Dowen College Lagos and Marymount School are both in Lagos, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. Dowen College Lagos also offers Cambridge IGCSE and Bespoke, and Marymount School also offers Indian. Published annual fees are NGN 1,250,000 - 2,105,000 at Dowen College Lagos and NGN 450,000 - 4,500,000 at Marymount School, which puts Marymount School roughly 48% higher. Dowen College Lagos takes pupils from 10 to 18, and Marymount School from 2 to 11. Typical class sizes are 7 at Dowen College Lagos and 14 at Marymount School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Bespoke Curriculum
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Indian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
440
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
7
Typical class size
14
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1997
Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
No. 18, Adebayo Doherty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria. Lekki Phase 1 is a residential and commercial area in Lagos. Dowen College Lagos is accessible by bus services for day students.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Junior School; Senior School
Stages
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School type
School type
Private, co-educational secondary school offering both day and boarding facilities
Bus services are available for day students at a token fee; staff have free bus services
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Admission Fees
- Application form (one-off): ₦15,000.
Tuition fees (by student type) — per academic session and per term
- Day students (secondary): typical reported range per academic session (three terms) is approximately ₦1,250,000 to ₦1,350,000; this equates to roughly ₦416,000 to ₦450,000 per term.
- Boarding students (secondary, weekly/term boarding options available): typical reported figure per academic session is approximately ₦2,000,000; this equates to roughly ₦666,000 per term.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are billed on a termly/session basis and termly payment is accepted. Parents may pay per term.
- Standard schedule: the academic session is split into three terms; the session total for tuition is normally payable either in full for the session or in three termly instalments according to the school's billing plan.
Boarding fees and boarding-related amounts
- Boarding tuition is charged in addition to the day tuition and is commonly reported around ₦2,000,000 per session for boarding students.
- Boarding supplies and pocket/grooming amounts expected on return to hostel: pocket money per term ₦20,000 and grooming (hair plaiting/hair cut) ₦10,000 per term. A complete list of items required for boarders (uniform sets, sportswear, bedding, toiletries, etc.) is provided to parents.
Other costs and recurring charges
- What the main fee covers: tuition, feeding, books, uniform and development levies (these items are listed as covered by the school fee package).
- Uniforms: a complete uniform set is required for boarders and uniforms are available on the school premises; parents should budget for additional uniform items beyond the number supplied with initial fees.
- Examination and assessment charges: examination-related fees (external exam registration or specific assessment fees) are commonly charged in addition to the basic tuition by secondary schools and are reported as additional to the tuition figure. Budget for separate exam or assessment fees.
- Sibling discount: a sibling discount for second and subsequent children has been reported in published fee summaries (commonly a percentage discount on tuition).
Refunds and fee cancellations
- No explicit, detailed public refund policy for tuition, acceptance or development levies is published alongside the admissions/fees information that lists application and tuition items. Parents should note that application fees are charged as part of the admissions process.
Fee payment options and accepted methods
- Payments are normally made to the school's designated bank accounts or approved collection points; termly and session payments are accepted. Parents should prepare to pay by bank transfer/deposit to designated accounts or other bank-based payment methods as instructed by the school.
- Other commonly used payment channels in comparable Lagos private schools include bank deposit/transfer and in-person payments at the school's finance office; request and use the school's official payment instructions when completing payments.
Summary notes for parents
- Application form: ₦15,000 (one-off). Termly payment is accepted. Tuition figures for secondary-day students are typically around ₦1,250,000–₦1,350,000 per session (about one-third per term). Boarding tuition is commonly reported near ₦2,000,000 per session with additional boarding pocket/grooming allowances (₦20,000 and ₦10,000 per term respectively). Budget additionally for uniforms, books and any external examination fees.
Fee details
Application fees
- No separate application or non-refundable registration fee is publicly listed for Marymount School, Lekki; one public school listing shows an Admission Fee of ₦0 and other directories indicate admission is open but do not publish a distinct application charge.
Tuition fees (by year group / per term)
- The school does not publish a full, itemized per-year fee schedule for the 2026/27 academic year. Available public listings give termly tuition ranges rather than detailed year-by-year amounts.
- Reported termly ranges from public school directories (separating sections where indicated): - Nigerian/General section: approximately ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 per term. - Indian section (CBSE/Indian curriculum): approximately ₦301,000 to ₦500,000 per term.
- Because a full tuition table by individual year group (e.g., Nursery, Reception, Primary 1–6) is not publicly posted, exact per-term and per-year totals for specific year groups are not available in public listings.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- A detailed billing schedule (exact invoice dates, due dates, penalties for late payment, or whether fees are payable termly/semesterly/annually) is not publicly published in available sources. Public listings indicate termly fee amounts but do not provide the school's formal payment terms or due-date schedule.
Boarding fees
- Marymount School, Lekki operates as a day-only school; no boarding provision or boarding fees are published.
Other costs and compulsory extras
- Specific charges for uniforms, textbooks, transport (bus), extracurricular activities, examination or assessment fees, or consumables are not published in a centralized public fee schedule for the school. Public listings note that separate costs (uniforms, activities) are commonly charged by similar schools, but Marymount's exact amounts for these items are not posted.
Refund information
- No publicly available refund policy, withdrawal notice requirement, or rules for reimbursement of refundable deposits are published for Marymount School, Lekki in the sources reviewed.
Fee payment options
- There is no publicly listed, detailed set of accepted payment methods (for example specific bank details, credit-card processors, or online payment platforms) in the available public listings. Contact details are published for enquiries.
Summary regarding public availability of detailed fees
- Publicly available school-directory entries and listings report termly tuition ranges (see above) and confirm the school's status as a nursery/primary day school with an Indian section, but they do not publish a full, year-group-by-year-group fee schedule, nor do they publish comprehensive billing terms, itemized extras, refund terms, or the school's accepted payment methods for the 2026/27 academic year. For clarity: the figures above are ranges reported in public listings; a complete per-year fee table and formal payment/refund terms were not available in those listings.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Dowen College Lagos provides a state-of-the-art boarding facility with secure housing and capable hostel parents. Boarding students have access to sports facilities including a swimming pool, basketball, lawn tennis, table-tennis and badminton, with separate fully air-conditioned common rooms for boys and girls. Weekly boarding is available, with tutorials and weekend prep classes supervised by house parents; a resident nurse attends to health issues and there are Sunday church services and Friday mosque visits.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Dowen College Lagos requires a formal school uniform for both boys and girls, including a blazer (regular and ceremonial), white shirts (short and long sleeve), a blue shirt, blue trousers for boys and blue skirts for girls, a grey ceremonial option, a school tie, stockings, sports wear, a lab coat and an apron. Girls wear a boater; religious attire is not allowed. Uniforms are regulated and must be neat, and uniforms are readily available on the school premises.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Lunch is provided for all students.
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
Dowen College Lagos is governed by a Board of Governors. The leadership includes the Principal/Head of School and a senior management team, including a Vice Principal and Directors for Finance & Administration and Studies.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Dowen College Lagos runs both the Nigerian and British curricula. The Nigerian programme leads to the BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination) organized by NECO; Cambridge Checkpoint is taken in Year 9 (JS3). In Senior School, students sit the WASSCE and the IGCSE in Year 12. The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects and includes English Language and French Language. Tutorials and prep work consolidate learning, with registration for external examinations such as SAT, TOEFL and IELTS.
Curriculum details
A blend of the British and Nigerian Curricula. The school has a Nigerian Section and an International Section.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
7:1
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
An alumnus, Buraimoh Obaseyi Daniel (Class of 2010), is noted as the first Nigerian to graduate with a First Class Degree in Computer Science at San Francisco University, U.S.A.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Dowen College Lagos offers scholarship schemes that currently cover over 10% of the student population. The Dowen College Scholarship Scheme provides a full tuition scholarship for new entrants achieving an average of 90% or higher on entrance; existing students with 90%+ per term may qualify for a full scholarship in the next session. The Diocesan/ADEMOWO Scholarship Scheme and the Cathedral Church Scholarship grant 100% full scholarships to qualified candidates (two annual for the Lagos Dioceses; a cathedral choir member, respectively).
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
The school maintains a Safe & Supportive Environment with a Zero Tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, or discrimination. Clear procedures exist for reporting and resolving concerns. An Anti-Bullying Policy defines bullying and outlines reporting, investigation, and sanctions. A Sexual Harassment Policy prohibits harassment and includes reporting and disciplinary actions. Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy applies to all staff, management, governors, volunteers, students, and parents/guardians; a designated Child Protection Representative is the school counsellor Ms. Yinka-Babalola. Health and First Aid Policy provides health management and first aid procedures on and off school premises, with a school doctor supporting health plans and medical procedures.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English Language is offered as a subject. French Language is offered as a subject. Yoruba Language, Igbo Language, and Hausa Language are offered.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Ms. Yinka-Babalola is the school counsellor and the designated Child Protection Representative. The Health and First Aid Policy provides health management and first aid, with a school doctor available to support health plans. The school doctor liaises with parents, staff, and health professionals and maintains medical records.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy protects and promotes the welfare of every child. Policy applies to all staff, management, governors, volunteers, students, and parents/guardians. Core Principles include that the child's welfare is paramount, equal protection for all, and partnership with families and agencies. Types of abuse include physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect. A designated Child Protection Representative is Ms. Yinka-Babalola, the school counsellor. Handling suspected abuse requires reporting to senior management and authorities; the school provides information and support. Legal framework includes UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Lagos State Child's Rights Law, and related instruments.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Dowen College Lagos is equipped with modern teaching and learning facilities of international standard. A multipurpose court supports sports such as swimming, soccer, handball, basketball, athletics, table-tennis, lawn-tennis and rugby, with contracted coaches and opportunities for external competitions. A well-maintained swimming pool is available for recreation and life-saving skills. The Ultra-modern Library is well-stocked with over 3000 titles, internet facilities, and a computerized catalogue. Laboratories include Basic Science, Basic Technology, Agric Science, ICT, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Technical Drawing; classrooms are fully air-conditioned with teaching aids and an ICT Laboratory is equipped with modern computers and unlimited internet.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Dowen College Lagos has a well-equipped sports unit supporting swimming, soccer, handball, basketball, athletics, table-tennis, lawn-tennis and rugby. The Multipurpose Court serves as a central venue for these activities. Coaches are contracted to assist Physical Education teachers in each sport, and students partake in external competitions with like-minded institutions. The program emphasizes active participation in inter-school events to foster teamwork and fitness.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Dowen College Lagos has a broad set of science and ICT facilities. There are Basic Science, Basic Technology, Agric Science, ICT, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Technical Drawing laboratories. Classrooms are fully air-conditioned with adequate teaching aids to facilitate learning and accommodate various learning styles. The ICT Laboratory is fully equipped with modern computer systems and unlimited internet access for research and ICT skill development.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Art and Craft Centre offers pottery, sculpture and modelling; Cultural Activities include events such as Fashion Parade and grooming. Clubs include Literary/Debating Society, Press Club, Drama Club, French Club and Math Club. Together (Mentoring and Networking) provides school-based mentoring to support student development. Educational Tours provide termly educational and leisure visits to places of interest nationwide, with foreign visits arranged from time to time.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
The school was founded on 6 October 1997 and is located at No. 18, Adebayo Doherty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria. Dowen College Lagos is a co-educational secondary school offering both day and boarding facilities and teaching both the Nigerian and British curricula. The school has earned international recognition, including accreditation by the British Council for developing the International Dimension in the Curriculum. It participated in the International School Award and received an Award of Excellence from the British Council on January 27, 2023.
History
Marymount School, Lekki was conceived in 2007 as a Montessori based preschool and nursery in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. It was founded by Mrs. Olajumoke Dare in partnership with her sister, Dr. Adeola Owodunni. The school later expanded to offer nursery and primary education, incorporating both British and Nigerian curricula. In 2012, an Indian Curriculum Section was introduced in collaboration with Mrs. Kavita Chellaram to serve the expatriate Indian community in Lagos. After seven years as a preschool and nursery, the school began admitting primary pupils in September 2014.
Community
Community
The Dowen College Lagos community offers a broad range of co-curricular activities including clubs such as Mathematics Club, Charity Club, Chess, Drama, Home Makers, and Choir, along with sports. Students undertake community service such as traffic control, work with the Mother Less Babies Home, and peer tutoring at neighboring public schools. The library is well-stocked and classrooms are equipped with projectors and ICT resources, supporting learning in a collaborative environment. Parents engage through an open door policy and structured engagement programmes, including a termly Parent's Forum and Open Days.
Community
Marymount School, Lekki is a happy, safe, and welcoming close-knit community where all are respected, encouraged, and supported to reach their full potential. The school emphasizes a child-centered, interactive learning approach and a warm cooperation between parents and teachers. The school includes Nigerian and Indian sections and welcomes pupils from diverse backgrounds to learn together. The mission focuses on developing the mind and character of each child.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school has a Parent's Partnership that provides a Parent's Forum each term, Open Day twice each term, Weekly Newsletters, and Homework Diaries to keep parents informed and involved. The open door policy enables parents to meet with management staff at any time to discuss pertinent issues. There is a dedicatedParent's Forum, Open Days, and regular communication to support collaboration among parents, staff, and students.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Dowen College Lagos runs both Nigerian and British curricula, culminating in BECE and Checkpoint in Year 9, and WASSCE and IGCSE in Year 12. A tutorial system consolidates learning across subjects, supported by remedial and clinic programmes. The school operates an internal scholarship scheme where entrance scores of 90% or higher and 90% averages over three terms can secure full scholarships in the next session. External examination results are strong, with high achievement and many alumni progressing to tertiary education.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The arts are central to Dowen College's culture. The school has a choir and orchestra, a brigade band, and a steel pan band, along with regular in-house drama and participation in art competitions.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Dowen College emphasises culture and language development through language-related clubs and speaking activities. Students are encouraged to join the press club, fortnite spelling bee activities, remedial English classes, and public speaking activities like debates. Cultural activities are also part of the co-curricular programme.
Cultural & language
The school has Indian Section which follows the Indian CBSE syllabus.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Co-curricular activities include sports such as football, basketball, swimming, tennis, table tennis, rugby, and athletics, as well as clubs like Charity Club, Chess Club, Drama, Art, Home Makers, and Choir.
Social & hobbies
The school offers an enriched after-school program.
Community & service
Community & service
Students participate in community service, including activities in traffic control, Mother Less Babies Home, peer tutoring at neighboring public schools, and road construction.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Academic Assembly recognises top students with merit certificates and academic excellence awards, reinforcing a culture of achievement. The school runs internal scholarship schemes and reports strong external examination results (WASSCE/IGCSE) with high tertiary education outcomes.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Dowen provides health and wellbeing facilities such as sick bays with an on-site doctor and two nurses, and Lifeline Children's Hospital access nearby. The school offers boarding for students, a swimming pool, and a multi-purpose court, plus a well-stocked library. Counseling and career counseling services are available to support students' well-being and plans for the future.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Dowen College Lagos runs both the Nigerian and British curricula. English Language and French Language are offered as subjects. Yoruba / Igbo / Hausa Language is offered. The curriculum culminates in the BECE (NECO) and Cambridge Checkpoint in Year 9, and in the WASSCE and IGCSE in Year 12.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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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
Enrollment is a four-step process: Registration, Requirements, Confirmation of Acceptance, and Withdrawal Policy. Registration: Admission forms are obtainable at the Admissions Office; entrants must be ten years old in the year of admission; entry into other classes (Year 8 and 9 or Senior Secondary School) is also available. Requirements: Completed admission forms should be returned with two passport-sized photographs, one photocopy of birth certificate, and one photocopy of the last term school result; candidates cleared by the Admission Office will sit for an entrance examination at the College and designated centres nationwide; transfer candidates sit for an entrance examination appropriate to their level; final admission offers are based on examination performance and reports from previous schools. Confirmation of Acceptance: Parents of successful candidates must confirm admission by paying a non-refundable deposit to Fidelity Bank (account 4011232729, DOWEN COLLEGE); deferral option exists—candidates who wish to defer admission must notify the school in writing and maintain their place by paying the non-refundable deposit. Withdrawal Policy: A term's notice or payment of one term's fees in lieu of notice is required before withdrawal; failure to comply will result in the withholding of transcripts or transfer certificates. Entrance Examinations: Entry for Year 7 is via an entrance examination conducted at the College and designated centres across the country; the Dowen College Entry Package (Admission Form, past question booklet, and prospectus) can be purchased at the Admissions Office or at listed centers in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Eket.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
Dowen College has over 10% of its population on scholarships. Dowen College Scholarship Scheme offers a full tuition scholarship for new students who achieve an average of 90% at the entrance examination, and for existing students who maintain an average of 90%+ each term, eligibility for a full scholarship in the next session. Diocesan/ADEMOWO Scholarship Scheme awards two 100% full scholarships annually to qualified candidates from the Lagos Dioceses (Anglican Communion) – Lagos, Lagos Mainland, Lagos West. Cathedral Church Scholarship provides a 100% full scholarship to a qualified member of the Diocese of Lagos Cathedral Church Choir each session.
