Cavina School vs Hillcrest International School

	C Cavina School Nairobi, Kenya	H Hillcrest International School Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 355,500 - 1,145,400	Fees / year KES 577,600 - 3,055,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 13 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Pupils	Pupils 117	Pupils 630
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1950	Opened 1965
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya. The campus sits on a leafy site in the heart of Kilimani. It is accessible by local roads with nearby amenities and transport links.	Location Hillcrest International Schools is located on Hillcrest Road in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. The mailing address is P.O. Box 24819 - 00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
Stages	Stages Pre-Prep Unit (ages 2–5) and Prep School (ages 6–13).	Stages Early Years; Preparatory; Secondary; Sixth Form.
School type	School type British-curriculum preparatory school with a Christian foundation.	School type The school is a private international school with boarding facilities and is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Around 40 nationalities are represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Cavina provides in-class support for pupils with special educational needs. Pupils identified as needing additional provision receive small group or one-to-one interventions, and, where necessary, specialists and therapists are brought in to support the child.	Additional learning support Provision for SEND and EAL.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Kenya.	Country affiliation Kenya
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Christian.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Each school day begins with a Christian act of worship. Fridays feature morning devotions arranged by house captains and House Assemblies use the Book of Common Prayer. The daily life integrates spiritual life with academic learning.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a bus service with defined routes and transport arrangements.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - Registration (application) fee: KES 7,500 (non‑refundable). - Admission deposit: A full term's tuition fee is payable to secure a offered place; this deposit is non‑refundable if the place is not taken up. Tuition fees (per term) and annual equivalents by year group - Playgroup (age 2–3): KES 118,500 per term — annual equivalent KES 355,500. - PP I (age 3–4): KES 159,000 per term — annual equivalent KES 477,000. - PP II (age 4–5): KES 220,200 per term — annual equivalent KES 660,600. - PP III / Year 1 (age 5–6): KES 263,500 per term — annual equivalent KES 790,500. - Form I / Year 2 (age 6–7): KES 323,100 per term — annual equivalent KES 969,300. - Form II / Year 3 (age 7–8): KES 323,100 per term — annual equivalent KES 969,300. - Form III / Year 4 (age 8–9): KES 342,300 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,026,900. - Form IV / Year 5 (age 9–10): KES 381,800 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,145,400. - Form V / Year 6 (age 10–11): KES 381,800 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,145,400. - Lower VI / Year 7 (age 11–12): KES 381,800 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,145,400. - Upper VI / Year 8 (age 12–13): KES 381,800 per term — annual equivalent KES 1,145,400. Discounts - Sibling discount on tuition (tuition only): 5% for the second child, 10% for the third child, and 15% for the fourth child (applies from PP1). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is charged per term (fees shown above are per term per child). Parents are required to pay the deposit (a full term's fees) to secure a place after admission acceptance. - Withdrawal policy: One full term's written notice is required when removing a child from the school, or one full term's tuition fee in lieu of notice. The notice must be acknowledged by the headmaster. Boarding fees - Cavina operates as a day preparatory school; there are no boarding fees because boarding is not offered. Other costs and recurring charges (per term) - School lunches (per term): Playgroup KES 19,000; Pre‑Prep unit KES 21,000; Preparatory school KES 25,000. - AAR ambulance service fee: KES 1,000 per term. - Uniforms and compulsory clothing: Wearing the school uniform is compulsory. Uniform items are available from the school's official supplier (Animet Ltd — contact details provided by the school). Prices for uniform items are set by the supplier. - Optional activity or external provider fees (e.g., extracurricular providers) may be charged separately as applicable; specific activity charges are invoiced when applicable. Refund information - The registration/application fee (KES 7,500) is non‑refundable. - The admission deposit (one term's fee) is non‑refundable if the offered place is not taken up. - Other refund situations are governed by the school's notice and withdrawal policy (one term's notice or one term's fee in lieu). Specific refunds beyond these stated items are not published. Fee payment options and contact for payment queries - No specific public listing of accepted payment methods (bank transfer, card, cheque, online portal) is published in the school's public fee documents. For confirmation of accepted payment methods and to obtain payment instructions, contact the Admissions or Finance office directly by phone or email: Admissions +254 708 387 746; Main line +254 706 232 334; email admissions@cavina.ac.ke or admin@cavina.ac.ke. Important practical notes - All tuition amounts above are quoted per term; multiply by three to obtain an approximate annual tuition figure based on the school's three‑term year. - For matters not stated explicitly in the fee documents (for example, detailed payment procedures, exact uniform prices, or exceptional refund cases), contact the Admissions or Finance office using the phone numbers or email addresses above.	Fee details Application / Registration deposit - A placement deposit is required at enrolment. Deposit amounts by year group: KES 25,000 (Playgroup–FS1/FS2/Year 1), KES 50,000 (Year 2–Year 8), KES 100,000 (Year 9–Year 13). Tuition fees — annual and per term (by year group) - Playgroup (Mornings Only): Annual KES 384,000 — Per term KES 128,000. - Nursery (Mornings Only): Annual KES 767,400 — Per term KES 255,800. - Nursery (Full Day): Annual KES 946,199 — Per term KES 315,400. - FS1 (Mornings Only): Annual KES 844,200 — Per term KES 281,400. - FS1 (Full Day): Annual KES 1,022,998 — Per term KES 341,000. - FS2: Annual KES 1,133,700 — Per term KES 377,900. - Year 1: Annual KES 1,317,900 — Per term KES 439,300. - Year 2: Annual KES 1,897,200 — Per term KES 632,400. - Years 3–5: Annual KES 2,398,200 — Per term KES 799,400. - Year 6: Annual KES 2,466,598 — Per term KES 822,199. - Years 7–8: Annual KES 2,574,900 — Per term KES 858,300. - Year 9: Annual KES 2,652,900 — Per term KES 884,300. - Years 10–11: Annual KES 2,881,500 — Per term KES 960,500. - Years 12–13: Annual KES 3,083,099 — Per term KES 1,027,700. Notes on calculation: annual tuition figures are stated as the programme fee per academic year; per-term figures shown above are the annual tuition divided across the school's three-term academic year. Lunch, transport and other recurring fees - Lunch (Years 9–13): Annual KES 133,500 — Per term KES 44,500. - Transport (EYFS–Year 13): Annual charges by zone (return and one-way): - Zone A: Return KES 168,600; One-way KES 101,398. - Zone B: Return KES 219,300; One-way KES 131,702. - Zone C: Return KES 269,702; One-way KES 162,000. - Zone D: Return KES 303,600; One-way KES 182,100. Transport is billed as an annual charge as shown. Boarding fees and options - Boarding options: Full boarding, Weekly boarding and a Flexi option are offered for Years 7–13. Full boarding provides term-long residence (including weekends); weekly boarding runs Monday to Friday; flexi-boarders stay for selected nights. - Boarding charges (annual) and deposit: - Full boarding (Year 7–13): Annual KES 1,074,600 — Deposit KES 28,955 — Per term KES 358,200. - Weekly boarding (Year 7–13): Annual KES 681,898 — Deposit KES 28,955 — Per term KES 227,299. Other one-off or variable costs - Uniform: School uniform must be purchased from the school's approved suppliers (Animet and Image First). Costs for uniform items are payable directly to those suppliers. - Co-curricular activities, certain trips, music tuition, examination entry fees and specialist course fees may incur additional charges depending on the activity and year group; these costs are billed separately when applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school operates on a three-term academic calendar; tuition figures are quoted per academic year and are invoiced across the school's term structure. Families are expected to meet termly invoicing schedules. If a family gives less than one term's written notice when withdrawing a pupil, one term's fees will be charged in lieu of notice. - Sibling policy: a sibling discount on tuition is offered for families with more than one child enrolled. (Specific discount levels are applied according to the school's policy.) Refunds and notice - Withdrawal: One term's written notice to the headteacher is required. If one term's notice is not given, one term's fees will be charged in lieu of notice. This is the school's contractual requirement for leaving. - Deposits and other refundable items: deposits are required as listed above; the school's published fee schedule identifies deposit amounts by year group. Specific deposit refund mechanics (timing, conditions) are handled under the school's admissions and finance procedures. Fee payment options - The school uses a parent portal (Engage) for parental accounts and communications; this platform supports integrated payment functionality. Acceptance of card payments and bank transfers is supported through the Engage/Stripe integration used by schools on the platform. In practice, school fee payments are commonly handled via the parent portal, direct bank transfer or other channels enabled by the school's finance office; specific instructions and account details are provided to parents on invoicing. Summary of key headline figures (annual) - Lowest day tuition (Playgroup mornings): KES 384,000. - Typical lower primary (Year 1): KES 1,317,900. - Upper secondary (Years 12–13): KES 3,083,099. - Full boarding (annual): KES 1,074,600. - Transport (example Zone A return annual): KES 168,600. - Lunch (Years 9–13 annual): KES 133,500.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Boarding at Hillcrest is flexible for students aged 10–18, with full, weekly and flexi boarding options. Boarders stay in Toad Hall, with separate girls' and boys' wings, twin rooms for two and a senior single room for older boarders. The houses are run by dedicated house parents and resident nurses who provide care around the clock. Meals are provided by an in-house catering team and served in the house dining room, with weekday lunches eaten in School; weekends feature activities such as go-karting, paintballing and ice-cream making.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are compulsory. The list covers boys and girls from PP1 to Upper VI, including shirts, trousers/skirts, ties, caps, blazers, fleece jackets, stockings, and sportswear; all items must be the correct colour and pattern and clearly marked with the pupil's name. Uniforms are available from Animet Ltd.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunches are provided; per-term charges are: Playgroup 19,000; Pre-Prep Unit (PP1–PP3) 21,000; Preparatory School (FI–UVI) 25,000. An ambulance service (AAR) fee is 1,000 per term.	Food options Meals are prepared by the in-house catering team and served in the house dining room, with weekday lunches eaten in School. The kitchen offers a wide array of tasty, healthy meals that accommodate dietary requirements and reflect the diverse tastes of the Hillcrest community.
House system	House system The school operates a house system; house captains arrange Friday morning devotions and review progress by each house. House Assemblies use the Book of Common Prayer with set Scripture readings.	House system Boarding comprises a girls' boarding house and a boys' boarding house, each two floors with twin rooms for two. The houses are run by dedicated house parents, assisted by a male and a female nurse who reside in the respective sections.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school was founded in 1950 by Hugh Massie-Blomfield. It remained in the Massie-Blomfield family for decades, with Jean and then Anthony Massie-Blomfield; it is now steered by a board of directors.	Governance and ownership Hillcrest International Schools is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Cavina curriculum is British-curriculum preparatory for children aged two to 13. The school is divided into Pre-prep and Prep School. The Common Entrance examination, taken in the final year, includes eight major subjects: Mathematics, English, French, Science, British History, Geography, Scripture, and Latin. English is central, with English language and literature taught to all pupils. The curriculum also includes Computer Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, and the Performing Arts; by age 13 pupils are introduced to three languages and undertake independent projects and broader learning experiences.	Curriculum details The school follows the British National Curriculum and offers IGCSEs in Years 9–11 and A-Level courses and BTEC courses in Years 12–13. Cambridge International Examinations Board is the preferred syllabus in the majority of subject areas.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio The school has low student-teacher ratios.
Exam results	Exam results Past and current Cavina pupils have won academic, sports and music scholarships to top senior schools such as Peponi Secondary, St Andrew's Turi, Brookhouse and Hillcrest. The Beacon Scholarship provides two-thirds of the costs for secondary and UK university education.	Exam results A Level results show 2023 A/A at 35.03%, A-B at 57.32%, A-C at 81.53%, and A-E at 99.36%. IGCSE results show 2023 A/A at 21.27%, A-B at 51.09%, A-C at 80.0%, and A-G at 98.81%.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Many Cavina pupils win scholarships to senior schools in Kenya and abroad, and some go on to study at world-class universities. The Beacon Scholarship provides two-thirds of the costs for secondary and UK university education.	Higher education progression The school opens the door to further and higher education and their chosen career path.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Scholarships are available for high achievers, including the Kenneth Mason Scholarship (for Year 7) and the Founder's Scholarship (for Years 5–6), with a maximum of two scholarships awarded per year. The Kenneth Mason and Founder's Scholarships recognize outstanding ability in sports, music, acting or art and require academic excellence and leadership potential. The Beacon Scholarship is a leadership bursary that provides up to two-thirds of costs for secondary and UK university education.	Gifted and talented The school has identified 50 pupils as the most able; these pupils receive additional curriculum support at departmental level and through extra-curricular activities.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Cavina's small, family atmosphere supports pupil welfare and social development. The senior leadership team and form teachers monitor each pupil's academic and personal progress, and Year 8 pupils (and others needing extra support) have access to a dedicated teacher mentor. Professional counsellors and a nurse are available to support pupils' emotional wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning Hillcrest is an international school that emphasizes inclusion, cooperation and mutual respect across cultures. It nurtures confident, well‑adjusted, socially responsible young citizens who respect others and contribute to the diverse community they learn in. The school's ethos encourages involvement in the wider community to develop compassion and empathy. A personalised approach to learning supports students' social and emotional development and fosters positive relationships with peers and staff.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Cavina takes special educational needs seriously. Pupils with SEN receive in-classroom support from all teachers, and those identified as requiring additional provision benefit from small-group or one-to-one interventions. If necessary, additional specialists and therapists are brought in following consultations with parents.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Learning Support Department helps students with specific learning difficulties or differences, as well as Gifted and Talented learners, to become independent, confident learners. All students are screened on entry, and those identified as needing specialist help are referred to an Educational Psychologist for a full assessment. The school maintains permanent specialist learning support teachers in Maths, English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) to provide targeted support. Parents can request information on SEND and EAL provisions and related policies.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) is supported by permanent specialist learning support teachers within the Learning Support Department. EAL is part of the department's work alongside Maths and English, with assessments and targeted support to help multilingual learners access the curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing A fulltime paediatric nurse monitors the physical and emotional wellbeing of pupils and offers fitness and nutrition advice.	Mental wellbeing Each student has a dedicated Personal Tutor for one‑on‑one pastoral support. A School Counsellor attends to pastoral needs and wellbeing, working with Heads of Year and safeguarding leads to identify and intervene where needed. A wellbeing curriculum is being developed, complemented by enrichment talks and workshops. Mental health is placed at the centre of pastoral care and health and safety and safeguarding procedures are regularly reviewed.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Pastoral care and medical services support safeguarding and pupil welfare. The senior leadership team monitors pupils' progress, with professional counsellors and a nurse available to assist pupils as needed.	Safeguarding Safeguarding and the protection of children are central to Hillcrest; a Safeguarding Policy exists as part of a suite of policies to ensure children's safety. Parents can request copies of key policies, including Admissions, Provision for SEND and EAL, Curriculum, Behaviour, Health and Safety and First Aid. The school also maintains policies on anti‑bullying, and undergoes regular safeguarding and related inspections.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Cavina is a British-curriculum preparatory school for children aged two to 13, located on a leafy site in Kilimani, Nairobi. The campus has large grounds with a variety of natural ecosystems. There is a well-equipped science laboratory for science instruction. There is a modern, purpose-built music school with teaching rooms and practice rooms.	Facilities overview Multiple information technology suites with on-site Wi‑Fi are available. There are five specialist science laboratories and preparation rooms. Two libraries, a fully equipped design technology suite, a drama studio and an examination hall form key academic spaces. The Sixth Form unit includes a kitchen, common room, lecture theatre and study areas. Outdoor facilities include lush playing fields, tennis and basketball courts, and spaces for a wide range of team sports, complemented by a gym and aerobics/dance studio with an indoor swimming pool. A fleet of Hillcrest buses supports transport.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Cricket is the main sport during the Michaelmas term for both boys and girls. We have access to the Nairobi Club cricket grounds and host fixtures there against other schools. Timetabled sessions twice a week involve nets or field practice, with regular after-school team training. We have an experienced cricket coaching team, including ex-Kenya players. Swimming takes place year-round in Cavina's own 25-metre pool, with an after-school programme and early-morning advanced squad training; Cavina hosts a house swimming gala each March.	Sports facilities Playing fields offer space for team sports and outdoor activities. Tennis and basketball courts are available for court sports. The school provides facilities for a wide range of team sports. A fully equipped gym and aerobics/dance studio support fitness training, and an indoor swimming pool enables aquatic activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The curriculum is English-centered. The school is divided into Pre-prep and Prep sections. Cavina provides instruction in Computer Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, and the Performing Arts. Cavina has a well-equipped science laboratory for science instruction. The eight major subjects for Common Entrance include Mathematics, English, French, Science, British History, Geography, Scripture, and Latin. The school has large grounds with a variety of natural ecosystems in addition to laboratory facilities for science instruction.	Academic facilities The school houses multiple Information Technology suites with on-site Wi‑Fi. Five specialist science laboratories and preparation rooms support science teaching. There is a fully equipped Design Technology suite, a drama studio and an examination hall. Two libraries provide extensive quiet study and resource spaces. The Sixth Form unit includes a kitchen, common room, lecture theatre and study areas.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Adventure fires the spirit, and Cavina embraces the pursuit of challenging expeditions that teach resilience and resourcefulness. From an early age, pupils are introduced to a world that may include camping out in the wild, camel trekking, or Mount Kenya ascents. The learning continues at school through extracurricular clubs, with children exposed to a wide range of disciplines, such as chess, coding or karate. Many of our clubs are teacher-led, allowing the teacher to introduce children to their passions. As pupils progress up the school, trips become longer and more challenging, and they are challenged intellectually through regular debates or sixth-form talks.	Extra curricular facilities Hillcrest runs a vibrant extracurricular programme to encourage exploration and curiosity as well as nurturing diverse talents and skills. Friday afternoons offer 25–30 activities from Year 9 to Year 13, including Archery, Fencing, Survival Club, Publications Club, E-sports and Ultimate Frisbee. Other popular clubs include Sign Language, Computer Programming Club, Cooking Club, Business Club, Community Projects, Sewing and Beadwork, Squash, KSPCA, Football and Horse Riding. Cultural events such as Utamaduni Day, French Day and International Day foster cultural understanding, while the programme emphasizes cooperation, citizenship, sportsmanship and teamwork.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Cavina School was founded in 1950 by Hugh Massie-Blomfield, a retired colonial official. It is the second oldest British-curriculum school in Nairobi and the sixth-oldest international school in Kenya. Massie-Blomfield named the school after the ship Cavina, on which he first met his wife, Jean. The early years were modest: in 1954 the East African Standard described Cavina as Nairobi's smallest school with one classroom, 18 pupils and two teachers, and Cavina was known as a crammer that prepared pupils for examinations. By the end of the 1950s Cavina became a fully-fledged prep school, and the school became single-sex with girls excluded for about 25 years. After Massie-Blomfield's death in October 1968, the leadership stayed with the Massie-Blomfield family, Jean until 1974 and then his son Anthony who led the school for more than four decades until his retirement in 2021. The school expanded geographically with two additional properties on Elgeyo Marakwet Road to complement the original site, and the pupil body grew to about 155 pupils in the prep school (with girls returning in 1981) and 100 more in the pre-prep unit founded in 1996. The Cavina mission remains rooted in a God-honouring Christian philosophy and its traditions.” ,	History Hillcrest Secondary School was established in 1965 and located at the current site. It began with 54 students and three classrooms and offered Cambridge Overseas O and A Level examinations. The motto Semper Prospice reflects the school's forward-looking philosophy. The three schools sit adjacent to one another in the Karen-Langata area of Nairobi, with Forest Edge joining in 2000 and later becoming Hillcrest Early Years. Hillcrest International Schools is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Community	Community Giving back is an important part of Cavina's philosophy. Through charity drives, many organized by the pupils themselves, students learn to understand their good fortune and the responsibility to help make the world better. Charity events occur every term, with each academic house taking charge of one charity day per term; pupils identify and select charities and plan how to raise funds, with activities such as readathons, village fairs, raffles and treasure hunts, and the whole school participates, often in costumes. Additional activities include the annual bucket appeal at Christmas and the poppy appeal for Kenyan servicemen who fought in the Second World War. The principal charity is the East Africa Character Development Trust, which works with more than 4,000 children in Nairobi's informal settlements, supporting them through feeding, training and sporting programmes to give hope to underprivileged youngsters and to identify future leaders and athletes.	Community Students are encouraged to contribute to the growth and development of their surrounding community. All students in Year 9 undertake community service activities providing exposure to two or three different organisations through which they learn to give back to the community. The Interact Club is student-led and raises funds; in December buckets of dry food are filled to feed families in Kibera, distributed via Christian Mission Aid. Students also support two local primary schools, Tenderfoot and Grace Lighthouse; as well as the Kenyatta Pediatric Cancer Ward, Nairobi Hospice and Held Sister.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Cavina runs regular debates and hosts general knowledge competitions that challenge pupils beyond the classroom. Visiting speakers from a wide range of occupations contribute to the learning experience, and sixth-form talks provide opportunities to engage with complex ideas. The learning continues through extracurricular clubs and intellectually stimulating activities that broaden academic horizons.	Academic & intellectual International Junior Science Olympiad and International Young Physicist Tournament provide opportunities for elite science students to compete against peers worldwide. International MUN offers opportunities to compete internationally and develop debating and presentation skills. The President's Award encourages students to focus on educational interests and to engage in challenging projects that bolster personal achievement.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative There is a modern music school with dedicated teaching rooms and practice spaces. Private lessons are available on orchestral instruments, guitar, piano, voice, or even bagpipes. The extracurricular program includes a large orchestra and ensembles such as a pipe band, string orchestra, jazz band, ceilidh band, and two choirs.	Arts & creative Music, art and drama include termly productions, shows and exhibitions, as well as international tours, providing opportunities to perform or work backstage. Students can participate in related creative activities during lunch breaks and after school.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction. French and Latin are offered as major subjects. Environmental club and Scottish reeling are part of Cavina's cultural activities.	Cultural & language Utamaduni Day, French Day and International Day promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. There are language and cultural clubs, including Sign Language, that support cultural learning across the student body.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Cavina offers a broad range of extracurricular clubs and activities, including chess, coding, karate, ballet, gymnastics, pottery, origami, and more. Many clubs are teacher-led and optional, reflecting students' interests. Outdoor adventures and expeditions foster social interaction and teamwork.	Social & hobbies Friday afternoons feature a wide range of clubs and activities, typically 25-30 options. Examples include E-sports, Ultimate Frisbee, Computer Programming Club, Cooking Club, Business Club, Sewing and Beadwork, Squash, Football and Horse Riding.
Community & service	Community & service Charitable events and community service initiatives are integral to Cavina's extracurricular fabric. Spiritual life and service are emphasized as part of the Cavina education. Visiting speakers and school projects encourage pupils to contribute to their communities.	Community & service Students contribute to the wider community through the Interact Club, which raises funds and runs food drives for Kibera via Christian Mission Aid. They also support Tenderfoot and Grace Lighthouse primary schools, the Kenyatta Pediatric Cancer Ward, Nairobi Hospice and Held Sister.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional House captains organize morning devotions on Fridays and review weekly progress. Regular sixth-form talks provide leadership exposure and career-related insights. Students take on leadership roles within teacher-led clubs and activities.	Leadership & professional Elite-level opportunities include participation in International MUN and the President's Award, which encourage leadership, project work and personal growth. The school enables career exploration for Year 12 and Year 13 through admissions tutor visits and university fairs with over 40 representatives.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Adventure and outdoor expeditions, such as camping, camel trekking, and Mount Kenya ascents, are central to Cavina's approach. Sports and physical education are part of the program, contributing to pupils' fitness and well-being. Outdoor learning and physical activity support resilience and overall well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport plays a significant role, with opportunities to represent the school in various leagues and at national level. The sporting program includes hockey, basketball, rugby, cricket, football, tennis, squash, equestrian, swimming, netball, rounders, fencing and athletics, with expert coaching and extensive facilities.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English, French, and Kiswahili are taught. English language and literature is studied by all students. French is introduced early with an emphasis on oral work; grammar is introduced in Form IV and preparation for the final Common Entrance exam includes past papers and exam-style questions. Kiswahili lessons are stimulating, engaging and a highlight of the week.	Language provision All pupils learn French and Kiswahili from Year 2. The Preparatory Curriculum follows the British National Curriculum, with Modern Foreign Languages included among the subjects. In Secondary, five languages are offered, and a Year 9 student can select up to two languages from a choice of French, Spanish, Latin, or Kiswahili.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards None listed on the site in the provided pages.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) – an approved inspectorate for British Schools Overseas; ISI documents include a BSO Report 2024. The Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) member. Council of British International Schools (COBIS) compliant member. Kenyan International Schools Association (KAIS) member. Council of International Schools (CIS) listed among accreditations. IB World School Status badge shown on site. The school is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry: Prospective families submit an enquiry online using the enquiry tab or email the admissions registrar, Ms. This begins the Cavina admissions process. The school provides information about age groups, class availability, and the admissions timeline after the enquiry. An enquiry does not commit a family to a place. 2. Tours and registration: Cavina conducts regular school tours throughout the year, and Ms. Minayo will place you on a tour following your enquiry. After the tour, you may register your child if you wish to proceed. A non-refundable registration fee of 7,500 Kenyan Shillings is payable at this stage to cover the administrative costs of maintaining the waiting list. Payment of the registration fee does not guarantee a place. 3. Waiting list and intake: The waiting list for some classes is long, so early applications are encouraged. The main intake is in Playgroup, with a maximum of 25 places per year. Priority is given to siblings, then generally by date of application, while other factors such as balancing the numbers of boys and girls may influence offers. In some years, places are only available when vacancies arise due to a pupil leaving; Cavina aims to reduce class sizes toward the top of the school and may not replace pupils who leave after Form IV. 4. Registration timing and exceptions: Registration is accepted after you have toured the school, with exceptions for families living outside Kenya at the time of application. The process is designed to be straightforward and supportive for families navigating international admissions.	Admissions 1. Most children join in September. New children can join at any stage, including families moving to Kenya from abroad. Registrations for Nursery are accepted up to one year prior to September entry. 2. As a first step, schedule an appointment with the Registrar to visit the school and meet the Head Teacher. Preparatory and Secondary contact details are listed for admissions. 3. Hillcrest International Schools is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools. The address is P.O. Box 24819 -00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. The Preparatory and Secondary divisions have specific contact channels for admissions inquiries.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships: Cavina offers a maximum of two scholarships per year. The Kenneth Mason Scholarship is awarded to a pupil joining in Lower VI (Year 7) who is outstanding in sport, music, acting, or art, and who demonstrates academic excellence and leadership potential. This scholarship provides a 30 percent reduction in school fees, with an additional bursary of up to 30 percent if required. The Founder's Scholarship is awarded to a pupil joining in Form IV or Form V (Years 5 or 6) who is outstanding in sport, music, acting, or art and demonstrates academic excellence and good character. This scholarship provides a 20 percent reduction on school fees, with up to 30 percent bursary available. Bursaries are means-tested and offered only to Kenneth Mason or Founder's Scholars, requiring full disclosure of finances to Cavina's accounts department. The maximum bursary is 30 percent but may be lower depending on means testing. The Beacon Scholarship is a leadership bursary that provides two-thirds of costs for the child's secondary education and UK university education; past Cavina pupils have been awarded scholarships to top senior schools including Peponi, St Andrew's Turi, Brookhouse and Hillcrest.	Scholarships Scholarship awards are offered by Hillcrest Secondary School for entry to Year 9 (13 year olds) and Year 12 – Sixth Form (16 year olds). These awards aim to recognise potential for excellence across a range of areas and to provide opportunities that candidates may not otherwise access. Candidates are expected to demonstrate independence, curiosity, determination and respect. Hillcrest International Schools is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Waitlist	Waitlist There is a waiting list for some Cavina classes. A non-refundable registration fee of 7,500 Kenyan Shillings is payable at registration to cover waiting list administrative costs. Payment of the registration fee does not guarantee a place. The waiting list length varies by class, and early applications are encouraged.	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.
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