Braeside Lavington vs Durham International School Kenya
Braeside Lavington and Durham International School Kenya are both in Nairobi, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Braeside Lavington also offers Cambridge International AS Levels and BTEC Qualification, and Durham International School Kenya also offers EYFS and IB. Published annual fees are KES 5,000 - 1,465,000 at Braeside Lavington and KES 350 - 19,950 at Durham International School Kenya, which puts Braeside Lavington roughly 7141% higher. Braeside Lavington takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Durham International School Kenya from 1 to 18. Braeside Lavington is the larger school, with around 1,047 pupils to Durham International School Kenya's 490. Typical class sizes are 24 at Braeside Lavington and 5 at Durham International School Kenya.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Curriculum
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
1,047
Pupils
490
Typical class size
Typical class size
24
Typical class size
5
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1994
Opened
2021
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
Thigiri Campus is located in a leafy, green corner of Thigiri, on the edge of Karura Forest. It sits between Westlands and Gigiri, a short drive from the United Nations Headquarters, embassies, and Nairobi landmarks such as Village Market, Sarit Centre, and Westgate Shopping Mall. The Rosslyn Campus is situated near the Thigiri campus, on a site surrounded by green spaces and tree-lined roads, with access to the Waiyaki Way–Red Hill Link Road for seamless connectivity to the wider city.
Stages
Stages
Ages 3–18; Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form.
Stages
Early Years spans ages 1-6. Prep School covers ages 6-11, and Senior School covers ages 11-18. The school operates across two campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn, to serve these levels.
School type
School type
Co-educational international school
School type
The school is an international branch of Durham UK. It operates two Nairobi campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn. It follows the British education system through Durham UK.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
Students come from diverse language and cultural backgrounds. The membership looks like the United Nations. This international character reflects the Nairobi setting of the school.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Kenya
Country affiliation
Affiliated with Durham UK.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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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
School fees — Academic year 2026/27
Termly tuition (per year group) — amounts are USD per term - Little Durham (age 1–2): Term 1 USD 2,370 · Term 2 USD 2,370 · Term 3 USD 2,370 · Annual (3 terms) USD 7,110. - Playgroup — Morning (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 2,370 · Term 2 USD 2,370 · Term 3 USD 2,370 · Annual USD 7,110. - Playgroup — Extended Morning (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 2,740 · Term 2 USD 2,740 · Term 3 USD 2,740 · Annual USD 8,220. - Playgroup — Full Day (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 3,050 · Term 2 USD 3,050 · Term 3 USD 3,050 · Annual USD 9,150. - Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) — standard day (age 3–4): Term 1 USD 2,740 · Term 2 USD 2,740 · Term 3 USD 2,740 · Annual USD 8,220. - Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) — Full Day (age 3–4): Term 1 USD 3,050 · Term 2 USD 3,050 · Term 3 USD 3,050 · Annual USD 9,150. - Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) (age 4–5): Term 1 USD 3,420 · Term 2 USD 3,420 · Term 3 USD 3,420 · Annual USD 10,260. - Year 1 (age 5–6): Term 1 USD 3,730 · Term 2 USD 3,730 · Term 3 USD 3,730 · Annual USD 11,190. - Year 2 (age 6–7): Term 1 USD 4,570 · Term 2 USD 4,570 · Term 3 USD 4,570 · Annual USD 13,710. - Year 3 (age 7–8): Term 1 USD 5,250 · Term 2 USD 5,250 · Term 3 USD 5,250 · Annual USD 15,750. - Year 4 (age 8–9): Term 1 USD 5,250 · Term 2 USD 5,250 · Term 3 USD 5,250 · Annual USD 15,750. - Year 5 (age 9–10): Term 1 USD 5,780 · Term 2 USD 5,780 · Term 3 USD 5,780 · Annual USD 17,340. - Year 6 (age 10–11): Term 1 USD 5,780 · Term 2 USD 5,780 · Term 3 USD 5,780 · Annual USD 17,340. - Year 7 (age 11–12): Term 1 USD 6,050 · Term 2 USD 6,050 · Term 3 USD 6,050 · Annual USD 18,150. - Year 8 (age 12–13): Term 1 USD 6,050 · Term 2 USD 6,050 · Term 3 USD 6,050 · Annual USD 18,150. - Year 9 (age 13–14): Term 1 USD 6,250 · Term 2 USD 6,250 · Term 3 USD 6,250 · Annual USD 18,750. - Year 10 (age 14–15): Term 1 USD 6,650 · Term 2 USD 6,650 · Term 3 USD 6,650 · Annual USD 19,950.
(Fees are denominated in USD; term amounts above are the published 2026/27 term figures.)
One-time and admission-related charges - Assessment fee (new applicants): non-refundable USD 50 (payable at the assessment stage). - Acceptance fee (to confirm a place on acceptance of the Letter of Offer): non-refundable USD 350. - Security deposit: refundable and equivalent to one term's fees, payable at the same time as the Acceptance Fee; maximum refundable security deposit capped at USD 4,500. The security deposit will be refunded when a student leaves the school, subject to the required notice being given.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed termly: school fees are divided into termly instalments, payable in advance and due by the first day of each term. - Fees include tuition, lunch and snacks, school co-curricular activities, most excursions, and ambulance services for 2026/27. Fees are quoted in USD.
Discounts and reductions - Sibling discount: 5% reduction on the term's fee for the 1st sibling; 7.5% reduction on the 2nd sibling and every subsequent child enrolled (applies to the siblings in the lower year groups; children must be enrolled full time). - Early payment discount: 5% discount when the full annual fees are paid on or before the first day of the academic year. Families may choose either the Early Payment Discount or the Sibling Discount; only one discount may be applied per family.
Meals, transport and other routine costs - Meals: for 2026/27, termly fees for all year groups include lunch and snacks; both campuses are nut-free zones. Lunch service schedules vary by year group. - Transport: bus services are available to and from multiple neighbourhoods across Nairobi (examples given include Karen, Lavington/Kileleshwa, Rosslyn/Runda). Specific routes and transport fees are not published on the fees schedule. - Uniforms, personal stationery, special external exam fees (where applicable), optional external trips or camps, and certain specialist services may incur additional costs not covered by the standard term fees; the published term fees explicitly cover most excursions and co-curricular activities but do not itemise every optional charge.
Boarding - Boarding is not listed in the 2026/27 published fees; Durham International School Kenya is operating as a day school (boarding facilities are not included in the published fee schedule). Plans to develop boarding have been indicated for future phases, but no boarding fees are published for 2026/27.
Refunds and notice of withdrawal - Assessment fee and Acceptance fee are non-refundable. - Security deposit is refundable subject to the required notice being given when a student leaves. - A full term's notice is required when a student leaves the school or when an accepted place is cancelled. If full term's notice is not given, a full term's fee is payable in lieu of notice; this amount may be offset against the security deposit where applicable.
Fee payment options (published information) - The school's published fees page and associated fee schedule do not list specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer account details, card payment processors, or online payment portals are not published on the 2026/27 fees page). The school's public contact details include an email address (info@durhamkenya.com) and a phone number listed on the contact page.
Important operational notes and reserve rights - School timings, specific service schedules, and the right to alter fees and terms and conditions are subject to change; the school states it reserves the right to alter fees and terms with reasonable notice. Parents should note that certain specifics (for example, transport route fees, uniform charges, or optional trip fees) are not itemised in the published term figures.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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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
Durham Kenya blends academics, co-curricular activities and pastoral care to prepare students for future education and life. The Early Years follows the UK's EYFS framework with four year groups and seven Areas of Learning and Development. Key Stage One and Key Stage Two build reading, writing and mathematics foundations and introduce science, history and geography, with increasing depth. Key Stage Three and beyond develop problem-solving, analytical thinking and communication skills, and KS3 informs Year 9 IGCSE option choices. Assessment is continuous from the Early Years, with an online journal for parent updates and ongoing progress tracking from Year 1. Grow with Durham links KS3 to Key Stage Four and Sixth Form; the Sixth Form will commence in September 2028 with IB or A Level offerings and dedicated university and careers guidance.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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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
A university and careers guidance program will help each student plan the next stage of their education, including personal statement writing, interview preparation and course selection.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
The music program provides ABRSM and LCM examinations for more talented students.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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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 email the school using the enquiry form on the website. The school responds to the enquiry by email and invites you to arrange a visit at a mutually convenient time. You will also be invited to complete a registration form to formalise your interest in applying to Durham International School. This begins the admissions process. 2. Registration of Interest: Durham confirms interest by email and invites a visit and completion of a registration form to formalise the application. 3. Assessment Invitation: Following registration, prospective students sit an age-appropriate assessment to evaluate academic and personal aptitudes. This may be completed during the visit with your child, depending on age. The assessment carries a non-refundable fee of USD 50. Students already at Durham International School have automatic entry into the next Year Group. 4. Offer of Admission: Successful candidates receive an official offer of a place at Durham International School. The offer letter confirms the start date and Year Group and includes information on accepting the place and joining details. 5. Acceptance of Offer: Families who wish to accept the offer must complete the Acceptance of a Place form and pay an Acceptance Fee of USD 350, along with a Security Deposit (refundable at the end of your child's time at the school, subject to required notice). These payments secure the student's enrolment. Source: turn1view0
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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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.