Being able to get a place at one of the best boarding schools in Lagos state takes a lot of effort, planning, research, and a clear timeline.
You need to start as early as possible to find out and know exactly what schools look for in aspiring students and how they make there choices.
This guide is a breakdown on ‘How to Apply to Boarding Schools in Lagos’, covering practical steps you can follow now, so you wouldn’t be taken by storm because of deadlines, deposits or entrance days.
Why Preparation Matters
Top boarding schools in Lagos combine academic standards, with available facilities and reputation, which makes spots limited and increases competition. If you’re aiming for high-demand schools, then you need start researching schools and preparing documents at least 6–12 months before the intended term. Schools usually advertise open admissions for each academic session and expect applications and expects applicatioons to roll in early.
How to Apply to Boarding Schools in Lagos
Here is a step-by-step application guide into boarding schools in Lagos State, Nigeria.
#1. Research and shortlist (1–3 months)
You should not pick a school because of a name alone. You need to match the school to your child’s learning style, core values, and what the future plans are.
What to check:
- Boarding style (full boarding, weekly, flexi).
- Curriculum (British, IB, American, Nigerian WAEC/NECO).
- Fees and extras (tuition, boarding, uniforms, transport).
- Location & safety (hostel quality, CCTV, staff ratios).
- Academic/social fit (sports, music, leadership, pastoral care).
When making a list of schools, use official school admissions pages and lists of good schools. Many schools in Lagos post information about admissions and application forms online.
To get the most up-to-date information, you will have to visit each school’s admissions page. Examples: Greensprings and Charterhouse Lagos have active admissions portals.
#2. Check for eligibility, age rules and deadlines
Schools set age cutoffs and entrance years (Year 7, Year 9, Sixth Form). You need to look at the entry requirements for each school. Some institutions make it apparent that most successful applicants start school in September, which means that late or mid-year intakes are limited. If your family is from another country and your child needs a visa, then you would need to get the process started early.
#3. Buy and submit the application form (1–2 weeks)
A lot of private schools use an online application portal while some still accept in-person forms. So expect an application/registration fee (with varying ranges), when filling forms:
- Use the child’s legal name and exact birth date (matching birth certificate/passport).
- Upload current school reports and passport photos if required.
- Keep PDF scans of every original document.
#4. Prepare for the entrance exam (4–8 weeks)
Most schools test English, Math, and Reasoning. Some also test General Knowledge, Science, or a language for older students. Common formats inludes:
- 1–3 hour written exam (age-adjusted).
- Computer-based reasoning tests for some schools.
- Assessment days that include group activities and interviews.
How to prepare:
If you can, use old questions. A tutor can help, but it’s better to focus on understanding than on rote learning. Schools can tell when students have practiced their answers too much. Balance studying with getting ready emotionally; it’s important to feel confident in an interview.
On their admissions pages, local, international, and private schools post information about the types of tests they give and examples of the materials they use. Look at each school’s admissions website to find out the exact dates for tests and the syllabus.
#5. Interview and site visit (after exam)
There are different types of interviews, such as formal one-on-one talks with senior staff or more casual talks on assessment days. Parents are often asked to come to a short meeting to talk about values and expectations.
Interview tips:
- Encourage honest answers, authenticity counts.
- Prepare a 500–600 word personal statement only if requested (Sixth Form).
- Visit the campus (open day) if possible. A school visit shows interest and lets you check hostels, food, security and medical facilities.
#6. Offer, deposit and fees (1–4 weeks after offer)
If the school makes you an offer, you usually get a formal letter or email with a breakdown of the fees and in most casked to pay a deposit (to hold the spot) within a strict time frame, which is usually 7–14 days.
Finish any forms for registration or medical care that are still open.
It is important to note that Lagos State changed the boarding fees for its model colleges because parents were upset when the fees went up from N35,000 to N100,000 per term in 2024. For the most up-to-date fees and payment schedules, check the current circular or the Lagos State announcements.
#7. Onboarding and resumption
If the boarding area of the selected school is safe, go ahead to pay all fees on time and also
pack things like clothes, bedding, toiletries, school supplies, and electronics that are allowed.
Documents checklist (bring originals + scanned copies)
- Birth certificate or international passport.
- Latest academic report / testimonial.
- Passport-sized photographs (4–6).
- Medical/ vaccination records and fitness clearance.
- Recommendation letters (if requested).
- Payment receipts and completed application forms.
- Transfer certificate (for mid-year transfers).
#8. Money talk — budgeting and scholarships
Private boarding fees vary widely, many top Lagos private boarding schools charge several million naira per year for tuition + boarding. Public model colleges remain the more affordable option after the recent fee adjustments. For private schools, also budget for uniforms, books, transport and extracurricular costs. Refer to school fee pages for precise numbers before you commit.
Some schools offer academic or talent scholarships and bursaries. Apply early and ask admissions about available financial aid and application deadlines.
Frequently Asked Question
How safe are the boarding facilities and what pastoral care is provided?
Boarding Schools provides the following to ensure students ar secured
1. Security (gates, guards, CCTV etc.).
2. House parents / wardens / supervision.
3. Medical/health provisions (clinic, sick bay).
4. Support for emotional well-being (mentors, counselling).
What boarding options are available (full boarding, weekly boarding, day‐boarding)?
Many schools provide multiple options: full boarding (students live in the school), weekly boarding, and day-boarding.
What is included in the boarding fee (what it covers) and what extra charges are there?
Boarding fees covers accommodation, meals/feeding, bedding (some schools), laundry (some), utilities, uniforms, personal supplies, books, extracurricular activity fees, medical costs beyond basic clinic care, transportation, development levy etc.
Can I apply from abroad or transfer from another country or state?
Yes, many schools accept international applications, sometimes with special arrangements for entrance exams or interview (online or via local partner). Transfers usually require school reports, certifying previous level, possibly entrance exam.
What curriculum is offered?
Some schools run Nigerian, British, international curricula (IGCSE, Cambridge A-Levels) This matters for recognition, and university admission.
How do parents monitor academic progress and wellbeing?
1. Regular academic reports, parent-teacher meetings.
2. Communication channels (phone, email, school portals).
3. Visiting days or home visits, sometimes.
What are the entry/age requirements for boarding schools?
1. Minimum age (often around 10-11 years for many boarding schools) depending on school and level (primary, junior secondary, senior secondary).
What grade/year the child should be in (e.g. entrance into JSS1 or similar).
Some schools require the child to have turned a certain age, 8 and above.
Conclusion
Admission windows, exam dates, and costs fluctuate year to year. This guide draws together common actions and recent evidence from Lagos schools’ admissions pages and local reporting, always verify dates and fees on the school’s official site before you act.
For official school portals and admissions details, visit the schools’ admissions pages and check Lagos State government announcements for model college policy revisions.
Recommended
Complete List of 50+ Boarding Schools in Lagos
17 Best Boarding Schools in Lagos
Reference
LagosMums.com: 5 important things to consider before choosing a boarding school