Overview of the General Education System

Lesotho’s education system has evolved from its roots in informal, community-based learning during the pre-colonial era, where oral traditions and practical survival skills were emphasized. The colonial period introduced formal education, led by British models, yet the Basotho people retained elements of their indigenous knowledge systems.

In the years following independence, the government placed a strong emphasis on broadening access to education, with a particular focus on reaching rural communities and marginalized groups that had historically been underserved. A pivotal moment in this journey occurred in 2010 when the government enacted legislation making primary education mandatory for all children. The move not only aimed to improve literacy rates but also sought to empower future generations by equipping them with the essential skills needed for personal and societal advancement.

The current system follows a 7-3-2 structure with seven years of primary school (Grades 1–7), three years of junior secondary (Forms A–C), and two years of senior secondary (Forms D–E). At the end of each stage, students sit for national exams such as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), the Junior Certificate Examination (JCE), and the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate (COSC) or Lesotho General Certificate of Secondary Education (LGCSE).

The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) governs education policy and oversight, coordinating with bodies like the Council on Higher Education and the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) for vocational initiatives. Recent reforms have emphasized aligning education with national development goals.

Lesotho’s schools include public, private, religious, and a few international institutions. Public schools, which serve the majority, are tuition-free, while private schools often charge fees and may offer different curricula. The languages of instruction are Sesotho and English, ensuring bilingual proficiency.

On the other hand, despite efforts to improve access, challenges persist, with over 20% repetition rates in primary grades, and 32% of children do not complete primary school. As of 2019, completion rates were 85% for boys and 96% for girls at the primary level, but dropped to 39% for boys and 56% for girls at the lower secondary level. Literacy has also declined from 86.24% in 2018 to 82.01% in 2022. This indicates a need for quality-focused interventions. Nevertheless, the education sector remains central to Lesotho’s national development strategy.

Compulsory education in Lesotho was institutionalized in 2010, which mandates that all children aged 6 to 13 attend school. This phase includes seven grades of primary education, divided into lower primary (Grades 1–4) and upper primary (Grades 5–7). The official starting age is six, and students culminate this level by sitting for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) at the end of Grade 7. The academic year runs from January to December, divided into four terms.

Pre-primary education, although essential for early development, is not yet mandatory, with a gross enrollment rate of 34%. The primary enrollment rate stands at 80%, but only 68% of children complete the full primary cycle, with drop-out often linked to high repetition rates (over 20%), which lead to resource inefficiencies. Following primary education, students transition to junior secondary (Forms A–C) and eventually to senior secondary (Forms D–E), depending on performance and accessibility.

Curriculum design in primary school emphasizes foundational skills, covering mathematics, science, language (English and Sesotho), social studies, physical education, and moral and civic education. These subjects aim to nurture not only academic aptitude but also citizenship and social responsibility. To address completion gaps, government strategies continue to focus on expanding access, particularly in rural regions and among vulnerable groups such as orphans and girls.

Lesotho’s higher education sector consists of universities, colleges, vocational training centers, and polytechnics, providing a diverse array of academic and professional pathways. Admission into these institutions generally requires successful completion of Form E and the LGCSE examination. Some programs demand subject-specific prerequisites or additional entrance tests.

Lesotho's prominent higher education institutions encompass the National University of Lesotho (NUL), the oldest and largest university, which provides a diverse range of degrees in fields such as agriculture, education, health sciences, law, social sciences, science and technology, and humanities. Other institutions include the Lesotho College of Education (LCE), the Lesotho Institute of Public Health (LIPH), Lerotholi Polytechnic, and the Lesotho Agricultural College. These institutions confer certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, catering to academic, technical, and professional interests.

As of 2018, the enrollment rates in higher education reveal a significant gender disparity, with only 8% of men and 12% of women pursuing tertiary education. This suggests that access to advanced educational opportunities remains constrained for both genders, but particularly so for men.

The Council on Higher Education regulates and accredits institutions, monitors implementation of education policy, and publishes data on institutional performance. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training programs are supported by the LNDC, aimed at equipping youth with practical competencies. These include partnerships for internships and job placements, helping bridge the gap between education and labor market needs. While access to higher education is still limited, the emphasis on quality assurance and skill-based training reflects Lesotho’s broader goal of building a competitive, employable workforce.