Definition of School
According to the education system, a school is an educational institution of 10 or more pupils/students designed to provide learning to pupils/students under the direction of a teachers and guided by education policy and curriculum implementation.
The Permanent Secretary is required to ensure establishment and maintenance of a register of all schools in Botswana. The register shall contain particulars of such schools as permitted to operate. Registration of schools is compulsory for all government, government aided and private schools as per the Education Act 58:01 section 14:1,.
Types of schools recognized and required to register:
- Government schools; built, maintained and managed by Botswana Government.
- Government Aided schools; built by private institutions, maintained wholly or partially by the government out of public funds.
- Private schools; built, maintained and managed by private entities or individuals.
Registration of schools is compulsory and no person shall operate a school, unless it is registered. It is an offence to operate a school not so registered and the law does not recognise such school.
The register shall indicate;
- Classification of schools and distinguish them by level e.g primary, secondary
- Different classes, standards or forms within schools according to the stage, nature or method of education to be provided therein.
- The number and category of classes, standards and forms and the type of education which each school may provide, and the highest form or type of education which is to be provided.
- The name of the owner the school, manager whether or not he is the owner
School owners and operators.
Submit completed documents for evaluation to the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Department of Educational Planning and Research Services.
School registration process
- Application for registration of schools is filled with the local authority (District Education office) who in turn will assess the need for a school; inspect buildings for proposed school and make recommendations to Ministry of Child Welfare & Basic Education for possible registration.
- Upon receipt of the application and recommendations from local authority, the Ministry of Child Welfare & Basic Education will publish such an application in the Government Gazette for a period of 6 weeks and call for objections if any.
- After considering any objections rendered, the school will be registered if there is satisfactory evidence that;
i. Teaching and accommodation are or will be adequate to class of school required
ii. The physical health and moral welfare of pupils/students will be adequately provided for
iii. The school will not be managed in a manner prejudicial to law and order
Conditions for operation
Before the school is opened the following must be met:
- Sufficient number of classrooms. Minimum classroom size: 9m x 7m in size.
- Minimum of eight toilets for both staff and students (separate for boys/men and women/girls)
- Sufficient water and electricity supply
- Qualified Teachers (All teachers should have permits to teach in Botswana)
- A curriculum approved by the Ministry of Basic Education
- Appropriate furniture, equipment, tools and practical training materials
Attachments which the client should submit with application
- Proof of ownership; land certificate, title deed or lease agreement
- Sketch plan of the proposed school, showing location of school in relation to the main roads and other main physical features in the village/town.
- An approved plan of the buildings
- Occupation Certificate from a lawful authority
- Project memorandum/ Business plan
- Referees for application; from a banker, religious head, community leader or professional relevant to the area being contemplated
The process takes 9 weeks to complete. Once the application is received by the Ministry of Basic Education;
- Application is sent to Attorney Generals Chambers to request for a Notice Draft.
- Notice Draft from AG Chambers is signed by Permanent Secretary, Basic Education and sent back to AG Chambers.
- Publication of application in Government Gazette takes six weeks
- Preparation and issuance of school registration certificate
Department of Educational Planning and Research Services.
Department of Educational Planning and Research Services
Tel: +267 371 5122
Private Bag 005, Gaborone
Government Enclave, Block 6 Building
