Nairobi Jaffery Academy vs Soma International School

	N Nairobi Jaffery Academy Nairobi, Kenya	S Soma International School Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 282,000 - 720,000	Fees / year KES 540,000 - 705,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Islamic Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 600	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2024
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Naushad Merali Drive, Nairobi, Kenya	Location Thika Road, Juja, Kenya. Located in the Kalimoni area along Thika Road. The Information Office is at BBS MALL Shop, LGC 51. The school serves Juja, Nairobi, and surrounding areas.
Stages	Stages Early Years Program (EYFS); Primary School Years; Secondary School Years (Years 7-9 Cambridge Lower Secondary; Years 10-13 Cambridge and Edexcel hybrid).	Stages American Curriculum with middle school (Grade 6-8) and high school (Grade 9-12). British Cambridge Curriculum includes lower secondary (Year 6–8), upper secondary (Year 9–11), and IGCSE/A-level (Year 12–13). The Kenyan Curriculum and Islamic Studies Program are also offered.
School type	School type Private international school offering the Cambridge curriculum.	School type Private day and boarding school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Over 18 nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides individualized attention and support for students.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has Cambridge curriculum aligned with the United Kingdom.	Country affiliation Kenya
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Islamic.	Religious affiliation Islamic
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 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. Contacts for fee administration - Front office email: frontoffice@jaffery.ac.ke. - Phone: +254 727 441 218 \| +254 736 441 218. - Campus: Naushad Merali Drive, Nairobi. Brief note on availability of additional detail - 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.	Fee details Application fee - Application fee: KES 15,000 (payable with the online application). This fee is non‑refundable. Tuition (day scholars) - Tuition per term (all year groups): KES 125,000 per term. - Annual tuition (three terms): KES 375,000 per year (3 x KES 125,000). Boarding fees - Boarding per term: KES 70,000 per term. - Annual boarding (three terms): KES 210,000 per year (3 x KES 70,000). Other recurring term charges (per term) - ICT, laboratory & learning resources: KES 30,000 per term (KES 90,000 per year). - Medical (first‑aid care / medical charge): KES 10,000 per term (KES 30,000 per year). Meals and catering - Day scholars (mid‑morning snack and lunch): KES 15,000 per term (KES 45,000 per year). Transport (optional) — per term by zone - Zone A (Juja‑Kimbo, Weteithie, Juja Farm): KES 10,000 per term. - Zone B (Thika, Ruiru): KES 15,000 per term. - Zone C (Nairobi, CBD, Eastleigh): KES 20,000 per term. - Zone D (South B, Westlands, Karen): KES 30,000 per term. Typical total examples (illustrative sums) - Day scholar (tuition + ICT + medical + meals) per term: KES 125,000 + KES 30,000 + KES 10,000 + KES 15,000 = KES 180,000 per term. - Day scholar annual total (3 terms, same items): KES 540,000 per year. - Full boarding student (tuition + boarding + ICT + medical) per term: KES 125,000 + KES 70,000 + KES 30,000 + KES 10,000 = KES 235,000 per term. - Full boarding annual total (3 terms, same items): KES 705,000 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are presented and charged on a per‑term basis (amounts shown above are per term). Annual equivalents are the sum of three terms. - The application fee is payable at the time of application. Other one‑off or occasional costs - Uniforms, textbooks, examination registration fees, optional extracurricular activity fees and other incidental costs are additional to the term charges listed above. Specific amounts for these items are not included in the term figures and should be confirmed with the admissions or information office. Refunds and refund policy - The application fee is explicitly non‑refundable. Information on refunds of other fees (for example tuition or boarding deposits) is not detailed alongside the term charges. Fee payment arrangements and contacts - Fee payments and payment arrangements are handled by the school's information and admissions office; families should contact the admissions office for current accepted payment methods and instructions. Contact: 0768 888 444, admissions email listed on the school's contact page.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school offers day and boarding options.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement School uniform is compulsory; every student wears the uniform at all times; each item must be labeled with a name and class.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Healthy meal plans are provided for boarding students.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Curriculum comprises American Curriculum, British Cambridge Curriculum, Kenyan Curriculum, and Islamic Studies Curriculum. American Curriculum covers middle school (Grade 6-8) and high school (Grade 9-12). British Cambridge Curriculum covers Lower Secondary (Year 6–8), Upper Secondary (Year 9–11), and IGCSE A Level (Year 12–13). Islamic Studies Curriculum covers Quran/Tahfid, Fiqh, Tawhid, Siirah, and the Arabic language. Kenyan Curriculum is offered as part of SIS's multi-curriculum program.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The school has suitable class sizes.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
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 The school provides intellectual, social, physical and emotional education within a multicultural and bilingual environment. NJA hosts students from over 18 nationalities, reflecting a diverse community that supports social development. The mission emphasises innovative teaching methods and attention to individual differences to promote personal growth and resilience.	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes active participation in school life and a variety of activities to support students' well-being and personal growth. The Life page describes a nurturing environment where students can explore passions and talents with staff support. Extracurricular activities are a core part of the program, with each student engaging in one weekly activity per term that encompasses academic, physical, and artistic avenues beyond the curriculum. The school fosters strong home–school links through PTAs and school–home partnerships to support social and emotional development. The boarding facilities provide a safe, caring environment that feels like a second home, balancing academics with healthy meals and weekend activities. The campus community promotes inclusion, respect, and mentorship opportunities that build character and leadership.
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 Wellbeing is central to the school's approach. The principal describes NJA as dedicated to wellbeing, excellence and opportunity for all, with care and guidance supporting students from ages 3 to 18.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by the school's holistic approach to development. Active participation in school life and a range of activities contribute to students' mental wellbeing. Staff and leadership emphasize character, resilience, and leadership through extracurriculars and mentorship. Family involvement through PTAs and school–home partnerships provides additional emotional and social support. The safe, nurturing boarding environment further reinforces students' sense of security and belonging.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school upholds the highest standards of behaviour at all times and provides care and guidance to students.	Safeguarding The school provides a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment. The boarding facilities are described as safe and caring. Family involvement through PTAs and school–home partnerships strengthens safeguarding and supports student well-being. The community and staff are committed to student safety and responsible citizenship.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus is located on Naushad Merali Drive, Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi Jaffery Academy hosts students from over 18 nationalities. The school offers a Cambridge International program within a multicultural and bilingual environment that prioritises wellbeing, excellence and opportunity. The campus is described as having world-class facilities and a stunning presence in Nairobi, enabling innovative learning experiences.	Facilities overview Nestled amidst lush greenery, the Soma International School campus offers outdoor classrooms and secluded reading nooks. The space is designed to inspire curiosity and creativity. Specialist science laboratories and preparation rooms support hands-on exploration and experimentation. Libraries are well-stocked and up-to-date, with ample study spaces and access to digital resources. The campus includes tennis and basketball courts, lush playing fields, a drama studio, and a swimming pool, providing spaces for sports, arts, and recreation.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Nairobi Jaffery Academy offers the Elite Sports Academy, focused on football. Training follows the Cruyff Football Methodology with data-driven coaching and end-of-term assessments. The coaching team includes a UEFA-certified European Technical Director and a Local Technical Director, supported by a leadership group. Training runs after school with separate sessions for Junior (U7–U13) and Senior (U15–U19) groups, typically 1 hour 30 minutes long. There are player development pathways and scholarships with partner academies in Europe, high-performance camps, and annual visits by Cruyff Football international directors.	Sports facilities Tennis and basketball courts are available for student use. Lush playing fields support outdoor sports and team activities. A swimming pool provides opportunities for aquatic education and recreation.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Cambridge program at Nairobi Jaffery Academy emphasises growth and development, with suitable class sizes and qualified teachers. The Cambridge framework covers English, Mathematics and Science, with other subjects including Art, Geography, History, ICT, Physical Education and Personal and Social Education; Swahili and Arabic are taught from Year 1. Cambridge resources are plentiful, with many materials sourced from the UK. In Years 7 to 9, students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, while Years 10 to 13 offer a hybrid Cambridge and Edexcel pathway. Teaching and learning are student-centred, with Assessment for Learning to support progress.	Academic facilities Specialist science laboratories and preparation rooms are designed for hands-on exploration and experimentation. Libraries are well-stocked and up-to-date, offering a wide range of resources and ample study spaces with access to digital materials. The facilities support practical science education and independent research.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers an extensive programme beyond academics, including overseas trips and inspirational speakers. Students receive bespoke careers advice and leadership opportunities, and benefit from connections with the East Africa Jaffery network. EYFS Sports Day is part of the extracurricular calendar, alongside events like the Study Abroad Expo.	Extra curricular facilities Each student must engage in one weekly extracurricular activity per term. Diverse options offer academic, physical, and artistic avenues beyond the curriculum. These activities nurture personal growth and prepare students for future endeavors as confident, global citizens.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Nairobi Jaffery Academy is a Cambridge International School in Nairobi that combines the UK curriculum with the Cambridge framework. It is described as one of the few true faith-based international schools in East Africa. Jafferians range from ages 3 to 18 and come from more than 18 nationalities. The programme includes overseas trips, inspirational speakers, bespoke careers advice, leadership opportunities, and connections with the East Africa Jaffery network.	History The Soma International School is a private day and boarding school in Juja, Kenya. Founded in 2024, SIS offers the American Curriculum, British Cambridge Curriculum, Kenyan Curriculum, and Islamic Studies Program. The curriculum blends academic study with Islamic values, discipline, and holistic development. The school aims to raise future leaders with strong character, academic excellence, and a global outlook.
Community	Community NJA hosts students from more than 18 nationalities and respects and celebrates all faiths and cultures. The Latest section features events such as Expo At Village Market, Study Abroad Expo, and EYFS Sports Day. The campus is located in Nairobi and provides contact channels for families.	Community The SIS community is vibrant and diverse, bringing together students from Juja, Nairobi, and beyond. We cultivate an international environment that broadens horizons and nurtures a global mindset through cross-cultural experiences and school events. The school engages with families and local organizations through outreach, community service, and cultural programs. These connections enrich the learning experience and prepare students to contribute to society.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Cambridge International education informs Nairobi Jaffery Academy's approach, with a focus on student growth and development. Teaching and learning are student-centred, emphasising inquiry, collaboration, and reflection. The program includes overseas trips, inspirational speakers, bespoke careers advice, leadership opportunities, and connections with the East Africa Jaffery network to broaden learning beyond the classroom.	Academic & intellectual Extracurricular Activities include sports, science and technology, arts and drama, robotics, honors and academic clubs, leadership and entrepreneurship, debates, and community service projects. These activities reinforce in-class lessons and enable students to identify and develop their talents. They cultivate teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Performing arts are recognised as part of the school's holistic education, with outstanding achievements in performing arts alongside academics and sports. The campus supports innovative learning experiences to enable creative pursuits, alongside the school's emphasis on wellbeing and growth.	Arts & creative Arts and Drama platforms enable students to showcase talents through art exhibitions, painting, drama, and video/film production. Students join art and drama clubs to enhance creativity and self-expression. The school provides opportunities for performances and visual arts as part of the extracurricular program.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school hosts students from over 18 nationalities, creating a multicultural community. The environment is bilingual and supports language development within a diverse culture. There are cross-cultural learning experiences such as the Study Abroad Expo and other international events to broaden horizons.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies A wide range of clubs include sports, science and technology, arts and drama, robotics, leadership and entrepreneurship, debates, and community service projects. Clubs foster teamwork, communication, and personal growth. These activities complement academic learning and provide avenues to pursue individual interests.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community service projects help students develop empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. SIS engages with the local community through outreach, volunteering, and cultural programs, including performances and school events. Students contribute to the betterment of society by participating in these initiatives.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The program includes leadership opportunities and bespoke careers advice. The East Africa Jaffery network and international connections support ongoing professional development and opportunities for students.	Leadership & professional Leadership and Entrepreneurship clubs focus on developing leadership skills, fostering innovation, and nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset. Students participate in projects and workshops that build teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. These experiences prepare students for university and career pathways.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Nairobi Jaffery Academy offers an Elite Football Program with football training and matches for junior and senior groups, guided by Cruyff Football Methodology and delivered by UEFA-certified coaches. Training sessions are scheduled after school (e.g., 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.) and include end-of-term assessments and pathways to development opportunities, including scholarships with partner academies in Europe. The program emphasizes wellbeing, excellence, and opportunity for all, with pathways and international exposure through its partnerships and coaching leadership.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Students participate in football, basketball, tennis, swimming, and other sports, building teamwork and discipline. Participation in athletics supports physical fitness and well-being. Boarding includes weekend activities and healthy meal plans to sustain a balanced living environment.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the core language of instruction under the Cambridge curriculum, with English as an Additional Language available.	Language provision Arabic language is taught as part of the Islamic Studies Curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school operates within a multicultural and bilingual environment.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Tour. Families are encouraged to tour the campus to view facilities such as interactive classrooms, recreation and sports facilities, and the performing arts center. The visit provides a firsthand look at the learning environment and resources. A link is provided to arrange a tour. Admissions are ongoing with no fixed start date, based on capacity. 2. Application. Submit the online application and pay the 20,000 Kenyan Shilling application fee. The admissions staff will confirm receipt of the application and guide you through the remaining procedures. Applicants with prior K-12 experience must submit both their most recent transcripts and the transcripts from the previous year; transcripts may be posted to the enrollment site, emailed, or mailed. A reference from a previous teacher or caregiver is required; two letters are needed for school-age students, with one from a math or English instructor. 3. Assessment for placement. An admissions staff member will assist in arranging placement assessments to gauge your child's present skills and determine the appropriate academic level. The assessments inform the placement plan used during admission. Families will be contacted to schedule the assessments and results will be reviewed with them. 4. Review & Decision. After completing the placement and documentation steps, admissions and academic leadership review the application. Families are informed of the admissions decision and an admissions representative assists with completing the registration. If accepted, next steps include submitting any additional documents and finalizing enrollment. A confirmation of enrollment will be provided once all requirements are met.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →