Lilfordia Primary School is Zimbabwe’s oldest private primary school and a proud member of the ATS (Association of Trust Schools).
Nestled in the heart of serene Miombo woodland on a 44-hectare estate, Lilfordia is a small, single-streamed rural boarding school that offers a unique environment where children are encouraged to grow organically at their own pace and in their way.
At Lilfordia, childhood is cherished. The school provides an empathetic and nurturing atmosphere that fosters not only academic excellence but also emotional and social development. A strong emphasis is placed on mentorship, guidance, and pastoral care, creating a close-knit community in which every child is supported and valued.
With a commitment to uncovering and developing each child’s talents, Lilfordia offers a rich blend of academic and extracurricular opportunities designed to build confidence and character.
This holistic approach to education has seen the school produce many well-rounded and successful individuals, including the renowned Zimbabwean cricketers Brendan Taylor and the late Trevor Madondo.
Lilfordia is more than a school; it is a family, a community, and a foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.
Curriculum At Lilfordia Primary School
Lilfordia Primary School follows the internationally recognized Cambridge Curriculum, providing a strong academic foundation that prepares pupils for global opportunities.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Core subjects include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
These are complemented by Global Perspectives, Information Technology (IT), and Art. Through this well-rounded approach, Lilfordia equips learners with the knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Lilfordia Primary School Pass Rates
While formal pass rates are not available, Lilfordia Primary School is widely regarded as one of the top-performing ATS schools in academics.
Its consistent record of academic excellence is reflected in the confidence, competence, and curiosity of its learners.
The school’s commitment to high educational standards, combined with a nurturing and supportive learning environment, ensures that pupils are well-prepared for the next stages of their academic journey.
Lilfordia Primary School Fees
Lilfordia Primary School operates exclusively as a weekly boarding school, with no day facilities available.
The current tuition fee is USD 3,680 per term, which covers boarding and tuition. However, fees are subject to change, and prospective parents are strongly encouraged to contact the school directly for the most up-to-date information regarding fees, payment structures, and any additional costs.
Lilfordia Primary School Admission Requirements
To apply for admission at Lilfordia Primary School, parents must complete an application form, which can be downloaded from the school’s website.
The completed form should be submitted in person at the school’s main office, accompanied by a non-refundable registration fee of USD 50, a passport-sized photograph, and a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
Please note that online admissions are not available. Submission of an application does not guarantee placement; should a place become available, the school will contact the applicant to proceed with the next steps.
Lilfordia Primary School Uniform Requirements
The standard school uniform consists of blue trousers or skirt, a white shirt, the regulation tie, and a grey pullover, with girls wearing white socks and boys wearing brown socks.
Although Lilfordia is a weekly boarding school, day scholars wear the same uniform as boarders, except for the tie, which is not required for day students.
Below is a summary of the essential clothing and uniform requirements:
Boys’ Uniform and Essentials
Formal Uniform:
- Light grey boxer shorts (1st & 3rd term)
- Blue trousers (2nd term)
- Short-sleeved white shirt with top button
- Regulation school tie
- Light grey long socks
Basic Kit:
- 3 x Short-sleeved blue shirts with top button
- Grey long-sleeved pullovers (2 in winter)
- Royal blue boxer shorts (not navy)
- Royal blue sports shirts
- Lilfordia tracksuit
- Dressing gown with cord sewn on (warm for winter, short-sleeved for summer)
- Beige ankle socks (8 pairs)
- Royal blue hats (2)
- Brown lace-up school shoes
- Sports trainers or takkies (Grades 1 & 2)
- Slops/rafters/crocs for evenings (clearly marked)
- Summer & winter pyjamas
- Tennis racquet (optional)
- Cricket kit for team players
- Swimming costume (royal blue & gold – compulsory), bathing cap, wraps
- Hockey stick, shin pads, gum shield
- Rugby jersey and optional skins for older boys
- Travel bag and sleeping bag (for team players)
- Royal blue fleece
Girls’ Uniform and Essentials
Formal Uniform:
- Royal blue skirt (1st & 3rd term – must touch floor when kneeling)
- Blue trousers (2nd term)
- Short-sleeved white shirt with top button
- Regulation school tie
- White ankle socks
Basic Kit:
- Blue short-sleeved shirts with top button (3)
- Royal blue boxer shorts and sports shirts (4 each)
- Grey Lilfordia pullover (2 for winter)
- Royal blue tracksuit
- Summer & winter dressing gowns (cord sewn on and marked)
- Royal blue slacks for winter
- Slops/rafters/crocs and slippers (clearly marked)
- Brown school shoes and sports trainers
- Simple, feminine party outfit and shoes
- Underwear and coloured panties (marked)
- Swimming costume (royal blue & gold – compulsory), bathing cap, wraps
- Tennis racquet (optional), hockey stick, shin pads, gum shield
- Garters (for team players), travel bag, and sleeping bag
- Royal blue fleece
Important Notes:
- ALL items must be marked with the child’s full name to prevent loss or mix-ups.
- No slippers are allowed in the summer.
- Uniform must be neat, well-fitting, and worn with pride at all times.
Boarding Facilities
Lilfordia Primary School operates as a weekly boarding school, providing a structured and supportive environment where pupils can thrive both academically and socially. The boarding experience is designed to foster independence, responsibility, and a strong sense of community.
Pupils are to be collected every Friday at 12:15 PM and returned to school on Monday mornings no later than 7:15 AM. This routine ensures that children benefit from both school life and quality family time each week.
All essential toiletries are provided by the school, ensuring a consistent standard of care and hygiene for every child. However, Grade 7 girls are allowed to keep their own personal cream and shampoo in the dormitory. In addition, only Grade 5, 6, and 7 pupils (boys and girls) may bring roll-on deodorants, spray deodorants are not permitted for safety and health reasons.
The school’s boarding facilities are carefully managed to create a warm, welcoming, and well-supervised environment where children feel at home and are encouraged to build lasting friendships.
Lilfordia Primary School Boarding Requirements
To ensure comfort and preparedness for weekly boarding, all pupils must bring the following items to school. These items support a smooth boarding experience and must be clearly marked with the child’s full name. Please note that pillows remain at the school until the child’s final year, and mosquito nets are provided by the school.
Essential Boarding Items
- 1 x School trunk (not small – must be large enough to hold all clothing, bedding, and personal items)
- 1 x School briefcase
- 1 x Under blanket – essential for extra warmth
- 1 x Duvet (single bed size)
- 2 x Duvet covers (single bed size – no fitted covers)
- 3 x Flat sheets (single bed size – no fitted sheets)
- 1 x Pillow (remains at school until final year)
- 2 x Pillowcases
- 2 x Towels (must have hanging loops sewn into the centre of the longest edge)
- 1 x Toothbrush (clearly marked)
- 1 x Soft nailbrush (marked)
- 1 x Nylon mesh bath sponge (marked with name tag)
- 1 x Brush/comb (for girls) or comb (for boys) – marked
- 1 x Roll-on deodorant (only for Grades 5, 6 & 7 – sprays not permitted)
- Coat hangers:
- Boys – 1 hanger
- Girls – 2 hangers
Important Notes:
- Satchels or rucksacks are not allowed.
- All bedding must be single bed size.
- Fitted sheets are not permitted.
Extracurricular Activities At Lilfordia Primary School
At Lilfordia Primary School, the development of the whole child is at the heart of the school's philosophy. A wide range of extracurricular activities is offered to help pupils discover and nurture their talents beyond the classroom. The school encourages active participation in both sporting and cultural pursuits, fostering confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
Among the many opportunities available, pupils can take part in duathlon, athletics, tennis, choir, and orchestra, alongside a variety of other sporting and creative activities offered throughout the year.
Conclusion
Lilfordia Primary School offers more than just academics, it offers a way of life that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of every child.
With a strong academic foundation rooted in the Cambridge curriculum, a dynamic range of extracurricular opportunities, and a deeply caring, family-like atmosphere, Lilfordia empowers children to grow with confidence, compassion, and character.
Set in the heart of the Zimbabwean countryside, this small, close-knit school is a place where children are allowed to be children, where talents are uncovered and nurtured, and where values such as empathy, resilience, and community are instilled every day.
For parents seeking a well-rounded, high-quality education in a nurturing and structured environment, Lilfordia is a school where your child will not only learn but also belong, thrive, and shine.
Lilfordia Primary School Contact Details
Tel: 0772 272225
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.lilfordia.com/
See the School on Facebook here
FAQ's on Lilfordia Primary School
The tuition fee is set at USD 3,680 per term, pending confirmation
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