Braeside Thika vs St. Austin's Academy

	B Braeside Thika Nairobi, Kenya	S St. Austin's Academy Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 113,100 - 1,411,200	Fees / year KES 15,000 - 1,378,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 725	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1969	Opened 1971
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 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 Early Years, Primary, and Secondary. We teach children from age 3 to 18.	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 with boarding.	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 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 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 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 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 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 —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All students are required to wear the school uniform.	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 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 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 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 —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Braeside Thika is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.	Governance and ownership —
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 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 —	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 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 —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
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 —
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) —
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 —
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 —
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 —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
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 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 provide space for outdoor sport. The campus also includes a 25-metre swimming pool with a dedicated pool for Early Years.	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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 —
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 —
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.	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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