UNEB stands for the Uganda National Examinations Board. It is the body that sets and administers the three national examinations, PLE at the end of primary, UCE at the end of O-Level (Senior 4), and UACE at the end of A-Level (Senior 6). UNEB schools are those that follow the Ugandan national curriculum and prepare students for these examinations.

UCE (Uganda Certificate of Education) is sat at the end of Senior 4 and covers eight to ten subjects, scored as an aggregate where lower is better. UACE (Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education) is sat at the end of Senior 6 and covers three principal subjects plus the General Paper and sub-mathematics, scored on a 20-point scale.

Some UNEB schools are government-aided and participate in Universal Secondary Education (USE), where tuition is subsidised. Most government-aided schools, however, charge school fees in addition to USE, covering boarding, meals, development levies and uniforms. Private UNEB schools charge full fees. Praecip lists fees per class and per residency type for every school.

The most competitive UNEB schools, King's College Budo, Gayaza High School, Mt. St. Mary's Namagunga, Namilyango College, typically expect a PLE Aggregate of 8 or below for S1 entry, and a UCE Aggregate of 16–20 with Division 1 for S5 entry. Cut-offs differ between boys and girls in co-educational schools and shift year-on-year.

The most prestigious UNEB schools are predominantly boarding, reflecting a long tradition. Many newer private schools offer both day and boarding to give families flexibility. Five-day boarding (Monday to Friday, weekends at home) is an increasingly popular option for parents who want the structure of boarding without the full separation.

Most schools open applications in December of the previous year, after the third term has closed. S1 and S5 applications open in February once PLE and UCE results are out. Praecip flags every school as Admissions Open or Closed and shows the next intake date when known.