Durham International School Kenya vs Potterhouse School

	D Durham International School Kenya Nairobi, Kenya	P Potterhouse School Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 350 - 19,950	Fees / year KES 15,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Pupils	Pupils 490	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size 5	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2021	Opened 2002
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Thigiri Campus is located in a leafy, green corner of Thigiri, on the edge of Karura Forest. It sits between Westlands and Gigiri, a short drive from the United Nations Headquarters, embassies, and Nairobi landmarks such as Village Market, Sarit Centre, and Westgate Shopping Mall. The Rosslyn Campus is situated near the Thigiri campus, on a site surrounded by green spaces and tree-lined roads, with access to the Waiyaki Way–Red Hill Link Road for seamless connectivity to the wider city.	Location Runda, Nairobi, Kenya.
Stages	Stages Early Years spans ages 1-6. Prep School covers ages 6-11, and Senior School covers ages 11-18. The school operates across two campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn, to serve these levels.	Stages Kindergarten, Primary and High School.
School type	School type The school is an international branch of Durham UK. It operates two Nairobi campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn. It follows the British education system through Durham UK.	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students come from diverse language and cultural backgrounds. The membership looks like the United Nations. This international character reflects the Nairobi setting of the school.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with Durham UK.	Country affiliation Kenya.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Mon-Fri 7:30am–4:00pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Transport service with zone-based rates (Zones 1–8); One-way and Two-way options per term.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details School fees — Academic year 2026/27 Termly tuition (per year group) — amounts are USD per term - Little Durham (age 1–2): Term 1 USD 2,370 · Term 2 USD 2,370 · Term 3 USD 2,370 · Annual (3 terms) USD 7,110. - Playgroup — Morning (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 2,370 · Term 2 USD 2,370 · Term 3 USD 2,370 · Annual USD 7,110. - Playgroup — Extended Morning (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 2,740 · Term 2 USD 2,740 · Term 3 USD 2,740 · Annual USD 8,220. - Playgroup — Full Day (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 3,050 · Term 2 USD 3,050 · Term 3 USD 3,050 · Annual USD 9,150. - Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) — standard day (age 3–4): Term 1 USD 2,740 · Term 2 USD 2,740 · Term 3 USD 2,740 · Annual USD 8,220. - Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) — Full Day (age 3–4): Term 1 USD 3,050 · Term 2 USD 3,050 · Term 3 USD 3,050 · Annual USD 9,150. - Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) (age 4–5): Term 1 USD 3,420 · Term 2 USD 3,420 · Term 3 USD 3,420 · Annual USD 10,260. - Year 1 (age 5–6): Term 1 USD 3,730 · Term 2 USD 3,730 · Term 3 USD 3,730 · Annual USD 11,190. - Year 2 (age 6–7): Term 1 USD 4,570 · Term 2 USD 4,570 · Term 3 USD 4,570 · Annual USD 13,710. - Year 3 (age 7–8): Term 1 USD 5,250 · Term 2 USD 5,250 · Term 3 USD 5,250 · Annual USD 15,750. - Year 4 (age 8–9): Term 1 USD 5,250 · Term 2 USD 5,250 · Term 3 USD 5,250 · Annual USD 15,750. - Year 5 (age 9–10): Term 1 USD 5,780 · Term 2 USD 5,780 · Term 3 USD 5,780 · Annual USD 17,340. - Year 6 (age 10–11): Term 1 USD 5,780 · Term 2 USD 5,780 · Term 3 USD 5,780 · Annual USD 17,340. - Year 7 (age 11–12): Term 1 USD 6,050 · Term 2 USD 6,050 · Term 3 USD 6,050 · Annual USD 18,150. - Year 8 (age 12–13): Term 1 USD 6,050 · Term 2 USD 6,050 · Term 3 USD 6,050 · Annual USD 18,150. - Year 9 (age 13–14): Term 1 USD 6,250 · Term 2 USD 6,250 · Term 3 USD 6,250 · Annual USD 18,750. - Year 10 (age 14–15): Term 1 USD 6,650 · Term 2 USD 6,650 · Term 3 USD 6,650 · Annual USD 19,950. (Fees are denominated in USD; term amounts above are the published 2026/27 term figures.) One-time and admission-related charges - Assessment fee (new applicants): non-refundable USD 50 (payable at the assessment stage). - Acceptance fee (to confirm a place on acceptance of the Letter of Offer): non-refundable USD 350. - Security deposit: refundable and equivalent to one term's fees, payable at the same time as the Acceptance Fee; maximum refundable security deposit capped at USD 4,500. The security deposit will be refunded when a student leaves the school, subject to the required notice being given. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed termly: school fees are divided into termly instalments, payable in advance and due by the first day of each term. - Fees include tuition, lunch and snacks, school co-curricular activities, most excursions, and ambulance services for 2026/27. Fees are quoted in USD. Discounts and reductions - Sibling discount: 5% reduction on the term's fee for the 1st sibling; 7.5% reduction on the 2nd sibling and every subsequent child enrolled (applies to the siblings in the lower year groups; children must be enrolled full time). - Early payment discount: 5% discount when the full annual fees are paid on or before the first day of the academic year. Families may choose either the Early Payment Discount or the Sibling Discount; only one discount may be applied per family. Meals, transport and other routine costs - Meals: for 2026/27, termly fees for all year groups include lunch and snacks; both campuses are nut-free zones. Lunch service schedules vary by year group. - Transport: bus services are available to and from multiple neighbourhoods across Nairobi (examples given include Karen, Lavington/Kileleshwa, Rosslyn/Runda). Specific routes and transport fees are not published on the fees schedule. - Uniforms, personal stationery, special external exam fees (where applicable), optional external trips or camps, and certain specialist services may incur additional costs not covered by the standard term fees; the published term fees explicitly cover most excursions and co-curricular activities but do not itemise every optional charge. Boarding - Boarding is not listed in the 2026/27 published fees; Durham International School Kenya is operating as a day school (boarding facilities are not included in the published fee schedule). Plans to develop boarding have been indicated for future phases, but no boarding fees are published for 2026/27. Refunds and notice of withdrawal - Assessment fee and Acceptance fee are non-refundable. - Security deposit is refundable subject to the required notice being given when a student leaves. - A full term's notice is required when a student leaves the school or when an accepted place is cancelled. If full term's notice is not given, a full term's fee is payable in lieu of notice; this amount may be offset against the security deposit where applicable. Fee payment options (published information) - The school's published fees page and associated fee schedule do not list specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer account details, card payment processors, or online payment portals are not published on the 2026/27 fees page). The school's public contact details include an email address (info@durhamkenya.com) and a phone number listed on the contact page. Important operational notes and reserve rights - School timings, specific service schedules, and the right to alter fees and terms and conditions are subject to change; the school states it reserves the right to alter fees and terms with reasonable notice. Parents should note that certain specifics (for example, transport route fees, uniform charges, or optional trip fees) are not itemised in the published term figures.	Fee details Academic year Academic Year 2025/2026 (September–August). Application and registration fees - Registration fee (one‑off, non‑refundable): KES 15,000. Caution / security deposit (paid once) - Crèche: KES 10,500. - Peach (KG): KES 10,500. - Pear (KG): KES 11,500. - Melon (KG): KES 12,500. - Year 1: KES 20,500. - Year 2: KES 21,500. - Year 3: KES 22,000. - Year 4: KES 22,000. - Year 5: KES 23,500. - Year 6: KES 23,500. - Year 7: KES 29,000. - Year 8: KES 29,000. - Year 9: KES 31,500. - Year 10: KES 31,500. - Years 11–13: KES 49,000. Tuition fees (per term) by year group - KG — Crèche: KES 70,000 per term. - KG — Peach: KES 103,060 per term. - KG — Pear: KES 113,235 per term. - KG — Melon: KES 122,130 per term. - Key Stage 1 — Year 1: KES 186,730 per term. - Key Stage 1 — Year 2: KES 195,190 per term. - Key Stage 2 — Year 3: KES 202,320 per term. - Key Stage 2 — Year 4: KES 202,320 per term. - Key Stage 2 — Year 5: KES 216,220 per term. - Key Stage 2 — Year 6: KES 216,220 per term. - Key Stage 3 — Year 7: KES 262,580 per term. - Key Stage 3 — Year 8: KES 262,580 per term. - Key Stage 4 — Year 9: KES 285,770 per term. - Key Stage 4 — Year 10: KES 285,770 per term. - Year 11: KES 438,600 (listed as “Two Billings”). - Key Stage 5 — Year 12: KES 438,600 (listed as “Two Billings”). - Key Stage 5 — Year 13: KES 438,600 (listed as “Two Billings”). Note: the amounts above are the figures shown as the tuition value in the fee structure (per term for most year groups; Years 11–13 are shown with the annotation “Two Billings”). Optional lunch (per term) and daily lunch rates - Lunch per term (optional): - Crèche: KES 18,325 per term. - Peach–Year 2: KES 23,825 per term. - Years 3–6: KES 26,500 per term. - Years 7–8: KES 27,950 per term. - Years 9–13: KES 29,420 per term. - Daily lunch rates: Crèche KES 400 per day; other years KES 600 per day. Other recurring and one‑off charges - Medical emergency fee (per year): KES 4,500. - Activity fee: KES 2,250 per term. - Clubs: KES 12,500 per term. - Individual music lessons: KES 15,000 (per term or per block as listed). - Optional sports / activities examples: Horse riding KES 3,000; Dolphin sessions — Full KES 21,000, Half KES 14,000, Monthly KES 7,500, Daily KES 1,500. - Elite Soccer Development (termly examples): Fridays & Saturdays KES 12,000; Fridays only KES 6,000; Saturdays only KES 8,500; daily rate KES 1,500. Uniform and school kit (one‑off / typical charge by section) - Crèche uniform: KES 2,500. - Peach: KES 3,200. - Pear: KES 3,500. - Melon: KES 4,000. - Primary & High School uniform: KES 6,500. Transport (termly and daily rates by zone) - Transport is charged by zone. Example termly one‑way rates: Zone 1 — KES 18,145; Zone 2 — KES 31,755; Zone 3 — KES 42,015; Zone 4 — KES 53,460; Zone 5 — KES 64,910; Zone 6 — KES 76,360; Zone 7 — KES 87,805; Zone 8 — KES 99,255. - Example termly two‑way rates: Zone 1 — KES 26,140; Zone 2 — KES 43,095; Zone 3 — KES 48,820; Zone 4 — KES 58,860; Zone 5 — KES 70,310; Zone 6 — KES 81,860; Zone 7 — KES 93,205; Zone 8 — KES 104,655. - Intercampus transport: KES 13,000 per term; daily intercampus KES 300. Billing schedule and payment terms - Academic year shown as September–August. - Standard expectation: all fees should be paid by the first week of the term. - Early payment discount: 3% discount on tuition fees only when fees are paid in full before the term begins. - Year 11–13 entries are shown with the annotation “Two Billings” in the fee schedule. - Bounced cheques incur an additional charge of KES 3,500 plus the outstanding amount. - The caution (security) fee is refundable provided one term's written notice is given. All other fees, once paid, are not refundable. Boarding - The published fee structure for Academic Year 2025/2026 does not list boarding charges or a boarding category; no boarding fees are included in the fee schedule. Refunds and cancellation - The caution fee is refundable if one term's written notice is given. - General rule: fees once paid are not refundable. Fee payment methods and account details - Bank transfer (Co‑operative Bank of Kenya): Account name: Potterhouse School Ltd; Account number: 01129150950900; Branch: Gigiri Mall; SWIFT: KCOOKENA. - M‑Pesa Paybill: 842028 — use the student's name as the account number on the payment. - The school does not accept cash payments. - Deposit slips should be presented to the school accountant; receipts are issued via email. Key notes on discounts and sibling reductions - Sibling discounts on tuition and transport (applied as shown): - 2nd child: 5% off tuition; 15% off transport. - 3rd child: 7.5% off tuition; 15% off transport. - 4th child: 10% off tuition; 15% off transport. - 5th child: 12.5% off tuition; 15% off transport. Important administrative notes - Receipts are sent by email and should be saved as the family's record. - School fees are reviewed annually; changes may be made with prior notice.
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 Durham Kenya blends academics, co-curricular activities and pastoral care to prepare students for future education and life. The Early Years follows the UK's EYFS framework with four year groups and seven Areas of Learning and Development. Key Stage One and Key Stage Two build reading, writing and mathematics foundations and introduce science, history and geography, with increasing depth. Key Stage Three and beyond develop problem-solving, analytical thinking and communication skills, and KS3 informs Year 9 IGCSE option choices. Assessment is continuous from the Early Years, with an online journal for parent updates and ongoing progress tracking from Year 1. Grow with Durham links KS3 to Key Stage Four and Sixth Form; the Sixth Form will commence in September 2028 with IB or A Level offerings and dedicated university and careers guidance.	Curriculum details Potterhouse School offers the British National Curriculum (BNC) from Kindergarten to High School and is a Christian values-based school. The high school runs Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11). Core subjects include English, Mathematics, the Sciences, Global Citizenship, History, Geography, Art, Music, French and Swahili. Year 9 takes Achievement Tests administered by Edexcel; Year 11 sits IGCSE examinations; Year 10 begins IGCSE preparation with a minimum of five subjects including Mathematics, English, and at least one Science; Literature is also required. For progression, students can move to A-Levels (Year 12–13), or pursue B-tech and IB options, with progression guidance provided by the Mentoring, Guidance and Counselling (MGC) Department.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression A university and careers guidance program will help each student plan the next stage of their education, including personal statement writing, interview preparation and course selection.	Higher education progression Year 9 is the foundation for the IGCSE course; Year 9 exit assessments are administered by Edexcel in Mathematics, English, Science and ICT. In Year 10 students begin preparing for the IGCSE with focus on selected subjects, with a minimum of five subjects including Mathematics and English and at least one Science; Literature is required. To progress to the next level, students must pass at least five O-Level examinations, enabling progression to A-Levels (Year 12 and 13) before tertiary study. Students may also pursue B-tech or IB options, with progression guidance provided by the MGC department.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	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. Enquiry: Prospective families email the school using the enquiry form on the website. The school responds to the enquiry by email and invites you to arrange a visit at a mutually convenient time. You will also be invited to complete a registration form to formalise your interest in applying to Durham International School. This begins the admissions process. 2. Registration of Interest: Durham confirms interest by email and invites a visit and completion of a registration form to formalise the application. 3. Assessment Invitation: Following registration, prospective students sit an age-appropriate assessment to evaluate academic and personal aptitudes. This may be completed during the visit with your child, depending on age. The assessment carries a non-refundable fee of USD 50. Students already at Durham International School have automatic entry into the next Year Group. 4. Offer of Admission: Successful candidates receive an official offer of a place at Durham International School. The offer letter confirms the start date and Year Group and includes information on accepting the place and joining details. 5. Acceptance of Offer: Families who wish to accept the offer must complete the Acceptance of a Place form and pay an Acceptance Fee of USD 350, along with a Security Deposit (refundable at the end of your child's time at the school, subject to required notice). These payments secure the student's enrolment. Source: turn1view0	Admissions Potterhouse School is a private school and admission is entirely a matter of the school management's decision based on professional criteria and advice from the appropriate Potterhouse School staff. Assessment for admission is normally either by informal interview for Kindergarten or an entrance test for primary and secondary. Children may visit the School and spend all or part of the day in the appropriate age group. The school uses the British National Curriculum (BNC).
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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