Abstract:
This study was conducted in Catholic schools of Mzuzu Diocese where it was observed that
many parents opt to send their children to such schools rather than other schools. The study
was aimed at examining stakeholder perceptions towards the quality of education in Catholic
secondary schools of Mzuzu Diocese. Different literature reviewed indicated that various
studies have been conducted worldwide on stakeholder perception of schools. Schools do have
a positive perception if they are well managed, have good school environment that fosters
teaching and learning, the social life of such schools fosters holistic development of a child,
there is quality teaching and learning due to competent and dedicated teachers. As a result,
such schools produce good results at national examinations. While this may be a reason why
parents desire their wards to go to such schools. There is limited research about why parents
want their wards to be enrolled at Catholic schools of Mzuzu Diocese. This knowledge gap
necessitated the researcher to carry out this study.
The participants of this study were Parents; Catholic and Non-Catholic, Teachers, Students and
Former Students. The total Sample of the study was 120 parents, 140 teachers, 112 students for
quantitative study, and 8 former prefects and 8 parents for qualitative study. Purposive
sampling was adopted for selecting respondents. Mixed method paradigm was used to collect
and analyse data. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis. For qualitative
data, transcripts from the interviews were coded, analysed and categorised for emerging and
recurring themes. This study was limited in that it covered Mzuzu Diocese only and not the
whole country. Key findings reveal positive perceptions of teaching and learning activities,
good school environment, provision of social life, and quality leadership and management
making stakeholders to have positive perception of Catholic schools. Drawing from these findings it is hereby recommended that schools should quality teaching and learning, positive
school environment, enhanced school social life and dynamic leadership.
