Gloria PenAre you searching for the top best Secondary Schools in Zambia for your child or ward?
Of course, choosing the right school can make a big difference in a student’s future.
Here’s a list of the top 13 best Secondary Schools in Zambia. These schools stand out for their academic excellence, modern facilities, dedicated teachers who have the interest of their students, and strong values.
So whether you want a Christian boarding school, a STEM-focused institution, or an international curriculum, Zambia has options that meet your needs.
Read on as you learn them all.
About Zambia’s Education System.
Zambia’s education system follows a 7-5-4 structure:
7 years of primary education.
5 years of secondary education (divided into junior and senior).
4 years of tertiary education.
Secondary school is further split into:
- Junior Secondary: Grades 8 to 9
- Senior Secondary: Grades 10 to 12
The Ministry of General Education oversees the National curriculum, though many private Schools offer international programs like Cambridge IGCSE or IB.
Check out our list of the top best Secondary Schools in Nigeria.
Is Zambia’s Education System Good?
You might ask “ is Zambia education good?”
The answer is Yes, Zambia’s education system has made steady progress so far. According to recent statistics, Literacy rates have improved, and access to schooling has expanded.
While government schools may face resource challenges, Private and international Schools provide high-quality education with excellent results. Many Zambian students go on to succeed in Universities worldwide.
Top Zambian schools compete regionally, with students excelling in technical fields, sciences, and business. One thing is that, If you choose the right institution, your child will receive a world-class education.
Having said that, now check out the list of top best secondary schools in Zambia below.
Top 13 Best Secondary Schools in Zambia.
Here’s our list of top 13 best secondary schools in Zambia for 2025, chosen for their great teaching, facilities, and reputation. Each school has something unique. Let’s check them out:
1. Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School
Address: Livingstone, Zambia
Email: hillcrest.technical@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8–12
Fees: About ZMW 10,000 to 15,000 per year
Hillcrest is a popular public school in Livingstone, it offers excellent results in science and technical subjects since time immemorial.
Started in 1956, it picks top students and has modern labs and workshops. Its strict rules and skilled teachers make it a favorite for affordable, quality education. Many Hillcrest students join big Universities globally.
2. St. Mary’s Secondary School.
Address: Leopards Hill Road, Lusaka, Zambia
Email: stmaryssec@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8 – 12
Fees: About ZMW 8,000–12,000 per year
St. Mary’s in Lusaka is also a public school with a long history since 1961. It’s popular for teaching exceptionally in subjects like English and math.
The school has functional labs and sports fields, well-equipped library, support extracurricular activities, and creating a great place to learn. It’s good results and famous graduates have made it a top pick to parents and students at large.
3. Njase Girls’ Secondary School
Address: Choma, Southern Province, Zambia
Email: njasegirls@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8–12
Fees: About ZMW 7,000 – 10,000 per year
Njase Girls’ is a church-run, all-girls boarding school in Choma. It focuses on good grades and teaching girls to be strong leaders.
Run by the United Church of Zambia, it’s affordable and builds confidence in young women, has safe and calm campuses, making it a great choice for your girls to study and feel at home.
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4. Ibenga Girls’ Secondary School
Address: Mpongwe District, Copperbelt Province, Zambia
Email: ibengagirls@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8–12
Fees: About ZMW 7,000 – 10,000 per annum.
This Catholic all-girls boarding school in Mpongwe helps girls grow academically and personally.
It offers a safe and peaceful environment to learn and a strong curriculum, tuition fees are affordable, and has qualified teachers who ensure your child is well-equipped and taken care of on campus.
5. Lusaka International Community School (LICS).
Address: 4071 Nangwenya Road, Lusaka, Zambia
Email: info@lics.sch.zm
Classes: Grade 8–12 (IB and Cambridge programs)
Fees: About ZMW 50,000–100,000 per year. Website
LICS is a top private school in Lusaka, teaching global programs like IB and Cambridge. It welcomes students from many countries and has great facilities like laboratories and sports fields.
LICS focuses on creative learning and community work, making it perfect for families wanting a world-class education for their child or ward.
6. Baobab College.
Address: Lilayi Road, Lusaka, Zambia
Email: admissions@baobabcollege.org
Classes: Grade 8–12 (British curriculum)
Fees: About ZMW 60,000–120,000 in a year. Website
Another top best secondary school in Zambia is Baobab College in Lusaka. It offers the British Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE and A-Level).
Its big campus has modern classrooms, sports areas, and music programs. Baobab helps students grow academically and beyond with activities like drama and sports.
7. David Kaunda National Technical Secondary School.
Address: Yotam Muleya Road, Lusaka, Zambia
Email: dktechnical@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8–12
Fees: About ZMW 10,000 – 15,000 per year.
This is one of the top best secondary schools in Zambia to enroll your child and feel comfortable with because of the premium education they offer.
The school is named after Zambia’s first president, this public boarding school in Lusaka is great for science and tech subjects. It prepares students for important jobs in Zambia. Its friendly community and skilled teachers make it a top choice for many students and parents who want the best for their kids.
8. Kitwe Boys Secondary School
Address: Kitwe, Zambia
Email: kitweboys@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8–12
Fees: About ZMW 8,000–12,000 per year
Kitwe Boys Secondary School is also one of the best in Zambia. It started operation in 1959 and has been amazingly well till today.
Although a public school, the school offers good grades and discipline. It teaches the Zambian curriculum and builds leadership skills.
Its low fees and strong results make it popular for young boys’ favorites when it comes to the best secondary School to attend.
9. Solwezi Technical Secondary School.
Address: Solwezi, North-Western Province, Zambia
Email: solwezitech@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8–12
Fees: About ZMW 8,000 – 12,000 per year
This boys-only public school in Solwezi teaches technical subjects like mechanics. It helps students prepare for technical careers.
Solwezi Technical Secondary School has reasonable fees, a serene environment good for learning, well-trained staff, and then it focuses on hands-on learning which make it special to lots of students.
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10. Kambule Technical High School
Address: Mongu, Western Province, Zambia
Email: kambuletech@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8–12
Fees: About ZMW 7,000–10,000 per annum.
Kambule Technical in Mongu is also a public school with a focus on technical skills and subjects like math and science.
It has modern-day technologies and facilities and provides practical teaching that make it a great choice for many families in Zambia.
11. Chizongwe Technical High School.
Address: North of Chipata, Eastern Province, Zambia
Email: chizongwetech@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8–12
Fees: About ZMW 7,000–10,000 per year
Chizongwe Technical in Chipata is a public school with great exam results. It handles technical subjects perfectly and is affordable, making it a good option for students in the Eastern Province.
12. St. Canisius Secondary School
Address: Chikuni Mission, Monze District, Zambia
Email: stcanisius@gmail.com
Classes: Grade 8–12
Fees: About ZMW 8,000–12,000 per year
St. Canisius in Monze is an old mission school that mixes good grades with personal growth. It helps students develop skills and values, hence a top pick for parents and students who want elite education in a calm and secured environment.
13. American International School of Lusaka (AISL)
Address: Lusaka, Zambia
Email: admissions@aislusaka.org
Classes: Grade 8–12 (IB and American programs)
Fees: About ZMW 80,000 – 150,000 per year. Website
AISL is among the top best secondary schools in Zambia and a leading private school in Lusaka that offers American and IB programs.
Its modern facilities and diverse students prepare kids for global success. Activities like sports and arts make it a favorite for families.
What are the Grades for Secondary Schools in Zambia?
Secondary schools in Zambia have two(2) levels:
- Junior Secondary: Grade 8–9, with a national exam at the end.
- Senior Secondary: Grade 10–12, with a big exam in Grade 12 for University entry.
Students study main subjects like English, math, and science, plus extras like business or technical skills. Private schools may offer global exams like IGCSE or IB.
Tips for Choosing the best Secondary School in Zambia.
With some many good secondary schools in Zambia, picking the best school for your child can be tricky.
But here’s our guide on how to choose the best Schools in Zambia:
a. Curriculum: Decide if you want Zambian or international programs like IB.
b. Location: City schools have more facilities; rural ones are cheaper.
c. Facilities: Check for a school that has good facilities like labs, sports fields, or libraries.
d. Fees: Public schools cost ZMW 7,000 – 15,000/year; while private ones are from ZMW 50,000 to 150,000.
e. Activities: Try to look for schools with sports, music, or clubs for fun and growth.
Lastly, before you enroll your child into any of these best secondary schools in Zambia listed above, visit the school, read reviews, and pick one that fits your child.
FAQs for the Top Best Secondary Schools in Zambia.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about Zambia Schools that might help you as well:
Q1. What’s the best secondary school in Zambia?
From our list above, Hillcrest Technical is often the best for its great results and affordable tuition fees. For global programs, LICS and Baobab are top choices.
2. Are public secondary schools free in Zambia?
Yes, public schools are free from 2021 till recently, but some charge small fees. Private schools cost ZMW 7,000–150,000 per year.
Also check out our list of top 11 best secondary schools in Nigeria
3. What programs do Zambian schools offer?
Public schools teach the Zambian curriculum, while Private schools offer British, American, or IB programs.
4. How do I enroll my child in a School?
Contact the school for an application form, provide your child’s past grades, and sometimes an exam or interview may be conducted by the school.
5. Do Secondary Schools in Zambia offer Scholarships?
Yes, many of these top 13 best secondary schools in Zambia listed above give scholarships for good grades or financial need. Ask the school for details.
In Summary
In Zambia, secondary schools play a crucial role in shaping students’ futures, preparing them for University beforehand, careers, and life. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one?
Every parent wants the best for their kids, that’s why we have selected the top best secondary schools in Zambia for you here. All these schools offer something unique you must go with.
Whether you’re looking for academic excellence, low fees, technical training, or boarding facilities, this list will help you make the right choice.
While Zambia has made progress in education, challenges like limited resources, teacher shortages, and high pupil-teacher ratios still exist. However, top schools maintain high standards, producing some of the country’s brightest minds.
So go ahead and pick the school that has your child’s interest, visit campuses, talk to teachers and ask vital questions, and find the perfect fit.
Remember your child’s path to success starts from the kind of secondary school you enroll them to, so make it a great journey for them.
Good luck!
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Gloria Pen
1 comment
This is so nice to read. Your selections of schools are just the best list ever in Zambia