours: 7.30 am - 5 pm- Monday to Friday, 8 am–5 pm- Saturdays
- Accreditations: ministry of basic and secondary education,
Secondary education here follows key stages and 4. Key Stage 3 is for students in grades 7 to 9 and ages 11 to 14.
Curriculum- Pupils in Years 7 and 8 study a varied curriculum based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales. Subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Art and Design, Performing Arts, Music, French, Computing, Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), French Foreign Language, Socials studies, and Physical Education.
In Year 9 students build upon the subjects studied in the previous two years and start to access GCSE-level content. Subjects include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Art and Design, Drama, Music, French, Computing, Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), Spanish Foreign Language, Social studies, and Physical Education. Towards the end of the first term of Year 9 students begin to receive advice and support on choosing the subjects they may wish to study in Years 10 and 11.
Key Stage 4 encompasses grades 10 to 11 for students aged 14 to 16. In Year 11, studies culminate in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.
Advanced Level encompasses grades 12 to 13 for students aged 16 to 18. At this stage, students prepare for the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level examinations. Upon completion, students will gain access to university studies. Subjects offered include English Language and Literature, French, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, History, Geography, Economics, Art, and Information Technology, Business Studies.
Facilities- students have access to spacious Classrooms, a private playground, a fully-equipped science lab, ICT suite, A library, nurse’s station, dining hall, art studio, theatre, and a large enclosed recreational area.
Prospective students- students should provide the following to apply for admission.
- Completed application forms
- One passport-sized photograph
- A copy of the child's birth certificate
- Copies of the last two years school reports (in English or French)
- A Copy of the current year school report (if applicable)
- Transcripts for GCE O/LEVEL / IGCSE results (for the 6th Form)
- Students Transfer form or School Leaving Certificate (6th Form only)
- A copy of the parent’s passport/ national identity card.
The Bridge International School
This is an international school located in Yaounde that offers education from early years to high school. It is a vibrant and challenging co-educational school that offers an exciting and engaging environment where students can learn and develop in every aspect.
Secondary school section
- Llocation: Denver, Bonamoussadi
- established: 2009
- Grades : 7-11
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 2 terms
- Admission Term: throughout the year
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday- 7:30 am to 5 pm
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for the primary section school are as follws:
Fee Type Details Amount (FCFA)
Annual Application and Registration Fee Primary and Secondary Sections 250 000
Capital Development FundFee: Existing Families (new enrolments) 250 000
New Families 500 000
Annual TuitionFee Primary Section 1 650 000
Curriculum- the school follows the Cambridge Secondary 1 for years 7 to 9 and secondary 2 (IGCSE) for years 10 to 11. Subjects offered in secondary school include English, Mathematics, Science, Information and Communication Technology, Art and Design, Economics, French, Geography, and History (Humanities), Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE), Physical Education (PE), and Business Studies.
Facilities- students here have access to a variety of facilities namely, Multipurpose Spaces, Canteen and Dining, Learning Environment, Computing and ICT, a Library, Art Room and Science labs, and a Language Centre, to mention but a few.
Extra-Curricular Activities- students are encouraged to join any club where they can showcase their talents and also make an impact in the school and society. Clubs include the Art and Craft Club, Debate Club, Hand Writing Club, The Choir, Code-in Club, Aerobic Club, Community Service, and Clinics club. Students can also take part in a variety of sports activities offered here.
