Choosing a great secondary school in Zambia can feel like a big task sometimes. You want a place that feels safe. You also want steady teaching, good results, and a space where your child feels supported. But the question is how do you know the right one with some many schools out there?
Well, this well-researched post lists 12 of the best secondary schools in Zambia that parents often ask about. For each school, you’ll see the city, curriculum, boarding or day options, and what makes it stand out. The good part is that, you can use this guide to create your shortlist, plan school visits, and decide with confidence.
Check Also: Top 10 Best Boarding Schools in Zambia
What Makes a Great Secondary School in Zambia
- Clear teaching plans and goals.
- Caring teachers who pay attention to students
- Consistent exam results
- Calm classrooms with discipline that builds respect
- Clubs and teams that grow confidence and life skills
- Libraries and labs for practice and discovery.
- A school culture that values honesty and effort.
Top 12 Best Secondary Schools in Zambia
Below are the top 12 best secondary schools in Zambia you can enroll your child and be rest assured:
1. International School of Lusaka (ISL) — Lusaka
- City: Lusaka
- Curriculum: International program with inquiry-based learning, IGCSE, and IB Diploma
- Day or Boarding: Day
- Website: isl.sch.zm
- Why families pick it: Diverse community and modern learning approach
- Highlights: Language support, arts, sport, and college guidance
- Best for: Families who want a global track and international exposure.
2. Lusaka International Community School (LICS) — Lusaka
- City: Lusaka
- Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level routes
- Day or Boarding: Day
- Website: lics.sch.zm
- Why families pick it: Strong academic support and steady exam preparation
- Highlights: STEM clubs, student leadership, and community service
- Best for: Students aiming for clear routes to top universities
3. Baobab College — Lusaka
- City: Lusaka
- Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level
- Day or Boarding: Both
- Website: baobabcollege.org
- Why families pick it: Quiet campus feel with balanced study routines
- Highlights: Science labs, arts studios, sports, and outdoor activities
- Best for: Learners who want balance between academics and co-curricular life.
4. Chengelo School — Mkushi
- City: Mkushi
- Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level with a Christian ethos
- Day or Boarding: Boarding
- Website: chengeloschool.org
- Why families pick it: Rural setting with close mentoring in hostels
- Highlights: Outdoor leadership, farm projects, and chapel times
- Best for: Students who thrive with structure and strong values.
5. Trident College Solwezi — Solwezi
- City: Solwezi
- Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level
- Day or Boarding: Both (boarding emphasized)
- Website: trident-schools.com
- Why families pick it: Focused exam preparation and structured schedules
- Highlights: Modern facilities, sports, and pastoral care
- Best for: Learners looking for boarding life and strong university prep
6. Lechwe School — Kitwe
- City: Kitwe
- Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level
- Day or Boarding: Day (some hostel options)
- Why families pick it: Smaller class sizes and personal attention
- Highlights: Music, drama, and science fairs
- Best for: Families in Copperbelt seeking international qualifications.
7. Simba International School — Ndola
- City: Ndola
- Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level
- Day or Boarding: Both
- Why families pick it: Caring boarding staff and focused learning culture
- Highlights: ICT labs, science labs, and sports programs
- Best for: Students who want a close community feel with good academics.
8. Mpelembe Secondary School — Kitwe
- City: Kitwe
- Curriculum: National exams with strong maths and science focus
- Day or Boarding: Both
- Why families pick it: Good record in competitive exams and STEM contests
- Highlights: Study clinics, debate, and robotics clubs
- Best for: Students who enjoy problem-solving and STEM
9. Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School — Livingstone
- City: Livingstone
- Curriculum: National exams with technical courses
- Day or Boarding: Both
- Why families pick it: Mix of academic and practical training
- Highlights: Workshops, labs, and sports
- Best for: Learners who like hands-on learning with real projects
10. David Kaunda National STEM Secondary School — Lusaka
- City: Lusaka
- Curriculum: National exams with STEM focus
- Day or Boarding: Both
- Why families pick it: High standards in maths, physics, chemistry, and ICT
- Highlights: Science fairs, coding clubs, and project work
- Best for: Students planning for engineering or science paths
11. Roma Girls Secondary School — Lusaka
- City: Lusaka
- Curriculum: National exams
- Day or Boarding: Day
- Why families pick it: Supportive all-girls environment
- Highlights: Reading culture, guidance counseling, and sports
- Best for: Girls who prefer focused learning without distractions
12. Lake Road PTA School — Lusaka
- City: Lusaka
- Curriculum: National exams with focus on core subjects
- Day or Boarding: Day
- Why families pick it: Active parent involvement and consistent routines
- Highlights: Clubs, arts, and a strong reading culture
- Best for: Families who want a strong city school with community feel.
Read Also: Top 13 Best Secondary Schools in Nigeria
How to Choose the Best Secondary Schools in Zambia
- Make a shortlist of all the schools you admired.
- Visit during a normal school day.
- Watch teacher–student interactions.
- Ask about class sizes and academic support.
- Check boarding supervision if needed.
- Review exam results for the last three years.
- Ask about clubs, sports, and leadership opportunities.
- Confirm fees and what’s included.
Day or Boarding, Which is Better in Zambia?
Day school suits families living close by. It lowers costs and keeps children near home.
Whereas Boarding reduces travel time, builds independence, and helps with time management.
Just choose based on your child’s needs and your family’s routine.
Curriculum Paths in Zambia’s Schools
- Many schools prepare for national exams.
- Some offer Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level for broader options.
- Ask how subject choices affect university opportunities.
- Review past performance in the subjects your child will take.
See Also: Top Best Secondary Schools in Ethiopia
Benefits of Clubs and Life Skills in Zambia’s Schools
Clubs build character and confidence.
- Debate clubs build quick thinking
- JETS and coding sharpen problem-solving
- Sports grow teamwork and resilience
- Arts encourage creativity and calm
Overall, allow your child to encourage at least one club each term.
Are there Scholarships and Fee Relief in Zambia?
- Some schools offer merit-based awards
- Others support families based on financial need
- Apply early as deadlines can be strict
- Keep report cards and recommendation letters ready
How to Prepare Your Child for the Best
- Make a simple study plan
- Read every day
- Use past papers for practice
- Write answers by hand
- Get enough sleep
- Eat simple healthy meals
- Limit phone use during prep
- Review mistakes and try again
Check Also: Top 10 Best Secondary Schools in Gaborone
FAQs for the Best Secondary Schools in Zambia
1Q. Which curriculum leads to more options?
Both national exams and Cambridge qualifications open doors. Choose based on your child’s goals and learning style.
Q2. When should I apply?
Start early. Ask schools about entrance tests and interviews. Prepare months ahead.
Q3. Do these schools accept transfers?
Yes, many of these best secondary schools in Zambia listed here do. Ask about spaces, placement tests, and documents needed.
Q4. How many subjects should my child take?
Quality matters more than quantity. Focus on core subjects plus electives that match his or her career goals.
Q5. How can I track progress?
Check your child’s books weekly. Meet teachers often. Set term goals and follow up.
Conclusion
You now have a clear guide to the top 12 best secondary schools in Zambia. Each school mentioned above has a different mission, culture, and pace.
To choose the best for your child, all you have to do is, match the school to your child’s needs, if possible visit their physical location, ask questions, and look beyond glossy brochures. Just know that a calm plan and steady study habits will take your child far.
Good luck!
And remember to share this insightful post with your family and friends.
