St Nicholas Grammar School

How old are your children?  My daughter attended secondary at St Nicholas for a short period.  It is a separate building and run completely separately (apart from the Principal) to the primary so I don't know anything about the primary school, so my observations are based on secondary, but I would advise to you to visit as I firmly believe that different schools suit different children.  You would get a good feel.  Compared to the schools my daughter attended previously (English curriculum outside Mauritius) it was very traditional, old fashioned style of teaching.  This may be Mauritius in general or the school, I really don't know. 

Positives: Staff generally very caring, strong Catholic ethos and practice, some good teachers, small school and small class sizes.  Very broad curriculum so the children can experience different subjects and see what they like / are good at.  I believe it has a good reputation, certainly amongst Mauritians who make up the majority, although many nations are represented.

Negatives: a discipline master they were all scared of, no flexibility in meeting the needs of the individual child i.e. one way of doing things, take it or leave it, some good teachers as noted above but some who were awful.  No provision for "catch up" French or other languages for those who had not studied them before.....just stuck in a class....some sink, some swim - my daughter sank with huge anxiety!  English medium school but all assemblies and some classes in French.  They do the Mauritian qualifications rather than international ones (but were thinking of changing to IGCSE and IB so if this happens it would resolve this issue).

Hi

I am considering sending my kids to St Nicholas this year. Can you please tell me your experiences at the school. Are your kids still attending St Nicholas?

Thank you so much

Regards

Hi

I brought my son for a test day to St. Nicholas. It is an old school and they start there day with a christian prayer/sermon held by a priest. So christian values and education is being taugt and practised.

The principal is a very kind lady in her last years of her career and a text book principal LIke from old movies where everyone is scared of her but she is very kind.

I decided not to opt for St. Nicholas because I think academics should be the main topic when going to school and not religion of any kind. Personal opinion. Hope this helps.

@Le Turq would  you mind to share which school you decided on at the end?

Based on my experience, interactions and research, some info which might enlighten ya:

Step Ahead

Well established school with proven academic level and offering a myriad of extra curricular activities. Unique school set-up due to the natural environment and wonderful views from the school.

Hampton

Long established school with proven academic and child developmental level and a nice expat student population.

Dukesbridge

The largest private school group of the island, their primary schools level is still quite unproven and quality of education becoming somewhat diluted according to parents due to increased focus on quantity.

Brightfield

Another school with an interesting curriculum (academic and developmental) but with their level still unproven.

All these schools located in the centre of the island and fees in the range MUR 7-8K.

Cheers

L

@Arthi Singh

Hi....though we are not a christian family, i sent my son there as he did not adapt to his previous college. I can personally tell you that St Nicolas is a great place, both regarding education and personal experience, to send your kids. He managed to succeed in his studies and went to study abroad.

@leah555777 that cheap? I have been looking for schools and actually settled on St Nicholas because everything else is around Rs20 000 per month for expats.

@coolinny where will you be living?