Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School vs Northfields International School

	L Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School Mauritius, Mauritius	N Northfields International School Mauritius, Mauritius
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MUR 173,600 - 390,550	Fees / year MUR 161,700 - 608,300
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum 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	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, British Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 583	Pupils 1,200
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, French
Opened	Opened 2009	Opened 2001
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location The school is situated at Labourdonnais Village, Mapou, Mauritius, and is easily accessible from the main motorway in the north. The campus includes dedicated Primary School and High School sections, with a Pre-Nursery campus within walking distance for younger learners. The grounds are lush with vegetation and well-kept gardens and include a library, medical centre, canteen and extensive sports facilities.
Stages	Stages Pre Primary Programme; Primary Programme; Secondary Programme.	Stages Pre-Nursery; Nursery and Primary; Secondary School
School type	School type Private day school located in Mauritius with a Christian worldview; experiential education is emphasised.	School type International school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Reception and lower primary classes have the additional support of a Learning Assistant; upper primary classes have shared Learning Assistant support.	Additional learning support Two centres exist within the Teaching and Learning Department: SEN and EAL. SEN provides in-class support, one-to-one and small-group pull-out sessions, exam-access accommodations and tailored study support; EAL offers English language development with in-class and small-group support, an EAL coordinator, and additional after-school and homework support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Mauritius
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Christian	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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. - Grades Reception – 2 (per month): - Mauritian tuition: Rs 11,000 (annual tuition Rs 121,000). Meal fee per month: Rs 1,600 (annual meal cost Rs 17,600). Registration fee: Rs 35,000. - Expatriate tuition: Rs 17,000 (annual tuition Rs 187,000). Meal fee per month: Rs 1,600 (annual Rs 17,600). Registration fee: Rs 47,000. - Grades 3 – 4 (per month): - Mauritian tuition: Rs 11,300 (annual Rs 124,300). Meal fee per month: Rs 1,600 (annual Rs 17,600). Registration fee: Rs 35,000. - Expatriate tuition: Rs 17,300 (annual Rs 190,300). Meal fee per month: Rs 1,600 (annual Rs 17,600). Registration fee: Rs 47,000. - Grades 5 – 6 (per month): - Mauritian tuition: Rs 11,800 (annual Rs 129,800). Meal fee per month: Rs 1,600 (annual Rs 17,600). Registration fee: Rs 35,000. - Expatriate tuition: Rs 17,800 (annual Rs 195,800). Meal fee per month: Rs 1,600 (annual Rs 17,600). Registration fee: Rs 47,000. - Grades 7 – 9 (per month): - Mauritian tuition: Rs 14,800 (annual Rs 162,800). Meal fee per month: Rs 2,000 (annual Rs 22,000). Registration fee: Rs 35,000. - Expatriate tuition: Rs 25,300 (annual Rs 278,300). Meal fee per month: Rs 2,000 (annual Rs 22,000). Registration fee: Rs 47,000. - Grades 10 – 11 (per month): - Mauritian tuition: Rs 15,800 (annual Rs 173,800). Meal fee per month: Rs 2,000 (annual Rs 22,000). Registration fee: Rs 35,000. - Expatriate tuition: Rs 26,300 (annual Rs 289,300). Meal fee per month: Rs 2,000 (annual Rs 22,000). Registration fee: Rs 47,000. - Grades 12 – 13 (per month): - Mauritian tuition: Rs 17,300 (annual Rs 190,300). Meal fee per month: Rs 2,000 (annual Rs 22,000). Registration fee: Rs 35,000. - Expatriate tuition: Rs 28,800 (annual Rs 316,800). Meal fee per month: Rs 2,000 (annual Rs 22,000). Registration fee: Rs 47,000. Other mandatory and common additional fees - 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.)	Fee details Fees (academic year 2025–2026) Application, inception and deposit fees (by year group and status) - Pre‑Nursery (Mauritian / Expatriate): - Application fee (non‑refundable): Rs 2,600. - Inception fee (non‑refundable): First child Rs 12,600 (Mauritian) / Rs 17,200 (Expat); reduced sibling rate shown for parents with another child. - Deposit (refundable): Rs 29,400. - Nursery and Reception (Mauritian / Expatriate): - Application fee (non‑refundable): Rs 2,100. - Inception fee (non‑refundable): Nursery (Mauritian) Rs 21,100; Nursery (Expat) Rs 21,100; Reception (Mauritian) Rs 42,200; Reception (Expat) Rs 42,200. Reduced sibling rates are shown in each schedule. - Deposit (refundable): Nursery Rs 47,100; Reception Rs 53,400. - Primary and Secondary (Years 1, 2–4, 5–6, 7–11, 12–13; Mauritian / Expatriate): - Application fee (non‑refundable): ranges from Rs 2,100 to Rs 3,100 depending on year group. - Inception fee (non‑refundable): amounts vary by year group and by first child / sibling status (examples: Year 1 inception Rs 47,500 / Rs 42,200; Year 7–11 inception for expatriates Rs 69,600 / Rs 63,200). - Deposit (refundable): set per year group (examples: Year 2–4 Mauritian Rs 57,600; Year 12–13 Expatriate Rs 166,000). The deposit must be held on account while the student is enrolled. Tuition fees by year group (annual and monthly instalment option) - Pre‑Nursery (Mauritian / Expat): - Annual tuition: Rs 161,700. If paid by 11 monthly instalments: Rs 14,700 per month. Upfront payment discounted (4%): Rs 155,232. - Nursery (Mauritian / Expat): - Annual tuition: Rs 172,700. If paid monthly: Rs 15,700 per month. Upfront payment discounted (4%): Rs 165,792. - Reception and Year 1 (Mauritian / Expat): - Reception annual tuition: Rs 195,800. Monthly: Rs 17,800. Upfront (4%): Rs 187,968. Year 1 annual tuition: Rs 195,800 (same monthly / discount). - Years 2–4 (Mauritian / Expat): - Annual tuition: Rs 211,200 (Mauritian) / Rs 288,200 (Expatriate shown for different cohorts). Monthly and discounted upfront amounts are published on each schedule (example Mauritian: monthly Rs 19,200; upfront Rs 202,752). - Years 5–6 (Mauritian / Expat): - Annual tuition (Mauritian example): Rs 215,600; monthly Rs 19,600; upfront (4%): Rs 206,976. Expatriate figures are listed separately in the Expat schedule. - Years 7–11 (Mauritian / Expat): - Expatriate example: Annual tuition Rs 559,900; monthly Rs 50,900; upfront (4%): Rs 537,504. Mauritian rates are lower and are published per the Mauritian schedule (example shown: Rs 312,400 annual for Mauritian Year 7–11 in another band). - Years 12–13 (Mauritian / Expat): - Mauritian example: Annual tuition Rs 368,500; monthly Rs 33,500; upfront (4%): Rs 353,760. Expatriate example (post‑16) annual tuition Rs 608,300; monthly Rs 55,300; upfront (4%): Rs 583,968. External examination fees (Year 13) are not included. Other recurring and one‑off charges (examples across year groups) - Extended Learner Support (SEN / EAL): monthly supplements where required: Level 3 Rs 5,700; Level 4 Rs 9,100 per month. - Rental of books / electronic media: amounts vary by year group (examples: Year 7–11 Expat Rs 8,800; Year 12–13 Expat Rs 10,900). - School Resources Levy and Ed‑Tech annual charges: typical examples include School Resources Levy Rs 2,200–2,400 and Ed‑Tech Rs 2,578–5,156 depending on year group. - Annual School Camp fees where applicable: amounts vary by year (examples: Rs 5,600–8,800 depending on the year group). - Annual resources, creative arts and movement development program charges apply in Early Years (example Pre‑Nursery: separate Creative Arts and Movement Development Program fees). Billing schedule and payment terms - Instalments and deadlines: - Monthly instalment option is by standing order (Option 1) with 11 monthly payments; the first payment must be in place by 1 August 2025. Upfront full payment (Option 2) attracts a 4% discount if paid by 10 August 2025. These deadlines and the 11‑month standing order requirement are stated in the published schedules. - Inception and deposit payments: - Inception fee and deposit are payable within two weeks of the letter of acceptance to confirm a place. The deposit must remain on account for the duration of enrolment. - Late payment and account standing: - Fees not paid within 10 days after the due date may result in immediate suspension of the student and referral for debt recovery. Students are registered for the new scholastic year only if accounts are up to date. - Family discounts: - Sibling discounts are applied to the second and younger children: 7.5% discount for the second child and 15% for younger children; the oldest child pays full fees. - Withdrawal and notice: - Written notice of withdrawal must be provided at least three months of term time prior to the date of withdrawal. Failure to provide the required notice may result in forfeiture of the deposit. Refund of the deposit is conditional on return of books in good condition and settlement of outstanding fees. Boarding fees - No boarding/boarding fees are listed in the published schedules: the school does not publish boarding rates and the fees documents present day‑school charges only. Refund information - Deposit refund and conditions: - Deposits are refundable on departure subject to the school's conditions: three months' written notice during term time is required; the deposit will be refunded after books are returned in good condition and all outstanding fees are settled. The full deposit will be forfeited if the required notice is not given. - Other refunds: - External examination fees and some other additional costs are charged separately and are not included in the published tuition figures; refund provisions for those items are not specified within the tuition schedules. Fee payment options (as specified in the fee schedules) - Monthly payments by standing order (11 instalments) and full upfront payment (single payment) are the payment methods explicitly set out in the published fee schedules; the schedules state standing order is required for the monthly option and give the dates for the first payment and the discount deadline for full payment. No specific card, bank transfer or merchant payment methods are listed in the published fee documents. Key points to note (summary of the fee mechanics) - All year groups show: application fee (non‑refundable), inception fee(s) (non‑refundable; reduced sibling rate available), a refundable deposit held while enrolled, annual tuition with an 11‑month standing‑order option, and a 4% upfront‑payment discount if paid by the stated deadline. Additional annual charges such as Ed‑Tech, school resources levy, rental of books and school camp are shown per year group. Extended Learner Support (EAL/SEN) is charged as a monthly supplement where required. Brief note on missing payment‑method detail - The published schedules specify standing order (monthly instalments) and full upfront payment with a discount but do not list explicit accepted payment instruments (for example, credit card, bank transfer or online merchant methods). The fee documents also do not include boarding charges.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Curriculum from 2025 onward includes: Pre-Nursery (Walkers & Toddlers) through Nursery–Year 4 with a Montessori-inspired EY framework and IB PYP; Years 5–6 IB PYP and English National Curriculum; Years 7–9 IB MYP with the Cambridge Curriculum; Years 10–11 Cambridge IGCSE; Years 12–13 IB Diploma Programme or A-Levels. The youngest learners are taught in a bilingual English–French environment, providing exposure to both languages.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small classes with a minimum of two teachers per section and 24 students per section.	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes enable in-depth coverage of topics.
Exam results	Exam results 2021 IGCSE pass rate 72% (13 of 18); 2021 A‑Level pass rate 100%. 2022 IGCSE pass rate 56% (10 of 18); 2022 A‑Level pass rate 88%. 2023 IGCSE pass rate 71% (13 of 21); 2023 A‑Level pass rate 85%. 2024 IGCSE pass rate 70%; A‑Level pass rate listed as 87%.	Exam results In 2025 IB Exam Results were announced, with students attaining strong IB performance.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates are well positioned to pursue university studies worldwide, with the Cambridge-based curriculum recognised internationally.	Higher education progression Sixth Form focuses on university applications with structured guidance; staff support for university admissions includes UCAS for the UK and CommonApp for the USA, time allocated for personal statements, university fairs at the school, and campus visits; guidance for US admissions processes such as SAT preparation is provided.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
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 —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions Applications for enrolment are submitted through the online application form. If online submission is not possible, the admissions office can assist. Completing the online form does not confer admission. Stage 1: Enquiry; Stage 2: Online Application; Stage 3: Document Submission; Stage 4: Entry Assessments; Stage 5: Review Process; Stage 6: Committee Decision. Admission Policies include Northfields Admission Policy – Secondary and Northfields Admission Policy – Primary. Stage 1 - Enquiry: Decide Northfields is right for your family; contact the admissions team for assistance and schedule a campus visit. Stage 2 - Online Application: Applications must be submitted online; assistance is available. Stage 4 - Entry Assessments: An entrance assessment is scheduled after receipt of a complete application; the assessment covers English, Mathematics and French (French not applicable to beginners); assessments take place at Northfields for Rs 1,000; overseas students can have assessments at their current school with prior arrangement; provide a contact name and official school email address of the coordinator. Stage 5 - Review Process: The Admissions Committee reviews each file, including members of the Admissions Team and the Head of Schools; additional follow-up may be needed; the committee aims to communicate the final decision and next steps. Stage 6 - Committee Decision: The decision is communicated by email; four outcomes are possible: the candidate is accepted; the candidate is conditionally accepted; the candidate is offered a space on the waiting list; the candidate is not accepted.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist There is a waiting list; a space on the waiting list may be offered to candidates when no space is available.
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