Kenton College Preparatory School vs Lycée Français International Denis Diderot

	K Kenton College Preparatory School Nairobi, Kenya	L Lycée Français International Denis Diderot Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 756,000 - 1,400,000	Fees / year KES 12,000 - 2,162,963
Age range	Age range 3 - 13 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 346	Pupils 676
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1924	Opened 1962
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Kenton College Preparatory School is located on Gichugu Road in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, Kenya. The postal address is PO Box 25406-00603, Lavington, Nairobi.	Location Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi (Near Yaya Center)
Stages	Stages Early Years and Preparatory, up to Year 8.	Stages Ages 2 to 18
School type	School type Preparatory school (Early Years to Year 8).	School type Private international school; accredited by the French Ministry of Education; member of the AEFE network
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Pastoral care and wellbeing support; a dedicated Pastoral Care team led by the Headteacher, with Deputy Head Pastoral and Deputy Head of Juniors and EY, plus Heads of Year, House Parents, Form Teachers, the Listening Team, pupil pastoral mentors, the school doctor and nurses.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Kenya	Country affiliation France
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Christian values with an inclusive environment welcoming families of all faiths.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & admission fees - Application fee: KES 5,500 per application. - Enrolment (admission) fee: KES 44,000 (one‑off). Application and enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Tuition fees (per trimester and annual totals by year group) - Early Years Foundation: KES 152,000 per trimester — annual total KES 456,000. - Early Years 1: KES 224,000 per trimester — annual total KES 672,000. - Early Years 2: KES 224,000 per trimester — annual total KES 672,000. - Year 1: KES 252,000 per trimester — annual total KES 756,000. - Year 2: KES 280,000 per trimester — annual total KES 840,000. - Year 3: KES 294,000 per trimester — annual total KES 882,000. - Year 4: KES 336,000 per trimester — annual total KES 1,008,000. - Year 5: KES 336,000 per trimester — annual total KES 1,008,000. - Year 6: KES 336,000 per trimester — annual total KES 1,008,000. - Year 7: KES 406,000 per trimester — annual total KES 1,218,000. - Year 8: KES 420,000 per trimester — annual total KES 1,260,000. - Year 9: KES 420,000 per trimester — annual total KES 1,260,000. - Year 10: KES 448,000 per trimester — annual total KES 1,344,000. - Year 11: KES 672,000 per trimester (two trimesters billed) — total KES 1,344,000 (costs for Year 11 candidates are collected over two trimesters). - Year 12: KES 700,000 per trimester — annual total KES 1,400,000. - Year 13: KES 700,000 per trimester — annual total KES 1,400,000. Optional / additional recurring charges - Lunch (optional): amounts depend on year group (examples from published schedule): - Kindergarten: KES 28,500 per trimester — annual KES 85,500. - Prep (Years 2–6) example: KES 43,000 per trimester — annual KES 129,000. - Middle/junior/senior examples: amounts range (examples shown include KES 50,000–100,000 per trimester for older year groups). - School text‑book deposit (refundable): typically KES 25,000 for many year groups; higher deposits (KES 50,000) apply for some upper years. - Individual music lessons (per instrument): KES 20,000 per trimester (KES 60,000 per year). - Clubs and activities (examples): swimming breakfast KES 8,000 per trimester; skating club KES 8,000 per trimester; organic soap/skincare club KES 15,000 per trimester. - Medical evacuation cover (annual): KES 2,200. School transport (bus) fees - School transport is available with zone‑based annual rates. Example two‑way annual rates published range from KES 31,000 to KES 76,000 depending on zone and route; many central Nairobi zones are shown at KES 60,000 per year (two‑way) while outlying zones are higher or lower depending on distance. Transport fees are billed separately from tuition. Boarding - Boarding is not listed among the published charges; fees and charges shown are structured for day scholars (day school). No boarding fee is published. Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties - Fees are billed by trimester. All trimester fees must be paid in advance according to deadlines communicated at the start of each trimester. - Late payment penalty: KES 5,000 per month for fees not paid by the due dates. - Late pickup penalty: KES 5,000 per hour (or part thereof) for children picked up after the published collection time. - Withdrawal policy: a trimester's written notice is required (or payment of one trimester's fee in lieu of notice); the notice must be submitted during the first week of the final term the child is attending. Refunds and refundable items - Application and enrolment (admission) fees are non‑refundable. Refundable items explicitly stated include the school textbook deposit (amounts vary by year group). Withdrawal notice rules apply as above; other refund specifics are governed by the school's terms. Fee payment methods - The published fee schedule does not specify accepted payment instruments (for example, which banks, bank transfer details, or credit card acceptance). For the school's billed payment instructions and accepted payment methods, contact the school administration at admin@kenton.ac.ke or by telephone. Sibling discounts and concessions - Sibling discount on tuition only: 2nd child 5%; 3rd child 10%; 4th child or more 15% (applies to tuition). Notes on the academic year used - The fee figures above are taken from the school's published fee schedule for the September 2024 – August 2025 academic year (this schedule is the most detailed published fee schedule found). The figures above reproduce the published trimester and annual rates, refundable textbook deposits, optional charges, transport zone rates, billing terms, penalties, and the stated withdrawal and refund provisions.	Fee details School year covered - Annual fee schedule and related charges shown below apply to the 2025–2026 academic year. Application & registration fees - Application / dossier fee: KES 12,000 per child. - First-time registration fee: KES 120,000 per child (charged at time of acceptance; must be paid within 10 days). - Re‑registration advance: KES 80,000 (advance on annual tuition fees) — non‑refundable. - These enrollment payments are not refundable. Annual tuition fees and per‑term (tranche) amounts — French & Kenyan nationals (KES) - Maternelle (annual): KES 700,000. Tranche 1 (40%): KES 280,000; Tranche 2 (30%): KES 210,000; Tranche 3 (30%): KES 210,000. - Élémentaire (annual): KES 1,154,449. Tranche 1: KES 461,780; Tranche 2: KES 346,335; Tranche 3: KES 346,335. - Collège (annual): KES 1,311,837. Tranche 1: KES 524,735; Tranche 2: KES 393,551; Tranche 3: KES 393,551. - Lycée (annual): KES 1,754,237. Tranche 1: KES 701,695; Tranche 2: KES 526,271; Tranche 3: KES 526,271. - All amounts shown in Kenyan shillings (KES). Annual tuition fees and per‑term (tranche) amounts — Other nationalities (KES) - Maternelle (annual): KES 800,000. Tranche 1 (40%): KES 320,000; Tranche 2 (30%): KES 240,000; Tranche 3 (30%): KES 240,000. - Élémentaire (annual): KES 1,423,361. Tranche 1: KES 569,344; Tranche 2: KES 427,008; Tranche 3: KES 427,008. - Collège (annual): KES 1,614,764. Tranche 1: KES 645,906; Tranche 2: KES 484,429; Tranche 3: KES 484,429. - Lycée (annual): KES 2,162,963. Tranche 1: KES 865,185; Tranche 2: KES 648,889; Tranche 3: KES 648,889. - All amounts shown in Kenyan shillings (KES). Billing schedule and payment terms - Two main payment rhythms: - Annual single payment: pay the full annual tuition before 30 September to receive a 5% discount. - Three‑installment (trimestrial) payment: tuition payable in three fractions (tranches). - Standard tranche due dates (when paying by trimester): Trimestre 1 due 15 September; Trimestre 2 due 15 January; Trimestre 3 due 15 April. - Late payment penalty: 5% per month applied to overdue amounts; penalties are cumulative. - Sibling reduction: 20% discount on tuition applicable from the third child of the same family (and for each subsequent child). - For students joining or leaving mid‑year, tuition is invoiced pro rata (the month of arrival or departure is billed in full unless exceptional weekly prorating is approved). - Invoices are issued through the school billing platform EDUKA; invoices must be paid according to the calendar above. Proof of payment should be sent to caisse@lyceefrancaisnairobi.com when required. Boarding fees - No boarding charges are listed in the school's fee schedule; the Lycée does not publish a boarding programme or boarding fees in the 2025–2026 fee documentation. Canteen (school lunch) — annual fees (KES) - Maternelle: 5 days/week KES 84,000; 4 days/week KES 67,200; 3 days/week KES 50,400. - Élémentaire: 5 days/week KES 101,500; 4 days/week KES 81,200; 3 days/week KES 60,900. - Secondaire: 5 days/week KES 119,000; 4 days/week KES 95,200; 3 days/week KES 71,400. - Canteen tariffs are indicative (based on a 35‑week year) and may vary with calendar days. Exam, option and ancillary fees (charges and timing) - Exam fees (billed in Trimester 3): DNB (Brevet): KES 9,400; Baccalauréat Première: KES 18,000; Baccalauréat Terminale: KES 51,370. - Cambridge language exam (mandatory for CM2 and 2nde): KES 17,550 to KES 27,000 (billed in Trimester 3). - Section Internationale Britannique (SIB) option (collège & lycée): KES 52,000 (billed in Trimester 1). - Model United Nations (MUN) option: KES 23,300 (billed in Trimester 1). - Extra‑curricular activities: average KES 25,000 per activity (charged when applicable). - Daycare / garderie: if registered, fixed package KES 3,500 per month; if not registered, KES 400 per day. - Textbooks, basic stationery supplies, one sports kit and a medicalized transport insurance are included in the tuition. Refunds and non‑refundables - Dossier (application) fees and first‑time registration payments are non‑refundable. - The re‑registration advance (KES 80,000) is explicitly stated as an advance on annual tuition and non‑refundable. - General rule in the financial regulations: enrollment‑related payments that validate registration are not refundable. Fee payment options and practical payment details - Accepted payment methods: - Bank transfer in EUR, KES or USD (school lists accounts for transfers). - Cheque payable to “Lycée Français Denis Diderot.” - M‑Pesa Paybill: Paybill number 453553 (the payment reference must be the invoice number). - Cash payments are no longer accepted. - Invoices issued in the EDUKA platform include amounts in Euro, KES and USD; the exchange rate applied is the chancery exchange rate on the date of invoicing. - In specific cases the school may agree a payment plan; approved plans are formalized and may require a direct debit or monthly instalments (for example nine monthly instalments from September to May if a plan is agreed). - For payment identification, use the student identity or family code shown in EDUKA and send proof of payment to caisse@lyceefrancaisnairobi.com when requested. - Failure to pay according to the calendar may result in penalties, suspension from activities, withholding of transfer documents or withholding of end‑of‑year certificates/diplomas until accounts are settled. Notes on discounts and penalties - 5% reduction on tuition if full annual payment is received in the school's bank account by 30 September. - 20% sibling reduction applied from the third child of the same family (on tuition). - Late payments incur a 5% monthly penalty, cumulative.
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 curriculum in the Junior School is based closely on the English National Curriculum. Mornings include English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Information and Communications Technology, Kiswahili, Religious Studies, Art and Design Technology, Music and Physical Education, with French from Year 4. Languages taught include Kiswahili, French, Spanish and Latin. Subject delivery is supported by specialist teachers for some subjects. Year 8 scholars have earned a Scholarship or Exhibition to their next schools, and over 85% of Year 8 pupils have achieved A*-B in English Common Entrance since 2018.	Curriculum details The Lyce9e Frane7ais Denis Diderot offers the full French curriculum from Kindergarten to Lycee in Nairobi. It provides a bilingual French-English education, with Kindergarten taught by a French-speaking teacher, supported by assistants and an English teacher from the first year. The Primary program runs five years, developing core knowledge, with eight hours of foreign languages per week, including two hours of Swahili. Middle School spans four years with core disciplines and languages; a new foreign language is introduced in the second year. High School lasts three years; in the second year students choose majors and sit the French baccalaureate exam to prepare for higher studies. Parcours PARLE promotes multilingualism, and a British International Section is available on a trial basis, leading to the French international baccalaureate.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Over 85% of Year 8 pupils have achieved A*-B in English Common Entrance since 2018. Year 8 scholars have earned a Scholarship or Exhibition to their next schools. The Year 8 Debating team won the Debate With Hart competition in 2023 and 2024. Some pupils have achieved academic scholarships to senior schools, including the Srinivasa Ramanujan Mathematics Award.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Pupils leave Year 8 to a wide variety of schools in Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom.	Higher education progression Studies after the French Baccalaureate can be pursued in many countries. France remains a privileged option for higher education, with opportunities in preparatory classes for Grandes Ecoles and admission to top universities (INSA Lyon, Louis-le-Grand, Montaigne, etc.). Graduates have enrolled in Canada (HEC Montre9al) and the United States (HULT International Business School), as well as programs in Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Egypt and Malaysia. Orientation support for continuing with the STUDENT PLAN, including the Future course and resources from ONISEP, CIDJ, AEFE and PARCOUREO, plus the PRIO platform, helps families explore post-baccalaureate options.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Design and Technology provides pathways into engineering, architecture, product design and applied mathematics, supporting scholarships in DT. Drama offers the potential for a Drama Scholarship for Year 9. Some pupils receive academic scholarships to senior schools, including the Srinivasa Ramanujan Mathematics Award.	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. Entry point is decided based on age bands. The Headteacher confirms whether a suitable place is available in the Year group requested. This initiates the admissions process and determines whether the applicant can proceed to the next stage. 2. The Registrar is provided with the following details: full names, date of birth and gender of the child; nationality; details of the current school; names and contact details of the parents (including email address and cell numbers); details if a previous application has been made, including one for another child; a request for a Parents (ONLY) meeting with the Headteacher. 3. A Parents meeting with the Headteacher is requested. A tour of the school follows. 4. Year 2 Entry and Year 3–8 Entry follow the same age-band based process, with the same steps applied to each entry point.	Admissions Step 1. New students are welcomed at the beginning of the school year (September) and throughout the year. Registrations for the 2025-2026 year are now open. The registration process is initiated online via the Online Registration link in the Registration section. The online registration is accessible to families as part of the admission process. Step 2. Step to registration. Online registration is the primary route to apply. The process is accessed by clicking the Online Registration link. Families are directed to follow the online steps to complete the application. The 2025-2026 registration cycle is specified on the page. Step 3. Important information. Tuition is paid by families and the financial terms are described in the Financial Regulations. Canteen: school meals are compulsory for primary pupils on three long days (Monday-Tuesday-Thursday). Immigration: it is the parents' responsibility to be in good standing with Kenyan immigration authorities; a certificate of enrolment and a school letter may be provided to complete the student pass application. Communication: information relating to school life is distributed electronically to the email address provided by the parents. School Insurance: the school insures its pupils for school insurance and medical transport. Step 4. Admission procedures. Admission procedures are differentiated by the pupil's prior schooling background. Case 1 applies to pupils enrolled in a public or AEFE network school in France or a French school abroad during the previous school year or the current school year. These pupils are admitted to the class indicated by the orientation decision or the dialogue form, for entry into 2nde, 1ère and Terminale, with priority given subject to availability of places. Case 2 applies to pupils who attended a school not approved by the French Ministry of Education during the previous or current school year, or who have had an interruption of 3 months or more in the AEFE network; a placement test will be carried out to determine the appropriate level.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The Lycée is a non-profit school, subsidized by the French state, which allows tuition fees to be 30% to 27% lower than other international schools in Nairobi. AEFE scholarships: French families can apply for a grant from AEFE. This tuition assistance is reserved for children of French nationality residing with their families in Kenya, and under certain means conditions, the scholarship may cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Applications and renewal files can be collected from the French Embassy. Two committees meet during the year: in May, for the regular committee ruling on applications for the upcoming school year; and in October/November, for the remedial commission concerning new students enrolled in the Lycée for the current year. The opening dates of the scholarship campaign and submission of files are published on this site. A brochure AEFE is available for more information.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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