Braeside Lavington vs St. Austin's Academy

	B Braeside Lavington Nairobi, Kenya	S St. Austin's Academy Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 5,000 - 1,465,000	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 International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 1,047	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1994	Opened 1971
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Braeside Lavington is in Nairobi, Kenya. It is located off Muthangari Road in the Lavington neighbourhood of Nairobi. It is part of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.	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 Ages 3–18; Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form.	Stages Kindergarten; Primary Curriculum; Junior School Curriculum; Senior School (Lower Secondary Curriculum); Senior School (Upper Secondary Curriculum); A Level
School type	School type Co-educational international school	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 —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	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 covered - The fee figures below apply to the 2025/2026 academic year. Application and registration - Non‑refundable registration (application) fee: KSh 5,000 payable with the registration form. - Entry deposit (one‑off, charged on joining): KSh 15,000. The deposit is charged once and is refundable at the end of a pupil's final term following clearance by the headteacher. - In some year groups with limited vacancies a 20% advance of the tuition fee is payable against the first term's invoice; this advance is not refundable if a confirmed place is not taken up. Tuition fees — annual and per term / per tranche (by year group) - Crèche (Half Day): Annual KSh 495,600 — billed in three tranches; per term (three-tranche) KSh 165,200. - Crèche (Full Day), FS1 (Nursery) & FS2 (Reception): Annual KSh 688,798 — billed in three tranches; per term (three-tranche) KSh 229,599.33. - Year 1 to Year 6: Annual KSh 1,183,800 — billed in three tranches; per term KSh 394,600. - Year 7 to Year 9: Annual KSh 1,322,100 — billed in three tranches; per term KSh 440,700. - Year 10: Annual KSh 1,398,000 — Year 10 is billed in three tranches; per term KSh 466,000. - Year 11: Annual KSh 1,398,000 — Year 11 is billed in two tranches (August and December); per tranche KSh 699,000. - Year 12 & Year 13: Annual KSh 1,465,000 — Years 12 and 13 are billed in two tranches (August and December); per tranche KSh 732,500. Lunch fees (annual) - Crèche to Year 2: Annual KSh 122,400. - Year 3 to Year 6: Annual KSh 128,400. - Year 7 & Year 8: Annual KSh 138,300. - Year 9 to Year 13: Annual KSh 140,399. Lunch charges are included in the published fee categories but are billed according to the school's tranche schedule for each year group. Transport (annual, by zone) - Zone A (return): KSh 109,799; Zone A (one way): KSh 66,000. - Zone B (return): KSh 142,800; Zone B (one way): KSh 85,800. - Zone C (return): KSh 175,499; Zone C (one way): KSh 105,598. - Zone D (return): KSh 197,100; Zone D (one way): KSh 118,500. Transport is optional and charged in addition to tuition; family discounts on transport apply when siblings use the same route. Boarding fees - Boarding is referenced among possible fee components but no specific boarding fee amounts are published in the school's published fee schedule. Other charges and recurring extras - Examination fees, enrolment charges and certain activity or trip charges are not included in the published tuition/lunch/transport figures and are charged separately when applicable. Activity fees are normally accompanied by an official letter from the headteacher. - The published tuition figures are described as fully inclusive of all approved textbooks and exercise books. Discounts, surcharges and billing schedule - Billing schedule: Years 11–13 are billed in two tranches (August and December). All other years are billed in three tranches (August, December and April). - Early payment discount: 3% discount on tuition fees when full payment is made within 6 days of the term due date. - Family (sibling) discounts on tuition only: 2nd child 10%; 3rd child 20%; 4th child 30%; 5th and subsequent children 40%. Family discount on transport (subject to same route) is 50% for the 2nd and each subsequent sibling. - Late payment surcharge: 1.25% per month on overdue amounts. Refund and withdrawal terms - Registration fee: non‑refundable. - Entry deposit: refundable at the end of a pupil's final term after clearance by the headteacher (subject to deductions for losses or breakages). - A 20% advance payment (where applicable) is non‑refundable if a confirmed place is not taken up. - Withdrawal notice: a full term's written notice, acknowledged in writing by the headteacher, is required for withdrawals; otherwise a full term's fees are payable in lieu of such notice. Fee payment options - The published fee schedule does not specify accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, card, mobile money). Parents are billed in the term/tranche structure described above and should follow the school's invoicing and parent‑portal instructions for payment. Other important points (summary) - Annual figures shown above are in Kenya Shillings (KSh) and cover tuition, lunch and transport where indicated; examination and certain activity fees are additional. The Board of Directors reserves the right to alter fees on five months' 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 The uniform is white and blue and uses a plaid pattern for dresses and ties.	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform policy for all students from kindergarten through senior year. The school gets its uniform from School outfitters, and a new uniform provider named Threads is being used for the upcoming year.
Food options	Food options —	Food options There is a large dining hall. All food handlers have personal protective equipment (gloves, aprons and masks) to promote health and hygiene. Students wash hands before and after eating. Tables and chairs are spaced at least one meter apart and staggered dining shifts may be used; where possible lunches and snacks take place within each class; there is no sharing of food or utensils. Utensils and other kitchen items are cleaned with soap and hot water and disinfected by soaking in a 0.1% chlorine solution for one minute before air-drying.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Braeside Lavington is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Braeside Lavington follows a balanced, broad curriculum based on the National Curriculum, with additional learning opportunities to enhance and extend learning. The aim is to prepare students for adult and working life in the 21st century, emphasising flexibility, creativity, and international-mindedness. The curriculum covers Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form, with sport and the creative arts integral to school life.	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 Braeside Sixth Form offers AS and A Levels or the BTEC Extended Diploma. Entry requirements for A Levels are five IGCSE passes at grade C or above, typically with four subjects at AS and at least three to A level in Year 13. A wide range of subjects is offered, including Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics, Literature in English, Art and Design, Business Studies, IT, Sociology, Psychology, History, Geography, and Global Perspectives. The Careers team provides ongoing guidance and university placement support, and graduates progress to reputable universities locally and overseas.	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 The music program provides ABRSM and LCM examinations for more talented students.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Social and emotional development is fostered within a warm, friendly and caring learning environment, supporting students' academic, social, emotional and physical growth.	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 Learning takes place in a fun and caring environment that nurtures personal growth and well-being.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Staff are committed to safeguarding and a Safeguarding Policy applies to all adults working in or on behalf of the school.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Architecturally aesthetic buildings provide a comfortable and stimulating classroom environment; Dedicated Middle School and Upper School sections; Reliable internet connectivity in all classrooms. The campus includes two age-appropriate libraries, a well-equipped Music room with a variety of instruments, three computing suites, an Art room, four specialist Science Laboratories, and a fully equipped Food Laboratory with internationally sourced teaching and learning resources. A 420-seat theatre, playing fields, a basketball court, and a 25-metre swimming pool (with a dedicated Early Years pool) support a broad curriculum. The dining facility is large and airy with a staffed kitchen; a counselling room, a sick bay with qualified nurses, a fleet of buses, and secure car parks complete the campus.	Facilities overview The school has a competition-size swimming pool. There are two music rooms. A large and airy dining hall overlooks the grounds. There are state-of-the-art science labs. Libraries are available on campus. Lush, green playing fields, a basketball court, and an art room complete the facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Playing fields, a basketball court, and a 25-metre swimming pool with a dedicated Early Years pool.	Sports facilities There are lush, green playing fields on campus. A basketball court is available. A competition-size swimming pool is available for swimming.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Dedicated Middle School and Upper School sections support academic progression. Reliable internet connectivity in all classrooms underpins teaching and learning; two libraries, three computing suites, an Art room, four specialist Science Laboratories, and a fully equipped Food Laboratory provide resources for a broad curriculum; internationally sourced teaching and learning resources are used.	Academic facilities State-of-the-art science labs are on site. Libraries are available on campus. Pupils work with computers from the beginning of their time, encouraging use of technology. Information and Communication Technology resources are used to support teaching.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Music, drama and art are supported by the Creative, Technical, and Vocational (CTV) Department, with peripatetic music teachers and ABRSM examinations. Sport is central to school life, with inter-house competitions and fixtures through the Kenya Association for Independent International Schools (KAIIS); participation spans athletics, football, rugby, hockey, swimming, cross country, netball and rounders, with involvement in fixtures against over 20 international schools.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular clubs are offered on campus. Model United Nations is available as an activity. Community Service is available as an activity.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Since its founding in 1994, Braeside Lavington has grown from an all Kenyan population to encompass over 50 nationalities. It is a co-educational, multicultural school located off Muthangari Road in Lavington, Nairobi. The school provides education from Early Years Foundation Stage (age 2) to Sixth Form (age 17) and offers an international version of the National Curriculum of England. The school is organized into EYFS, Primary, Middle and Upper School divisions, with open communication between home and school integral to ongoing success.	History The school was established in 1970. It is located on James Gichuru Road in Nairobi. St. Austin's Academy develops and nurtures the whole student across academics, athletics, the arts, social life, and spirituality. It is committed to building a community where all individuals belong and thrive, celebrating both the person and the community. Leadership and service are encouraged, and students are expected to be respectful, responsible citizens.
Community	Community Braeside Lavington is a community in which relationships between students, teachers and parents foster a supportive and collaborative environment with a focus on acknowledging achievements while identifying opportunities for evolvement and improvement. Open communication between home and school is actively encouraged and integral to the ongoing success of both students and the community. Braeside Lavington also offers a vibrant, positive culture that features mutual respect and appreciation as core features of the school.	Community St. Austin's fosters a strong sense of community where individuals belong and thrive. It is committed to developing and nurturing the whole student in academics, athletics, arts, social life, and spirituality, and to cultivating leadership and service. The school encourages students to be good citizens who demonstrate compassion and value living by a set of shared principles. This emphasis on community is reflected in classroom life, hallways, and extracurricular activities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a weekly programme of co-curricular clubs and societies that complement the curriculum and support intellectual development. It includes Chess, Page Turners, Young Scientists, Young Investors, East Africa Model United Nations, Middle School Model United Nations, and Expo-Lingua (French), with language clubs in Spanish and German; students also participate in international events such as the World Scholars Cup.	Academic & intellectual British National Curriculum is followed across Kindergarten, Primary, and Senior Schools. Lower Secondary is based on Key Stage Three and prepares students for the IGCSE; Upper Secondary offers Cambridge IGCSE, AS‑Level, and A‑Level qualifications. In 2024, 80.2% of IGCSE students scored A* to C, and the class of 2023/24 transitioned to universities globally.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Sport, music, art and drama are important aspects of the school. The music program includes ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and London College of Music qualifications, and students may join choirs and bands to perform in school and at international events.	Arts & creative Art and Design are part of the curriculum, with Music and Drama providing opportunities to perform. Drama and Music are integrated from early years, and students participate in concerts and plays. The school supports after‑school arts activities, including choirs and other performances.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Expo-Lingua (French), Spanish and German language clubs are offered, supporting language development. Multiculture activities and East Africa Model United Nations provide cultural exposure and global awareness.	Cultural & language Kiswahili is taught from year one, initially oral to build confidence in communication, with reading and writing developed as students progress. French is taught with emphasis on speaking and listening, with reading and writing developing over time. Model United Nations is offered as an educational activity to develop research, public speaking, debating and teamwork in an international context.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies An extensive list of clubs and activities includes Chess, Page Turners, Cuisine, Drama, E-Community, Interact, International Climate Change, President's Award, Table Tennis, Badminton, Basketball, Soccer (Girls), Water Polo, Zumba, Self Defence, Bible Study and more.	Social & hobbies A wide range of after‑school activities is offered, including basketball, football, badminton, volleyball, athletics, dodgeball, netball, swimming, gymnastics, cricket and rounders. The program aims to foster belonging, school spirit, cross‑grade collaboration, and interaction with teachers beyond class time.
Community & service	Community & service Interact (under the Rotary Club of Kenya), Red Cross, and E-Community are part of the programme to promote volunteering and service. These clubs support charitable work and community projects.	Community & service Community Service is a key program with about 90% of students volunteering through outreach projects. Projects range from one‑day events to weekly activities and multi‑week trips in Kenya, with opportunities to engage with community partners in Nairobi. The Community Service Office comprises three faculty members, 25 student leaders and coordinators, coordinating off‑site volunteering and partnerships.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership development is fostered through the President's Award and Young Investors. Participation in Model United Nations and other societies builds public speaking, teamwork and entrepreneurial skills.	Leadership & professional Student Leadership opportunities include roles such as Head Girl and Head Boy, with leadership experiences highlighted by student reflections. The school supports leadership development through these positions and related activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing A broad sports programme includes Cricket, Athletics, Hockey, Rugby, Football, Netball and Swimming. A late bus service enables greater participation in after-school activities.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Student Care and Support is holistic and wellness‑oriented, with a circle of care that includes teachers, coaches, and administrators. The staff stay current with best practices to support all learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs. Health and safety procedures, psychosocial support, and counselor resources are in place to promote wellbeing for learners and staff.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English as an additional language is provided for pupils with no knowledge of English, with assessment to determine proficiency. EYU and KS1 pupils are supported in mainstream classes, while KS2 and KS3 beginners undertake an intensive English course for one hour per day for 10 weeks, withdrawn from Literacy, preferably in the morning. Where numbers allow, setting in Mathematics, English, and Modern Foreign Languages may take place in Year 2 and above.	Language provision Kiswahili is taught from year one, initially orally only, with emphasis on confidence and intelligible communication; reading and writing are developed as learners progress. French is taught with emphasis on speaking and listening, with reading and writing introduced as students advance.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Visit Braeside Lavington for a tour or have an informal chat with the headteacher before starting the admissions process. This helps families understand the environment and ask questions. If you are outside the country, arrange the visit or conversation as part of the initial contact. Final admission is subject to an interview with the headteacher. 2. Entrance assessment is conducted using age-appropriate tools. This ensures the pupil can access the curriculum and provides teachers with a picture of the child's needs and strengths. It also helps with target setting for academic performance. The assessment informs next steps in the admissions process. 3. The interview with the headteacher is part of the admissions process. It helps determine placement and suitability for Braeside Lavington. 4. Upon completion of the admissions process, a letter from the headteacher confirms the placement and the start date.	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 Where a year group is full, new admissions are placed on a waiting list. Waiting lists operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority may be given to siblings of children who already have a place in the school.	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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