Kenya, Nairobi
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Hillcrest is an international school that emphasizes inclusion, cooperation and mutual respect across cultures. It nurtures confident, well‑adjusted, socially responsible young citizens who respect others and contribute to the diverse community they learn in. The school's ethos encourages involvement in the wider community to develop compassion and empathy. A personalised approach to learning supports students' social and emotional development and fosters positive relationships with peers and staff.
The Learning Support Department helps students with specific learning difficulties or differences, as well as Gifted and Talented learners, to become independent, confident learners. All students are screened on entry, and those identified as needing specialist help are referred to an Educational Psychologist for a full assessment. The school maintains permanent specialist learning support teachers in Maths, English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) to provide targeted support. Parents can request information on SEND and EAL provisions and related policies.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is supported by permanent specialist learning support teachers within the Learning Support Department. EAL is part of the department's work alongside Maths and English, with assessments and targeted support to help multilingual learners access the curriculum.
Each student has a dedicated Personal Tutor for one‑on‑one pastoral support. A School Counsellor attends to pastoral needs and wellbeing, working with Heads of Year and safeguarding leads to identify and intervene where needed. A wellbeing curriculum is being developed, complemented by enrichment talks and workshops. Mental health is placed at the centre of pastoral care and health and safety and safeguarding procedures are regularly reviewed.
Safeguarding and the protection of children are central to Hillcrest; a Safeguarding Policy exists as part of a suite of policies to ensure children's safety. Parents can request copies of key policies, including Admissions, Provision for SEND and EAL, Curriculum, Behaviour, Health and Safety and First Aid. The school also maintains policies on anti‑bullying, and undergoes regular safeguarding and related inspections.
Hillcrest International School in Nairobi, Kenya, is an international school offering boarding. It serves students aged 3 to 18 and offers the British National Curriculum, with Cambridge IGCSE in Years 9–11 and Cambridge A Levels and BTEC qualifications in Years 12–13. Cambridge International Examinations Board is the preferred syllabus in most subjects. The school traces its roots to Hillcrest Secondary School, founded in 1965, and sits in Karen‑Langata area, with Forest Edge joining in 2000 and becoming Hillcrest Early Years. The motto Semper Prospice guides its ethos. Facilities include multiple Information Technology suites with on‑site Wi‑Fi, five science laboratories, two libraries, a design technology suite, a drama studio and an examination hall. The Sixth Form comprises a kitchen, common room, lecture theatre and study areas. Outdoor playing fields, tennis and basketball courts, a gym and an indoor pool support a broad programme of sport and activities for students across ages.