Alexandra House School

Floréal, Mauritius, on King George V Avenue. The school is situated in Floréal, close to the central plateau, on over two acres of terraced gardens. It is a private English primary day school serving children aged 4+ to 11+ from expatriate and local families.

Primary (ages 4+ to 11+)

Private English primary day school

Mauritius

British curriculum is followed closely in core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science) with other subjects having an international bias. The curriculum balances enquiry-based learning with a contents-based approach, developing skills in enquiry, research, creative and critical thinking. English is the language of instruction; teachers are native English speakers or Mauritian staff who speak English fluently and emphasise reading, phonics and language development. Subjects include English, Maths, Science, Integrated Studies, ICT, French, Study Skills, Drama, Music, Art & Craft, Physical Education, PSHE, Mindfulness, Brain Gym, and Assembly/Religion, with differentiation in small classes (average about 15). Alexandra House School is a COBIS member and provides a multicultural, international-friendly British-style education.

The school recognises that each child is gifted with something special and seeks to identify and develop each child's unique talents; classes are kept small (average 15) and teaching is differentiated according to individual academic levels.

The PSHE program builds positive self-esteem and fosters trust, openness, cooperation and sharing in a supportive school environment. It aims to help pupils develop social and emotional skills through guided activities and discussion and includes a health component teaching basic hygiene and well-being. Mindfulness meditation is taught to senior pupils as a secular program designed to improve wellbeing. Brain Gym is included daily to support learning through coordinated body movements. Weekly assemblies address topics such as gratitude and end with mindfulness, with prayers that are universal and a focus on encouraging respect for all religions.

The school is a private English Primary day school in Mauritius. Pupils share English as a common language. Teachers are either native English speakers from abroad or Mauritians who have lived and studied abroad, and all speak English fluently.

Mindfulness is taught to senior pupils as a secular program designed to improve wellbeing. PSHE provides a framework to build positive self-esteem and social skills. The health component teaches basic hygiene and personal wellbeing. Brain Gym is included daily to support cognitive integration and learning. Assemblies include mindfulness activities, contributing to pupil well-being and respect for diverse beliefs.

Safeguarding is a core responsibility with the Headmistress, the designated safeguarding lead, and the School Director taking lead roles. All staff receive annual child protection training, and safe recruitment procedures are followed. The policy identifies five elements: safe recruitment, safeguarding awareness, reporting procedures, support for pupils, and maintaining a safe environment. The school keeps confidential records of concerns and follows clear reporting procedures for suspected abuse. Mental health and wellbeing are part of safeguarding; staff refer concerns to the designated safeguarding lead.

1. After completing the application form, an appointment for interview is arranged. It is helpful if parents provide up-to-date school reports and samples of the child's work at the interview. An informal test assesses the child's current level of ability in English and Mathematics to determine placement. If the family cannot be in Mauritius for interview, a place may be secured if the reports from the previous school indicate the work covered and the skills acquired.

2. Normally a place is offered only after this interview and testing. Admission is at the discretion of the school. Priority is given to 'traditional A.H.S families' such as siblings, returning families, or families with longstanding ties to the school. The school reserves the right to offer places to the most suitable candidates.

3. School Visit: Prospective parents who wish to visit are requested to make an appointment; staff provide information and a guided tour. Formal Application: A completed application form is required, accompanied by the child's birth certificate and previous school reports where appropriate. Fees and Submission: The registration fee is Rs.1000 for Mauritius-based applicants (this fee may be paid when the family arrives in Mauritius for applicants from abroad). Processing: If the application is emailed, it is acknowledged within one week during term time, or within the start of the next term; upon receipt, the child\'s name is placed on the waiting list.

4. Criteria for entry to Reception Class: Children are eligible for entry to Reception Class when they have reached 4 years of age by 31st December of the previous year. Prospective pupils are called for an interview with the headmistress and an informal test is given to assess English and mathematics; priority is given to fluent English speakers and to children from 'traditional A.H.S families'. Interviews typically occur during September and October of the year in which the children turn 4. Once 14 places have been allocated, no more testing will be carried out for that year and parents of remaining pupils on the waiting list will be advised that no further places are available.

5. Criteria for entry to classes from Year 1 to Year 6: If a place is available, the child will be given an appointment for an interview with the headmistress. Parents are encouraged to provide up-to-date school reports and samples of the child's work; an informal test will be given to assess English and mathematics. If necessary, prospective pupils may be invited to spend time in the school to assess literacy and numeracy to determine placement. Enrolment occurs when parents sign the enrolment form and pay a non-refundable enrolment fee to secure the place.

6. Children with Special Educational Needs: Parents of children with special needs or learning difficulties are asked to carefully consider what the school has to offer and to discuss each case with the staff. The school will take into account any reports from educational psychologists or specialists and advise on what specialist help is available locally. Admission may not be possible if, in the opinion of the Headmistress and Director, the school cannot provide adequately for the particular needs of the individual.

The school uses a waiting list. Upon completion of the application form, the child\'s name is placed on the waiting list. For Reception, 14 places are allocated; once these places have been filled, no more testing is carried out for that year and parents of remaining pupils on the waiting list are advised that there are no more places available for that year. They may choose to keep their child\'s name on the waiting list for a possible future place.