Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Botswana is more than just its national parks and diamond mines. Since independence, the country has invested heavily in education and established itself as a regional hub for learning, especially for expatriate families. The best international schools in Botswana offer high-level curricula, modern facilities, and a global outlook that attracts affluent Batswana as well as diplomats, NGO executives, and multinational leaders.
The local education system is structured into 7 years of primary, 3 years of junior secondary, and 2 years of senior secondary. It offers a mixed educational ecosystem combining British programs, the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge IGCSE, and A‑Levels. Understanding this structure is crucial for choosing the most suitable school for your child.
A Strong National Education System, Complemented by International Schools
The backbone of Botswana’s education system is a 7+3+2 structure, with English as the main language of instruction and Setswana widely used. At the end of senior secondary, students take the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Examination (BGCSE), the standard gateway to local and regional higher education.
Despite government progress in school access, public schools face financial constraints and quality gaps between urban and rural areas. This situation has fueled the rise of international schools (or ‘English medium schools’), seen as more prestigious and better resourced.
These schools recruit qualified teachers, sometimes from abroad, offer small class sizes, modern teaching resources, and rich extracurricular activities. They primarily target expatriate families, but many middle- and upper-class Batswana also enroll their children to gain international qualifications like the IB or Cambridge certifications.
Why International Schools Are So Appealing in Botswana
In practice, the best international schools in Botswana serve several strategic functions for mobile families or those with an international focus. They help minimize disruptions when moving, ensure compatibility with British, American, or IB systems, and open doors to universities worldwide.
The majority of private schools in Botswana are located in Gaborone, the capital, but significant institutions also exist in other urban centers like Maun or Palapye. These schools primarily offer international programs, such as IGCSE and A‑Levels from the United Kingdom, or the International Baccalaureate (IB). These curricula are sometimes combined with elements of the Botswana national curriculum.
To better understand the options, it helps to distinguish the main program families offered: International Baccalaureate, British/Cambridge curriculum, and hybrid approaches integrating the national curriculum.
International Baccalaureate: Westwood, Pioneer and Reference
The International Baccalaureate (IB) took root in Botswana in the early 2000s. This educational framework is based on four programs – PYP, MYP, DP, and CP – designed to develop curious, critical, balanced, and globally minded students. Cross‑disciplinary skills, reflection, community service, and personal projects are central.
Westwood International School: The Only IB Continuum School in the Country
In Gaborone, Westwood International School holds a unique place. Founded in 1988 by the professional, business, and diplomatic community – with a notable role from the US Embassy – it was designed from the start to serve the international community.
Today, Westwood is the only school in Botswana offering the full IB continuum, from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18. It enrolls students from age 5 and guides them through to the end of high school, with progressive pedagogical continuity built on a constant “scaffolding” of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Westwood is an ideal school for highly mobile families accustomed to the IB system internationally. Its status as an IB World School guarantees that its programs are officially evaluated and recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
An Environment Focused on Sustainability and Well‑Being
The school goes beyond academic checklists. Its buildings were specially designed for educational use and are part of a sustainable development approach. The campus holds the “Green Flag” label from the Eco‑Schools foundation, meaning energy, water, waste, and green space management are integral to the school’s mission.
Westwood advocates a “holistic” education where arts, sports, civic engagement, and sustainability matter as much as exam results. A wide range of sports teams, clubs, and creative activities complement classes. The school regularly holds signature events like musical productions, plays, and an annual DP visual arts exhibition.
An International Community and High Fees
Westwood’s student body is highly cosmopolitan: students come from dozens of countries, and about 55% are Botswana citizens. This linguistic diversity has led to the establishment of English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to support non‑native speakers.
Maximum tuition fee per term in US dollars for this top‑tier school in Botswana.
Below is a comparative overview of fees for some of the most renowned schools.
Indicative Fee Comparison for Selected International Schools
| School | Level Covered | Primary Curriculum Type | Stated Fee Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westwood International School | Primary to high school (5–18 years) | IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) | 14,317 – 24,823 USD per term |
| Maru a Pula | Secondary | Cambridge IGCSE, A‑Levels | 14,020 – 18,890 BWP per year |
| Broadhurst Primary School | Primary | UNESCO‑based program | 11,810,000 BWP per term |
| Enko Botho International School | Junior to senior secondary (approx. Form 1–7) | Cambridge IGCSE + IB DP / AS–A Levels | 29,500 BWP per term + levy of 13,200 BWP |
| Northside Primary (indication) | Primary (Std 1–7) | IB‑inspired / international approach | approx. 24,300 BWP per term* |
* Figures are sourced for specific periods or classes; they do not cover all levels. The amount shown in the raw data is likely a typographical error, but it is reproduced here as a factual data point. Example mentioned in overall fee tables, provided for reference.*
Even accounting for conversion variations, these amounts are significantly higher than the average local income. The economic model of these schools therefore relies heavily on expatriates, wealthy families, and in some cases, corporate partnerships.
British and Cambridge Curriculum: A Pillar of the School Landscape
Alongside the IB, the British model dominates among the best international schools in Botswana. Many institutions prepare students for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A‑Levels, qualifications recognized by most English‑speaking universities.
This path typically follows a pattern where students take IGCSE around age 16, then specialize in three or four subjects at AS and A‑Level until age 18.
Maru a Pula: An Academic Beacon Combining Rigor and Social Commitment
In Gaborone, Maru a Pula is often cited as a secondary school benchmark. This independent, co‑educational, non‑profit school features integrated boarding and promotes an afternoon program called SPE, for “Service, Physical, Enrichment.”
This SPE requirement obliges every student to engage in community service, sports, and personal development. This expectation is all the more significant given that most students come from privileged backgrounds: the school emphasizes the transformative impact of these commitments on their view of the country and its challenges.
Academically, Maru a Pula prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE and GCE A‑Level exams. Some observers, including these teachers, consider the quality of teaching at least equivalent to, if not better than, what they experienced in their home countries. Admission is reputedly difficult, further reinforcing the school’s selectivity.
Foreign teachers who have worked in the United Kingdom
Fees remain relatively moderate compared to full‑IB international schools, with a range of 14,020 to 18,890 pula per year depending on the level. The school also offers boarding, an advantage for families living outside Gaborone or in neighboring countries.
Legae Academy: The Deeply Local Cambridge Pathway
Another major player, Legae Academy, based in Mogoditshane, is fully registered with the Botswana Ministry of Education. It is the “sister” school of Legae English Medium Primary School, creating a primary‑to‑secondary continuum in a consistent environment.
Legae Academy is an approved examination center for the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) and for Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR) exams. This accreditation allows students to take Cambridge certifications directly on site, a major advantage for applications to international universities that value these qualifications.
The school is a member of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), linking it to a continental network of international institutions. Its reputation as a “leading choice school for Batswana” shows it attracts a significant proportion of local students seeking a globally recognized diploma.
Delta Waters International School: The Cambridge Option in the North
Not all exceptional schools are in the capital. In Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta, Delta Waters International School offers an international co‑educational secondary program with day and boarding options.
Recognized as a Cambridge International Centre, the school structures its program over six years of secondary: IGCSE at the end of Form 4, AS Level at the end of year five, and A‑Level at the end of year six. For expatriate families around Maun, especially in the tourism sector, this is often the only alternative to boarding school in Gaborone or abroad.
Kgaswe School: A School Born for Expatriates, Open to Neighboring Districts
In Palapye, Kgaswe School illustrates how some “expat” schools later opened to their surroundings. Created for the children of expatriate employees, it now also welcomes students from the Serowe and Mahalapye districts.
Kgaswe is a registered institution and member of key educational organizations, ensuring compliance and quality.
Officially registered with the Botswana Ministry of Education, ensuring national regulatory compliance.
Member of the Conference of Heads of Private Schools Botswana, a national network of private school heads.
Member of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa, a renowned regional association for private education quality.
Conducts Cambridge English exams, attesting to an international academic standard.
Rainbow School and The Learning Centre: Varied Profiles, Same International Standard
Rainbow School, in Gaborone, operates as an independent, non‑denominational, non‑profit school. It offers an English‑medium curriculum for ages 13–20, with preparation for IGCSE and A‑Levels. Its positioning makes it an interesting option for families seeking a smaller, secondary‑focused structure.
The Learning Centre School (TLCS), also in Gaborone (Block 6), covers preschool, primary, and secondary. Accredited by the Botswana government and affiliated with the Association of Christian Schools International and AISA, it offers a complete education enriched by numerous extracurricular activities and prepares students for IGCSE at the Senior Secondary level.
Leading International and English Medium Primary Schools
For younger children, several private primary schools stand out for the quality of their English‑medium instruction and their international dimension, while remaining firmly rooted in the Botswana context.
Northside School and Thornhill Primary: British Inspiration
Northside School, in Gaborone, is a private English‑medium school whose curriculum is structured around IB principles, with compulsory uniforms. Re‑accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), this primary school attracts both expatriates and local families seeking a decidedly international foundation.
Thornhill Primary School, also in Gaborone, offers classes from Reception to Standard 7 in English. Its distinctive feature is a curriculum based on the UK National Curriculum, enriched with elements from Botswana, South Africa, and New Zealand. Students wear uniforms, which remains the norm in most Botswana private schools.
Botlhale Cambridge International School: From Pre‑Primary to Secondary, with Labs and Pool
Botlhale English Medium Primary School – which has grown into Botlhale Cambridge International School – presents itself as a non‑profit institution offering continuity from pre‑kindergarten to secondary. Located in Gaborone, it boasts very comprehensive facilities: a large multipurpose hall, two computer labs, well‑equipped science labs (physics, chemistry, biology), a swimming pool, and sports fields.
Botlhale school combines suitable facilities with the Cambridge curriculum, allowing students to follow a complete international education path without changing schools mid‑course.
Broadhurst Primary School: An English‑Medium Primary with a UNESCO Flavor
Broadhurst Primary School, in Gaborone, rounds out this picture of the best international primary schools in Botswana. The school uses a program built from UNESCO‑developed resources and requires uniforms. It is known for its sports performance, appealing to many families who value a balance between academics and physical activity.
The fees reported in available data reach 11,810,000 pula per term, a figure that seems disproportionate and is likely a transcription error, but even taken cautiously, it illustrates the high cost of this type of education.
Table: Selected Primary Schools and Their Positioning
| School | City | Main Cycle | Primary Pedagogical Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northside School | Gaborone | Primary | IB‑inspired curriculum, private international school |
| Thornhill Primary School | Gaborone | Reception to Std 7 | UK National Curriculum + regional influences |
| Botlhale Cambridge International | Gaborone | Pre‑primary to secondary | Cambridge + strong infrastructure endowment |
| Broadhurst Primary School | Gaborone | Primary | UNESCO resource‑based program, strong sports |
Gaborone International School, Enko Botho, and Other Key Players
Beyond the schools already mentioned, other institutions play a key role in Botswana’s international school offering.
Gaborone International School (often abbreviated GIS) is presented as one of the top private English‑medium schools in the capital, with a spacious campus housing preschool, primary, and high school on one site. It prepares students for IGCSE and emphasizes a seamless pathway from early childhood to a secondary school diploma.
Quarterly tuition fee in pula for Enko Botho International School in Gaborone.
Accreditations, Associations, and Quality: A Demanding Network
The best international schools in Botswana do not operate in isolation. They are linked to a set of accrediting bodies and professional associations that oversee educational quality.
Internationally, the Council of International Schools (CIS) provides a framework for self‑evaluation and expert visits. More than 500 schools worldwide are members; in Botswana, institutions like Westwood and Northside have obtained or renewed this accreditation.
On the continent, the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) serves as a professional network, organizing training, conferences, and working groups. Several Botswana schools are members, including Legae Academy and The Learning Centre School.
In Botswana, the Conference of Heads of Private Schools (CHOPS) and the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) bring together private institutions to share best practices in governance, pedagogy, and management. Kgaswe School illustrates this dynamic by being a member of both associations, reflecting its roots in both the Botswana and South African education systems.
Finally, the qualifications themselves enjoy global recognition: the IB Diploma opens doors to universities in many countries, often with credits or exemptions; Cambridge IGCSE and A‑Levels are accepted by most higher education institutions in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.
Admissions, Nationalities, and Capacity Constraints
A major challenge for families targeting the best international schools in Botswana is seat availability. Demand, driven by expatriates and the local upper‑middle class, is strong, while capacity remains limited.
Admission procedures vary widely from school to school, but commonalities include: online forms via parent portals; non‑refundable application fees; interviews or assessment tests; review of previous report cards; and sometimes requests for confidential reports from the previous school.
For international students, a valid study permit is mandatory; enrollment alone does not regularize status. Some schools require payment of several months’ fees in advance to provide the documents needed for the permit application.
English proficiency is among the criteria: although English as an Additional Language (EAL/ESL) programs exist, schools assess the student’s ability to follow a rigorous English‑medium curriculum. When space is tight, some create waiting lists or “waiting pools.” Final decisions often rest with an admissions committee or the principal.
Real Cost of an International Education: More Than Just Base Fees
While tuition fees provide a first benchmark, the total cost often includes additional items: development levies, registration fees, security deposits, uniforms, textbooks, field trips, and for boarders, accommodation and meals.
Classification of schools by annual cost, based on local fee schedules.
Annual cost above 70,000 pula. Includes schools like Westwood, Northside, and heavily IB‑ or Cambridge‑oriented institutions.
Annual cost around 40,000 to 45,000 pula.
Annual cost below 25,000 pula. Includes more modest institutions or religious satellite schools.
For expatriate families, negotiating a school fee allowance in the mobility package is almost essential. For local families, enrolling multiple children in these schools can represent a significant investment, sometimes offset by sibling discounts.
Added Value Beyond Grades: Clubs, Sports, and Engagement
What also sets the best international schools in Botswana apart is their offer outside class hours. Debate clubs, music, theater, choirs, sports competitions, and community service clubs are central to student life.
Schools often offer inter‑school sports leagues and various clubs (chess, arts, music, computer science, debate, public speaking). These activities allow students to compete with other institutions and develop essential interpersonal and practical skills.
Institutions like Maru a Pula and Westwood explicitly integrate community service into their programs, whether through IB CAS requirements or structured SPE programs. Long‑term partnerships, for example with nature reserves like Mokolodi or refugee centers, anchor this civic dimension in reality.
How to Choose Among the Best International Schools in Botswana
For a family settling in Gaborone or another major city in the country, the abundance of acronyms (IB, IGCSE, DP, A‑Levels) and options can be dizzying. An effective strategy is to start with a few concrete questions.
First, the desired university horizon: a family with a long IB track record will benefit from staying in that framework with Westwood or Enko Botho for the DP. Those targeting British or South African universities will be reassured by a complete Cambridge curriculum at Maru a Pula, Delta Waters, Legae, or Botlhale.
For young children, primary schools like Northside, Thornhill, Botlhale, or Broadhurst provide a solid foundation, later complemented by a more specialized secondary school. For families residing in Maun, Palapye, or remote areas, the availability of boarding, such as at Maru a Pula or Delta Waters, is an important criterion to consider.
Finally, the budget and desired lifestyle: ultra‑international IB continuum schools, institutions with a more “local” tradition but heavily internationalized, religious or secular schools, non‑profit versus more commercial structures—the range is wide. In all cases, early contact, visits—physical or virtual—and exchanges with other parents remain the best ways to get a clear picture.
A Constantly Evolving Landscape
Botswana’s educational landscape is evolving rapidly. The widespread rise in education costs, post‑pandemic investment in digital infrastructure, and competition between school networks lead to regular adjustments in offerings and fees. Meanwhile, the state continues its efforts to improve public school quality, which could eventually reshuffle the cards.
Botswana stands out in Southern Africa for its quality international education offering, combining political stability, an English‑speaking environment, and a strong presence of IB and Cambridge programs. With a robust accreditation ecosystem, it is a credible destination for families seeking an African base with a global outlook.
In this landscape, the names Westwood International School, Maru a Pula, Legae Academy, Delta Waters, Northside, Thornhill, Botlhale, Broadhurst, Gaborone International School, Enko Botho, Rainbow School, Kgaswe, and The Learning Centre School consistently come up when identifying institutions that drive quality upward. Each with its own identity, history, and positioning, they form a mosaic of options allowing most international families to find, in Botswana, a school that meets their ambitions for their children.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
