Braeside Lavington vs Cavina School

	B Braeside Lavington Nairobi, Kenya	C Cavina School Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 5,000 - 1,465,000	Fees / year KES 355,500 - 1,145,400
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 13 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,047	Pupils 117
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1994	Opened 1950
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Braeside Lavington is in Nairobi, Kenya. It is located off Muthangari Road in the Lavington neighbourhood of Nairobi. It is part of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.	Location Located in Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya. The campus sits on a leafy site in the heart of Kilimani. It is accessible by local roads with nearby amenities and transport links.
Stages	Stages Ages 3–18; Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form.	Stages Pre-Prep Unit (ages 2–5) and Prep School (ages 6–13).
School type	School type Co-educational international school	School type British-curriculum preparatory school with a Christian foundation.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Cavina provides in-class support for pupils with special educational needs. Pupils identified as needing additional provision receive small group or one-to-one interventions, and, where necessary, specialists and therapists are brought in to support the child.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Kenya	Country affiliation Kenya.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Each school day begins with a Christian act of worship. Fridays feature morning devotions arranged by house captains and House Assemblies use the Book of Common Prayer. The daily life integrates spiritual life with academic learning.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details The school offers a bus service with defined routes and transport arrangements.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Academic year covered - The fee figures below apply to the 2025/2026 academic year. Application and registration - Non‑refundable registration (application) fee: KSh 5,000 payable with the registration form. - Entry deposit (one‑off, charged on joining): KSh 15,000. The deposit is charged once and is refundable at the end of a pupil's final term following clearance by the headteacher. - In some year groups with limited vacancies a 20% advance of the tuition fee is payable against the first term's invoice; this advance is not refundable if a confirmed place is not taken up. Tuition fees — annual and per term / per tranche (by year group) - Crèche (Half Day): Annual KSh 495,600 — billed in three tranches; per term (three-tranche) KSh 165,200. - Crèche (Full Day), FS1 (Nursery) & FS2 (Reception): Annual KSh 688,798 — billed in three tranches; per term (three-tranche) KSh 229,599.33. - Year 1 to Year 6: Annual KSh 1,183,800 — billed in three tranches; per term KSh 394,600. - Year 7 to Year 9: Annual KSh 1,322,100 — billed in three tranches; per term KSh 440,700. - Year 10: Annual KSh 1,398,000 — Year 10 is billed in three tranches; per term KSh 466,000. - Year 11: Annual KSh 1,398,000 — Year 11 is billed in two tranches (August and December); per tranche KSh 699,000. - Year 12 & Year 13: Annual KSh 1,465,000 — Years 12 and 13 are billed in two tranches (August and December); per tranche KSh 732,500. Lunch fees (annual) - Crèche to Year 2: Annual KSh 122,400. - Year 3 to Year 6: Annual KSh 128,400. - Year 7 & Year 8: Annual KSh 138,300. - Year 9 to Year 13: Annual KSh 140,399. Lunch charges are included in the published fee categories but are billed according to the school's tranche schedule for each year group. Transport (annual, by zone) - Zone A (return): KSh 109,799; Zone A (one way): KSh 66,000. - Zone B (return): KSh 142,800; Zone B (one way): KSh 85,800. - Zone C (return): KSh 175,499; Zone C (one way): KSh 105,598. - Zone D (return): KSh 197,100; Zone D (one way): KSh 118,500. Transport is optional and charged in addition to tuition; family discounts on transport apply when siblings use the same route. Boarding fees - Boarding is referenced among possible fee components but no specific boarding fee amounts are published in the school's published fee schedule. Other charges and recurring extras - Examination fees, enrolment charges and certain activity or trip charges are not included in the published tuition/lunch/transport figures and are charged separately when applicable. Activity fees are normally accompanied by an official letter from the headteacher. - The published tuition figures are described as fully inclusive of all approved textbooks and exercise books. Discounts, surcharges and billing schedule - Billing schedule: Years 11–13 are billed in two tranches (August and December). All other years are billed in three tranches (August, December and April). - Early payment discount: 3% discount on tuition fees when full payment is made within 6 days of the term due date. - Family (sibling) discounts on tuition only: 2nd child 10%; 3rd child 20%; 4th child 30%; 5th and subsequent children 40%. Family discount on transport (subject to same route) is 50% for the 2nd and each subsequent sibling. - Late payment surcharge: 1.25% per month on overdue amounts. Refund and withdrawal terms - Registration fee: non‑refundable. - Entry deposit: refundable at the end of a pupil's final term after clearance by the headteacher (subject to deductions for losses or breakages). - A 20% advance payment (where applicable) is non‑refundable if a confirmed place is not taken up. - Withdrawal notice: a full term's written notice, acknowledged in writing by the headteacher, is required for withdrawals; otherwise a full term's fees are payable in lieu of such notice. Fee payment options - The published fee schedule does not specify accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, card, mobile money). Parents are billed in the term/tranche structure described above and should follow the school's invoicing and parent‑portal instructions for payment. Other important points (summary) - Annual figures shown above are in Kenya Shillings (KSh) and cover tuition, lunch and transport where indicated; examination and certain activity fees are additional. The Board of Directors reserves the right to alter fees on five months' notice.	Fee details Application and registration fees - Registration (application) fee: KES 7,500 (non‑refundable). - Admission deposit: A full term's tuition fee is payable to secure a offered place; this deposit is non‑refundable if the place is not taken up. Tuition fees (per term) and annual equivalents by year group - Playgroup (age 2–3): KES 118,500 per term — annual equivalent KES 355,500. - PP I (age 3–4): KES 159,000 per term — annual equivalent KES 477,000. - PP II (age 4–5): KES 220,200 per term — annual equivalent KES 660,600. - PP III / Year 1 (age 5–6): KES 263,500 per term — annual equivalent KES 790,500. - Form I / Year 2 (age 6–7): KES 323,100 per term — annual equivalent KES 969,300. - Form II / Year 3 (age 7–8): KES 323,100 per term — annual equivalent KES 969,300. - Form III / Year 4 (age 8–9): KES 342,300 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,026,900. - Form IV / Year 5 (age 9–10): KES 381,800 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,145,400. - Form V / Year 6 (age 10–11): KES 381,800 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,145,400. - Lower VI / Year 7 (age 11–12): KES 381,800 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,145,400. - Upper VI / Year 8 (age 12–13): KES 381,800 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,145,400. Discounts - Sibling discount on tuition (tuition only): 5% for the second child, 10% for the third child, and 15% for the fourth child (applies from PP1). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is charged per term (fees shown above are per term per child). Parents are required to pay the deposit (a full term's fees) to secure a place after admission acceptance. - Withdrawal policy: One full term's written notice is required when removing a child from the school, or one full term's tuition fee in lieu of notice. The notice must be acknowledged by the headmaster. Boarding fees - Cavina operates as a day preparatory school; there are no boarding fees because boarding is not offered. Other costs and recurring charges (per term) - School lunches (per term): Playgroup KES 19,000; Pre‑Prep unit KES 21,000; Preparatory school KES 25,000. - AAR ambulance service fee: KES 1,000 per term. - Uniforms and compulsory clothing: Wearing the school uniform is compulsory. Uniform items are available from the school's official supplier (Animet Ltd — contact details provided by the school). Prices for uniform items are set by the supplier. - Optional activity or external provider fees (e.g., extracurricular providers) may be charged separately as applicable; specific activity charges are invoiced when applicable. Refund information - The registration/application fee (KES 7,500) is non‑refundable. - The admission deposit (one term's fee) is non‑refundable if the offered place is not taken up. - Other refund situations are governed by the school's notice and withdrawal policy (one term's notice or one term's fee in lieu). Specific refunds beyond these stated items are not published. Fee payment options and contact for payment queries - No specific public listing of accepted payment methods (bank transfer, card, cheque, online portal) is published in the school's public fee documents. For confirmation of accepted payment methods and to obtain payment instructions, contact the Admissions or Finance office directly by phone or email: Admissions +254 708 387 746; Main line +254 706 232 334; email admissions@cavina.ac.ke or admin@cavina.ac.ke. Important practical notes - All tuition amounts above are quoted per term; multiply by three to obtain an approximate annual tuition figure based on the school's three‑term year. - For matters not stated explicitly in the fee documents (for example, detailed payment procedures, exact uniform prices, or exceptional refund cases), contact the Admissions or Finance office using the phone numbers or email addresses above.
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 Braeside Lavington follows a balanced, broad curriculum based on the National Curriculum, with additional learning opportunities to enhance and extend learning. The aim is to prepare students for adult and working life in the 21st century, emphasising flexibility, creativity, and international-mindedness. The curriculum covers Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form, with sport and the creative arts integral to school life.	Curriculum details The Cavina curriculum is British-curriculum preparatory for children aged two to 13. The school is divided into Pre-prep and Prep School. The Common Entrance examination, taken in the final year, includes eight major subjects: Mathematics, English, French, Science, British History, Geography, Scripture, and Latin. English is central, with English language and literature taught to all pupils. The curriculum also includes Computer Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, and the Performing Arts; by age 13 pupils are introduced to three languages and undertake independent projects and broader learning experiences.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Past and current Cavina pupils have won academic, sports and music scholarships to top senior schools such as Peponi Secondary, St Andrew's Turi, Brookhouse and Hillcrest. The Beacon Scholarship provides two-thirds of the costs for secondary and UK university education.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Braeside Sixth Form offers AS and A Levels or the BTEC Extended Diploma. Entry requirements for A Levels are five IGCSE passes at grade C or above, typically with four subjects at AS and at least three to A level in Year 13. A wide range of subjects is offered, including Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics, Literature in English, Art and Design, Business Studies, IT, Sociology, Psychology, History, Geography, and Global Perspectives. The Careers team provides ongoing guidance and university placement support, and graduates progress to reputable universities locally and overseas.	Higher education progression Many Cavina pupils win scholarships to senior schools in Kenya and abroad, and some go on to study at world-class universities. The Beacon Scholarship provides two-thirds of the costs for secondary and UK university education.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The music program provides ABRSM and LCM examinations for more talented students.	Gifted and talented Scholarships are available for high achievers, including the Kenneth Mason Scholarship (for Year 7) and the Founder's Scholarship (for Years 5–6), with a maximum of two scholarships awarded per year. The Kenneth Mason and Founder's Scholarships recognize outstanding ability in sports, music, acting or art and require academic excellence and leadership potential. The Beacon Scholarship is a leadership bursary that provides up to two-thirds of costs for secondary and UK university education.
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 1. Visit Braeside Lavington for a tour or have an informal chat with the headteacher before starting the admissions process. This helps families understand the environment and ask questions. If you are outside the country, arrange the visit or conversation as part of the initial contact. Final admission is subject to an interview with the headteacher. 2. Entrance assessment is conducted using age-appropriate tools. This ensures the pupil can access the curriculum and provides teachers with a picture of the child's needs and strengths. It also helps with target setting for academic performance. The assessment informs next steps in the admissions process. 3. The interview with the headteacher is part of the admissions process. It helps determine placement and suitability for Braeside Lavington. 4. Upon completion of the admissions process, a letter from the headteacher confirms the placement and the start date.	Admissions 1. Enquiry: Prospective families submit an enquiry online using the enquiry tab or email the admissions registrar, Ms. This begins the Cavina admissions process. The school provides information about age groups, class availability, and the admissions timeline after the enquiry. An enquiry does not commit a family to a place. 2. Tours and registration: Cavina conducts regular school tours throughout the year, and Ms. Minayo will place you on a tour following your enquiry. After the tour, you may register your child if you wish to proceed. A non-refundable registration fee of 7,500 Kenyan Shillings is payable at this stage to cover the administrative costs of maintaining the waiting list. Payment of the registration fee does not guarantee a place. 3. Waiting list and intake: The waiting list for some classes is long, so early applications are encouraged. The main intake is in Playgroup, with a maximum of 25 places per year. Priority is given to siblings, then generally by date of application, while other factors such as balancing the numbers of boys and girls may influence offers. In some years, places are only available when vacancies arise due to a pupil leaving; Cavina aims to reduce class sizes toward the top of the school and may not replace pupils who leave after Form IV. 4. Registration timing and exceptions: Registration is accepted after you have toured the school, with exceptions for families living outside Kenya at the time of application. The process is designed to be straightforward and supportive for families navigating international admissions.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Scholarships: Cavina offers a maximum of two scholarships per year. The Kenneth Mason Scholarship is awarded to a pupil joining in Lower VI (Year 7) who is outstanding in sport, music, acting, or art, and who demonstrates academic excellence and leadership potential. This scholarship provides a 30 percent reduction in school fees, with an additional bursary of up to 30 percent if required. The Founder's Scholarship is awarded to a pupil joining in Form IV or Form V (Years 5 or 6) who is outstanding in sport, music, acting, or art and demonstrates academic excellence and good character. This scholarship provides a 20 percent reduction on school fees, with up to 30 percent bursary available. Bursaries are means-tested and offered only to Kenneth Mason or Founder's Scholars, requiring full disclosure of finances to Cavina's accounts department. The maximum bursary is 30 percent but may be lower depending on means testing. The Beacon Scholarship is a leadership bursary that provides two-thirds of costs for the child's secondary education and UK university education; past Cavina pupils have been awarded scholarships to top senior schools including Peponi, St Andrew's Turi, Brookhouse and Hillcrest.
Waitlist	Waitlist Where 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 There is a waiting list for some Cavina classes. A non-refundable registration fee of 7,500 Kenyan Shillings is payable at registration to cover waiting list administrative costs. Payment of the registration fee does not guarantee a place. The waiting list length varies by class, and early applications are encouraged.
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