In 1966 two years after Zambia gained its independence, Namwala Secondary School was opened as a boarding school ready to accommodate 1000 boys and girls from 8th-12th grade. The school adopted the curriculum from the former colonial power Great Britain. Practical training such as wood and metal workmanship, sowing and cooking classes as well as agriculture were also included in the curriculum. At the beginning only teachers from foreign countries with teaching degrees taught at the school. In 1968 Simon Maonde became the first Zambian principal at Namwala Secondary School making him the first Zambian principal in the country. Together with his assistant principal Pater Clarke SJ they lead the school through its first years. Starting in 1971 more and more teachers came from Zambian Universities and teacher workshops. By the end of the 1980’s the foreign teachers became far and few between. In 1990 the decision was made to increase the capacity of the Secondary School by only teaching 10th-12th grade thus accommodating more students in these grades. The 8th and 9th school year would in turn be taught in primary school. Twenty three years later they converted back to the original system and two 8th grade classes were re-introduced in the Secondary School resulting in an increase of students. Today 1,500 boys and girls have found a home at Namwala Secondary School. The past six years they have also started offering information technology classes. Yet, technical and financial problems are a day to day issue.
The Zambian culture has been an important aspect for the school since its founding. The traditional dancing is cultivated through a group that performs at many occasions.
School premises during rainy season