International School of Zanzibar

What International School of Zanzibar does

The International School of Zanzibar (ISZ) is a non-profit international school founded in 1988 in Zanzibar, Tanzania, operating a 4-hectare campus with 22 classrooms, science and technology labs, a library, sports facilities, and a 25-meter swimming pool. It delivers a continuous Cambridge International curriculum from Early Years (ages 2-5, following the EYFS framework) through Primary (Years 1-6, using the International Primary Curriculum alongside Cambridge English and Mathematics), Cambridge Lower Secondary (Years 7-9), IGCSE (Years 10-11), and AS/A Levels (Years 12-13), supplemented by online A-Level subjects delivered through Wolsey Hall. Approximately 200 students from 37 nationalities are taught by 38 staff at low student-teacher ratios (1:6 to 1:9, class cap of 20).

ISZ's business model is tuition-funded and not-for-profit, governed by a Board of Trustees. Tuition is the sole source of operational income, with annual fees ranging from $4,608 (Playgroup/Reception) to $17,067 (Year 12-13 A Levels), payable termly in USD; fees rise by at least 2% annually as approved at the AGM. Supplementary recurring revenue streams include a Capital Levy ($600 per private family, $1,500 per corporate sponsor), a one-time non-refundable Registration Fee of $500, tiered swimming-programme fees ($90-$180 per quarter), and a community pool membership. Family discounts apply from the third child onward, and a 10% referral rebate is paid to families introducing new enrolments. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via a personalised admissions process including inquiry forms, school tours, assessments, and year-round placement; marketing relies on word-of-mouth, the school website, open days, and community events rather than paid channels. Supporting services include a three-tier Learning Support system, English Language Learners (ELL) provision, and university counselling delivered through the Unifrog platform in partnership with EduKwanza.

Name

International School of Zanzibar

Legal name

International School of Zanzibar

Website

https://isz.co.tz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Non-profit international school in Zanzibar, Tanzania, delivering Cambridge International curriculum from Early Years through A-Levels to ~200 students from 37 nationalities, with tuition-funded operations and MSA-CESS accreditation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAJABAG

International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.)

Education/K–12 / Primary & Secondary Education/Private & Independent K–12 Schools

SECONDARYEDACADAK

International Curriculum Early Learning Academies (e.g., IB Early Years)

Education/Early Childhood Education/Early Learning Academies & Montessori/Reggio/Steiner Programs

Keywords

• International K-12 education
• Cambridge curriculum school
• Early years education
• Primary secondary schooling
• University counseling services

Headquarters

HQ city

Zanzibar

HQ country

Tanzania

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Primary revenue stream from annual tuition fees paid per student. ISZ is a not-for-profit school and tuition is the sole source of operational income, funding educational resources, government taxes, operational overheads, and facility maintenance.
2. Registration Fee: One-time non-refundable $500 USD payment for new enrolments, due immediately after placement acceptance.
3. Capital Levy Fee: Annual non-refundable contribution: $600 for private families, $1,500 for corporate sponsors. Designated for infrastructure development, future building projects, and school sustainability.
4. Swimming Program Fees: Quarterly fees for the ISZ Wahoo Swimming Team: Development $90/quarter, Intermediate I $90/quarter (2 days), Intermediate II $135/quarter (3 days), Performance I $120/quarter (2 days), Performance II $180/quarter (3 days).
5. Pool Membership: Monthly pool membership for community: 30,000 Tsh children, 60,000 Tsh adults, 90,000 Tsh family of four. Single entry: 10,000 Tsh adults, 3,000 Tsh children.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

International School of Zanzibar is a non-profit K-12 international school delivering Cambridge International curricula from Early Years (ages 2-5) through Cambridge A-Levels (ages 16-18), including EYFS, IPC for Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and AS/A-Levels. The school serves approximately 200 students from 37 nationalities on a 4-hectare campus with 22 classrooms and full athletic facilities, and operates as a certified Cambridge Examination/Testing Centre for external candidates.

Product overview

The International School of Zanzibar operates as a non-profit international school offering a comprehensive educational programme from Early Years (ages 2) through Cambridge A-Levels (ages 18). The institution follows the Cambridge International curriculum framework, complemented by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for primary years and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for pre-primary. The school integrates Google for Education platforms for digital learning, and partners with Wolsey Hall for extended A-Level offerings and EduKwanza for university counseling. Core academic products include the Early Years Programme (Playgroup-Reception), Primary Programme (Years 1-6), Cambridge Lower Secondary (Years 7-9), Cambridge IGCSE (Years 10-11), and Cambridge AS & A Levels (Years 12-13). Beyond academics, the school offers extracurricular products including a Sports Programme, Swimming Programme (with Wahoo competitive team), and Clubs & Activities. Support services include Student Support Services (Learning Support and ELL), University Counseling, and a Scholarship Programme for Zanzibari students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early Years Programme (Playgroup to Reception) Play-based learning programme for children ages 2-5 following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, building foundations for lifelong learning through active engagement, curiosity and exploration in a nurturing environment.
• Primary Programme (Years 1-6) Comprehensive primary curriculum for ages 6-11 combining Cambridge International Education for English and Mathematics with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for globally significant learning, complemented by Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
• Cambridge Lower Secondary (Years 7-9) Rigorous Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum covering English, Mathematics, Coordinated Science, Global Perspectives, French, Swahili, and Art & Design with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL); students sit Cambridge Checkpoint Exams at the end of Year 9.
• Cambridge IGCSE Programme (Years 10-11) International General Certificate of Secondary Education programme covering First Language English, Coordinated Science (Double Award), History, Geography, French, Swahili (O-level), and Business Studies; students sit IGCSE exams at the end of Year 11.
• Cambridge AS & A Level Programme (Years 12-13) Advanced Cambridge International AS & A level courses in Mathematics, English Language, Biology, History, Business, Economics, Physics, and English Literature, with additional courses available through the Wolsey Hall online partnership.
• Sports Programme Extracurricular sports including swimming (Wahoo team), running club, football, basketball, rugby, badminton, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, handball, and athletics, with teams competing in galas across Tanzania and Africa.
• Swimming Programme (Wahoo Team) Comprehensive swimming instruction for all ages with Development, Intermediate and Performance programmes, plus the ISZ Wahoo competitive swimming team competing regionally and continentally.
• Clubs and Activities Programme After School Activities (ASA) programme including Model United Nations, Girl Up, Student Council, Drama, Arts & Crafts, Chess, Young Scientists (ages 7-13), and Music lessons (Piano, Drums).
• Student Support Services Comprehensive support including Learning Support (three-level system: Monitor, Accommodate, Modify) and English Language Learners (ELL) support, providing inclusive education for diverse learner needs.
• University Counseling Dedicated university counseling department guiding students through university applications and career exploration using the Unifrog platform, with partnership to EduKwanza for global university guidance.
• Scholarship Programme Financial support programme for low-income Zanzibari students entering Year 9, covering tuition fees, uniform, books, tablet computer, Cambridge exam fees, transportation, school lunch, and field trips through Years 9-13.
• Cambridge Testing Centre Certified Cambridge Examination/Testing Centre offering facilities for ISZ students and private candidates to sit Cambridge IGCSE, AS, and A Level examinations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% of exams at AS & A Level achieved high pass (C or above) over 6 years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cambridge InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCambridge International Education provides the curriculum framework for ISZ's Secondary programs including Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and AS/A-Levels. ISZ is a certified Cambridge Examination/Testing Centre offering exams to both enrolled students and private candidates.
• International Primary Curriculum (IPC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPC provides the thematic, creative curriculum for Primary students (Years 3-6) focusing on globally significant learning and personal goal development.
• Middle States Association (MSA-CESS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSA-CESS provides ongoing school improvement support through accreditation, holding ISZ accountable to internationally recognized standards and facilitating continuous development.
• Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAISA provides professional development opportunities and networking for international schools across Africa, supporting ISZ's commitment to educational excellence.
• Wolsey HallminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWolsey Hall, a UK-based provider of online courses, partners with ISZ to offer A Level courses not available on campus. Students can enroll in additional subjects through this partnership.
• EduKwanzaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEduKwanza is a university consultancy agency that partners with ISZ to provide students with exposure to global higher education options and support with university applications.
• Lucas OteyzaminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocally renowned architect working with ISZ on campus expansion and facility upgrades, designing sustainable and functional educational spaces.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/international-school-of-zanzibar

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International School of Zanzibar