Potterhouse School vs St. Austin's Academy

	P Potterhouse School Nairobi, Kenya	S St. Austin's Academy Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 15,000	Fees / year KES 15,000 - 1,378,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 14	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2002	Opened 1971
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Runda, Nairobi, Kenya.	Location St. Austin's Academy is located on James Gichuru Road, Nairobi, Kenya. The postal address is P.O. Box 25138, Nairobi. Contact numbers are 020-2165653 and 0713-860206, and the email is info@staustins.ac.ke.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten, Primary and High School.	Stages Kindergarten; Primary Curriculum; Junior School Curriculum; Senior School (Lower Secondary Curriculum); Senior School (Upper Secondary Curriculum); A Level
School type	School type —	School type Private school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix More than 30 nationalities are represented in the student body.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Special Education support is available for students who need it, and English Language Learner support is provided. The program includes advisory services to support individual students and promote development.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Kenya.	Country affiliation Kenya
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Christian.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Mon-Fri 7:30am–4:00pm.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Transport service with zone-based rates (Zones 1–8); One-way and Two-way options per term.	Bus service details Zone-based bus service with per-term transport fees: Zone A (2-Way) 45,500; Zone A (1-Way) 35,000; Zone B (2-Way) 42,000; Zone B (1-Way) 42,000; Zone C (2-Way) 59,500; Zone C (1-Way) 45,500; Zone D (2-Way) 63,000; Zone D (1-Way) 47,500; Zone E (2-Way) 68,000; Zone E (1-Way) 51,000; Zone F (2-Way) 70,000; Zone F (1-Way) 53,000.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application / Registration Fee - Registration fee: KES 15,000 (Nursery – Year 13). Tuition fees (per term) — day students - Nursery: KES 130,000 per term. - K1: KES 170,000 per term. - Reception: KES 190,000 per term. - Year 1: KES 270,000 per term. - Year 2: KES 315,000 per term. - Year 3: KES 315,000 per term. - Year 4: KES 335,000 per term. - Year 5: KES 335,000 per term. - Year 6: KES 335,000 per term. - Year 7: KES 390,000 per term. - Year 8: KES 410,000 per term. - Year 9: KES 410,000 per term. - Year 10: KES 448,000 per term. - Year 11: KES 689,000 per instalment (see billing schedule). - Years 12–13: KES 689,000 per instalment (see billing schedule). Annual tuition (standard calculation) - For year groups billed per term, annual tuition equals three times the term rate (term rate × 3). For example, Nursery annual tuition = KES 130,000 × 3 = KES 390,000; Year 1 annual tuition = KES 270,000 × 3 = KES 810,000, etc. (annual totals calculated from the per-term figures above). - For Years 11–13 the published figure KES 689,000 represents a 50% instalment; two instalments of KES 689,000 give an annual total of KES 1,378,000 for those year groups. The three-term tuition for Years 11–13 is collected in two instalments as described under billing schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed on a term basis (three terms per academic year) for most year groups; payment of tuition secures a confirmed enrollment place. - For Years 11, 12 and 13 the three terms' tuition fees are collected in two instalments (the published instalment amount is described as 50% of annual fees). - Payment of the Registration Fee places the child's name on the waiting list; on acceptance, payment of tuition guarantees enrollment in the allocated year group. Caution / security deposit (refunds) - Caution (refundable) deposits by year group: - Nursery – Reception: KES 5,000 (refundable). - Years 1 – 6: KES 10,000 (refundable). - Years 7 – 9: KES 20,000 (refundable). - Years 10 – 11: KES 25,000 (refundable). - Years 12 – 13: KES 30,000 (refundable). Mandatory and recurring additional fees - Emergency Medical Services: KES 2,000 per term. - Parents Association Levy: KES 2,000 annual subscription per family. - Year group lunch fees (termly): - Nursery – Year 2: KES 25,000 per term. - Year 3 – Year 6: KES 29,000 per term. - Year 7 – Year 13: KES 34,000 per term. Transport (zone) fees — termly - Zone A (2-way): KES 45,500. Zone A (1-way): KES 35,000. - Zone B (2-way): KES 42,000. Zone B (1-way): KES 42,000. - Zone C (2-way): KES 59,500. Zone C (1-way): KES 45,500. - Zone D (2-way): KES 63,000. Zone D (1-way): KES 47,500. - Zone E (2-way): KES 68,000. Zone E (1-way): KES 51,000. - Zone F (2-way): KES 70,000. Zone F (1-way): KES 53,000. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are published within the school's tuition and parents information; the school operates with day-student tuition and zone transport options as part of its fee structure. Uniforms and other one‑off costs - A school uniform is required; uniforms are supplied via the school's uniform provider(s) / outfitters. Specific uniform pricing is not listed in the public fee schedule. Refund information (applicable items) - Caution deposits listed above are refundable. Fee payment options and practical steps - Registration and tuition payments are administered through the Admissions Centre and the school's parent portal; parents are directed to the Admissions Centre for enrolment, payment of the registration fee to join the waiting list, and to complete enrolment by paying tuition. Contact the Admissions Centre or the school's parent portal to confirm accepted payment methods (bank transfer, card, mobile payment, or other). Notes on timing and instalments - Standard year groups follow a three-term billing cycle; Years 11–13 follow the two-instalment arrangement described above (KES 689,000 per instalment representing 50% of annual fees). Payment of tuition at the time of acceptance secures enrollment.
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 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.	Curriculum details Spans from Kindergarten through A Level. Kindergarten serves ages 2 to the end of Reception; Playgroup (2–3), Kindergarten 1 (3–4) and Reception (4–5) form the Early Years, with a play‑based approach and an outdoor learning area; activities include Drama & Music, P.E., Swimming, Cookery and Gardening, and there is emphasis on social, emotional and physical development as well as early reading and writing; Kiswahili is taught from Year 1 and French begins with speaking/listening before reading/writing. The Junior School extends from Pre‑Primary (ages 2+) with a focus on English and Mathematics and development of language, numeracy and social skills through structured play. The Lower Secondary curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum (Key Stage 3) with Year 7–Year 9 external assessments in English, Mathematics, Science and ICT, preparing students for entry into the IGCSE programme. The Upper Secondary curriculum offers Cambridge IGCSE, AS‑Level and A‑Level qualifications, with a strong co‑curricular/PSHE component including opportunities like the President's Award Scheme and East African Model United Nations. The A Level programme comprises Year 12 (general) and Year 13 (specialist) study, with students typically selecting four to five subjects in Year 12 and three in Year 13.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IGCSE results show 80.2% of IGCSE students (2024) scored A* to C; the class of 2023/24 transitioned to universities across the globe. These indicators reflect outcomes reported on the school pages for the IGCSE cohort and university destinations.
Higher education progression	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.	Higher education progression The class of 2023/24 transitioned to various universities across the globe to pursue diverse degree programmes.
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 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).	Admissions Step 1 - Interview: The Principal and/or relevant staff interview the child and assess his/her level. For younger children, a day or half-day with the probable year group is often advised to determine appropriate placement. If proceeding, complete the 'Acceptance Form' and pay the Registration Fee. Step 2 - Waiting List: Payment of the Registration Fee places the child on the Waiting List for the year group. When a vacancy arises, the family is contacted in order of seniority on the list and offered the place, subject to a time constraint. Step 3 - Enrollment: If the offer is accepted, payment of the tuition fees guarantees enrollment in the year group. The child is formally accepted as a student at St. Austin's Academy.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting List: Payment of the Registration Fee places your child on the Waiting List for the year group. When a vacancy arises, you will be contacted in order of seniority on the list and offered the place, subject to a time constraint.
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