Braeside Thika vs Lycée Français International Denis Diderot

	B Braeside Thika Nairobi, Kenya	L Lycée Français International Denis Diderot Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 113,100 - 1,411,200	Fees / year KES 12,000 - 2,162,963
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum French Curriculum, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 725	Pupils 676
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1969	Opened 1962
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Braeside Thika is located on Mang'u Road, Exit 16A off the Thika Highway, Thika, Kenya. The mailing address is P.O. Box 750, 00100 Thika, Kenya. Telephone numbers are +254 721 374858 and +254 733 497988; admissions +254 119 734651.	Location Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi (Near Yaya Center)
Stages	Stages Early Years, Primary, and Secondary. We teach children from age 3 to 18.	Stages Ages 2 to 18
School type	School type Co-educational international school with boarding.	School type Private international school; accredited by the French Ministry of Education; member of the AEFE network
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Kenya	Country affiliation France
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service is available for weekly boarders. The bus drops off/picks up at Braeburn Garden Estate School (BGE); weekly boarders depart on Friday at 4:00 pm and return on Sunday by 5:00 pm. Parents/guardians can arrange pickup from the main school or from BGE.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration and Deposits - Registration (non-refundable): KES 5,000 payable with the completed registration form. - Tuition deposit (charged once on joining, top-up required for losses/breakages): KES 15,000 for all day-year groups. The deposit (or remaining balance) is refundable at the end of a pupil's final term following clearance by the headteacher. - Boarding deposit (where applicable): KES 10,000 charged once on joining; refundable as above after clearance. Tuition fees by year group — annual and per-term (KES) Note: Years 11–13 are billed in two tranches; all other years are billed in three tranches. Per-term amounts below are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by the number of tranches billed for that year group and are rounded to the nearest KES. - Pre-Crèche: Annual tuition KES 113,100 — per term (3 tranches) KES 37,700. - Play Group: Annual tuition KES 255,000 — per term (3 tranches) KES 85,000. - FS1 (Nursery) & FS2 (Reception): Annual tuition KES 472,800 — per term (3 tranches) KES 157,600. - Year 1 & 2: Annual tuition KES 611,699 — per term (3 tranches) KES 203,900 (rounded). - Year 3 & 4: Annual tuition KES 841,499 — per term (3 tranches) KES 280,500 (rounded). - Year 5 & 6: Annual tuition KES 911,099 — per term (3 tranches) KES 303,700 (rounded). - Year 7 & 8: Annual tuition KES 1,199,999 — per term (3 tranches) KES 400,000 (rounded). - Year 9: Annual tuition KES 1,244,100 — per term (3 tranches) KES 414,700. - Year 10: Annual tuition KES 1,264,200 — per term (3 tranches) KES 421,400. - Year 11: Annual tuition KES 1,264,200 — per tranche (2 tranches) KES 632,100. - Year 12 & 13: Annual tuition KES 1,411,200 — per tranche (2 tranches) KES 705,600. Boarding fees - Year 3–6 (full boarding): Annual boarding fee KES 745,500; boarding deposit KES 10,000. - Year 7–13 (full boarding): Annual boarding fee KES 828,899; boarding deposit KES 10,000. - Boarding deposits are charged once on joining and refundable at the end of a pupil's final term following clearance by the headteacher. Other recurring fees and services (annual amounts) - Lunch: Pre-Crèche to Year 2 — KES 90,600; Year 3 to Year 11 — KES 113,400; Year 12 & 13 — KES 105,900. - Transport (annual by zone): Zone 1 — KES 132,000; Zone 2 — KES 162,900; Zone 3 — KES 272,400. Family transport discount applies (50% for 2nd and each subsequent sibling on same route). - Activity fees: Charged separately and communicated by official letter from the headteacher; these are not included in the annual tuition figures above. - Examinations and enrolment-related fees: Not included in the tuition figures above and charged where applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing schedule: Years 11–13 are billed in two tranches (August and December). All other year groups are billed in three tranches (August, December and April). Per-term tuition above follows this billing schedule. - Advance payment: In year groups with limited vacancies, a 20% advance of the tuition fee is payable against the first term's invoice; this advance payment is not refundable if a confirmed place is not taken up. - Early payment discount: A 3% discount on tuition is given when full payment is made within 6 days of the due date (fees are payable on or before the first day of each term). - Late payment surcharge: A surcharge of 1.25% per month is levied for late payment of fees. - 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. Discounts - Family tuition discounts (applied to tuition only): 2nd child 10%; 3rd child 20%; 4th child 30%; 5th and subsequent child 40%. - Family transport discount: 50% on transport for the 2nd and each subsequent sibling on the same route. Refunds and adjustments - The tuition deposit (and boarding deposit where applicable) is refundable at the end of a pupil's final term after the headteacher's clearance, subject to deductions for losses or breakages. - The non-refundable registration fee and any non-refundable advance payments (where charged) are not refundable. Fee changes and governing terms - The Board of Directors reserves the right to alter fees with five months' notice. Fee payment options - The published fee structure does not specify the school's accepted payment channels (for example bank transfer, mobile-money, card or cheque) within the fee schedule. Please use the school contact details for current payment arrangements.	Fee details School year covered - Annual fee schedule and related charges shown below apply to the 2025–2026 academic year. Application & registration fees - Application / dossier fee: KES 12,000 per child. - First-time registration fee: KES 120,000 per child (charged at time of acceptance; must be paid within 10 days). - Re‑registration advance: KES 80,000 (advance on annual tuition fees) — non‑refundable. - These enrollment payments are not refundable. Annual tuition fees and per‑term (tranche) amounts — French & Kenyan nationals (KES) - Maternelle (annual): KES 700,000. Tranche 1 (40%): KES 280,000; Tranche 2 (30%): KES 210,000; Tranche 3 (30%): KES 210,000. - Élémentaire (annual): KES 1,154,449. Tranche 1: KES 461,780; Tranche 2: KES 346,335; Tranche 3: KES 346,335. - Collège (annual): KES 1,311,837. Tranche 1: KES 524,735; Tranche 2: KES 393,551; Tranche 3: KES 393,551. - Lycée (annual): KES 1,754,237. Tranche 1: KES 701,695; Tranche 2: KES 526,271; Tranche 3: KES 526,271. - All amounts shown in Kenyan shillings (KES). Annual tuition fees and per‑term (tranche) amounts — Other nationalities (KES) - Maternelle (annual): KES 800,000. Tranche 1 (40%): KES 320,000; Tranche 2 (30%): KES 240,000; Tranche 3 (30%): KES 240,000. - Élémentaire (annual): KES 1,423,361. Tranche 1: KES 569,344; Tranche 2: KES 427,008; Tranche 3: KES 427,008. - Collège (annual): KES 1,614,764. Tranche 1: KES 645,906; Tranche 2: KES 484,429; Tranche 3: KES 484,429. - Lycée (annual): KES 2,162,963. Tranche 1: KES 865,185; Tranche 2: KES 648,889; Tranche 3: KES 648,889. - All amounts shown in Kenyan shillings (KES). Billing schedule and payment terms - Two main payment rhythms: - Annual single payment: pay the full annual tuition before 30 September to receive a 5% discount. - Three‑installment (trimestrial) payment: tuition payable in three fractions (tranches). - Standard tranche due dates (when paying by trimester): Trimestre 1 due 15 September; Trimestre 2 due 15 January; Trimestre 3 due 15 April. - Late payment penalty: 5% per month applied to overdue amounts; penalties are cumulative. - Sibling reduction: 20% discount on tuition applicable from the third child of the same family (and for each subsequent child). - For students joining or leaving mid‑year, tuition is invoiced pro rata (the month of arrival or departure is billed in full unless exceptional weekly prorating is approved). - Invoices are issued through the school billing platform EDUKA; invoices must be paid according to the calendar above. Proof of payment should be sent to caisse@lyceefrancaisnairobi.com when required. Boarding fees - No boarding charges are listed in the school's fee schedule; the Lycée does not publish a boarding programme or boarding fees in the 2025–2026 fee documentation. Canteen (school lunch) — annual fees (KES) - Maternelle: 5 days/week KES 84,000; 4 days/week KES 67,200; 3 days/week KES 50,400. - Élémentaire: 5 days/week KES 101,500; 4 days/week KES 81,200; 3 days/week KES 60,900. - Secondaire: 5 days/week KES 119,000; 4 days/week KES 95,200; 3 days/week KES 71,400. - Canteen tariffs are indicative (based on a 35‑week year) and may vary with calendar days. Exam, option and ancillary fees (charges and timing) - Exam fees (billed in Trimester 3): DNB (Brevet): KES 9,400; Baccalauréat Première: KES 18,000; Baccalauréat Terminale: KES 51,370. - Cambridge language exam (mandatory for CM2 and 2nde): KES 17,550 to KES 27,000 (billed in Trimester 3). - Section Internationale Britannique (SIB) option (collège & lycée): KES 52,000 (billed in Trimester 1). - Model United Nations (MUN) option: KES 23,300 (billed in Trimester 1). - Extra‑curricular activities: average KES 25,000 per activity (charged when applicable). - Daycare / garderie: if registered, fixed package KES 3,500 per month; if not registered, KES 400 per day. - Textbooks, basic stationery supplies, one sports kit and a medicalized transport insurance are included in the tuition. Refunds and non‑refundables - Dossier (application) fees and first‑time registration payments are non‑refundable. - The re‑registration advance (KES 80,000) is explicitly stated as an advance on annual tuition and non‑refundable. - General rule in the financial regulations: enrollment‑related payments that validate registration are not refundable. Fee payment options and practical payment details - Accepted payment methods: - Bank transfer in EUR, KES or USD (school lists accounts for transfers). - Cheque payable to “Lycée Français Denis Diderot.” - M‑Pesa Paybill: Paybill number 453553 (the payment reference must be the invoice number). - Cash payments are no longer accepted. - Invoices issued in the EDUKA platform include amounts in Euro, KES and USD; the exchange rate applied is the chancery exchange rate on the date of invoicing. - In specific cases the school may agree a payment plan; approved plans are formalized and may require a direct debit or monthly instalments (for example nine monthly instalments from September to May if a plan is agreed). - For payment identification, use the student identity or family code shown in EDUKA and send proof of payment to caisse@lyceefrancaisnairobi.com when requested. - Failure to pay according to the calendar may result in penalties, suspension from activities, withholding of transfer documents or withholding of end‑of‑year certificates/diplomas until accounts are settled. Notes on discounts and penalties - 5% reduction on tuition if full annual payment is received in the school's bank account by 30 September. - 20% sibling reduction applied from the third child of the same family (on tuition). - Late payments incur a 5% monthly penalty, cumulative.
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 The school follows the British National Curriculum with additional learning opportunities to enhance it. The curriculum is balanced, broad and relevant, aiming to create active learners and responsible global citizens. Examinations are offered through Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE and A levels). BTEC Level 3 qualifications are available. ABRSM music examinations are part of the school's assessment framework. The curriculum includes Performing Arts, Sports, Active lifestyles and Outdoor Learning, with a Personalised Learning Department to support or challenge learners.	Curriculum details The Lyce9e Frane7ais Denis Diderot offers the full French curriculum from Kindergarten to Lycee in Nairobi. It provides a bilingual French-English education, with Kindergarten taught by a French-speaking teacher, supported by assistants and an English teacher from the first year. The Primary program runs five years, developing core knowledge, with eight hours of foreign languages per week, including two hours of Swahili. Middle School spans four years with core disciplines and languages; a new foreign language is introduced in the second year. High School lasts three years; in the second year students choose majors and sit the French baccalaureate exam to prepare for higher studies. Parcours PARLE promotes multilingualism, and a British International Section is available on a trial basis, leading to the French international baccalaureate.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Studies after the French Baccalaureate can be pursued in many countries. France remains a privileged option for higher education, with opportunities in preparatory classes for Grandes Ecoles and admission to top universities (INSA Lyon, Louis-le-Grand, Montaigne, etc.). Graduates have enrolled in Canada (HEC Montre9al) and the United States (HULT International Business School), as well as programs in Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Egypt and Malaysia. Orientation support for continuing with the STUDENT PLAN, including the Future course and resources from ONISEP, CIDJ, AEFE and PARCOUREO, plus the PRIO platform, helps families explore post-baccalaureate options.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented There is a Personalised Learning Department that provides additional support and challenge materials for very able pupils, based on informal teacher assessments to set targets and monitor progress.	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 1. Overview: Braeside Thika welcomes children from all backgrounds. The Primary school serves ages 2 to 11, and the Secondary school serves up to 18. The academic year begins in September, but students can join at any time. To reserve a place, complete the application form and pay a small non-refundable registration fee; an offer is made in writing depending on places available. If a place cannot be accommodated immediately, a waiting list is used. 2. Admissions process: Before starting the admissions process we recommend you visit the school for a tour, or have an informal chat with the headteacher if you are out of the country. Final admission is subject to interview with the headteacher. Upon successful completion of the admissions process you will receive a letter from the headteacher confirming the placement and the start date. 3. Admissions policy details: Braeside Thika follows the Braeburn Group of International Schools policy. Supporting documents include copies of passport or birth certificate, the previous 2 reports, leaving certificate from the previous school. Year group age requirements are listed (Creche to Year 12) with placement by age; exceptions may be made for Additional Educational Needs with substantial evidence. Children are never placed above their age band. Parents of July/August birthdays may choose to hold their children back; the advantages and possible disadvantages will be explained on admission. Waiting lists exist when a year group is full; priority may be given to siblings. Admission testing is used to assess access to the curriculum and to help set targets. The headteacher's letter confirms placement and start date after successful completion of the process.	Admissions Step 1. New students are welcomed at the beginning of the school year (September) and throughout the year. Registrations for the 2025-2026 year are now open. The registration process is initiated online via the Online Registration link in the Registration section. The online registration is accessible to families as part of the admission process. Step 2. Step to registration. Online registration is the primary route to apply. The process is accessed by clicking the Online Registration link. Families are directed to follow the online steps to complete the application. The 2025-2026 registration cycle is specified on the page. Step 3. Important information. Tuition is paid by families and the financial terms are described in the Financial Regulations. Canteen: school meals are compulsory for primary pupils on three long days (Monday-Tuesday-Thursday). Immigration: it is the parents' responsibility to be in good standing with Kenyan immigration authorities; a certificate of enrolment and a school letter may be provided to complete the student pass application. Communication: information relating to school life is distributed electronically to the email address provided by the parents. School Insurance: the school insures its pupils for school insurance and medical transport. Step 4. Admission procedures. Admission procedures are differentiated by the pupil's prior schooling background. Case 1 applies to pupils enrolled in a public or AEFE network school in France or a French school abroad during the previous school year or the current school year. These pupils are admitted to the class indicated by the orientation decision or the dialogue form, for entry into 2nde, 1ère and Terminale, with priority given subject to availability of places. Case 2 applies to pupils who attended a school not approved by the French Ministry of Education during the previous or current school year, or who have had an interruption of 3 months or more in the AEFE network; a placement test will be carried out to determine the appropriate level.
Scholarships	Scholarships Braeside Thika opens scholarship applications for Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 applicants for September 2026. Scholarships are available in All Round, Academic, Excellence In Extracurricular Activities, and Leadership categories. For details on the application criteria, view the All Round, Academic, Excellence In Extracurricular Activities, and Leadership documents. Important dates include: Closing Date: Friday, 14th November 2025; Scholarship Interview Day: Wednesday, 19th November 2025; Scholarship Shortlisting Day: Monday, 24th November 2025; Offer Announcement: Tuesday, 2nd December 2025. All external scholarship applications must include the completion of a formal school admission form. Braeside Thika is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.	Scholarships The Lycée is a non-profit school, subsidized by the French state, which allows tuition fees to be 30% to 27% lower than other international schools in Nairobi. AEFE scholarships: French families can apply for a grant from AEFE. This tuition assistance is reserved for children of French nationality residing with their families in Kenya, and under certain means conditions, the scholarship may cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Applications and renewal files can be collected from the French Embassy. Two committees meet during the year: in May, for the regular committee ruling on applications for the upcoming school year; and in October/November, for the remedial commission concerning new students enrolled in the Lycée for the current year. The opening dates of the scholarship campaign and submission of files are published on this site. A brochure AEFE is available for more information.
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting lists are used when a year group is full; waiting lists operate on a first come, first served basis; priority may be given to siblings of children who have a place.	Waitlist —
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