Connecting generations of educators who have shaped the future of Lesotho through quality teacher education since 1975.
We are leaders in teacher education and a centre of excellence for continuing professional development for educators.
We produce pragmatic educators ready to deliver relevant and transformative education to diverse learners. We subscribe to sustainable education and development in dealing with challenges confronting the 21st century.
The Lesotho College of Education began its life as the National Teacher Training College (NTTC) with UNESCO assistance. It replaced three denominational teachers' colleges, opening with 78 students and 12 local lecturers plus 5 UNESCO advisers.
The College offered programmes leading to certificates until 1993. From 1994 to 2002, certificate programmes were gradually replaced by diploma programmes of similar duration.
On July 31, 2002, the College was granted autonomy and renamed the Lesotho College of Education (LCE). It reorganized into three Faculties and eight Departments, with the In-Service Division becoming the Distance Teacher Education Programme (DTEP).
Studies at a second campus in Thaba-Tseka began in June 2006 as a Science and Technology Centre, starting with Diploma in Education (Secondary) students.
Diploma in Education (Primary) students joined Thaba-Tseka campus. The College also established the Certificate in Early Childhood Education (CECE) programme.
Pre-service programmes were revised to include a one-year school-based internship in the second year.
Advanced Diploma in Special Education (ADSE) launched in January 2009, alongside new strategic planning initiatives.
Main Campus • Since 1975
The main campus in Maseru houses three Faculties and eight Departments, offering comprehensive teacher education programmes for both primary and secondary education.
Science & Technology Centre • Since 2006
Opened in June 2006 as a Science and Technology Centre, serving as a satellite campus with growing enrollment from 53 to 243 students.
Challenges remain to expand infrastructure to offer all courses available at Maseru campus.
Since 2002, enrollment in Distance Teacher Education Programme grew from 500 to over 2,054 students, meeting immediate needs of primary education.
Close relationship with National University of Lesotho (NUL) and links with other institutions of higher learning in the region and internationally.
Established Certificate in Early Childhood Education (CECE) programme in June 2007.
Launched Advanced Diploma in Special Education (ADSE) in January 2009.
Benefited from various externally funded projects and become more active in research.
Granted autonomy in 2002 with authority to determine own programmes, strategic plan, and allocate resources internally.
Sole provider of basic pre-service teacher education to diploma level
Training for primary school teachers
Training for secondary school teachers (junior secondary)
In-service distance teacher education for unqualified teachers
Research, consultancy and evaluation work
Educational policy formulation participation
Short training courses for teachers
Consultancy services to education system
The College has received considerable guidance and assistance from the National University of Lesotho (NUL) with which it still has a close relationship. It has also developed necessary and relevant links with other institutions of higher learning in the region and internationally, benefiting from various externally funded projects.
The three founding churches (Roman Catholic Church, Lesotho Evangelical Church, and Anglican Church of Lesotho) continue to have representation in the Board of Governors and in the teaching staff of the College. As a public institution, it is financed by a subvention from the Government of Lesotho while maintaining autonomous control over its programmes and resources.