Tanzania, Sept. 4 -- Dar es Salaam. As primary school pupils sit for their national examinations this month, parents are already searching for schools for their children as they prepare to join secondary education.

But beyond academic results, what should parents consider when choosing an O-Level school?

Interviews with parents and education stakeholders show that while examination performance, school reputation and the number of students securing Division I often influence decisions, other factors can be equally important.

For Mbezi resident Julius Matilinya, academic performance is his main consideration, regardless of the distance from home.

"These are the last batch of children I am sending to secondary school. I have always consi...