Braeside Thika vs Brookhurst International School - Kiserian
Braeside Thika and Brookhurst International School - Kiserian are both in Nairobi. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and BTEC Qualification programmes. Braeside Thika also offers EYFS, and Brookhurst International School - Kiserian also offers IB. Published annual fees are close, at KES 113,100 - 1,411,200 for Braeside Thika and KES 140,000 - 1,485,500 for Brookhurst International School - Kiserian. Braeside Thika takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Brookhurst International School - Kiserian from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 725 and 700 pupils.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP), BTEC Qualification
Pupils
Pupils
725
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
12
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1969
Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Braeside Thika is located on Mang'u Road, Exit 16A off the Thika Highway, Thika, Kenya. The mailing address is P.O. Box 750, 00100 Thika, Kenya. Telephone numbers are +254 721 374858 and +254 733 497988; admissions +254 119 734651.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Early Years, Primary, and Secondary. We teach children from age 3 to 18.
Stages
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School type
School type
Co-educational international school with boarding.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Kenya
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
A school bus service is available for weekly boarders. The bus drops off/picks up at Braeburn Garden Estate School (BGE); weekly boarders depart on Friday at 4:00 pm and return on Sunday by 5:00 pm. Parents/guardians can arrange pickup from the main school or from BGE.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Registration and Deposits - Registration (non-refundable): KES 5,000 payable with the completed registration form. - Tuition deposit (charged once on joining, top-up required for losses/breakages): KES 15,000 for all day-year groups. The deposit (or remaining balance) is refundable at the end of a pupil's final term following clearance by the headteacher. - Boarding deposit (where applicable): KES 10,000 charged once on joining; refundable as above after clearance.
Tuition fees by year group — annual and per-term (KES) Note: Years 11–13 are billed in two tranches; all other years are billed in three tranches. Per-term amounts below are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by the number of tranches billed for that year group and are rounded to the nearest KES.
- Pre-Crèche: Annual tuition KES 113,100 — per term (3 tranches) KES 37,700. - Play Group: Annual tuition KES 255,000 — per term (3 tranches) KES 85,000. - FS1 (Nursery) & FS2 (Reception): Annual tuition KES 472,800 — per term (3 tranches) KES 157,600. - Year 1 & 2: Annual tuition KES 611,699 — per term (3 tranches) KES 203,900 (rounded). - Year 3 & 4: Annual tuition KES 841,499 — per term (3 tranches) KES 280,500 (rounded). - Year 5 & 6: Annual tuition KES 911,099 — per term (3 tranches) KES 303,700 (rounded). - Year 7 & 8: Annual tuition KES 1,199,999 — per term (3 tranches) KES 400,000 (rounded). - Year 9: Annual tuition KES 1,244,100 — per term (3 tranches) KES 414,700. - Year 10: Annual tuition KES 1,264,200 — per term (3 tranches) KES 421,400. - Year 11: Annual tuition KES 1,264,200 — per tranche (2 tranches) KES 632,100. - Year 12 & 13: Annual tuition KES 1,411,200 — per tranche (2 tranches) KES 705,600.
Boarding fees - Year 3–6 (full boarding): Annual boarding fee KES 745,500; boarding deposit KES 10,000. - Year 7–13 (full boarding): Annual boarding fee KES 828,899; boarding deposit KES 10,000. - Boarding deposits are charged once on joining and refundable at the end of a pupil's final term following clearance by the headteacher.
Other recurring fees and services (annual amounts) - Lunch: Pre-Crèche to Year 2 — KES 90,600; Year 3 to Year 11 — KES 113,400; Year 12 & 13 — KES 105,900. - Transport (annual by zone): Zone 1 — KES 132,000; Zone 2 — KES 162,900; Zone 3 — KES 272,400. Family transport discount applies (50% for 2nd and each subsequent sibling on same route). - Activity fees: Charged separately and communicated by official letter from the headteacher; these are not included in the annual tuition figures above. - Examinations and enrolment-related fees: Not included in the tuition figures above and charged where applicable.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing schedule: Years 11–13 are billed in two tranches (August and December). All other year groups are billed in three tranches (August, December and April). Per-term tuition above follows this billing schedule. - Advance payment: In year groups with limited vacancies, a 20% advance of the tuition fee is payable against the first term's invoice; this advance payment is not refundable if a confirmed place is not taken up. - Early payment discount: A 3% discount on tuition is given when full payment is made within 6 days of the due date (fees are payable on or before the first day of each term). - Late payment surcharge: A surcharge of 1.25% per month is levied for late payment of fees. - 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.
Discounts - Family tuition discounts (applied to tuition only): 2nd child 10%; 3rd child 20%; 4th child 30%; 5th and subsequent child 40%. - Family transport discount: 50% on transport for the 2nd and each subsequent sibling on the same route.
Refunds and adjustments - The tuition deposit (and boarding deposit where applicable) is refundable at the end of a pupil's final term after the headteacher's clearance, subject to deductions for losses or breakages. - The non-refundable registration fee and any non-refundable advance payments (where charged) are not refundable.
Fee changes and governing terms - The Board of Directors reserves the right to alter fees with five months' notice.
Fee payment options - The published fee structure does not specify the school's accepted payment channels (for example bank transfer, mobile-money, card or cheque) within the fee schedule. Please use the school contact details for current payment arrangements.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Braeside Thika offers Full Boarding and Weekly Boarding. Full boarders stay on campus during term with meals included and may go home on weekends if parents notify the Head of Boarding by Wednesday; weekend activities are available. Weekly boarders depart Fridays at 4:00 pm and return Sundays by 5:00 pm, with school transport arrangements as needed; overnight weekend plans can be arranged with prior notice. Four houses on site—Serengeti (junior boys), Zion (junior girls), Sahara (senior boys), and Shaba (senior girls)—each house up to 12 students.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
All students are required to wear the school uniform.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Meals are provided daily as part of the dining arrangement, with nutritious, well-balanced meals; students may also bring a packed healthy lunch. There is a large dining facility with a fully equipped and staffed kitchen.
Food options
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House system
House system
There are four houses on site: Serengeti House (junior boys), Zion House (junior girls), Sahara House (senior boys), and Shaba House (senior girls); each houses a maximum of 12 students and has a house parent.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Braeside Thika is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school follows the British National Curriculum with additional learning opportunities to enhance it. The curriculum is balanced, broad and relevant, aiming to create active learners and responsible global citizens. Examinations are offered through Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE and A levels). BTEC Level 3 qualifications are available. ABRSM music examinations are part of the school's assessment framework. The curriculum includes Performing Arts, Sports, Active lifestyles and Outdoor Learning, with a Personalised Learning Department to support or challenge learners.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
There is a Personalised Learning Department that provides additional support and challenge materials for very able pupils, based on informal teacher assessments to set targets and monitor progress.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Braeside Thika is guided by the Braeburn Group's vision to develop a strong sense of internationalism, encouraging cultural understanding, tolerance, open-mindedness and positivity. The school provides an education of high quality to maximise academic, physical and artistic potential and to foster active, compassionate lifelong learners. It develops personal integrity, inner reflection and ambition for both personal and group success while encouraging responsibility for one's actions. The community emphasises diversity and inclusivity, nurturing personal growth within a proudly international school environment. Every student is supported to become a confident individual, a responsible global citizen and a successful lifelong learner.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school welcomes children with mild learning difficulties and offers a range of additional support, with inclusion in mainstream classes and withdrawal from one or two subjects in consultation with parents. Where known or suspected, parents are encouraged to inform the school of any additional needs before admission. If the school cannot meet a child's needs, parents will be advised to withdraw and recommendations for alternative provision will be made. The school provides inclusion in mainstream classes with targeted adjustments, and there is a specialist Personalised Learning Department to provide support and challenge materials for pupils.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The admissions policy states the school has limited provision for children with no knowledge of English. EYU and KS1 pupils are supported in mainstream classes whether beginners or more advanced. KS2 and KS3 beginners undergo an intensive English course for an hour a day for 10 weeks, withdrawn from Literacy in the morning lessons where possible.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The curriculum emphasises developing a healthy lifestyle to aid physical and mental well-being through co-curricular and sporting activities. It also focuses on personal integrity and inner reflection, fostering ambition for personal and group success while encouraging responsibility for one's actions. The vision states every student should be a successful learner, a confident individual and a responsible citizen. The mission highlights valuing diversity, inclusivity and internationalism within a caring environment, contributing to emotional and social well-being.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
All Braeside Thika staff are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people at the school. A Safeguarding Policy applies to all adults, including volunteers, working in or on behalf of the school and serves as an overarching document to keep children safe from harm and abuse. A Complaints Policy and Procedures exist to address parent concerns in accordance with policy. Braeside Thika is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools, which supports safeguarding standards. Safeguarding and the welfare of children are everyone's responsibility, with staff following defined procedures and responsibilities.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school operates from modern, architecturally designed buildings that create a comfortable and stimulating classroom environment. All classrooms are equipped with a data projector and ICT facilities. There is a dedicated 6th Form area, a well-equipped, age-appropriate library, and a music room with a range of instruments. The campus also contains two computing suites, an art room, three specialist science laboratories, and a Food and Nutrition classroom with internationally sourced teaching and learning resources. Outdoor facilities include an open-air auditorium, playing fields, a 25-metre swimming pool with a dedicated Early Years pool, a large dining facility, a sick bay, a fleet of buses, and secure car parks.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Playing fields provide space for outdoor sport. The campus also includes a 25-metre swimming pool with a dedicated pool for Early Years.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
All classrooms are equipped with a data projector and ICT equipment; a dedicated 6th Form area provides private study space; there is a well-equipped, age-appropriate library, and a Music room with a variety of instruments. The campus also houses two computing suites, an art room, three specialist science laboratories, and a Food and Nutrition classroom, with internationally sourced teaching and learning resources.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
All students take part in at least two extra-curricular activities per week, extended to four for boarding students. Activities include Bible study; board games; chess; CAS; computer games; dance; debating; EAMUN; martial arts (Taekwondo); maths clinic; president awards (PA); school production; Scouts; story yoga; rollerblading; World Scholars. Sports include athletics, basketball, cross-country, football, rugby, hockey, netball, rounders, swimming, and tennis.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Braeside Thika originated on the Del Monte pineapple plantation in 1969. The Braeburn Group took over the school in January 2011. The school moved to a brand-new building on Mangu Road in Thika in September 2013. It is part of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
History
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Community
Community
Braeside Thika fosters community through FABT, the Friends at Braeside Thika, a parent-teacher group that coordinates family events. Parents are actively involved through regular communication, termly reports, and parent meetings. FABT also organizes family social events that bring families into school life. In October 2025, the Fathers and guardians hosted Building the Men of Tomorrow, a community event that supported Braeside's boys.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
FABT (Friends at Braeside Thika) is the parent-teacher association. It connects families with the school and coordinates family social events. Members participate in regular communication with the school and attend termly reports and parent meetings. FABT supports school activities and fosters community among Braeside Thika families. The association is involved in events such as Building the Men of Tomorrow, a Fathers and Guardians event.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school has Debating, East Africa Model United Nations (EAMUN), and Maths Clinic to develop academic and analytical skills. World Scholars provides opportunities for advanced academic exploration. CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) supports holistic learning, and President Awards (PA) recognise achievement. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The school has Dance as an arts-based extracurricular. School Production provides opportunities for performance and collaboration. Story Yoga is available as a creative activity. These arts activities contribute to artistic expression and school events.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school runs East Africa Model United Nations (EAMUN) as an extracurricular. This program promotes international understanding and cross-cultural collaboration. It supports global citizenship and teamwork through interactions with peers from different backgrounds. The school also engages students in related cultural activities during events.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The school has Board games and Computer games as social and hobby activities. Rollerblading and Scouts provide recreational and social engagement. Dance and other performances offer opportunities for social participation beyond the classroom. The activities help students pursue personal interests outside lessons.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) engages students in service and community involvement. The President Awards (PA) recognises community service and achievement. These activities emphasise social responsibility and community engagement beyond academics.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Debating and East Africa Model United Nations (EAMUN) develop leadership, research and public-speaking skills. The President Awards (PA) provides leadership and achievement opportunities. Participation in these programs builds professional competencies such as teamwork, communication and project planning.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Athletics, Basketball, Cross-country, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rounders, Rugby, Swimming, Table-tennis, and Tennis are part of the sports program. Martial arts: Taekwondo is offered as part of the programme. Dance and Story Yoga provide wellbeing and mindfulness opportunities. The broad sport and activity options promote physical health and wellbeing for students.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the predominant language of instruction. Kiswahili and French are offered as modern foreign languages. French is taught from primary through secondary and is an optional IGCSE subject.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Overview: Braeside Thika welcomes children from all backgrounds. The Primary school serves ages 2 to 11, and the Secondary school serves up to 18. The academic year begins in September, but students can join at any time. To reserve a place, complete the application form and pay a small non-refundable registration fee; an offer is made in writing depending on places available. If a place cannot be accommodated immediately, a waiting list is used. 2. Admissions process: Before starting the admissions process we recommend you visit the school for a tour, or have an informal chat with the headteacher if you are out of the country. Final admission is subject to interview with the headteacher. Upon successful completion of the admissions process you will receive a letter from the headteacher confirming the placement and the start date. 3. Admissions policy details: Braeside Thika follows the Braeburn Group of International Schools policy. Supporting documents include copies of passport or birth certificate, the previous 2 reports, leaving certificate from the previous school. Year group age requirements are listed (Creche to Year 12) with placement by age; exceptions may be made for Additional Educational Needs with substantial evidence. Children are never placed above their age band. Parents of July/August birthdays may choose to hold their children back; the advantages and possible disadvantages will be explained on admission. Waiting lists exist when a year group is full; priority may be given to siblings. Admission testing is used to assess access to the curriculum and to help set targets. The headteacher's letter confirms placement and start date after successful completion of the process.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
Braeside Thika opens scholarship applications for Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 applicants for September 2026. Scholarships are available in All Round, Academic, Excellence In Extracurricular Activities, and Leadership categories. For details on the application criteria, view the All Round, Academic, Excellence In Extracurricular Activities, and Leadership documents. Important dates include: Closing Date: Friday, 14th November 2025; Scholarship Interview Day: Wednesday, 19th November 2025; Scholarship Shortlisting Day: Monday, 24th November 2025; Offer Announcement: Tuesday, 2nd December 2025. All external scholarship applications must include the completion of a formal school admission form. Braeside Thika is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
Waiting lists are used when a year group is full; waiting lists operate on a first come, first served basis; priority may be given to siblings of children who have a place.
