Academic Excellence

Welcome from Our Head of School

Academic Year 2024 – 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

At the International School of Zanzibar (ISZ), we are truly aspirational. We work hard to support every student to develop successfully on their own unique journey at school. We’re proud of our dedicated teachers who nurture the continuous, holistic growth and development of our students.

We are committed to our mission; To provide a balanced and innovative international education that enables students to achieve their individual potential, while preparing them to be successful citizens who make positive contributions to society and the world. 

This is achieved by providing a caring and nurturing learning environment as reflected by the world class, International Curricular we offer;

  • Early Years Foundation Stage/Year 1 & Year 2 
  • International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
  • Cambridge Lower Secondary
  • Cambridge International IGCSEs
  • Cambridge International A-levels

Our Student Support Services programmes provide additional learning opportunities for our students. 

ISZ is a happy school. We invite you to take the next step to learn more about our ISZ community. 

We look forward to welcoming you to ISZ. If you have any questions about our school, please feel free to contact me on m.mccarthy@isz.co.tz, and my team and I will be more than happy to assist you. 

Mark McCarthy
Head of School, International School of Zanzibar

Man giving a speech at a podium

An International Experience

Discover a world of opportunities and excellence;
A school committed to fostering global citizens, equipped to lead and embrace the challenges of tomorrow

ISZ prides itself on offering an education that encourages students to think globally, providing a balanced and innovative program.

Our curricula and learning philosophy connect students with various societies and belief systems, helping them understand and embrace cultural differences and similarities. This comprehensive approach prepares students to be active, engaged participants in an interconnected world.

Student awards

As the first established international (1988) and internationally accredited (2022) school on the island of Zanzibar we offer;

  • Holistic Learning Environments:

    We nurture the intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and creative aspects of students, fostering their overall development. It integrates diverse teaching methods, inclusive practices, and real-world experiences to create a supportive space where learners thrive academically and personally.

  • Learning Support:
    Our Learning Support program offers additional opportunities for all students, including non-native English speakers, ensuring everyone has the resources they need to succeed.
  • After School Activities:
    We offer diverse activities designed to help and challenge students to explore their passions and interests, fostering well-rounded development.
  • World-Class Curricula: Our challenging programs include:
    – Early Years Foundation Stage/Year 1 & Year 2
    – International Primary Curriculum (IPC) (Year 3 to Year 6)
    – Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7, to Year 9)
    – Cambridge International IGCSEs (Year 10 & 11)
    – Cambridge International A-levels (Year 12 & 13)

We adhere to recognised benchmarks and criteria to ensure the highest quality education:

  • Global Citizenship; Developing citizens of the world who understand culture, language, and the importance of living together in peace and harmony.
  • Cultural Awareness; Building and reinforcing students’ sense of identity and cultural awareness.
  • Universal Values; Fostering the recognition and development of universal human values.
  • Curiosity and Inquiry; Stimulating curiosity and inquiry in order to foster a spirit of discovery and enjoyment of learning.
  • Skill Acquisition; Equipping students with the skills to learn and acquire knowledge, individually or collaboratively, and to apply these skills and knowledge accordingly across a broad range of areas.
  • International and Local Content; Providing international content while responding to local requirements and interests.
  • Diverse and Innovative Teaching Methods; Encouraging diversity and flexibility in teaching methods.
  • Effective Assessment and Benchmarking; Providing appropriate forms of assessment and international benchmarking.

With small class sizes and a diverse student body, ISZ cultivates internationally minded individuals who are globally aware and represent diverse cultures and religions. Our inclusive environment ensures that younger and older students come together in activities that foster an understanding across age, gender, and culture, creating a community where everyone feels comfortable, accepted, and respected.

Our teaching staff is as diverse as our student body, offering international learning experiences in the classroom, on stage, on the sports field, in the swimming pool, and in computer and science labs. Our teachers are up-to-date with best educational practices, adapting instruction to meet the needs of each student.

Strategic Plan

Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can support your child's educational journey.

We look forward to welcoming you to the ISZ family. 

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Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence