Braeside Thika vs Soma International School

	B Braeside Thika Nairobi, Kenya	S Soma International School Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 113,100 - 1,411,200	Fees / year KES 540,000 - 705,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum American Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Islamic Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 725	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1969	Opened 2024
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 Thika Road, Juja, Kenya. Located in the Kalimoni area along Thika Road. The Information Office is at BBS MALL Shop, LGC 51. The school serves Juja, Nairobi, and surrounding areas.
Stages	Stages Early Years, Primary, and Secondary. We teach children from age 3 to 18.	Stages American Curriculum with middle school (Grade 6-8) and high school (Grade 9-12). British Cambridge Curriculum includes lower secondary (Year 6–8), upper secondary (Year 9–11), and IGCSE/A-level (Year 12–13). The Kenyan Curriculum and Islamic Studies Program are also offered.
School type	School type Co-educational international school with boarding.	School type Private day and boarding school
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 Kenya
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Islamic
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 Application fee - Application fee: KES 15,000 (payable with the online application). This fee is non‑refundable. Tuition (day scholars) - Tuition per term (all year groups): KES 125,000 per term. - Annual tuition (three terms): KES 375,000 per year (3 x KES 125,000). Boarding fees - Boarding per term: KES 70,000 per term. - Annual boarding (three terms): KES 210,000 per year (3 x KES 70,000). Other recurring term charges (per term) - ICT, laboratory & learning resources: KES 30,000 per term (KES 90,000 per year). - Medical (first‑aid care / medical charge): KES 10,000 per term (KES 30,000 per year). Meals and catering - Day scholars (mid‑morning snack and lunch): KES 15,000 per term (KES 45,000 per year). Transport (optional) — per term by zone - Zone A (Juja‑Kimbo, Weteithie, Juja Farm): KES 10,000 per term. - Zone B (Thika, Ruiru): KES 15,000 per term. - Zone C (Nairobi, CBD, Eastleigh): KES 20,000 per term. - Zone D (South B, Westlands, Karen): KES 30,000 per term. Typical total examples (illustrative sums) - Day scholar (tuition + ICT + medical + meals) per term: KES 125,000 + KES 30,000 + KES 10,000 + KES 15,000 = KES 180,000 per term. - Day scholar annual total (3 terms, same items): KES 540,000 per year. - Full boarding student (tuition + boarding + ICT + medical) per term: KES 125,000 + KES 70,000 + KES 30,000 + KES 10,000 = KES 235,000 per term. - Full boarding annual total (3 terms, same items): KES 705,000 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are presented and charged on a per‑term basis (amounts shown above are per term). Annual equivalents are the sum of three terms. - The application fee is payable at the time of application. Other one‑off or occasional costs - Uniforms, textbooks, examination registration fees, optional extracurricular activity fees and other incidental costs are additional to the term charges listed above. Specific amounts for these items are not included in the term figures and should be confirmed with the admissions or information office. Refunds and refund policy - The application fee is explicitly non‑refundable. Information on refunds of other fees (for example tuition or boarding deposits) is not detailed alongside the term charges. Fee payment arrangements and contacts - Fee payments and payment arrangements are handled by the school's information and admissions office; families should contact the admissions office for current accepted payment methods and instructions. Contact: 0768 888 444, admissions email listed on the school's contact page.
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 Curriculum comprises American Curriculum, British Cambridge Curriculum, Kenyan Curriculum, and Islamic Studies Curriculum. American Curriculum covers middle school (Grade 6-8) and high school (Grade 9-12). British Cambridge Curriculum covers Lower Secondary (Year 6–8), Upper Secondary (Year 9–11), and IGCSE A Level (Year 12–13). Islamic Studies Curriculum covers Quran/Tahfid, Fiqh, Tawhid, Siirah, and the Arabic language. Kenyan Curriculum is offered as part of SIS's multi-curriculum program.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
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 1. Tour. Families are encouraged to tour the campus to view facilities such as interactive classrooms, recreation and sports facilities, and the performing arts center. The visit provides a firsthand look at the learning environment and resources. A link is provided to arrange a tour. Admissions are ongoing with no fixed start date, based on capacity. 2. Application. Submit the online application and pay the 20,000 Kenyan Shilling application fee. The admissions staff will confirm receipt of the application and guide you through the remaining procedures. Applicants with prior K-12 experience must submit both their most recent transcripts and the transcripts from the previous year; transcripts may be posted to the enrollment site, emailed, or mailed. A reference from a previous teacher or caregiver is required; two letters are needed for school-age students, with one from a math or English instructor. 3. Assessment for placement. An admissions staff member will assist in arranging placement assessments to gauge your child's present skills and determine the appropriate academic level. The assessments inform the placement plan used during admission. Families will be contacted to schedule the assessments and results will be reviewed with them. 4. Review & Decision. After completing the placement and documentation steps, admissions and academic leadership review the application. Families are informed of the admissions decision and an admissions representative assists with completing the registration. If accepted, next steps include submitting any additional documents and finalizing enrollment. A confirmation of enrollment will be provided once all requirements are met.
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 —
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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