Cavina School vs Hillcrest International School

	C Cavina School Nairobi, Kenya	H Hillcrest International School Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 355,500 - 1,145,400	Fees / year KES 577,600 - 3,055,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 13 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Pupils	Pupils 117	Pupils 630
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1950	Opened 1965
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Hillcrest International Schools is located on Hillcrest Road in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. The mailing address is P.O. Box 24819 - 00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
Stages	Stages Pre-Prep Unit (ages 2–5) and Prep School (ages 6–13).	Stages Early Years; Preparatory; Secondary; Sixth Form.
School type	School type British-curriculum preparatory school with a Christian foundation.	School type The school is a private international school with boarding facilities and is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Around 40 nationalities are represented.
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.	Additional learning support Provision for SEND and EAL.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Kenya.	Country affiliation Kenya
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Christian.	Religious affiliation —
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.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a bus service with defined routes and transport arrangements.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application / Registration deposit - A placement deposit is required at enrolment. Deposit amounts by year group: KES 25,000 (Playgroup–FS1/FS2/Year 1), KES 50,000 (Year 2–Year 8), KES 100,000 (Year 9–Year 13). Tuition fees — annual and per term (by year group) - Playgroup (Mornings Only): Annual KES 384,000 — Per term KES 128,000. - Nursery (Mornings Only): Annual KES 767,400 — Per term KES 255,800. - Nursery (Full Day): Annual KES 946,199 — Per term KES 315,400. - FS1 (Mornings Only): Annual KES 844,200 — Per term KES 281,400. - FS1 (Full Day): Annual KES 1,022,998 — Per term KES 341,000. - FS2: Annual KES 1,133,700 — Per term KES 377,900. - Year 1: Annual KES 1,317,900 — Per term KES 439,300. - Year 2: Annual KES 1,897,200 — Per term KES 632,400. - Years 3–5: Annual KES 2,398,200 — Per term KES 799,400. - Year 6: Annual KES 2,466,598 — Per term KES 822,199. - Years 7–8: Annual KES 2,574,900 — Per term KES 858,300. - Year 9: Annual KES 2,652,900 — Per term KES 884,300. - Years 10–11: Annual KES 2,881,500 — Per term KES 960,500. - Years 12–13: Annual KES 3,083,099 — Per term KES 1,027,700. Notes on calculation: annual tuition figures are stated as the programme fee per academic year; per-term figures shown above are the annual tuition divided across the school's three-term academic year. Lunch, transport and other recurring fees - Lunch (Years 9–13): Annual KES 133,500 — Per term KES 44,500. - Transport (EYFS–Year 13): Annual charges by zone (return and one-way): - Zone A: Return KES 168,600; One-way KES 101,398. - Zone B: Return KES 219,300; One-way KES 131,702. - Zone C: Return KES 269,702; One-way KES 162,000. - Zone D: Return KES 303,600; One-way KES 182,100. Transport is billed as an annual charge as shown. Boarding fees and options - Boarding options: Full boarding, Weekly boarding and a Flexi option are offered for Years 7–13. Full boarding provides term-long residence (including weekends); weekly boarding runs Monday to Friday; flexi-boarders stay for selected nights. - Boarding charges (annual) and deposit: - Full boarding (Year 7–13): Annual KES 1,074,600 — Deposit KES 28,955 — Per term KES 358,200. - Weekly boarding (Year 7–13): Annual KES 681,898 — Deposit KES 28,955 — Per term KES 227,299. Other one-off or variable costs - Uniform: School uniform must be purchased from the school's approved suppliers (Animet and Image First). Costs for uniform items are payable directly to those suppliers. - Co-curricular activities, certain trips, music tuition, examination entry fees and specialist course fees may incur additional charges depending on the activity and year group; these costs are billed separately when applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school operates on a three-term academic calendar; tuition figures are quoted per academic year and are invoiced across the school's term structure. Families are expected to meet termly invoicing schedules. If a family gives less than one term's written notice when withdrawing a pupil, one term's fees will be charged in lieu of notice. - Sibling policy: a sibling discount on tuition is offered for families with more than one child enrolled. (Specific discount levels are applied according to the school's policy.) Refunds and notice - Withdrawal: One term's written notice to the headteacher is required. If one term's notice is not given, one term's fees will be charged in lieu of notice. This is the school's contractual requirement for leaving. - Deposits and other refundable items: deposits are required as listed above; the school's published fee schedule identifies deposit amounts by year group. Specific deposit refund mechanics (timing, conditions) are handled under the school's admissions and finance procedures. Fee payment options - The school uses a parent portal (Engage) for parental accounts and communications; this platform supports integrated payment functionality. Acceptance of card payments and bank transfers is supported through the Engage/Stripe integration used by schools on the platform. In practice, school fee payments are commonly handled via the parent portal, direct bank transfer or other channels enabled by the school's finance office; specific instructions and account details are provided to parents on invoicing. Summary of key headline figures (annual) - Lowest day tuition (Playgroup mornings): KES 384,000. - Typical lower primary (Year 1): KES 1,317,900. - Upper secondary (Years 12–13): KES 3,083,099. - Full boarding (annual): KES 1,074,600. - Transport (example Zone A return annual): KES 168,600. - Lunch (Years 9–13 annual): KES 133,500.
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 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.	Curriculum details The school follows the British National Curriculum and offers IGCSEs in Years 9–11 and A-Level courses and BTEC courses in Years 12–13. Cambridge International Examinations Board is the preferred syllabus in the majority of subject areas.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio The school has low student-teacher ratios.
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.	Exam results A Level results show 2023 A/A at 35.03%, A-B at 57.32%, A-C at 81.53%, and A-E at 99.36%. IGCSE results show 2023 A/A at 21.27%, A-B at 51.09%, A-C at 80.0%, and A-G at 98.81%.
Higher education progression	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.	Higher education progression The school opens the door to further and higher education and their chosen career path.
Gifted and talented	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.	Gifted and talented The school has identified 50 pupils as the most able; these pupils receive additional curriculum support at departmental level and through extra-curricular activities.
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. 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.	Admissions 1. Most children join in September. New children can join at any stage, including families moving to Kenya from abroad. Registrations for Nursery are accepted up to one year prior to September entry. 2. As a first step, schedule an appointment with the Registrar to visit the school and meet the Head Teacher. Preparatory and Secondary contact details are listed for admissions. 3. Hillcrest International Schools is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools. The address is P.O. Box 24819 -00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. The Preparatory and Secondary divisions have specific contact channels for admissions inquiries.
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.	Scholarships Scholarship awards are offered by Hillcrest Secondary School for entry to Year 9 (13 year olds) and Year 12 – Sixth Form (16 year olds). These awards aim to recognise potential for excellence across a range of areas and to provide opportunities that candidates may not otherwise access. Candidates are expected to demonstrate independence, curiosity, determination and respect. Hillcrest International Schools is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Waitlist	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.	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.
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