Mabathoana High School Prepares for Transition to Independent ‘Mabathoana Academy

As schools across Lesotho opened for the 2026 academic year, ‘Mabathoana High School began the year without admitting Grade 8 students. This move is part of preparations to transition the school into an independent institution, ‘Mabathoana Academy, set to launch in 2029. The school will phase out Grade 8 intake, making the 2025 Grade 8 cohort the last under the current system. The transition involves reclassifying the school from a public institution under Section 12(a) of the Education Act No.3 of 2010 to an independent school under Section 12(b), in line with Section 14 of the same Act.

Catholic Schools Proprietor Reverend Father Bereng Mosuoe explained that the transition period allows current students to complete their grades while new students will be enrolled under the academy when it launches. The church is also placing teachers in other Catholic schools to address shortages, with all staff expected to be allocated by 2028. The church will oversee recruitment and payment for new teachers at the academy. The decision to make Mabathoana independent stems from concerns about the declining quality of Lesotho’s education system. The Catholic Church plans to pilot the transition at Mabathoana High School before expanding to other institutions.

Founded in 1965 by the Catholic Church, Mabathoana High School was initiated under the leadership of Archbishop Emmanuel ‘Mabathoana and Fr. Garreau OMI to provide secondary education in Maseru. The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary were appointed to lead the school, with Sister Laurent Marie serving as the first principal. The school opened on April 1, 1965, with three Form A classes using the Catholic Community Centre temporarily. Construction of classrooms near St. Bernadette Primary School followed. By February 1966, the new building was completed and blessed, and enrollment increased to 126 students with seven new teachers. The school conducted its first Junior Certificate exams the following year, achieving a 75 percent pass rate.

Over the years, Mabathoana High School expanded its facilities and staff. Leadership passed through several principals from the Sisters of the Holy Names, including Sister Anardene Bean, Sister Mary Ellen Mckillop, Sister Yvonne Maes, Sister Filipina Tebalo, Sister Bathilda Heqoa, Sister Margarita Lephoto, and Sister Alixius Maria Mohanoe. Mrs. ‘Mankali Moejane also served as principal from 2011 to 2017. Sister Heqoa returned as principal in 2018 and continues in that role.

Since its foundation, Mabathoana High School has grown from 80 students to over 1,000, with teaching and non-teaching staff increasing from four to over fifty. The school has established multiple buildings, laboratories, and staff houses to meet growing needs. It has consistently achieved high academic performance and sports accomplishments, reflecting its commitment to holistic education. The upcoming transition to ‘Mabathoana Academy marks a new chapter, allowing the Catholic Church to directly manage and enhance education quality while continuing the school’s legacy of academic excellence and community service.