Seven years of primary education constitute the first level of education in Zambia. The entrance age for primary education is seven years. Zambia has more than 3 800 government primary and basic schools, located around the country. Students are expected to sit for and pass an examination at the end of Grade 7 to progress to secondary school. Primary education in Zambia is free from the age of 7 up to the age of 14 but parents are expected to cover other costs including uniforms, stationery, and other books that may be required by the school. There are also private primary schools that offer an international curriculum and international standard of facilities, which charge fees. These cater to foreigners or ex-pats and even locals who want to offer the best, and well-resourced education to their children.
- Duration of study: 7 years
- Ages : 7-14 years
- Primary Languages : English
- Terms : 3 (1st term- January to April, 2nd Term- May to August, and 3rd Term September to December)
- Admission Term: 1st Term (January)
The Primary school curriculum in Zambia focuses on areas including:
- literacy and Languages
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Creative and technology studies
- Social and development studies
- Community studies
Examples International Primary Schools in Zambia
Let’s briefly look at some of the schools you can enroll in as an international primary student or expatriate. These schools offer the best in terms of curriculum and facilities.
Banani International School
This is a private girl’s school established by the Baha’i Community of Zambia, and located in Lusaka. It aims to educate children to be happy and productive members of society and be able to meet the challenges of the ever-advancing world. The school has a philosophy that a child’s character is determined by their physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual wellbeing.
The school offers educational opportunities to all eligible students and a diverse student body from a wide range of nationalities, languages, religious and cultural backgrounds.
- Established: September 1997
- Location: Lusaka
- Address: Plot 2161/B, Chisamba, Lusaka, Zambia
- Type: Private, Non-Profit
- Levels: grades 1-12
- Campus: Urban
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education
- Opening Hours: 7.30- 15.30.
- Terms: 3
The school offers a variety of facilities including classrooms, a library, science labs, computer labs, fields for agricultural studies, recreational facilities, a swimming pool, a tuck shop, administration offices, and residential facilities. The dormitories have laundry facilities, showers, and bunks, t mention but a few. Students here also have access to the on-campus nurse who is available 24/7 to provide health services and assist in case of emergencies.
Curriculum- the school’s primary curriculum is rich, offering learning in various areas including English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social and Development Studies, Expressive Arts, Creative and Technology Studies, Design and Technology, Home Economics, and French. Other school-designed programs include Computer Studies, Character Development, and Physical Education, to mention but a few.
Extracurricular activities- students get to embark on or participate in extracurricular activities including sporting activities, character development classes, ad field trips that are packed with fun activities including Fun Fairs, Arts Festivals, and Science Fairs, to mention but a few.
American International School of Lusaka
This is an independent co-educational day school that enrolls children aged 3 to 18 years. It offers a robust academic and extracurricular programs than any school in the country. It is a close-knit school committed to helping every student to thrive through challenging them intellectually and supporting their physical, social, and emotional well-being and growth.
- Established: September 1986
- Location: Lusaka
- Address: 487 A/F/3 Leopards Hill Road, PO Box 320176, Lusaka, Zambia
- Type: Private, Non-Profit
- Student population: 400+
- International student representation: 26% European, 31% North and South American, 28% African
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (US), and the Council of International Schools (UK)
- Opening Hours: 7.30- 15.30.
- Teacher- Student Ratio: 1:7
Facilities- The school offers ultra-modern facilities that will surely give students the best learning, and overall experience. Such facilities include classrooms, science labs, offices, meeting spaces, a library or media center, a 400-seat theater, an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor covered gymnasium, three swimming pools, two athletic fields, six outdoor multi-sport courts, a multipurpose hall, and maintenance buildings, to mention but a few.
Sports and extracurricular activities- the school offers a variety of sports and activities aimed at promoting health and wellness and competitiveness in students. The school offers competitive team sports, individual sports, fitness programs, and playground games, t mention but a few. Some of these include sports, technology, performance and presentations, music, drama, and art and design, Advanced Swimming, 5th Grade Band, AISL Wildlife Club, Ballet, Construction Club, Big Life Activities, Swimming, Crafting, Board Games, Dance, Book Club, Golf, Chess, Gymnastics, Horse Riding, Drone Club, Dice Games, Judo, Extreme Coloring, Karate, Famous Artists, Flute, Environmental Club, Boys, and Girls Basketball, Free Painting, Boys and Girls Hockey, Guitar, Soccer, Cross Country, Piano, and many more.
Curriculum- the school offers a robust international curriculum aimed at building confident, resilient students who are capable of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and competent in making informed decisions.
Tuition and fees- parents can expect to pay the following in fees and tuition.
Grades Tuition Fee Capital Levy TOTAL
Kindergarten – Grade 5 $17 100 $750 $17 850
Tuition Fee Capital Levy Equipment Deposit TOTAL
Grades 6-9 $19 625 $750 $500 $20 875
British International Primary School, Zambia
This is an international school open to children between the ages of 2 and 11. The school aims to Foster a whole child's development spiritually, morally, socially, culturally, intellectually, and physically. It also aims to offer an environment that enables children to reach their full potential.
- Established: 2009
- Location: Lusaka
- Address: Plot 5680, Lufubu Rd, Kalundu, Lusaka, Zambia
- Type: Private, Non-Profit
- Levels: grades K-6
- Campus: Urban
- Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 17:00 pm
- Terms: 3
Why BIPS?
There are plenty of reasons why parents should choose to enroll their children here. Besides offering an international curriculum, the school employs highly trained and qualified teachers, offers full-day sessions, offers creative and innovative learning, and offers active learning where the children are involved in the learning process, and it also offers amazing educational and recreational facilities. The school has several facilities including an ITC suite, fully equipped outdoor play areas, a swimming pool, and quiet areas for reading and board games. The school offers strong foundations for the total development of each individual through a nurturing and child-centered approach.
Prospective students
Prospective students should note that the school offers a British-based education and curriculum. Students wishing to enroll here will ideally be proficient speakers of English or not but also display the intellectual capacity to fully participate in the school’s curriculum. An initial assessment will be conducted for all new enrolments. Students are expected to pay a fee of K 1 000 for the assessment and a security deposit of K 2 000 which is refundable if the school is unable to offer a place to study.
