Private Schools Urged to Maintain Standards Amid Free Secondary Education Rollout

The President of the Independent Schools Association of Malawi (ISAMA), Wycliff Chimwendo, has called on private schools to maintain and improve their education standards to remain competitive as government prepares to introduce free secondary education starting in January next year.

Chimwendo made the remarks following President Peter Mutharika’s announcement that beginning January, all secondary school education in Malawi will be offered free of charge.

He described the policy as a positive development that will enable children from less privileged families to access secondary education without financial barriers.

However, Chimwendo emphasized that private schools must focus on maintaining quality teaching, discipline, and a high pass rate to preserve their reputation and attract parents who value premium education.

He expressed confidence that the new policy will not negatively impact independent schools, noting that many parents who can afford it will still prefer enrolling their children in private institutions for the quality and attention they offer.