Cavina School and Nairobi Jaffery Academy are both in Nairobi, about 2 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and Nairobi Jaffery Academy also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE and EYFS. Published annual fees are KES 355,500 - 1,145,400 at Cavina School and KES 282,000 - 720,000 at Nairobi Jaffery Academy, which puts Cavina School roughly 50% higher. Cavina School takes pupils from 2 to 13, and Nairobi Jaffery Academy from 3 to 18. Nairobi Jaffery Academy is the larger school, with around 600 pupils to Cavina School's 117.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
117
Pupils
600
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
15
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1950
Opened
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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
Naushad Merali Drive, Nairobi, Kenya
Stages
Stages
Pre-Prep Unit (ages 2–5) and Prep School (ages 6–13).
Stages
Early Years Program (EYFS); Primary School Years; Secondary School Years (Years 7-9 Cambridge Lower Secondary; Years 10-13 Cambridge and Edexcel hybrid).
School type
School type
British-curriculum preparatory school with a Christian foundation.
School type
Private international school offering the Cambridge curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
Over 18 nationalities 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
The school provides individualized attention and support for students.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Kenya.
Country affiliation
The school has Cambridge curriculum aligned with the United Kingdom.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Christian.
Religious affiliation
Islamic.
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
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Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service with defined routes and transport arrangements.
Bus service details
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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 and Admission Fees
- Application fee: KES 10,000. - Admission (acceptance) fee: KES 10,000 (one‑off at admission). - Caution (security) deposit (refundable as a deposit where applicable): - Kindergarten: KES 20,000. - Year 1–6: KES 40,000. - Year 7–11: KES 60,000. - Year 12–13: KES 80,000.
Tuition fees (per term by year group)
- EYFS — Half day: - Playgroup: KES 94,000 per term. - Pre‑Nursery: KES 97,000 per term. - Nursery: KES 100,000 per term.
- EYFS — Full day: - Playgroup: KES 103,000 per term. - Pre‑Nursery: KES 107,000 per term. - Nursery: KES 110,000 per term. - Reception: KES 113,000 per term.
- Key Stage I (Years 1–2): KES 123,000 per term.
- Key Stage II: - Years 3–4: KES 141,000 per term. - Years 5–6: KES 153,000 per term.
- Key Stage III (Years 7–9): KES 176,000 per term.
- Key Stage IV (IGCSE): - Year 10: KES 212,000 per term. - Year 11: KES 318,000 (note: charged for Term 1 & Term 2 only).
- Key Stage V (A‑Level): Years 12–13: KES 360,000 (charged for Term 1 & Term 2 only).
Annual / term notes
- The amounts above are published as per‑term charges. For year groups shown as billed for Term 1 & Term 2 only (Year 11 and Years 12–13), the published per‑term figure applies to those listed terms. Other year groups are listed on a per‑term basis.
Meals and catering
- Lunch fee per term: - EYFS up to Year 3: KES 19,000 per term. - Year 4 to Year 13: KES 23,000 per term.
Transport (per term)
- School transport is charged by route/zone and billed per term. Example zone charges published include amounts in the range of approximately KES 31,000–KES 40,000 per term (one‑way and two‑way options listed by zone). Specific route/zone pricing and one‑way vs two‑way differences are published per route.
Boarding
- Nairobi Jaffery Academy operates as a day school; boarding fees are not applicable.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- Caution (security) deposit: see amounts listed above under Application and Admission Fees (normally refundable subject to the school's withdrawal/clearance policy). - Lunch and transport: charged per term as shown above and are additional to tuition. - Textbooks, stationery, exam registration fees, school uniform and occasional activity or trip charges are commonly billed in addition to tuition at comparable schools; published term fee listings do not itemize all such ancillary charges within the per‑term tuition figures. Parents should expect separate charges for books, external exam fees and certain trips or special activities where applicable.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition and ancillary fees are presented as per‑term charges. The academic calendar and term dates for the 2025–2026 cycle are published by the school; published per‑term fee figures correspond to those term periods. Year 11 and Years 12–13 carry published fees that apply to Term 1 & Term 2 only (as shown above). Specific due dates for each term, late‑payment penalties, and installment options are governed by the school's fee policy documents and billing statements.
Refund information
- A refundable caution (security) deposit is published by year group (see amounts above). Specific refund conditions (timing, deductions, requirement for written notice, and the process for reclaiming caution deposits or any pro‑rata refunds) are set out in the school's fee policy and enrolment/withdrawal terms. Those detailed refund terms are not published alongside the per‑term fee table that lists the charges above.
Fee payment options
- The school lists a parent portal (iSAMS parent portal) and a front‑office contact for administration of admissions and fees; the portal and the school's finance office are the official routes for invoicing and payments. Specific accepted payment channels (for example bank transfer, M‑Pesa Paybill, credit/debit card or online payment link) and bank account or paybill details are provided directly by the school on invoices and finance communications rather than within the public per‑term fee table. Parents should use the school's finance office contacts to obtain official invoice and payment instructions.
- The published per‑term fee table above includes application/admission charges, refundable caution deposits (by year group), per‑term tuition, lunch and route‑based transport fees. Detailed fee policy items that govern payment deadlines, accepted payment methods, exact refund procedures and fine print for withdrawal/notice periods are maintained in the school's fee policy and invoice documentation and are not itemized within the public per‑term fee table referenced above. For those specific contractual payment and refund terms, contact the school's finance office using the front office contact details given above.
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
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 Cambridge program is the core of Nairobi Jaffery Academy's curriculum. The Early Years follows the EYFS framework. Primary uses the Cambridge framework for English and Mathematics and Science, while other subjects are based on the English National Curriculum, including Art, Geography, History, ICT, Physical Education and Personal and Social Education; Swahili and Arabic are taught as second languages from Year 1. In the Secondary School, Years 7–9 follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum, and Years 10–13 follow a hybrid pathway combining Cambridge and Edexcel programmes.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
The school has suitable class sizes.
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
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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
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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
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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
—
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
—
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
—
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. 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
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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
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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.
