Schools in Mauritius are one of the first questions for families who relocate. Fortunately, the island has many private and international schools, with French, British or International Baccalaureate programmes. Here is how to choose them, and where they are.
Schools in Mauritius: public or private?
Government schools accept children of Mauritian nationality. A foreign child therefore cannot enrol there, so foreign families turn to private schools. However, these schools are not reserved for foreigners. Indeed, many Mauritian families also enrol their children there.
Schools in Mauritius: the main programmes
Private schools mainly follow three routes. First, the French programme leads to the French baccalaureate. Then, the British programme prepares for Cambridge exams, such as the IGCSE. Finally, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is recognised in many countries. Your choice therefore depends on your children’s language, their age and your study plans.
Schools in Mauritius: schools in the North
In Mapou, Northfields International School offers a path from pre-school to the IB Diploma, with the IB and Cambridge programmes. In addition, the International Preparatory School welcomes the youngest children. Meanwhile, Saint Exupéry International School, in Grand Baie, offers bilingual French and English teaching for children aged 3 to 11. To live close to these schools, discover real estate in the North.
Schools in Mauritius: schools in the Centre
The Centre has several highly regarded schools. For example, Lycée La Bourdonnais, in Curepipe, is a French international school, from primary to high school. For its part, Le Bocage International School, in Moka, welcomes 11 to 18 year olds with the IB, the IGCSE and a career-related programme. Finally, also in Moka, Clavis International Primary School offers the IB for children aged 3 to 11.
Schools in Mauritius: schools in the West
In the West, Telfair International Primary & High School, in Tamarin, follows the British programme. Likewise, Westcoast International Secondary School, in Cascavelle, prepares students for IGCSE exams, then the IB. Families who love the sunny coast will therefore find several options: see real estate in the West.
Jess’s advice: a two-step path
Jess Trujillo, founder of VIP’S H’OM, shares her own experience. Her children attended École du Nord from nursery to the CE2 year. Then she enrolled them at Northfields. As a result, they gained all the basics in French, then became bilingual. Every family has its own pace, though, so take the time to visit several schools.
Choosing your home according to the school
For a family, the school often guides the choice of neighbourhood. Indeed, daily journeys matter a lot, especially at rush hour. We therefore advise you to choose the school first, then the home. Then visit the school if you can, or ask for a video appointment.
Schools in Mauritius: enrolment and preparation
Contact schools as early as possible, because places can be limited depending on the level. In addition, prepare your children’s school reports, ID and, if needed, medical documents. However, each school sets its own admission conditions, programmes and availability: check them directly with the school before deciding. The information on this page is indicative.
A question about settling in as a family?
Preparing a move with children? Contact us: we help you choose the most practical neighbourhood for your family.