Braeburn Mombasa International School vs Light International School Mombasa

	B Braeburn Mombasa International School Mombasa, Kenya	L Light International School Mombasa Mombasa, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 579,598 - 1,693,900	Fees / year KES 376,000 - 878,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 158	Pupils 343
Typical class size	Typical class size 17	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2004	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location BMIS is located on Mombasa's north coast in the Bamburi area, near Haller Park. The campus address is Bamburi Mombasa - Malindi Road, off Cement Factory/Vescon Road, JCC Road, Mombasa, Kenya. It is accessible by road and is served by a fleet of school buses.	Location Located in the leafy Nyali Estate in Mombasa, Kenya. Nyali is a residential coastal suburb, and the campus sits in a peaceful suburban setting. The school serves students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds.
Stages	Stages Early Years to Key Stage 3; Key Stage 4 and 5 with IGCSE, A Level and BTEC pathways.	Stages Cambridge International Curriculum from Early Years (ages 3–5) through to A-Levels (Year 12 & 13).
School type	School type Co-educational international school offering British independent school education with British and International curricula.	School type Co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Some support for students with specific learning difficulties; EAL available with limited support; language of learning is English.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Kenya	Country affiliation Kenya
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Fleet of well-maintained buses.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - Registration (non-refundable): KSh 5,000. - Refundable deposit on joining (charged once): KSh 15,000 (refundable at the end of the pupil's final term following clearance by the headteacher). - In certain year groups with limited vacancies a 20% advance payment of tuition is payable against the first term's invoice; this 20% advance is not refundable if the confirmed place is not taken up. Tuition fees by year group (2025/26 schedule) Annual tuition amounts are stated in Kenyan shillings (KSh). Year 11, 12 and 13 are billed in two tranches (August and December); all other years are billed in three tranches (August, December and April). Per-term or per-tranche figures below are calculated from the stated annual fees and the school's billing schedule. - Crèche - Annual tuition: KSh 358,798. - Per term (3-term billing): KSh 119,599. - FS1 (Nursery) - Annual tuition: KSh 539,999. - Per term (3-term billing): KSh 180,000 (rounded). - FS2 (Reception) - Annual tuition: KSh 551,700. - Per term (3-term billing): KSh 183,900. - Year 1 & Year 2 - Annual tuition: KSh 852,600. - Per term (3-term billing): KSh 284,200. - Year 3 to Year 6 - Annual tuition: KSh 1,050,900. - Per term (3-term billing): KSh 350,300. - Year 7 to Year 9 - Annual tuition: KSh 1,210,200. - Per term (3-term billing): KSh 403,400. - Year 10 - Annual tuition (Year 10 & 11 band shown): KSh 1,302,300. - Per term (Year 10 is billed in three tranches): KSh 434,100. - Year 11 - Annual tuition (Year 10 & 11 band shown): KSh 1,302,300. - Per tranche (Year 11 billed in two tranches – Aug & Dec): KSh 651,150. - Year 12 - Annual tuition (Year 12 & 13 band shown): KSh 1,402,600. - Per tranche (Year 12 billed in two tranches – Aug & Dec): KSh 701,300. - Year 13 - Annual tuition (Year 12 & 13 band shown): KSh 1,402,600. - Per tranche (Year 13 billed in two tranches – Aug & Dec): KSh 701,300. Lunch and catering fees - Lunch fees (annual): - Crèche & FS1: KSh 69,900 (approx. KSh 23,300 per term under 3-term billing). - FS2: KSh 111,600 (approx. KSh 37,200 per term). - Years 1–6: KSh 124,200 (approx. KSh 41,400 per term). - Years 7–13: KSh 140,400 (approx. KSh 46,800 per term; for Years 11–13 billed in two tranches, the equivalent per tranche would be higher proportionally). Transport fees - Annual transport fees (two route options): - Regular route (Crèche to Year 13): KSh 150,900 (approx. KSh 50,300 per term under 3-term billing; KSh 75,450 per tranche where billed in two tranches). - Kilifi route (Crèche to Year 13): KSh 165,900 (approx. KSh 55,300 per term under 3-term billing; KSh 82,950 per tranche where billed in two tranches). Boarding - On-site boarding accommodation is provided (boys' and girls' boarding houses and boarding kitchens exist on campus). Where boarding applies, the school's fee schedule indicates boarding costs are included in the fees shown or applied where relevant; specific boarding-related charges are managed as part of the school's fee invoices. Other costs and additional fees - Registration fee: KSh 5,000 (non-refundable). - Exam and enrolment fees are not included in the stated tuition and will be charged separately where applicable. - Activity fees (for trips, certain co-curricular activities and other optional items) are charged separately and are normally accompanied by an official letter from the headteacher. - Textbooks and exercise books are included in the stated fees where indicated. Refunds and withdrawal - The refundable deposit (KSh 15,000) or the balance thereof is returned at the end of the pupil's final term following clearance by the headteacher. - The registration fee (KSh 5,000) and any 20% advance payment (where applicable) are non-refundable in the circumstances described above. - A full term's written notice to the headteacher (with the headteacher's written acknowledgement) is required to withdraw a pupil; if this notice is not given, a full term's fees are payable in lieu of notice. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing: - Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13: billed in two tranches (August and December). - All other year groups: billed in three tranches (August, December and April). - Due dates and discounts: - Fees are payable on or before the first day of each term. - Early payment discount: 3% discount on tuition when full payment is made within six days of the due date. - Late payment: - A surcharge of 1.25% per month is levied for late payment of fees. Family discounts - Tuition fee family discounts (applied on bills): - 2nd child: 10%. - 3rd child: 20%. - 4th child: 30%. - 5th and subsequent children: 40%. - Transport family discount when siblings use the same route: 50% for the 2nd and each subsequent sibling on transport charges. Fee payment options - Fees are payable by the deadlines above; parents should make payment arrangements through the school's finance office. Payment is accepted according to the school's standard arrangements and invoicing (please use the invoice reference when making transfers or other payments). Notes on incidental items - Activity, examination and any specialist course or trip charges are invoiced separately as required. - Textbooks and exercise books are included in the stated fees; parents should budget separately for uniforms, personal stationery, optional private lessons and incidental personal expenses unless otherwise notified by the school.	Fee details Fee overview (Academic year 2025–2026). These fees are stated in Kenyan Shillings (KES). One-off (admission / registration) fees - Interview fee: KES 2,500. - Admission fee: KES 40,000. - Caution money (refundable): KES 40,000. - Textbook & reading books (charged once per year): - Early Years (EY1–EY3): KES 28,000 per annum. - Year 1–Year 5: KES 38,000 per annum. - Year 6–Year 11: KES 44,000 per annum. - Year 12–Year 13: KES 46,000 per annum. Tuition and lunch fees — per term (by year group) - Early Years (EY1–EY3): - Tuition: Term I KES 108,000; Term II KES 81,000; Term III KES 81,000. - Lunch: KES 26,000 per term (Term I, II and III). - Primary - Year 1–2 tuition: Term I KES 192,000; Term II KES 144,000; Term III KES 144,000. - Year 3–6 tuition: Term I KES 240,000; Term II KES 180,000; Term III KES 180,000. - Primary lunch (Years 1–6): KES 32,000 per term (Term I, II and III). - Lower Secondary - Years 7–9 tuition: Term I KES 288,000; Term II KES 216,000; Term III KES 216,000. - Year 10 tuition: Term I KES 312,000; Term II KES 234,000; Term III KES 234,000. - Secondary lunch (Years 7–10): KES 38,000 per term. - Candidate classes (Years 11–13) - Year 11 tuition: Term I KES 390,000; Term II KES 390,000; Term III N/A (two-term charging). - Year 12–13 tuition: Term I KES 400,000; Term II KES 400,000; Term III N/A (two-term charging). - Candidates lunch (Years 11–13): KES 44,000 per term (where applicable). Cambridge examination fees and exam charging - Year 6 (Checkpoint): KES 16,000 per subject (typically four subjects). - Year 9 (Checkpoint): KES 18,000 per subject (typically four subjects). - Year 11 (IGCSE): minimum 8 subjects at KES 22,000 per subject. - Years 12–13 (AS & A Level): minimum 3 subjects at KES 25,000 per subject. - Cambridge exam fees for candidate classes must be paid during Term 1 (no later than end of November) and exam registration will not proceed while school fee balances remain unpaid. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school issues fee invoices annually and sends them to parents before the academic year begins. - All fee types must be paid in full at least fifteen (15) days before the start of each term. - Termly fee types are chargeable and payable over three terms for all classes except Years 11–13, which are chargeable and payable over two terms (Term 1 and Term 2). - Fees are payable in Kenyan Shillings (KES) only. - A surcharge of 5% per month is levied on any outstanding fee balance. - Additional fees (exams, trips, activities) arising during the year will be added to the invoice. Lunch fees may be amended during the year based on inflation or commodity cost changes. - Commitment fee for new admissions: where vacancies are limited, an advance or commitment fee may be required to reserve a place; this may be a minimum of 50% of the term fee and is non-refundable if the applicant withdraws or forfeits the placement. If fewer than three weeks remain before term start, the full enrolment term fee must be paid. - Withdrawal and refunds: a written notice of at least five weeks (35 days) to the school's official email is required before the start of the next term, together with written acknowledgement from the Principal; in the absence of such notice, a full term's fees will be payable in lieu. Caution money is refundable per the school's policy; the commitment fee is non-refundable in the circumstances described above. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; Light International School Mombasa operates as a day school. Other costs and items not included in tuition - School and PE uniforms are not included in the listed fees. Uniform costs are charged separately. - Examination, trip, extracurricular or other activity charges that arise during the academic year are additional and will be invoiced when applicable. - Sibling discount on tuition (applies to registered siblings within the Light Group of Schools): 2nd born — 5% discount; 3rd born — 10% discount; 4th born and subsequent siblings — 15% discount. The first-born is not entitled to a discount; discounts are recalculated when a sibling graduates or transfers. Refunds and withdrawal specifics - Caution money is refundable according to the school's refund procedures. - Commitment fee (when charged to reserve a place) is non-refundable if the applicant withdraws or forfeits the placement. - Failure to provide the required 35 days' written notice before the next term will result in a full term's fees being payable. Accepted payment methods and instructions - LIPA NA MPESA (Paybill / Business number): 631567. On the account number field enter the student's Virtual Account Number (13 digits) as shown on the student portal or invoice. Cheque and cash payments are not accepted. - Bank transfer / cash deposit to the school bank account (KCB): - Bank: Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB). SWIFT: KCBLKENX. Bank code: 01. Branch code: 01288. Account name: Light International School, Mombasa. Account number: 1297204174. Narration: Student's full name. - After payment, forward the payment confirmation to the school via the listed school WhatsApp number or the school email to enable posting of the payment. Cheques and cash are not acceptable. Important administrative notes - Exam registration for Cambridge candidate classes will not proceed unless all outstanding school fee balances are fully cleared. - The school reserves the right to withhold access to classes, official documents or school services if fee balances remain unpaid.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details BMIS curriculum is based upon the UK National Curriculum and includes additional learning opportunities to extend and enhance it. The Early Years Foundation Stage framework from England underpins the Early Years. The British National Curriculum provides the foundation for Primary and Secondary, with Cambridge Secondary for Mathematics, English and Science in Years 7–9 and Year 9 Checkpoint examinations; pupils move to the IGCSE examinations in Years 10–11. The language of learning is English. The Sixth Form offers a flexible programme combining A-levels and BTEC, and supports university placement worldwide.	Curriculum details Cambridge International Curriculum is offered from Early Years (age 3+) through to A Levels, with the Cambridge Pathway covering Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary. Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Lower Secondary/Upper Secondary are part of the programme, and AS/A Level and Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma options are available. The curriculum is anchored in Cambridge and enhanced by Pearson Edexcel pathways. The school also emphasizes digital literacy and holistic development within the Cambridge framework.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small classes allow students to receive individual attention.	Student teacher ratio Low student-to-teacher ratio in Kindergarten; small class sizes.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Students have earned Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards and Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards from 2022 to 2024, including Best in the Country for Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (2022); Top in the World for Cambridge IGCSE Sociology and Cambridge IGCSE Swahili (2023); Best in the Country for Cambridge AS Level Business and Cambridge AS Level Mathematics (2023); 2nd in the World for Cambridge AS Level Psychology (2024); 3rd in the World for Cambridge A Level Business and Cambridge A Level Information Technology (2024); Best in the Country for Cambridge AS Level English Language and IGCSE Global Perspectives (2024); Highest Mark in Africa – Pearson Edexcel GCSE Art & Design. LIS Mombasa holds Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations twice a year (June and November) with results issued in August and January; AICE Diploma is available for Years 12–13.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The Sixth Form leads to higher education with all students who want to go to university obtaining offers from universities of their choice; alumni have studied at Oxford University, University College London, University of Pennsylvania, University of British Columbia, Maastricht University, Rhodes University and University of Cape Town, among others.	Higher education progression AS/A Level is accepted as an entry qualification by world's best universities; SAT is offered to support US college admissions; the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma is available for Years 12–13 to boost university admissions.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented If a student needs additional learning support or is very able, the Learning Support Department provides support and challenge materials.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions BMIS is a co-educational international school in Mombasa, Kenya, serving learners from 18 months to 18 years. The Primary school covers 18 months to 11 years, and the Secondary school covers up to 18+. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales and is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools. The academic year begins in September, and pupils may join BMIS at any time of the year, unless entry is to an examination-year group, in which case admission depends on prior examination boards. To reserve a place, complete the application form and pay the non-refundable registration fee; an offer is issued in writing subject to available places. If a place cannot be offered immediately, a waiting list is used. The admissions process starts with a visit or informal chat with the headteacher; final admission requires an interview with the headteacher; after successful completion, a letter confirming placement and start date is issued. A BMIS Prospectus booklet is available for download. Age requirements by year group are published in the admissions policy.	Admissions The school offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Early Years (ages 3-5) through to A levels (Year 13). Age groups followed in admission are: Nursery 3; Kindergarten 1 (4); Kindergarten 2 (5); Year 1 (6); Year 2 (7); Year 3 (8); Year 4 (9); Year 5 (10); Year 6 (11); Year 7 (12); Year 8 (13); Year 9 (14); Year 10 (15); Year 11 (16); Year 12 (17); Year 13 (18); admissions follow these age groups. Required documents include copy of birth certificate; copy of report form from previous school; leaving/transfer letter; two passport photos; copies of both parents' IDs/sponsors; copy of pupil's pass (for foreign students). Non-Kenyan citizens must apply for pupil's pass at the immigration office after completion of registration. Applications are submitted via an online application form, and admission requirements should be viewed before filling the form. Fees are payable in Kenyan shillings per term and are billed in August, December and April; Year 11-13 are billed as an annual fee in two instalments (August and December). Sibling discounts apply: second-born 5%; third-born 10%; fourth-born and any additional siblings 15%. Uniform and Cambridge examination fees are not included in tuition; Cambridge exam registrations cannot be done until the fee balance is cleared. A full term's notice in writing is required for withdrawals; the school reserves the right of admission and the right to withhold documents until balances are cleared.
Scholarships	Scholarships BMIS offers a 21st Anniversary Scholarship Programme for the 2026–2027 academic year. The programme is merit-based and means-tested, with awards covering between 20% and 100% of tuition fees for the duration of secondary education (Year 7 and above) and reviewed annually. Scholarships are available year-round and are awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, commitment to the BMIS community, and leadership or service. To apply, complete the BMIS Application Form and submit documents including a letter from the student, copies of the two most recent reports, certificates or evidence of achievement, and a letter of recommendation from a current teacher or head of school, by emailing scholarships.bmis@braeburn.ac.ke. The school will contact applicants with status and next steps if the application is advanced; Conditions of Awards are available via a linked document.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist When a year group is full, new admissions are placed on a waiting list. Waiting lists operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority may be given to siblings of children who already have a place in the school.	Waitlist —
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