Pre-primary education normally covers ages four and five. It is legally universal, compulsory and free, but provision is not yet fully implemented across the country. Basic education has six classes: the 1st to 4th classes form the first cycle, and the 5th and 6th classes form the second cycle. Secondary education covers the 7th to 12th classes, with the 7th to 9th classes in the first cycle and the 10th to 12th classes in the second cycle. Schools may operate as Escola Básica, Escola Secundária or Liceu. Public schools form the main part of the system. Private and cooperative schools charge their own fees, and international or private institutions have a smaller presence. The Escola Portuguesa de São Tomé e Príncipe-CELP offers a Portuguese curriculum from pre-primary education through the 12th class, but it does not belong to São Tomé and Príncipe's public school network. Portuguese is the teaching and school language. The basic curriculum gives particular weight to Portuguese and Mathematics. Secondary education follows the framework of Decree-Law 27/2010 and can include Portuguese, Mathematics, Sciences, History, Geography, languages, information and communication technology, arts and physical education. French is generally taught from the 5th to the 12th class. Children entering the 1st class must have turned six by 31 December 2026. Enrollment is assigned to the school nearest to the child's residence. For the 2026/27 school year, the announced enrollment periods are 20 July to 7 August and 1 to 4 September, from 08:00 to 12:00. The available national information does not establish a general online enrollment procedure, nationwide school-fee schedule or uniform exceptions to residence-based placement. Schools use ongoing assessment during the year. National examinations can occur at the transitions after the 6th, 9th and 12th classes. National assessments also cover the 2nd, 4th and 6th classes, and assessments in the 9th and 12th classes support later progression. Students may receive certificates after the 6th, 9th and 12th classes. After the 6th class, they normally continue to the 7th; after the 9th, they may continue to the 10th class or choose a school-based vocational option; after the 12th, they may enter higher education or work. Public basic education is fee-free. Private schools charge tuition, with amounts set by the individual institution. School social assistance may help with canteen costs, textbooks, school materials or scholarships, depending on the program and eligibility conditions. The national school-meals program is a major support measure; the World Food Programme reported about nine million meals for approximately 50,000 children in 2024. Transport, learning materials, meals, water and sanitation, menstrual hygiene, gender equality and inclusion remain central access concerns. Special-needs education combines integration in regular schools with specialized institutions under Law 2/2021. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Higher Education sets national policy, while the basic- and secondary-education directorates manage their areas. Planning and educational innovation, inspection and educational accreditation bodies also have defined responsibilities. The Autonomous Region of Príncipe and district and school administrations handle implementation within their areas.
School in São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe's formal school system covers pre-primary education (educação pré-escolar), six years of basic education (ensino básico) and six years of secondary education (ensino secundário), from the 1st to the 12th class. Basic education is universal, compulsory and free, while secondary education has no general compulsory-attendance rule established in the available national information. Public schools are dominant, alongside private or cooperative schools and a small number of international institutions.
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