Braeside Thika vs St. Austin's Academy

	B Braeside Thika Nairobi, Kenya	S St. Austin's Academy Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 113,100 - 1,411,200	Fees / year KES 15,000 - 1,378,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 725	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1969	Opened 1971
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 St. Austin's Academy is located on James Gichuru Road, Nairobi, Kenya. The postal address is P.O. Box 25138, Nairobi. Contact numbers are 020-2165653 and 0713-860206, and the email is info@staustins.ac.ke.
Stages	Stages Early Years, Primary, and Secondary. We teach children from age 3 to 18.	Stages Kindergarten; Primary Curriculum; Junior School Curriculum; Senior School (Lower Secondary Curriculum); Senior School (Upper Secondary Curriculum); A Level
School type	School type Co-educational international school with boarding.	School type Private school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix More than 30 nationalities are represented in the student body.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Special Education support is available for students who need it, and English Language Learner support is provided. The program includes advisory services to support individual students and promote development.
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 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 Zone-based bus service with per-term transport fees: Zone A (2-Way) 45,500; Zone A (1-Way) 35,000; Zone B (2-Way) 42,000; Zone B (1-Way) 42,000; Zone C (2-Way) 59,500; Zone C (1-Way) 45,500; Zone D (2-Way) 63,000; Zone D (1-Way) 47,500; Zone E (2-Way) 68,000; Zone E (1-Way) 51,000; Zone F (2-Way) 70,000; Zone F (1-Way) 53,000.
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 / Registration Fee - Registration fee: KES 15,000 (Nursery – Year 13). Tuition fees (per term) — day students - Nursery: KES 130,000 per term. - K1: KES 170,000 per term. - Reception: KES 190,000 per term. - Year 1: KES 270,000 per term. - Year 2: KES 315,000 per term. - Year 3: KES 315,000 per term. - Year 4: KES 335,000 per term. - Year 5: KES 335,000 per term. - Year 6: KES 335,000 per term. - Year 7: KES 390,000 per term. - Year 8: KES 410,000 per term. - Year 9: KES 410,000 per term. - Year 10: KES 448,000 per term. - Year 11: KES 689,000 per instalment (see billing schedule). - Years 12–13: KES 689,000 per instalment (see billing schedule). Annual tuition (standard calculation) - For year groups billed per term, annual tuition equals three times the term rate (term rate × 3). For example, Nursery annual tuition = KES 130,000 × 3 = KES 390,000; Year 1 annual tuition = KES 270,000 × 3 = KES 810,000, etc. (annual totals calculated from the per-term figures above). - For Years 11–13 the published figure KES 689,000 represents a 50% instalment; two instalments of KES 689,000 give an annual total of KES 1,378,000 for those year groups. The three-term tuition for Years 11–13 is collected in two instalments as described under billing schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed on a term basis (three terms per academic year) for most year groups; payment of tuition secures a confirmed enrollment place. - For Years 11, 12 and 13 the three terms' tuition fees are collected in two instalments (the published instalment amount is described as 50% of annual fees). - Payment of the Registration Fee places the child's name on the waiting list; on acceptance, payment of tuition guarantees enrollment in the allocated year group. Caution / security deposit (refunds) - Caution (refundable) deposits by year group: - Nursery – Reception: KES 5,000 (refundable). - Years 1 – 6: KES 10,000 (refundable). - Years 7 – 9: KES 20,000 (refundable). - Years 10 – 11: KES 25,000 (refundable). - Years 12 – 13: KES 30,000 (refundable). Mandatory and recurring additional fees - Emergency Medical Services: KES 2,000 per term. - Parents Association Levy: KES 2,000 annual subscription per family. - Year group lunch fees (termly): - Nursery – Year 2: KES 25,000 per term. - Year 3 – Year 6: KES 29,000 per term. - Year 7 – Year 13: KES 34,000 per term. Transport (zone) fees — termly - Zone A (2-way): KES 45,500. Zone A (1-way): KES 35,000. - Zone B (2-way): KES 42,000. Zone B (1-way): KES 42,000. - Zone C (2-way): KES 59,500. Zone C (1-way): KES 45,500. - Zone D (2-way): KES 63,000. Zone D (1-way): KES 47,500. - Zone E (2-way): KES 68,000. Zone E (1-way): KES 51,000. - Zone F (2-way): KES 70,000. Zone F (1-way): KES 53,000. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are published within the school's tuition and parents information; the school operates with day-student tuition and zone transport options as part of its fee structure. Uniforms and other one‑off costs - A school uniform is required; uniforms are supplied via the school's uniform provider(s) / outfitters. Specific uniform pricing is not listed in the public fee schedule. Refund information (applicable items) - Caution deposits listed above are refundable. Fee payment options and practical steps - Registration and tuition payments are administered through the Admissions Centre and the school's parent portal; parents are directed to the Admissions Centre for enrolment, payment of the registration fee to join the waiting list, and to complete enrolment by paying tuition. Contact the Admissions Centre or the school's parent portal to confirm accepted payment methods (bank transfer, card, mobile payment, or other). Notes on timing and instalments - Standard year groups follow a three-term billing cycle; Years 11–13 follow the two-instalment arrangement described above (KES 689,000 per instalment representing 50% of annual fees). Payment of tuition at the time of acceptance secures enrollment.
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 Spans from Kindergarten through A Level. Kindergarten serves ages 2 to the end of Reception; Playgroup (2–3), Kindergarten 1 (3–4) and Reception (4–5) form the Early Years, with a play‑based approach and an outdoor learning area; activities include Drama & Music, P.E., Swimming, Cookery and Gardening, and there is emphasis on social, emotional and physical development as well as early reading and writing; Kiswahili is taught from Year 1 and French begins with speaking/listening before reading/writing. The Junior School extends from Pre‑Primary (ages 2+) with a focus on English and Mathematics and development of language, numeracy and social skills through structured play. The Lower Secondary curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum (Key Stage 3) with Year 7–Year 9 external assessments in English, Mathematics, Science and ICT, preparing students for entry into the IGCSE programme. The Upper Secondary curriculum offers Cambridge IGCSE, AS‑Level and A‑Level qualifications, with a strong co‑curricular/PSHE component including opportunities like the President's Award Scheme and East African Model United Nations. The A Level programme comprises Year 12 (general) and Year 13 (specialist) study, with students typically selecting four to five subjects in Year 12 and three in Year 13.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IGCSE results show 80.2% of IGCSE students (2024) scored A* to C; the class of 2023/24 transitioned to universities across the globe. These indicators reflect outcomes reported on the school pages for the IGCSE cohort and university destinations.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The class of 2023/24 transitioned to various universities across the globe to pursue diverse degree programmes.
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 - Interview: The Principal and/or relevant staff interview the child and assess his/her level. For younger children, a day or half-day with the probable year group is often advised to determine appropriate placement. If proceeding, complete the 'Acceptance Form' and pay the Registration Fee. Step 2 - Waiting List: Payment of the Registration Fee places the child on the Waiting List for the year group. When a vacancy arises, the family is contacted in order of seniority on the list and offered the place, subject to a time constraint. Step 3 - Enrollment: If the offer is accepted, payment of the tuition fees guarantees enrollment in the year group. The child is formally accepted as a student at St. Austin's Academy.
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 Waiting List: Payment of the Registration Fee places your child on the Waiting List for the year group. When a vacancy arises, you will be contacted in order of seniority on the list and offered the place, subject to a time constraint.
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