Alexandra House School vs Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School
Alexandra House School and Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School are both in Mauritius, about 23 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School also offers EYFS, IPC, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are MUR 1,000 - 225,000 at Alexandra House School and MUR 173,600 - 390,550 at Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School, which puts Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School roughly 150% higher. Alexandra House School takes pupils from 4 to 11, and Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School from 4 to 18. Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School is the larger school, with around 583 pupils to Alexandra House School's 100. Typical class sizes are 15 at Alexandra House School and 24 at Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
100
Pupils
583
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
24
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1975
Opened
2009
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Floréal, Mauritius, on King George V Avenue. The school is situated in Floréal, close to the central plateau, on over two acres of terraced gardens. It is a private English primary day school serving children aged 4+ to 11+ from expatriate and local families.
Location
Albert Road, Calebasse, Mauritius. The school sits in the northern region of Mauritius, with central access via major road links including the highway and ring road. It is adjacent to a forest and a river, within a diverse residential community that provides easy links to the surrounding area. The campus address and contact details are provided on the school's site.
Stages
Stages
Primary (ages 4+ to 11+)
Stages
Pre Primary Programme; Primary Programme; Secondary Programme.
School type
School type
Private English primary day school
School type
Private day school located in Mauritius with a Christian worldview; experiential education is emphasised.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Reception and lower primary classes have the additional support of a Learning Assistant; upper primary classes have shared Learning Assistant support.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Mauritius
Country affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Christian
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Lighthouse coordinates paid transport for families; drivers are contracted and not employees of the school. If transport is available for your area, arrangements are made by the Administration Team; seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis; Reception students are not eligible unless accompanied by an older sibling.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & enrolment fees
- Registration fee: Rs. 1,000 (payable with the completed application form). - Enrolment (non-refundable) fee payable on acceptance of a place: Mauritian pupils Rs. 75,000; Non‑Mauritian pupils Rs. 100,000.
Tuition fees (per term and per year)
- Tuition is charged per term; the school year is divided into three terms. - Termly tuition: Mauritian pupils Rs. 75,000 per term; Non‑Mauritian pupils Rs. 100,000 per term. - Annual tuition (3 terms): Mauritian pupils Rs. 225,000 per year; Non‑Mauritian pupils Rs. 300,000 per year. - The termly tuition covers all textbooks, exercise books, art materials, educational equipment and school outings.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are invoiced per term (three terms in the academic year). - One term's written notice must be given on the first day of the term at the end of which the pupil is to leave; if proper notice is not given, fees are payable for the following term.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not provided for pupils at this school (the school operates as a day school with stated hours and day‑pupil arrangements).
Other costs and optional charges
- Uniforms are purchased separately from the school shop (Candos); uniform costs are not included in the termly tuition. - Afternoon activity clubs (optional) incur additional charges. - Transport is organised by parents; limited bus provision is available from some areas (any bus costs are separate and arranged/charged outside the standard termly fees).
Refunds and cancellation
- The enrolment fee paid to secure a place is non‑refundable at the point of enrolment. - If a parent fails to give the required one term's written notice of leaving on the stated day, fees for the following term remain payable; no automatic refund will be given in that circumstance.
Fee payment options and contact for payment arrangements
- The school does not publish detailed payment method instructions on its public fee pages; parents should contact the school administration to confirm accepted payment methods (bank transfer, credit card, local payment options or other methods) and to obtain any required banking/payment details. - Contact for payments and fee queries: admin@alexandrahouseschool.com; Tel: (230) 696 4108.
Fee details
Currency
- All amounts are in Mauritian Rupees (Rs).
Application / Registration fees
- Non-refundable registration fee (payable in full once upon acceptance): - Mauritian students: Rs 35,000. - Expatriate students: Rs 47,000. - The registration fee is payable in full within seven days of the invoice; a place is not confirmed until the registration fee is paid. Brothers and sisters receive a 25% discount on the registration fee for the second and any subsequent children.
Tuition and meal fees (by grade group) — billed as monthly payments
Note: Tuition and meal fees are spread over eleven monthly payments per year. The table below gives the monthly amounts; annual totals are the monthly amount multiplied by 11.
- Refundable deposit per child: equal to three months of the child's applicable tuition (three times the monthly tuition amount). The deposit is due before the child's first day of school for new students and will be re-evaluated as tuition changes; the total held on behalf of a student is refundable (without interest) on departure provided the family is in good financial standing. At least one month's tuition equivalent of the deposit will be retained if a student is requested to leave.
- Primary school resource fee (required): Rs 2,750.
- Camp fees (obligatory as part of the curriculum): - Primary Grade 5 and 6 camp: Rs 3,000 (required). - All secondary grades (one-week residential camp): Rs 4,750 (required). Camp fees are invoiced and due by 28 February of the year, or upon enrolment for students joining later.
- Examination fees for Grades 11–13 (Cambridge International or other external exams): charged at cost and invoiced separately; these are third-party charges and payable by parents.
- Textbook/library policy and device requirements: - Required subject-specific textbooks and library books are loaned to secondary students and remain school property; replacement fees apply for lost or damaged books. - Students in Grades 7–13 are expected to have access to a device for school use, purchased by parents. New students in Grades 7–9 are required to purchase a Chromebook (stylus-enabled model); the school provides a direct purchasing option.
- Optional/extra costs: special clubs, sports fees, replacement of damaged school property, and any optional activities or external trips will be invoiced separately.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition and meal fees are billed as eleven monthly payments. The first payment is due before the child's first day of school. Tuition and meal fees are payable by standing order on the first day of each month for that month; evidence of a standing order must be shown prior to entry and at the start of each academic year. For families enrolling after the start of a month, tuition and meal fees are pro-rated. Other invoiced costs (exam fees, camps, resource fees, optional activities) are payable by bank transfer or cheque; payments in cash are discouraged.
- Registration fee must be paid in full within seven days of the invoice. Camp fees are invoiced and due by 28 February (or on enrolment for late joiners).
- Sibling discount: families with three or more children enrolled simultaneously receive a 50% discount on tuition for each child enrolled after the second (i.e., the third child and subsequent children receive 50% off tuition). Proof of Mauritian citizenship is required for families applying for Mauritian fee rates; at least one parent must provide national ID or passport prior to the first invoice.
Refunds, notice and late-payment policies
- Registration fee: non-refundable.
- Refundable deposit: refundable (without interest) on departure provided the family is in good financial standing; the school may deduct outstanding amounts. At least one month's tuition equivalent of the deposit may be retained if a student is asked to leave.
- Notice of departure: parents must give at least three months' written notice if a student is to be removed. If proper notice is not given, the school charges the net equivalent of three months' fees (including the month of December where applicable). The school may withhold reports or transfer documents until all amounts due are paid.
- Absences and refunds: no remission of school fees is made in case of absence due to illness, overseas leave or other causes.
- Late payments: a written reminder of late payments will be issued within 15 days of the due date. Fees unpaid one month after the due date will result in a follow-up meeting and, if unresolved, could lead to suspension of the student until fees are paid in full.
Accepted payment methods
- Tuition and meal fees: payable by standing order (preferred) on the first day of each month. Evidence of the standing order must be provided prior to entry and at the start of each academic year.
- Other invoiced fees (exam fees, camp fees, resource fees, optional activities): payable by bank transfer or cheque. Payments in cash are discouraged. (No credit-card payment method is specified in the school's fee policy document.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
British curriculum is followed closely in core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science) with other subjects having an international bias. The curriculum balances enquiry-based learning with a contents-based approach, developing skills in enquiry, research, creative and critical thinking. English is the language of instruction; teachers are native English speakers or Mauritian staff who speak English fluently and emphasise reading, phonics and language development. Subjects include English, Maths, Science, Integrated Studies, ICT, French, Study Skills, Drama, Music, Art & Craft, Physical Education, PSHE, Mindfulness, Brain Gym, and Assembly/Religion, with differentiation in small classes (average about 15). Alexandra House School is a COBIS member and provides a multicultural, international-friendly British-style education.
Curriculum details
Primary curriculum uses the British National Curriculum and is integrated with the International Primary Curriculum; English is the first language and French is an additional language. IPC thematic units are used for Science, Geography, History, Art, Music and Physical Education. Secondary follows Cambridge Lower Secondary in Grades 7–9 and transitions to IGCSE and AS/A-level in Grades 10–13. In Grades 7–9 there are 11 subjects; Grades 10–11 have 8 examinable subjects; Grades 12–13 narrow to 4 subjects for Cambridge assessments. The Cambridge curriculum is globally recognised and prepares students for university studies worldwide; Biblical Studies and Physical Education are compulsory.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Small classes with a minimum of two teachers per section and 24 students per section.
Graduates are well positioned to pursue university studies worldwide, with the Cambridge-based curriculum recognised internationally.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
The school recognises that each child is gifted with something special and seeks to identify and develop each child's unique talents; classes are kept small (average 15) and teaching is differentiated according to individual academic levels.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
—
History
—
Community
Community
—
Community
—
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
—
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
—
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. After completing the application form, an appointment for interview is arranged. It is helpful if parents provide up-to-date school reports and samples of the child's work at the interview. An informal test assesses the child's current level of ability in English and Mathematics to determine placement. If the family cannot be in Mauritius for interview, a place may be secured if the reports from the previous school indicate the work covered and the skills acquired.
2. Normally a place is offered only after this interview and testing. Admission is at the discretion of the school. Priority is given to 'traditional A.H.S families' such as siblings, returning families, or families with longstanding ties to the school. The school reserves the right to offer places to the most suitable candidates.
3. School Visit: Prospective parents who wish to visit are requested to make an appointment; staff provide information and a guided tour. Formal Application: A completed application form is required, accompanied by the child's birth certificate and previous school reports where appropriate. Fees and Submission: The registration fee is Rs.1000 for Mauritius-based applicants (this fee may be paid when the family arrives in Mauritius for applicants from abroad). Processing: If the application is emailed, it is acknowledged within one week during term time, or within the start of the next term; upon receipt, the child\'s name is placed on the waiting list.
4. Criteria for entry to Reception Class: Children are eligible for entry to Reception Class when they have reached 4 years of age by 31st December of the previous year. Prospective pupils are called for an interview with the headmistress and an informal test is given to assess English and mathematics; priority is given to fluent English speakers and to children from 'traditional A.H.S families'. Interviews typically occur during September and October of the year in which the children turn 4. Once 14 places have been allocated, no more testing will be carried out for that year and parents of remaining pupils on the waiting list will be advised that no further places are available.
5. Criteria for entry to classes from Year 1 to Year 6: If a place is available, the child will be given an appointment for an interview with the headmistress. Parents are encouraged to provide up-to-date school reports and samples of the child's work; an informal test will be given to assess English and mathematics. If necessary, prospective pupils may be invited to spend time in the school to assess literacy and numeracy to determine placement. Enrolment occurs when parents sign the enrolment form and pay a non-refundable enrolment fee to secure the place.
6. Children with Special Educational Needs: Parents of children with special needs or learning difficulties are asked to carefully consider what the school has to offer and to discuss each case with the staff. The school will take into account any reports from educational psychologists or specialists and advise on what specialist help is available locally. Admission may not be possible if, in the opinion of the Headmistress and Director, the school cannot provide adequately for the particular needs of the individual.
Admissions
1. Start by submitting an online enquiry or applying through the Lighthouse Online Application Portal. The Online Enquiry form is available from the site, and the online application portal begins the admissions process. This step connects families with the admissions team to begin the enrollment sequence.
2. Provide the required documents through the online application: Birth Certificate, passport-size photo, formal grade reports from the last two years, and diagnostic or specialised assessment reports. These documents are requested as part of the application process to establish eligibility and placement.
3. The school reviews applications and determines grade placement in collaboration with families; class placement is decided with parents upon admission. Admissions decisions and placement are made with parental input to ensure a good fit for the student.
4. Admissions occur on an ongoing basis throughout the academic year; joining at the start of the year is preferable, but new students are welcomed whenever there is an open seat. Spaces are filled as they become available, allowing for flexible entry during the year.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Lighthouse offers scholarships to provide access to quality education regardless of family income. As of July 2025, there are 52 scholarship students across Primary and Secondary, about 9% of the school body, funded by school funds and donors. Scholarships are not blanket 100% grants; each application is assessed according to the family's financial position, and renewals consider the student's academic record, attendance, and behaviour. Applications are reviewed annually; families must demonstrate ongoing financial need and continued fit with the school's ethos, and parents of scholarship students participate in school life.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school uses a waiting list. Upon completion of the application form, the child\'s name is placed on the waiting list. For Reception, 14 places are allocated; once these places have been filled, no more testing is carried out for that year and parents of remaining pupils on the waiting list are advised that there are no more places available for that year. They may choose to keep their child\'s name on the waiting list for a possible future place.