The education system in Mauritius

The Mauritian education system

The Mauritian school system is based on the Anglo-Saxon model and is divided, as is often the case elsewhere, into 3 main stages: primary education, secondary education and higher education. Moreover, the wearing of uniforms is compulsory in government schools, each bearing its own colors.

Regarding kindergarten, the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, and Science and Technology, through its Strategic Plan (2008-2020), has proclaimed that all children between the ages of 3 and 5 must attend preschool and then go on to primary school.

The end of secondary school is marked by the High School Certificate (HSC), awarded by the University of Cambridge.

Good to know:

In 2015, the Mauritian government introduced the concept of "Nine Year Schooling" in which the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) was replaced by the Primary School Achievement Certificate (PSAC). The results of this examination determine what high school the candidate attends. 

Mauritius also has many private schools that follow the national curriculum. These schools are paid and operate differently from public schools: fewer students in the classes, personalized assistance, more staff, etc.

Read also Study in Mauritius

Schooling for expat children in Mauritius

Most expat children in Mauritius attend international schools. There are a plethora of schools to choose from in each category.

International schools in Mauritius

For serial expats or those who want a multicultural education, international schools apply American, English, etc., and mostly similar educational standards worldwide, making for an easy transition if there is a change in destination. 

In the North

Greencoast International High School

Greencoast is a private English-speaking school for children from the age of 3 to 18 based on the Anglo-Saxon system. The school explains that it provides a stimulating, engaging and internationally oriented education in a quality structure. Its goal is to help students to become active citizens in a constantly changing world.

Address: Bois Rouge, Beau Plan, Pamplemousses, Mauritius

Phone: 230 260 0630/1

International Preparatory School (IPS)

IPS is a private English-speaking school for pre-primary and primary levels, from 18 months to 11 years. It is a candidate for the primary program and is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Upon completion of IPS, the majority of its students go on to either Northfields International High School or Le Bocage International High School.

Address: Royal Road, Mapou, Mauritius

Phone: (230) 266 1973

Lighthouse Primary & Secondary School

Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School, located in the Northern region of Mauritius, offers a curriculum based on Christian principles. The school welcomes children from the age of 13 to 18.

Address: Albert Lane, Calebasses, Mauritius

Phone: 230 243 7100

Northfields International School (NIS)

Located in the village of Labourdonnais, Northfields was founded in 2001. The school is based on a family atmosphere and traditional values, with an emphasis on the holistic development of each student. It is one of the leading independent international private schools in Mauritius and caters to children aged 18 months to 18 years.

Address: Main Road, Labourdonnais Village, Mapou 31803, Mauritius

Phone: (230) 266 9448/9

Saint Exupéry International School Mauritius

SEIS is a private bilingual French/English international school for pre-primary and primary school children aged 3 to 11. The school has a learner-centered approach and offers high standards.

Address: Château La Mare Ronde, Avenue Du Château, Chemin Vingt Pieds

30513 Grand Bay, Mauritius

Phone: 230 268 0108

In the center

Morning Star International School

Morning Star School was established in 2003 with the aim of providing primary and secondary education with an international level of English to Mauritian and expatriate students. According to its description, it aims to provide a stimulating and nurturing environment in which students can not only excel academically but also in their personal lives.

Address: 40 Palladium Lane, Trianon, Mauritius

Phone: 230 4600702/4600703

Clavis International Primary School (CIPS)

CIPS offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Program (IBPP). Schooling is offered to students from 3 to 11 years old. Bilingualism is encouraged in English and French.

Address: Mount Ory, Moka, Mauritius

Phone: (230) 433 4439

Alexandra House School

This is a private English primary day school in Mauritius for boys and girls aged 4 to 11 . The school caters for approximately 100 children and offers a British curriculum with a strong international flavor.

Address: King George V Avenue, Floreal 74108, Mauritius

Phone: 230 6964108

Le Bocage International School (LBIS)

LBIS is a private, co-educational, English-speaking international school for students aged 11 to 19. Students are prepared for the IGCSE and International Baccalaureate exams. Students are enrolled in classes 1 to 7, and the school is accredited by the Mauritian Ministry of Education and the CIS. Uniforms are mandatory.

Address: Mount Ory, Moka, Mauritius

Phone: (230) 433 9900

In the West

Telfair International Primary School (TIPS)

Founded in 2007, Telfair International Primary School (TIPS) is a co-educational English private school located in Tamarin, on the West coast of Mauritius. It welcomes children from 5 to 12 years old, who then go directly to Le Bocage International School in Moka.

Address: Avenue Dauphins, Tamarin, Mauritius

Phone: 230 483 5108

Westcoast International Secondary School (WISS)

This is an English-speaking secondary school located on the West coast of the island. Students begin by studying the International Middle Year Curriculum (IMYC) and then follow a set of programs for the IGCSE. Students study at least 6 subjects required for the International Baccalaureate (IB) in grades 6 and 7.

Address: Coastal Road, Cascavelle, Mauritius

Phone: 230 452 9193

Childcare in Mauritius

Nowadays, there are many options for childcare in Mauritius. Indeed, many private nurseries and kindergartens are spread out in the center of the island and go up to the north.

Daycare centers and nurseries in Mauritius

Daycare centers are intended for parents of children who are too young to attend school. These structures have a staff that is generally bilingual in English and French and trained in the field of early childhood.

Here are some addresses of day-care centers that might be helpful upon your arrival:

• Babysitter & Nanny Agency Mauritius- Babyplus Official: It is a day-care that has been in operation for over 10 years.
• Primerose Babysitters (Vaccinated) & Nanny Mauritius: Offers home-based childcare and is found in Grand Bay. It is open 24 hours.
• Barbie Day Care-Center: A day-care center in operation for over 5 years in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill
• La Cigogne Day Care Centre: A day-care center in operation for over 5 years in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill
• Little Angels Infant Nursery Day Care: It is a daycare center in Port Louis.
• Ding Dong Bell Child Day Care Center: A day-care center in operation for over 10 years in Terre Rouge
• The Popples Garderie: A day-care center in operation for over 5 years in Quatre Bornes
• Wise World Kids: A day-care center in operation for over 5 years in Quatre Bornes
• Little Cherubs: A day-care in operation for over 5 years in Quatre Bornes
• Kids Club: A day-care in operation for over 3 years in Balaclava
• PHWA Mauritius: A day-care in operation in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill
• Wonderland Nursery: A day-care in operation in Poste de Flacq
• La Palette is a day-care center in Cap Malheureux
• TejAngel's Pre Primary School And Daycare in Quatre Bornes

Preschools in Mauritius

Will your child be 3 years old when you arrive in Mauritius? It is compulsory for children to go to school from this age on. Here are some of the preschools that will be able to accommodate your child: 

• Little Heroes Day Care Centre and Preschool is found in Flacq.
• Kiddyland Kids Pre-Primary School & Day Care Centre is found in Pamplemousses
• Sparkle Tots Nursery and Pre-Primary School - Kindergarten is found in Quatre-Bornes
• Stepping Stones Pre-Primary & Nursery is found in Moka
• L'île aux Enfants - (LAE Montessori) - Preschool is found in Cascavelle

Google Maps, which lists several dozen addresses, should be useful in helping you in your research; click here to find the best rated.