TAKULANDIRANI – WELCOME
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to St Andrew’s International Primary School (SAIPS), Blantyre, Malawi. Founded in 1938, SAIPS is one Malawi’s oldest and most respected independent schools. We are proud of our heritage and our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional British-style education within a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
Our Approach to 21st Century Learning
We follow the British National Curriculum alongside international best practice. Our approach is child-centred, enquiry-driven and holistic, ensuring that academic excellence is balanced with wellbeing, creativity, and strong character development. As a forward-thinking school, we combine strong foundations in English, Mathematics, Science and the Foundation subjects with 21st-century learning in AI, Coding, Robotics, Digital Literacy, and Financial Literacy. Beyond the classroom, we value practical, hands-on-experiences, such as sports, swimming, cooking, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and outdoor education, helping children develop independence, confidence, and real-world skills.
Our Community
Our diverse school community represents over 20 nationalities, creating a vibrant international environment where every child is known, valued, and supported. Small class sizes, alongside highly qualified teachers and dedicated teaching assistants, ensure personalised learning and exceptional pastoral care. We are equally committed to inclusion and individual success. Our Wellbeing and Learning Support provision caters to a wide range of needs, including Special Educational Needs (SEN), targeted learning support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), and appropriate challenge and extension for high-performing and gifted learners.
Our Facilities and Resources
Our secure and well-resourced campus offers outstanding facilities, including modern classrooms, extensive sports areas, a swimming pool, a school animal farm, and dedicated Forest School provision. We also offer boarding facilities for families seeking this option.
Why Choose SAIPS?
We Invite You to Visit
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family will make. We invite you to explore our website, visit our campus, meet our staff and experience first-hand the energy, joy and sense of community that characterise SAIPS.
Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow.
It would be our privilege to welcome your family into the SAIPS community.
Warm regards,
Mr Akif A. Naqvi, FCCT
Headteacher
About Me: I am a British international school leader and Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), recognised by the UK’s Royal Charter institution for my contribution to improving educational practice. I also hold British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection certification and bring a background in Business and Economics, alongside over two decades of experience in education spanning Early Years, Primary and Secondary phases. Over the past twenty years, I have worked across the UK, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, leading schools, developing staff, and supporting whole-school improvement. My leadership journey has focused on transformation, strengthening academic outcomes from Early Years through to Secondary, raising standards above international benchmarks, and ensuring students are well-prepared for successful university pathways and future careers. At the centre of my work is a simple belief: ‘children come first.’ I am passionate about building school cultures where young people grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate individuals, supported by strong, values-driven leadership and empowered staff teams.
