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Lusaka International Community School

Zambia, Lusaka

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ZMW 50 - 1,750
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 690
Type Co-educational
Opened 1993
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Preschool, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

LICS is a CIS-accredited, non-profit, fee-paying, co-educational school in Lusaka, Zambia, serving ages 1–18 from Pre-Primary to A Levels. Founded in 1993, it is owned by a parental Board and offers Student Support Services and a broad co-curricular programme. The curriculum runs from EYFS in Pre-Primary to Cambridge Primary and Secondary, then Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Levels. Pre-Primary uses the English EYFS framework with an Infant/Toddler programme, play-based learning, ICT and parental involvement. Primary follows Cambridge Primary in Maths, English, Science, Music, PE, ICT and Art, with specialist teachers for Art, PE, ICT, French and Music; Going Global emphasises collaborative projects. Secondary uses Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoints (7–9), IGCSE (10–11) and AS/A‑Levels (12–13). The 242A Kakola Road campus has two floodlit AstroTurf pitches (the province's first), a 25m pool, two covered hard courts, an art studio and library corner. BYOD from Year 4, advanced projection, AI cameras, iSAMS and Toddle enable modern learning. LICS runs Education Outreach Programme and Duke of Edinburgh; over 60 after-school activities.

The Essentials

Lusaka International Community School has 690 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location
LICS is located at 242A Kakola Road, Roma, Lusaka, Zambia. The campus sits in the Roma district of Lusaka. The address on file is 242A Kakola Road, Roma, Lusaka.

Stages
Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary.

Type
co-educational, secular, fee-paying, non-profit.

Additional learning support
Student Support Services identifies students who may be struggling and provides tiered support, including counselling and diagnostic assessments. Tools used include ESL support, CAT4, NGRT/NGST, and other assessments; some diagnostic evaluations may incur a fee.

Country affiliation
Zambia

Religious affiliation
secular

School day structure
Mon-Fri 7:00AM - 4:00PM.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All Primary and Secondary learners wear the school uniform every day; 6th Form learners wear the full school uniform. For sporting activities, learners wear the sports kit, and the uniform shop is located on campus.

Food Options
The Canteen Services provide hot and cold drinks, nutritious meals, and snacks for the LICS community. A three-week alternating menu keeps options varied, with hot meals including chicken, beef, and vegetarian dishes. Dietary needs such as nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free can be catered for by advance request.

House System
LICS uses an Inter-House system with house competitions in Primary and Upper Primary. House chants, teamwork, and sportsmanship are encouraged through these events, fostering house pride.

Governance and Ownership
LICS was founded in 1993 as a non-profit private company and operates as an independent international school with English as the primary language of instruction. It is a non-profit company limited by guarantee with no share capital; the Board of Directors is elected from the parent body at the Annual General Meeting held each November, and the Board provides strategic and governance oversight.
Fees

Annual tuition at Lusaka International Community School ranges from ZMW 50 to ZMW 1,750 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment charges

- Assessment fee (where applicable on application): USD 50 (charged for Primary and Secondary applications; not charged for Pre-Primary).
- Registration fee (payable on acceptance): USD 200.
- Refundable security deposit (payable on enrolment): USD 1,500. This deposit is refundable on withdrawal provided a full term's written notice is given; deductions may be made for loss or damage.
- Non‑refundable Capital Development Fund (one‑off for new enrolments): Pre‑Primary USD 1,750; Primary USD 1,750; Secondary USD 1,750; A‑Level USD 500. Pre‑Primary enrolments are only required to pay USD 500 of this fund on enrolment, with the balance payable before entry into Primary. A 30% discount on the Capital Development Fund is applied for the second and subsequent child(ren) from the same family. Returning students do not repay this fund.
- New‑student non‑refundable holding deposit (to secure an offered place): USD 1,000 (this holding deposit is offset against enrolment charges once paid).

Tuition fees (per term and annual billing breakdown)
(All amounts shown in US Dollars.)

- Early Years (3 days per week): Term 1 (45%) USD 1,050 · Term 2 (30%) USD 700 · Term 3 (25%) USD 570 · Per annum USD 2,320 · Quarterly (x4) USD 580 · Monthly (x11) USD 211.
- Early Years (full schedule): Term 1 USD 1,760 · Term 2 USD 1,170 · Term 3 USD 985 · Per annum USD 3,915 · Quarterly (x4) USD 979 · Monthly (x11) USD 356.
- Reception: Term 1 USD 3,500 · Term 2 USD 2,400 · Term 3 USD 1,970 · Per annum USD 7,870 · Quarterly (x4) USD 1,968 · Monthly (x11) USD 716.
- Primary School (Years 1–6): Term 1 USD 5,000 · Term 2 USD 3,300 · Term 3 USD 2,800 · Per annum USD 11,100 · Quarterly (x4) USD 2,775 · Monthly (x11) USD 1,010.
- Secondary School (Years 7–11): Term 1 USD 5,600 · Term 2 USD 3,750 · Term 3 USD 3,120 · Per annum USD 12,470 · Quarterly (x4) USD 3,118 · Monthly (x11) USD 1,134.
- Secondary School A‑Level (Years 12–13): Term 1 USD 5,700 · Term 2 USD 3,800 · Term 3 USD 3,190 · Per annum USD 12,690 · Quarterly (x4) USD 3,173 · Monthly (x11) USD 1,154.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Currencies accepted: United States Dollars (USD) or Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Payments in ZMW are converted using the FNB selling rate on the payment date.
- Payment frequency options: annual, termly, quarterly, or monthly. Specific due dates are: annual — 31 July; quarterly — 31 July, 3 October, 31 January and 30 April; monthly plan — third Friday of each month from July to May; termly — due on the first day of each term. Advance payment of the full academic year by the 31 July due date attracts a 5% discount.
- Cheque payments: cheques should be payable to Lusaka International Community School (LICS). Cheques from Zambian banks attract no additional charges; any charges on international cheques are payable by the parent/guardian.
- Bank transfer / cash deposit: transfers/deposits must be made to the school account details shown on invoices/quotations. All bank charges (payer's and school's) related to transfers are payable by the parent/guardian. Proof of payment must be submitted to the accounts office (email addresses provided on invoices). No cash payments are accepted at the school office; cash must be deposited directly into the school bank account.
- Payment administration: parents/guardians must complete a Payment Election Form by the 1st Friday in June (returning families) or on acceptance of a place (new families). Children may be excluded from class for non‑payment; re‑admission after exclusion requires settling the account and, for repeated non‑payment, the student may forfeit the place. Examination results for external exam candidates are released only after full payment of all tuition fees.

Discounts and sibling concessions

- A family with three or more children enrolled at the same time receives a 5% discount on tuition fees for the third and subsequent child(ren). A 30% discount on the Capital Development Fund is given for the second and subsequent child(ren). Advance (full‑year) payment receives a 5% discount.

Boarding

- Boarding is not offered; LICS operates as a day school.

Other costs and incidental charges

- Cambridge external examination entry fees (Years 6, 9, 11, 12, 13) are charged separately and billed in addition to tuition. Sports, residential and international school trips are charged separately and must be paid in full before departure.
- School resources not returned or returned damaged will be charged at USD 40 per item (or at the going cost if the item costs more).
- Uniforms: school uniform is required and uniforms are sold through the school uniform shop on campus. Costs for uniform items are additional to tuition.
- Bring‑Your‑Own‑Device (BYOD): BYOD applies from Year 4 upwards; Year 4–6 students require an iPad, Year 7+ require a laptop. Devices must meet school specifications; devices can be purchased through the school (purchase cost is additional).
- Canteen and tuck shop: the canteen is run by an external provider and operates a cashless system; canteen costs are additional to tuition.

Refunds, withdrawals and special cases

- Security deposit: refundable on withdrawal provided a full term's written notice is given; deductions may be made for losses/damage.
- Capital Development Fund: a once‑off non‑refundable payment for new enrolments; returning LICS students who leave and return do not pay it again. Pre‑Primary enrolments pay USD 500 on enrolment with the balance due before Primary entry.
- Holding deposit: the new‑student holding deposit of USD 1,000 is non‑refundable but is offset against the enrolment charges when the place is accepted.
- Withdrawal notice: a full term's written notice to the Admissions Office is required to withdraw a student. Failure to give the required notice will result in forfeiture of deposits. Exceptions to refunds of deposits may be approved only by the Board on a case‑by‑case basis when a place is immediately taken by another student. Tuition is billed per term; if a child attends at least 50% of a term, the full term fee applies. A child withdrawn for a defined period may be taken out for a maximum of one term in extreme circumstances at school discretion, but 100% of the tuition fee for that defined period must be paid. Late admission (after the mid‑term point) will be charged 50% of the tuition fee for that term.

Fee payment options summary

- Accepted payment methods listed: bank transfer / cash deposit into the school bank account, and cheques payable to Lusaka International Community School (LICS). Payments may be made in USD or ZMW (ZMW converted at FNB selling rate on payment date). School policy states no cash payments are accepted at the school office (cash must be deposited into the bank). All bank/transfer charges are the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Proof of payment must be submitted to the accounts office; email contact details appear on official invoices. No explicit acceptance of credit/debit card payments is listed in the fee policy.
Academics

Lusaka International Community School teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
Pre-Primary uses the English EYFS framework for ages 0-5, including an Infant/Toddler programme, play-based learning, ICT and coding, with parental involvement encouraged. Primary follows the Cambridge Primary Curriculum for Maths, English, Science, Music, PE, ICT and Art, with specialist teachers for Art, PE, ICT, French and Music; Going Global emphasises collaborative projects with social impact. Learners in Primary receive termly reports and participate in Learner Showcase Day and educational trips. Secondary follows the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme with Checkpoint exams in English, Maths and Science in Years 7-9, IGCSE in Years 10-11, and AS/A-levels in Years 12-13, with wellbeing, PSHE and university guidance integrated.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes support individual attention.

Exam Results
Learners regularly compete in national and international competitions and win literary competitions, and year on year examination results exceed UK and international averages.

Higher Education Progression
The University & Career Guidance and Counselling programme provides a dedicated counsellor who delivers weekly careers lessons for Years 12-13, offers individual meetings, supports course selection for A-Levels and IGCSE, and coordinates university visits and information sessions to help students plan higher education paths.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school develops emotional intelligence within students and cares for their wellbeing. It supports access to the broader curriculum while building confidence and emotional security to take learning risks. Student Support Services identify learners who may be struggling and provide the needed support to progress. Staff are trained to assess learning difficulties and provide extra support for mild to moderate needs. Counselling is available as an additional service to address concerns and teach emotional regulation and mindfulness. Regular wellbeing is integrated with academic progress in a supportive environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Student Support Services offer a tiered system of support for learners with additional needs. Tier 1 provides advice and training to teachers on topics such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Autism or ADHD. Tier 2 offers in-class support; Tier 3 provides small-group support; Tier 4 provides direct 1:1 support from Counselling or Student Support. Diagnostic assessments identify areas of difficulty and inform support, using tools such as Dyslexia Portfolio, Lucid, COPS/LASS/EXACT, CAT4, NGRT/NGST, PTM/PTE and British Picture Vocabulary Scale; ESL is included in these assessments. Access arrangements for exams, such as extra time or translation dictionaries, can be arranged after assessment. The department is led by Norah Buckley (Head of Student Support Services) and ESL Lead Preenella Chipindi, with leads for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ESL support is provided for students learning English as a Second Language. Preenella Chipindi is the ESL and Key Stage 2 SS Lead. Diagnostic assessments include ESL as part of identifying language needs for continued access to the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a core focus, with a commitment to developing emotional intelligence and supporting emotional security to enable learning. Counselling helps students manage concerns and develop coping strategies, including mindfulness and emotional regulation. Regular counselling supports students in feeling in control of their thoughts, mood and behaviour and promotes healthy relationships. The school integrates wellbeing with academic progress in a supportive environment.

Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. If a disclosure is made, staff refer to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a Senior Manager. The Safeguarding Team includes Norah Buckley (DSL Secondary), Sarah Abberton (DSL Primary) and Precious Mulisa (DSL Pre-Primary). Supervising Principals for Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary are listed. The safeguarding policy outlines prevention, reporting and response steps, with a QR code and procedures for reporting concerns to the DSLs.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1993, Lusaka International Community School (LICS) is a CIS-accredited international school offering Pre-Primary through to A Levels. The school is a non-profit company limited by guarantee, owned and managed by the parental body through an elected Board of Directors. It provides Student Support Services and a comprehensive co-curricular programme. The diverse student body includes more than 50 nationalities and the school fosters a warm, caring environment with enriching cultural experiences. The campus moved to 242A Kakola Road, Roma, Lusaka, and major expansion projects occurred between 2014 and 2019; LICS celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018 and its 30th anniversary in 2023.

Community
The Wellness Walk during Wellness Week brings together students, parents and staff to promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen the school community. Cultural Week starts with a Parade of Nations, highlighting diversity and a global community as learners and teachers wear national dress. Independence Day Assembly and other cultural events are featured in the school's news and calendar.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has an active Parent Teacher Association which provides support for yearly school activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
242A Kakola Road, Roma, Lusaka is the campus address. The school offers learning spaces in the art studio, traditional classrooms, on the pitch and in a library corner. It features two floodlit AstroTurf areas for hockey or football, a heated 25m pool with a 10m learning pool, and two under cover hard courts for netball, volleyball and basketball. A photovoltaic system generates at least 90 percent of the school's annual energy needs. The technology environment includes Bring Your Own Device from Year 4 onward with devices connected to standard software and monitoring, advanced interactive projection in classrooms, AI cameras, and secure MIS and LMS with campus wide internet access.

Sports Facilities
There are two floodlit AstroTurf areas for hockey or football, and the school is the first in the province to have its own AstroTurf. The facility also includes a 25m five-lane heated swimming pool with diving blocks and a 10m learning pool. There are two under‑cover hard courts for netball, volleyball and basketball. The sports facilities support physical education and competitive sporting activities throughout the year, including wet weather training on the AstroTurf areas.

Academic Facilities
The school provides an advanced teaching and learning environment to maximise learner potential and digital literacy. From Primary Year 4 onward, a BYOD policy supplies personal devices linked to standardized software with monitoring tools to ensure safe productive learning. Classrooms feature advanced interactive projection and visualization systems alongside AI cameras to support contemporary teaching and BYOD. Robotics are introduced early with programmable toys such as Go-Pets, Lego Express, Cubetto, Coding Critters, Blue-Bot and Botley to develop algorithmic thinking. Internet access is advanced and secure across the campus, and the school uses a School Management Information System (iSAMS) and a Learning Management System (Toddle) to manage student data and learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts Academy offers Music lessons from Early Years to Year 9 with an option to continue to IGCSE and A‑level Music in Years 10–13, and students perform at concerts, school productions and assemblies. Visual Arts begin in Primary and continue to Secondary, with exhibitions and ISAZ Mutaba Arts Festival participation, plus extra‑curricular art clubs. Students travel for trips and residentials within Zambia and internationally, with Year 3 local overnight and a two‑week Europe trip for Year 11/13, and opportunities to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. LICS also runs Service Learning through its Education Outreach Programme (LICS‑EOP), developing leadership, citizenship, and community impact. Student leadership is encouraged through a Student Councillor system and a House structure to promote teamwork. Service Learning engages students in community service with projects across education, environment and global citizenship.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Cambridge Curriculum forms the basis of Primary and Secondary at LICS, with Cambridge Checkpoint examinations in Year 6 and Year 9, IGCSE in Years 10–11, and A Levels in Years 12–13. Cambridge International Curricula inform teaching, learning and assessment across the school. A blended learning approach with BYOD supports diverse learning styles and active engagement.

Arts & Creative
Music is taught from Early Years through Year 9, with options to continue to IGCSE and A-level Music. The Arts Academy enables all students to perform at concerts, school productions and assemblies, with instrumental presentations for all levels and formal occasions such as Graduation Ceremonies and Lusaka Arts Festival Programme. Visual Arts include exhibitions, displays and participation in arts festivals, and extra-curricular art clubs run for each keystage.

Cultural & Language
LICS fosters an international, multicultural community and promotes cross-cultural understanding as part of its guiding and mission statements. The school emphasizes global citizenship and engagement with wider communities to learn about different cultures, beliefs and environments. The culture aims to promote equality and respect for each other within a diverse student body.

Social & Hobbies
Over 60 afternoon activities are offered, including sports, arts and specialist interests. The school runs an extensive after-school activities programme with enrichment clubs and inter-house activities, and provides opportunities for student leadership. Inter-house competitions and a variety of clubs provide social and hobby-focused engagement beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
LICS runs a robust community service programme, the Education Outreach Programme (LICS-EOP), with participation from students, parents and teachers. The program includes School-to-School Initiatives, Environment and Community Service, Enrichment Programmes for Years 10 and 12, and Global Citizenship Education. Students investigate community issues, design interventions, act, reflect and audit impact as engaged, responsible citizens.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and professional development are integrated into the school, including opportunities to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (Bronze, Silver and Gold). The University and Careers Guidance Counsellor runs weekly careers lessons for Years 12–13 and coordinates university visits and information sessions. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and participate in enrichment and student leadership opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Well-being is a focus through initiatives such as Wellness Week and a Wellness Walk. The Physical Education and Sports program promotes health, fitness and lifelong active living. The campus features two AstroTurf areas, a 25m heated swimming pool and a 10m learner pool, plus two under-cover hard courts for hockey, football, netball and basketball.
Languages

Language Provision
Pre-Primary uses the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, and French is included in the timetable. The Primary curriculum follows the Cambridge Primary Curriculum with English as a core subject, and French is taught by specialist teachers. In Secondary, learners follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme and Cambridge IGCSE, with Checkpoint exams in English, indicating English as the language of instruction for these subjects. Language support is available through the Student Success Services for learners with language needs.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Initial Visit and placement. Parents and children are encouraged to tour the school on a preliminary visit with the Admissions Manager. The Admissions Manager facilitates the admission process. In consultation with the parents, the Principal places each learner in the appropriate class. All relevant documents are passed to the class teacher and pastoral coordinator. 2. Application and Documentation. Applications are accepted throughout the year, though a place cannot always be guaranteed. An online admission application must be completed for each learner and should be accompanied by the documents listed: medical record form; birth certificate and/or passport; most recent school report; confidential student reference form from the previous school; financial clearance certificate; copies of parental identities; copies of immigration permits if applicable; tuition fee payment policy read and signed; and any relevant placement assessment reports. The admissions team will contact applicants to confirm receipt and advise on the next steps. Additional information may be requested as needed. 3. Admission Tests and English. Baseline admission assessment tests are conducted for all new learners from Reception up to Year 10. The CAT4 is used for Year 2 to Year 10 and assesses Verbal, Quantitative, Non-verbal and Spatial abilities. English as a Second Language (ESL) considerations apply if the ESL needs can be met, as determined by the SSS and Principal. Placement decisions consider age-appropriate placement, curriculum continuity, prior school reports, entry date, and the needs of the learner. 4. Placement, Offers and Movement. The Head of School and Principals determine admission; offers depend on appropriate age placement, space availability, and SSS considerations. If space is full, learners may be placed on the waiting list. Movement between year groups follows a defined timetable: at the start of the academic year for Reception and younger year groups, and in January for some movements based on assessments. The school reserves the right to use external entrance assessments for external applicants. 5. Settling In, Immigration and Insurance. Settling In occurs after admission to help learners adjust. Non-Zambian Immigration Status: it is mandatory for all children of expatriates to obtain a study permit, with requirements varying by parent's permit type (Work/Investor permits; Residence permits; Diplomatic permits are exempt). Insurance: the school has minimal insurance cover for students; families should arrange their own medical/accident insurance.

Waitlist
Waitlist: If classes are fully subscribed, learners may be placed on the waiting list. The school may fill openings from the waitlist as space becomes available and in line with the admission policy.
School Events
The school has not added events
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