Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. And yet, so often, it’s approached with limited information — a glossy brochure, a quick tour, and a few standard questions.

At Charterhouse Lagos, we believe families deserve more. They deserve real answers to the questions that truly matter. That’s why I’m launching this short series: to help parents ask better questions — and to show how our answers reflect something different.

Here are three essential questions every parent should ask when choosing a school: 

What is the school’s long-term vision — and does it align with my hopes for my child?

At Charterhouse Lagos, our long-term vision is clear: to grow a world-class school, rooted in Nigeria and traditional Nigerian values. Our Values — Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Courtesy, Service, Wellbeing — shape everything we do.

We are not just preparing children for exams. We are developing future leaders. From Year 1 through to the Sixth Form, we are building a journey that leads to IGCSE and A Level, world-class university preparation, and — most importantly — a sense of purpose. That vision matters.

Who is leading the school — and what experience do they bring?

Strong leadership defines a great school. I’ve spent more than 25 years leading schools across Nigeria, Kenya, Singapore, China, and the UK. I’ve seen what works — and what doesn’t. I know what good looks like.

At Charterhouse Lagos, I’ve been part of this project since its inception, working with families, partners and staff to build something exceptional. From our team’s experience to our global network, we are committed to doing things properly — with depth, planning, and purpose.

What curriculum does the school follow — and how does it prepare students for the future?

We follow the British curriculum — but we do more than just follow it. We adapt it. We enrich it. We make it meaningful.

That means including Nigerian and African Studies. It means using local examples, cultural references, and real-world applications. Our children are not simply taught to pass tests. They are taught to think critically, speak confidently, and take pride in where they come from.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we’ll look at some more practical questions — about facilities, teacher quality, and what kind of environment your child will actually experience day to day.

But for now, we hope these first three questions offer a helpful place to begin. And if you’d like to ask us in person, we’d love to welcome you on a school tour — to see for yourself how our values and vision come to life at Charterhouse Lagos.

Admissions: Charterhouse Lagos