Frequently Asked Questions

Academic Pathways

At Veridian, we believe education should prepare young people not only for their next examination, but for the world they will inherit. We chose the International Baccalaureate because it aligns closely with our vision of developing capable, curious, and compassionate young people ready to thrive in a changing world.

It teaches students how to think. The IB develops critical thinking, inquiry, research, problem-solving, and reflection. Students learn to analyse, question, and apply knowledge rather than simply memorise it.

It prepares students for the future. In a rapidly changing world, adaptability, creativity, collaboration, and communication matter as much as knowledge. The IB intentionally develops these skills alongside strong academics.

It develops the whole person. Alongside academic achievement, the IB nurtures character, leadership, resilience, service, and a sense of responsibility to both local and global communities.

It keeps pathways open. Students continue to study a broad range of subjects for longer, allowing them to discover their strengths and interests before making major university or career decisions.

It is globally respected. Recognised by leading universities worldwide, the IB is valued for its academic rigour, independent thinking, and preparation for life beyond school.

The IB combines academic rigour with curiosity, reflection and real-world learning. Students are encouraged not only to master knowledge, but to ask meaningful questions, think critically, make connections and apply their learning beyond the classroom. It is an approach that develops capable learners, confident individuals and engaged global citizens.

The MYP, or Middle Years Programme, is a globally recognised curriculum for students aged 11 to 16. It spans the equivalent of Forms 1 to 4 and is designed to help students make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them. Through inquiry, critical thinking and real-world application, the MYP develops confident, capable learners and provides a strong foundation for future study.

It teaches students how to think. The IB develops critical thinking, inquiry, research, problem-solving, and reflection. Students learn to analyse, question, and apply knowledge rather than simply memorise it.

It prepares students for the future. In a rapidly changing world, adaptability, creativity, collaboration, and communication matter as much as knowledge. The IB intentionally develops these skills alongside strong academics.

It develops the whole person. Alongside academic achievement, the IB nurtures character, leadership, resilience, service, and a sense of responsibility to both local and global communities.

It keeps pathways open. Students continue to study a broad range of subjects for longer, allowing them to discover their strengths and interests before making major university or career decisions.

It is globally respected. Recognised by leading universities worldwide, the IB is valued for its academic rigour, independent thinking, and preparation for life beyond school.

Yes. The MYP is recognised by schools around the world and provides a strong foundation for further study. Students may also complete optional IB eAssessments in the final year to earn the internationally recognised IB MYP Certificate.

The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous and internationally respected pre-university qualification for students aged 16 to 18. It combines academic depth, critical thinking and international-mindedness, preparing students for success at university and beyond.

The IB Career-related Programme combines academic study with practical, career-focused learning for students aged 16 to 18. It equips students with both academic knowledge and real-world skills, preparing them for higher education, apprenticeships and future careers.

Students will have access to both the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and the IB Career-related Programme (CP).

The Diploma Programme is one of the most widely recognised school qualifications in the world and is valued by leading universities for its academic rigour, independent thinking, research and communication skills.

The Career-related Programme combines academic study with practical, career-focused learning. Students take selected IB subjects alongside professional pathways and applied learning experiences, creating routes to university, tertiary study, apprenticeships and future careers.

Together, these pathways provide flexibility while maintaining the global perspective, critical thinking and real-world relevance that sit at the heart of an IB education.

At Veridian, we see the Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme as complementary pathways rather than separate tracks.

Both are built on the IB’s commitment to academic excellence, critical thinking and personal growth. The DP offers a broad academic route, while the CP combines academic study with career-focused learning, allowing students to choose the pathway that best aligns with their strengths, interests and future aspirations.

Both pathways are internationally recognised and prepare students for success in higher education, careers and an ever-changing world.

Learning Skills & Student Development

We believe confidence grows through practice, not pressure. Students are supported to develop independence through explicit teaching of organisation, planning, goal setting and reflective practice, helping them become increasingly self-managing and resilient learners.

Learning how to manage yourself is an essential life skill. We explicitly teach executive function skills such as organisation, time management, planning and self-regulation, giving students practical strategies to thrive both in school and beyond.

Regular goal setting and reflection are embedded throughout school life. Students are encouraged to celebrate successes, learn from challenges and identify meaningful next steps, developing self-awareness and a genuine sense of ownership over their learning.

We encourage students to see challenge as an opportunity for growth. Through supportive relationships, reflective conversations and a culture that values perseverance, students develop the confidence to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks.

The IB recognises that education is about developing the whole person. Through the Approaches to Learning, the Learner Profile and reflective practice, students build the self-management, communication and thinking skills that support both academic success and personal wellbeing.

Sports & Extracurricular Activities

Sport is an integral part of education at Veridian, helping students develop wellbeing, resilience, teamwork, leadership and healthy habits. Through the Springs Sports Centre, students will have access to a wide range of sporting and fitness opportunities, from competitive sport to outdoor pursuits and recreational activity. Our goal is not simply to develop athletes, but to help every student discover their strengths, build confidence and develop a lifelong appreciation for health and wellbeing.

We anticipate offering a wide range of opportunities including debate, entrepreneurship, robotics, environmental initiatives, creative arts, music, service projects, outdoor education and student-led clubs. We believe some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom, and students can also expect excursions, field trips, camps and real-world learning experiences that connect learning to life.

Most core sport, clubs and extracurricular activities will form part of the school programme and be included in the fees. Some specialist coaching, optional programmes, tours, camps or external competitions may carry additional costs.

Yes. While students will have choice and flexibility within the programme, we believe that physical activity, service and contribution to community are important elements of a balanced education. This reflects both the philosophy of Veridian and the values of the IB. We want young people to develop not only academically, but also physically, socially and ethically. Through sport, service and meaningful participation, students learn resilience, teamwork, responsibility and the importance of contributing to something larger than themselves.

Admissions & Enrolment

Our fee structure is expected to be broadly comparable to other ATS schools in Zimbabwe. Detailed fee information will be provided well in advance of enrolment.
 
Yes. A once-off enrolment fee will apply and will be confirmed when admissions open. This fee will be aligned with comparable ATS schools and offset against future school fees.
 
Veridian will open in 2028 with Form 1 and Form 2. To ensure students are well known and well supported, class sizes will be capped at 18 students, with a maximum of two classes per Form. As each cohort progresses, additional year groups will be added until the school offers the full IB pathway through to the Diploma Programme.
 
Yes. Our admissions process is likely to include an interview and a student assessment. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, the assessment will help us understand how students think, learn, communicate and engage with new ideas. The goal is to ensure a strong fit between the student, family and the values of the school.
 

Student support & wellbeing

Every learner is different, and every learner deserves to be known, understood and supported. At Veridian, we aim to create an environment where students can build on their strengths while receiving appropriate support where needed. Through differentiated teaching, appropriate accommodations and access to specialist support, our goal is to help every learner grow in confidence, make meaningful progress and thrive.

Relationships sit at the heart of great education. At Veridian, we aim to create a culture where students feel known, supported, challenged and valued. Through strong pastoral care and a genuine sense of belonging, we help young people develop confidence, resilience and wellbeing alongside academic growth. We believe wellbeing is not an add-on; it is one of the foundations for learning and flourishing.
 

Community & Service Learning

One of the things we value most about the IB is its belief that education extends beyond the classroom. At Veridian, we want students to understand that they can make a meaningful contribution to the world around them. Service will not be about collecting hours or ticking boxes, but about engaging with real people, real challenges and real opportunities to make a difference. Through environmental initiatives, community partnerships, leadership opportunities and student-led projects, we hope our students develop both the confidence and the responsibility to contribute positively to their communities and beyond.
 
We see parents as partners in the educational journey. No school, no matter how good, can replace the influence of a family. We believe young people thrive when there is a strong connection between home and school. Our hope is that Veridian feels like a community rather than a service — a place where families know one another, feel welcome and are able to contribute their skills, experiences and perspectives in meaningful ways. Strong communication, mutual trust and shared purpose will be central to the culture we are building together.
 

Governance & Leadership

Veridian will be governed by a Board responsible for strategic oversight, governance and accountability. The Director of Education will provide educational oversight, guide the school’s vision and direction, and work closely with the leadership team on strategic planning and development.

The day-to-day operation and management of the school will be led by the school leadership team, made up of two roles: Head of Academics and Head of Pastoral. This collaborative structure is designed to ensure both strong governance and educational excellence.

Veridian is being developed in partnership with OxProp, a highly respected Zimbabwean development company with extensive experience delivering projects of significant scale and complexity. OxProp has over a decade of experience in property development and project delivery across Zimbabwe and has been closely involved in the planning, design and long-term vision of the wider Springs community.

The school forms part of a broader investment into the Springs vision, which includes educational, sporting, cultural and community spaces designed to serve families for generations to come. There will also be a golf course and residential estate in the coming years. Working alongside an established and experienced development team gives us the ability to approach the project thoughtfully, sustainably and with a long-term perspective.

Logistics & Operations

Yes. Veridian will offer school transport, with collection points across Harare. Routes will be planned around the needs of enrolled families to provide a safe and practical journey to and from school.
 
2027 — Foundations (Phase 0): The first Learning Neighbourhood begins to take shape, including the founding Form 1 and Form 2 learning pods and The Lookout, a multi-purpose gathering and event space. Laying the foundations for a new learning community.

2028 — The Founding Campus (Phase 1): Opening of the first Learning Neighbourhood, Science Lab, Maker Lab, Library, Administration Centre, cultural space, sports facilities, swimming pool, courts, fields, track and trails. Launching Veridian with its core academic, cultural and sporting facilities.

2029 — Growth & Connection (Phase 2): Expansion of learning spaces, specialist facilities, the Community Centre and Farm-Based Learning Hub. Extending learning beyond the classroom through community and real-world experiences.

2030–2031 — The Complete Vision (Phase 3): Completion of additional Learning Neighbourhoods, Diploma Programme facilities, and expanded wellbeing, cultural, sporting and outdoor education spaces. Realising the full Veridian vision for generations of learners to come.
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