Kenya, Gilgil
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Pembroke House School teaches the British National Curriculum as part of a co-educational prep program for boarding and day pupils aged 6 months to 13 years. The curriculum is complemented by a broad co-curricular programme and a strong emphasis on individual achievement, character and integrity. The school prepares pupils for entry to leading senior schools in Kenya, the United Kingdom, South Africa and beyond. In Prep, a diverse array of subjects and activities supports pupils to discover their passions, work hard and aim high.
Arts and performing arts are integrated into school life, with LAMDA classes and music activities contributing to the arts programme. The Martlet Band and the school choir provide regular opportunities to perform, and Pre-Prep includes art, music and drama as part of the curriculum. Extracurricular options span street dance, rock and roll, theatre-related activities and woodwork, enriching creative expression. A broad arts and drama pathway runs across year groups.
Pembroke welcomes children from a diverse range of social, cultural and religious backgrounds. French is taught as part of the curriculum, with vocabulary and language study integrated into lessons. The school emphasises inclusive community and cross-cultural engagement.
A broad range of extracurricular activities is offered, including horse riding, golf, LAMDA, football, squash, taekwondo, tennis, polo, woodwork, fitness, mountain biking and swimming. There are Saturday morning clubs with activities such as cooking, crochet, journalism, fishing and dam building. Riding sessions and other sports like tennis and rugby are available on the grounds. LAMDA, street dance and rock & roll provide arts-based performance opportunities.
Pembroke House Foundation funds directly support Pembroke House School to provide educators, boarding and sporting facilities, and extracurricular opportunities, while nurturing a diverse community. The Foundation focuses on three areas: Endowment, Infrastructure and Local Charity, to fund programs and scholarships and to enhance Pembroke's facilities. Completed projects include a music school, The Martlet Café and a theatre, as well as two full-size tennis courts. The Foundation also supports local charities, committing up to 10% of funds raised to select local causes.
Pembroke runs Gap Year Opportunities for graduates to work around the school as classroom assistants, reading support, games supervision, boarding-house duties and weekend clubs. The school maintains an excellent pupil-to-staff ratio of 6:1, ensuring opportunities to take on responsibilities across school life. Safeguarding and pastoral structures include a Tutor system and accessible staff, supporting leadership development, teamwork and personal growth. Leadership experiences are embedded in boarding, house systems and a range of activities.
Adventure Learning is delivered on Pembroke's 140-acre campus, with outdoor sessions in forests, streams and grounds that focus on resilience, initiative and collaboration. Each day includes regular sport and physical activity as part of the sports and outdoor learning curriculum. The school prioritises healthy eating with a varied, nutritionally balanced menu prepared on-site from locally sourced produce. An on-site health centre with nurses and a visiting doctor, plus access to a counsellor, supports pupils' health and emotional wellbeing.
Pembroke House School is a co‑educational British‑curriculum prep school in Kenya offering day and boarding for pupils from six months to 13 years. It follows the British National Curriculum in Pre‑Prep, Junior and Middle School, adapting content to reflect East African heritage and setting; core subjects include English, Kiswahili, French and Kenyan History, with Adventure Learning, STEAM and Design Technology. In Years 7 and 8, many subjects follow the British Common Entrance framework to prepare for exams in Year 8. The 140‑acre Rift Valley campus supports outdoor learning and practical exploration across sporting, creative and academic disciplines. Founded in 1927, the school became co‑educational in 1988 and Pre‑Prep was introduced in 2008. The Pembroke House Foundation funds major facilities, including a music school, theatre and café, as well as two full‑size tennis courts. A dedicated Science Laboratory and a STEAM Centre opened in 2021 complement a broad arts and performance programme, with a Martlet emblem and Fortuna Favet Fortibus motto reflecting a knowledge‑driven culture. Boarding provides a home away from home.