Overview & History

Matshwane International School is an English-medium, independent, co-educational school located in Maun, Botswana. It was founded in 1981 by Mervyn Palmer and began as a small class held in the founder’s home. Over time, it expanded and moved to its permanent campus in 1993. The name “Matshwane” comes from the Setswana word for “honey badger,” symbolizing the school’s values of resilience and determination.

Location & Setting

The school is situated in the Matshwane Ward on the outskirts of Maun, near the Okavango Delta. Its setting provides a quiet, nature-rich environment far from the distractions of major cities—about 500 km from the nearest urban center. The school embraces this unique location as part of its educational identity, fostering a close-knit, community-centered learning atmosphere.

Structure & Curriculum

Matshwane International School offers education from pre-school through secondary (college) level.

Pre-School

The pre-school accepts children aged four and five. It operates on its own mini-campus, with access to shared facilities such as a swimming pool and ICT lab. The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Primary School

The primary section begins from Standard 00 (around age four) and progresses through the primary grades. The curriculum includes Mathematics, English, Setswana, Global Perspectives, Science, ICT, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Design & Technology. The school is registered with the Botswana Ministry of Education and is affiliated with major independent school associations in Southern Africa.

College / Secondary

Matshwane College, the secondary division, was launched in 2021. It offers Cambridge International programs, including Lower Secondary and IGCSE qualifications, with plans to introduce AS levels. Subjects offered include Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), English, Languages (French, German, Setswana), Business Studies, ICT, Global Perspectives, Geography, Art, and Physical Education.

Accreditation & Memberships

The school is registered with the Botswana Ministry of Education and is a member of both the Independent Schools Association of Botswana (ISAB) and the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA). It is also an approved Cambridge International Assessment Centre.

Size, Fees & Other Details

Matshwane International School is a day school with approximately 300 students. It offers both primary and secondary phases of education and operates on a three-term calendar. The school has no religious affiliation and provides a secular learning environment. Tuition fees range roughly from BWP 25,000 to BWP 63,000 per year, depending on the grade level.