Kenton College Preparatory School vs Nairobi International School
Kenton College Preparatory School and Nairobi International School are both in Nairobi, about 2 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and Nairobi International School also offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are KES 756,000 - 1,400,000 at Kenton College Preparatory School and KES 552,000 - 1,140,000 at Nairobi International School, which puts Kenton College Preparatory School roughly 27% higher. Kenton College Preparatory School takes pupils from 3 to 13, and Nairobi International School from 2 to 18. Both keep typical class sizes around 20.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Pupils
Pupils
346
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1924
Opened
2008
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
Three Nairobi campuses: Kindergarten at No. 6 Kanjata Road, off James Gichuru; Preparatory at No. 5, Kanjata Road, off James Gichuru; Senior School at No. 728 Maji Mazuri Road, off James Gichuru, Lavington. These locations are along the James Gichuru corridor in the Nairobi area.
Private international school offering day schooling with boarding options.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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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
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Kenya
Country affiliation
Kenya
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Christian values with an inclusive environment welcoming families of all faiths.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
The school provides transport services; transport fees per term depend on distance and whether one-way or two-way transport is chosen. Distances are divided into six zones (A–F) with routes covering Zone A (Muthangari, Gitanga Rd, Rhapta Rd, etc.), Zone B (Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Ngong Rd, etc.), Zone C (Milimani, State House, Parklands, etc.), Zone D (Madaraka, Upper Hill, Ngara, etc.), Zone E (Muthaiga, Gigiri, Karen, etc.), Zone F (Ridgeways, Garden Estate, Embakasi, etc.). Two-way vs one-way transport options are available per term.
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
*Applicaton / Admission and one-off charges*
- Admission Fee (one-off): KES 25,000. - Caution Fee / Security Deposit (refundable subject to exit clearance): amounts vary by section of school as listed below; the deposit is refunded without interest and must be claimed within two years of a student leaving. - Boarding Admission Fee (one-off, for boarders): KES 10,000.
*Tuition fees by year group (per term; annual totals shown where applicable)*
Note: Tuition fees are charged every academic term; most year groups have three terms. Where a term is listed as NIL, only the two listed terms apply.
- Kindergarten - Playgroup: KES 184,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 552,000. - KG 1: KES 202,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 606,000. - KG 2: KES 208,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 624,000. - Year 1: KES 220,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 660,000.
- Preparatory (Primary) - Year 2: KES 240,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 720,000. - Year 3: KES 245,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 735,000. - Year 4: KES 262,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 786,000. - Year 5: KES 268,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 804,000. - Year 6: KES 279,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 837,000. - Preparatory caution fee (one-off): KES 20,000.
- Middle School - Year 7: KES 319,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 957,000. - Year 8: KES 351,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 1,053,000. - Year 9: KES 360,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 1,080,000. - Middle School caution fee (one-off): KES 40,000.
- Junior High School - Year 10: KES 372,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 1,116,000. - Year 11: KES 563,000 for Term 1 and Term 2; Term 3: NIL — Annual (2 terms): KES 1,126,000. - Junior High caution fee (one-off): KES 40,000.
- Senior High School - Year 12: KES 570,000 for Term 1 and Term 2; Term 3: NIL — Annual (2 terms): KES 1,140,000. - Year 13: KES 570,000 for Term 1 and Term 2; Term 3: NIL — Annual (2 terms): KES 1,140,000. - Senior High caution fee (one-off): KES 40,000.
*Boarding and related charges*
- Full-time Boarding: KES 250,000 per term. - Weekly Boarding: KES 225,000 per term. - Boarding caution fee (one-off): KES 25,000. - Boarding admission fee (one-off): KES 10,000. - Medical insurance cover (yearly, applies to boarders and/or students as stated by the school): KES 7,000 per year.
*Transport fees (per term by zone)*
- Zone A: One-way KES 32,000 — Two-way KES 51,000. - Zone B: One-way KES 34,000 — Two-way KES 54,000. - Zone C: One-way KES 36,000 — Two-way KES 58,000. - Zone D: One-way KES 40,000 — Two-way KES 64,000. - Zone E: One-way KES 52,000 — Two-way KES 78,000. - Zone F: One-way KES 56,000 — Two-way KES 84,000.
*Billing schedule and payment terms*
- Tuition and other recurring fees are invoiced by term; an invoice (Fee Note) is issued at the end of each academic term indicating fees due for the next term. Fees are expected to be settled by the first day of school reopening for the next term. Students admitted before half term pay the full term; those admitted after half term are charged 50% of the term fee. - Withdrawal: One academic term's written notice to the Head of School is required; if adequate notice is not provided, one full term's fee will be charged in lieu of notice. - Space Retention Deposit: When pausing schooling to retain a place for a following term/year, a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tuition fees is payable; this secures the student's place.
*Discounts and penalties*
- Sibling discounts on tuition only: second sibling 10%, third sibling 15%, fourth and subsequent siblings 20% (fixed for subsequent children). - Early payment discount: 4% on tuition if the full invoiced amount is settled one calendar month prior to school reopening (not combinable with other special discounts). - Cheque return (bank dishonour) charge: KES 2,000. Cash payments are not accepted.
*Refunds and security deposit handling*
- The caution fee (security deposit) is refundable without interest upon a child's permanent departure, subject to full settlement of all due fees and return of school property in good condition. The caution fee must be claimed within two years of leaving. Deductions from the caution fee may be made for outstanding obligations.
*Accepted payment methods and practical payment details*
- Bank transfer (deposit): Account Name: NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL — Account Number: 01129650642300 — Bank: The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Ltd, Branch: Lavington. Receipts are issued upon presentation of deposit slips. - Cheque: Cheques payable to Nairobi International School; receipts issued after cheque clearance. Cheque return charges apply. - M-Pesa / Paybill: Paybill No. 400200 — Account No. 01129650642300. - Cash payments are not accepted.
*Other costs to consider*
- Uniforms, personal supplies, any specific course materials or external exam fees where applicable are additional to the tuition and term fees listed above and should be budgeted for by parents. Exam registration and any outstanding fees must be settled before exam registration is processed.
(Fee schedule and policy details above are taken from the school's published fee structure and fees policy documents.)
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 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
KS3, KS4 & A-Levels of the British National Curriculum.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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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
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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
Prepare students to sit IGCSE, 'A' Levels from Cambridge and BTEC from Pearson as a stepping stone to universities around the world.
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
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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
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
—
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
—
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
—
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
—
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. 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
1. Begin by accessing the Enquiry page to start the application. The initial step collects the parent/guardian's name, relationship to the applicant, a valid email address, and a contact number, and records the applicant's name, date of birth, and the year level being applied for. 2. Submit the above information. An Enquiry is created at this stage and can be completed immediately or continued later after login details are emailed to the user. 3. Return to the Enquiry page and complete the admission application. Siblings may be included in the same application. 4. After completing the Enquiry, an email lists the documents required for the admission application. These include photocopies of the applicant's passport (and immigration status page for non-citizens) and copies of the parents' passports. A parent's work permit is required for non-citizens. Also required are the applicant's birth certificate in English, 4 coloured passport photos for non-citizens (2 for citizens), the official report card, and the Transfer Certificate for Year 2 upwards. The applicant must also submit a short essay of about 250 words about themselves. 5. The Admissions Team will contact you for an interview and/or assessment. The student may be referred to the Inclusion Support Team for additional provision determination. If a place is offered, an offer letter will be emailed within 24 hours. 6. To confirm and secure the place, pay the admission fee of 25,000 Ksh within 7 days. 7. Screening and Assessment: The school conducts a pre-entry assessment to ensure the curriculum matches the child's skills and needs. Assessments vary by year level and include English language and Mathematics tests; early years may involve play-based activities; higher grades may require examinations to assess core competencies, with results supported by prior school records. Final admission can be offered at the Principal's discretion if the student is deemed capable of succeeding at Nairobi International School.