Raising children in Mauritius

Safety

Children can play outside and move around with significantly less parental anxiety than in South Africa, the UK, or France. Violent crime affecting children is extremely rare.

Schools

  • English curriculum: IPS (Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level), Northfields
  • French curriculum/IB: École du Centre, Lycée Labourdonnais

Apply 6–12 months in advance — popular schools have waiting lists.

Outdoor lifestyle

Beaches within 20–30 minutes, safe lagoons for swimming, snorkelling, sailing, horse riding, and tennis. Less screen-time drift than in cities.

Healthcare

Paediatric care at Wellkin and Apollo Bramwell. Short waiting times at private clinics.

The teenage challenge

Once children reach mid-teens, the island can feel limiting — less youth culture, peer diversity, and career exploration than large cities. Many expat families consider secondary/university education abroad.

Verdict

Excellent for ages 0–14. Safe, active, multicultural. Plan for secondary education years.