Durham International School Kenya vs Riara International School

	D Durham International School Kenya Nairobi, Kenya	R Riara International School Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 350 - 19,950	Fees / year KES 2,100 - 869,800
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary)
Pupils	Pupils 490	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 5	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2021	Opened 2015
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Thigiri Campus is located in a leafy, green corner of Thigiri, on the edge of Karura Forest. It sits between Westlands and Gigiri, a short drive from the United Nations Headquarters, embassies, and Nairobi landmarks such as Village Market, Sarit Centre, and Westgate Shopping Mall. The Rosslyn Campus is situated near the Thigiri campus, on a site surrounded by green spaces and tree-lined roads, with access to the Waiyaki Way–Red Hill Link Road for seamless connectivity to the wider city.	Location Riara International School is located along Riara Road in the Riara Gardens area of Nairobi, Kenya. The school operates a transport service with routes centered on Riara Road and surrounding neighbourhoods. Transport routes are organized into a Special Zone and Zones 1 through 7, covering areas such as Riara Road, Riara Heights Flats, Junction, Impala Courts, Apple Walk, and Riara Woods Apartments, among others. These routes reflect the Riara Road corridor in Nairobi.
Stages	Stages Early Years spans ages 1-6. Prep School covers ages 6-11, and Senior School covers ages 11-18. The school operates across two campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn, to serve these levels.	Stages Preparatory School includes EYFS 1 to Year 6, with EYFS 2 (Reception) as part of early years, followed by Year 1 to Year 6. High School covers Year 7 to Year 11.
School type	School type The school is an international branch of Durham UK. It operates two Nairobi campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn. It follows the British education system through Durham UK.	School type The school is part of the Riara Group of Schools.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students come from diverse language and cultural backgrounds. The membership looks like the United Nations. This international character reflects the Nairobi setting of the school.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with Durham UK.	Country affiliation Kenya
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Transport services are available with multiple routes (Special Zone and Zones 1–7). To subscribe, complete the Transport Request Form available from the school office. Transport routes and per‑term fees are published for each zone, and payments can be made via MPesa Pay Bill 805700 or to the Riara Group of Schools Limited bank accounts.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details School fees — Academic year 2026/27 Termly tuition (per year group) — amounts are USD per term - Little Durham (age 1–2): Term 1 USD 2,370 · Term 2 USD 2,370 · Term 3 USD 2,370 · Annual (3 terms) USD 7,110. - Playgroup — Morning (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 2,370 · Term 2 USD 2,370 · Term 3 USD 2,370 · Annual USD 7,110. - Playgroup — Extended Morning (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 2,740 · Term 2 USD 2,740 · Term 3 USD 2,740 · Annual USD 8,220. - Playgroup — Full Day (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 3,050 · Term 2 USD 3,050 · Term 3 USD 3,050 · Annual USD 9,150. - Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) — standard day (age 3–4): Term 1 USD 2,740 · Term 2 USD 2,740 · Term 3 USD 2,740 · Annual USD 8,220. - Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) — Full Day (age 3–4): Term 1 USD 3,050 · Term 2 USD 3,050 · Term 3 USD 3,050 · Annual USD 9,150. - Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) (age 4–5): Term 1 USD 3,420 · Term 2 USD 3,420 · Term 3 USD 3,420 · Annual USD 10,260. - Year 1 (age 5–6): Term 1 USD 3,730 · Term 2 USD 3,730 · Term 3 USD 3,730 · Annual USD 11,190. - Year 2 (age 6–7): Term 1 USD 4,570 · Term 2 USD 4,570 · Term 3 USD 4,570 · Annual USD 13,710. - Year 3 (age 7–8): Term 1 USD 5,250 · Term 2 USD 5,250 · Term 3 USD 5,250 · Annual USD 15,750. - Year 4 (age 8–9): Term 1 USD 5,250 · Term 2 USD 5,250 · Term 3 USD 5,250 · Annual USD 15,750. - Year 5 (age 9–10): Term 1 USD 5,780 · Term 2 USD 5,780 · Term 3 USD 5,780 · Annual USD 17,340. - Year 6 (age 10–11): Term 1 USD 5,780 · Term 2 USD 5,780 · Term 3 USD 5,780 · Annual USD 17,340. - Year 7 (age 11–12): Term 1 USD 6,050 · Term 2 USD 6,050 · Term 3 USD 6,050 · Annual USD 18,150. - Year 8 (age 12–13): Term 1 USD 6,050 · Term 2 USD 6,050 · Term 3 USD 6,050 · Annual USD 18,150. - Year 9 (age 13–14): Term 1 USD 6,250 · Term 2 USD 6,250 · Term 3 USD 6,250 · Annual USD 18,750. - Year 10 (age 14–15): Term 1 USD 6,650 · Term 2 USD 6,650 · Term 3 USD 6,650 · Annual USD 19,950. (Fees are denominated in USD; term amounts above are the published 2026/27 term figures.) One-time and admission-related charges - Assessment fee (new applicants): non-refundable USD 50 (payable at the assessment stage). - Acceptance fee (to confirm a place on acceptance of the Letter of Offer): non-refundable USD 350. - Security deposit: refundable and equivalent to one term's fees, payable at the same time as the Acceptance Fee; maximum refundable security deposit capped at USD 4,500. The security deposit will be refunded when a student leaves the school, subject to the required notice being given. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed termly: school fees are divided into termly instalments, payable in advance and due by the first day of each term. - Fees include tuition, lunch and snacks, school co-curricular activities, most excursions, and ambulance services for 2026/27. Fees are quoted in USD. Discounts and reductions - Sibling discount: 5% reduction on the term's fee for the 1st sibling; 7.5% reduction on the 2nd sibling and every subsequent child enrolled (applies to the siblings in the lower year groups; children must be enrolled full time). - Early payment discount: 5% discount when the full annual fees are paid on or before the first day of the academic year. Families may choose either the Early Payment Discount or the Sibling Discount; only one discount may be applied per family. Meals, transport and other routine costs - Meals: for 2026/27, termly fees for all year groups include lunch and snacks; both campuses are nut-free zones. Lunch service schedules vary by year group. - Transport: bus services are available to and from multiple neighbourhoods across Nairobi (examples given include Karen, Lavington/Kileleshwa, Rosslyn/Runda). Specific routes and transport fees are not published on the fees schedule. - Uniforms, personal stationery, special external exam fees (where applicable), optional external trips or camps, and certain specialist services may incur additional costs not covered by the standard term fees; the published term fees explicitly cover most excursions and co-curricular activities but do not itemise every optional charge. Boarding - Boarding is not listed in the 2026/27 published fees; Durham International School Kenya is operating as a day school (boarding facilities are not included in the published fee schedule). Plans to develop boarding have been indicated for future phases, but no boarding fees are published for 2026/27. Refunds and notice of withdrawal - Assessment fee and Acceptance fee are non-refundable. - Security deposit is refundable subject to the required notice being given when a student leaves. - A full term's notice is required when a student leaves the school or when an accepted place is cancelled. If full term's notice is not given, a full term's fee is payable in lieu of notice; this amount may be offset against the security deposit where applicable. Fee payment options (published information) - The school's published fees page and associated fee schedule do not list specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer account details, card payment processors, or online payment portals are not published on the 2026/27 fees page). The school's public contact details include an email address (info@durhamkenya.com) and a phone number listed on the contact page. Important operational notes and reserve rights - School timings, specific service schedules, and the right to alter fees and terms and conditions are subject to change; the school states it reserves the right to alter fees and terms with reasonable notice. Parents should note that certain specifics (for example, transport route fees, uniform charges, or optional trip fees) are not itemised in the published term figures.	Fee details Application and Entry Charges - Application fee (one-off): KES 2,100. - Registration fee (one-off): KES 5,000. - Reservation fee (payable on confirmation of admission; non-refundable but credited toward school fees): KES 30,000 per student. - Caution deposit (one-off, refundable subject to school conditions): KES 15,000. Refundable on completion of final year or on withdrawal after full settlement and one-term written notice; insufficient notice can lead to forfeiture. Term tuition fees by year group (per term and annual total) - Preparatory school - EYFS 1: KES 110,000 per term — Annual total KES 330,000. - EYFS 2 (Reception): KES 115,500 per term — Annual total KES 346,500. - Year 1: KES 173,300 per term — Annual total KES 519,900. - Year 2 – Year 3: KES 199,500 per term — Annual total KES 598,500. - Year 4 – Year 5: KES 219,500 per term — Annual total KES 658,500. - Year 6: KES 239,400 per term — Annual total KES 718,200. - High school - Year 7: KES 263,600 per term — Annual total KES 790,800. - Year 8 – Year 9: KES 274,100 per term — Annual total KES 822,300. - Year 10: KES 285,600 per term — Annual total KES 856,800. - Year 11: KES 428,400 per term; Year 11 fees are payable in two instalments (1st instalment at the start of Term 1 and 2nd instalment at the start of Term 2) — Annual total shown as KES 856,800. - What term tuition covers: tuition, lunch and exercise books. External examination fees and optional activities are excluded. Other recurring and one-off school charges - Student accident insurance (annual): KES 2,000. - Sports T-shirt, round-neck T-shirt, polo shirt and tracksuit (uniform sports set): KES 9,000. - ‘Out of the Blocks' (Prep School program): KES 2,000. - Workbooks (one-off, by year grouping): Year 1 & 2 KES 9,300; Year 3 & 4 KES 11,500; Year 5 & 6 KES 10,300; Years 7–9 KES 5,000. - Examination fees: External examination fees apply for Years 6, 9 and 11; these are payable at the beginning of Term 2. Transport (school bus) charges (per term by zone) - Transport is charged per term and routes are zoned. Examples of per-term two-way charges by zone: Special Zone KES 14,900; Zone 1 KES 31,700; Zone 2 KES 36,600; Zone 3 KES 39,900; Zone 4 KES 41,400; Zone 5 KES 48,300; Zone 6 KES 50,700; Zone 7 KES 56,400. One-way and specific-route amounts vary by zone. To subscribe to transport, a Transport Request Form must be completed. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing cadence: Fees are termly. Term fees should be paid in full on or before the first day of each term. Year 11 has a two-instalment arrangement as noted above. - Late payment penalty: An interest charge of 3% per month applies to amounts unpaid 30 days after the start of term. - Cashless policy: Cash payments are not accepted at the school office; payments must be made via approved banking channels or the school's mobile-pay option. Payment confirmation requires submission of the bank pay-in slip and a receipt will be emailed on confirmation. Refunds and related conditions - Caution deposit refund: The caution deposit is refundable on completion of the final year or on withdrawal subject to full settlement of outstanding fees and recovery of any lost/damaged school property, and provided one term's written notice of withdrawal is submitted. Insufficient notice may lead to forfeiture of the caution deposit. - General refund policy: Fees once paid are stated as non-refundable; exceptions are limited to the refundable caution deposit as described and any explicitly stated refundable items. Accepted payment channels and banking details (summary of options) - Bank transfer to the Riara Group of Schools' accounts with major Kenyan banks (examples include Kenya Commercial Bank, ABSA Bank Kenya, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, NCBA Bank Kenya). Specific account numbers are available from the school's finance office. - Mobile payment: MPESA Paybill — Paybill No. 805700; use the student's admission number as the account number when paying. - Payment confirmation: Submit the bank pay-in slip via the school's designated email for fees to receive an emailed receipt. Optional and miscellaneous costs - Optional activities (charged separately): instrument lessons, sports and activity clubs, horse riding, go-karting, skating and similar extracurriculars incur additional fees when selected. Termly educational trips within Nairobi County may be charged separately.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Healthy eating is promoted; a dedicated catering team provides meals that cater for allergies and intolerances and cultural diets, and they hold regular food forums with the students.	Food options —
House system	House system There are four Houses – Simba (Lion), Tembo (Elephant), Kafaru (Rhino) and Chui (Leopard).	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a branch of Durham UK and is part of the Durham International Schools network; Durham International Schools Limited governs and supports safeguarding and welfare policies.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Durham Kenya blends academics, co-curricular activities and pastoral care to prepare students for future education and life. The Early Years follows the UK's EYFS framework with four year groups and seven Areas of Learning and Development. Key Stage One and Key Stage Two build reading, writing and mathematics foundations and introduce science, history and geography, with increasing depth. Key Stage Three and beyond develop problem-solving, analytical thinking and communication skills, and KS3 informs Year 9 IGCSE option choices. Assessment is continuous from the Early Years, with an online journal for parent updates and ongoing progress tracking from Year 1. Grow with Durham links KS3 to Key Stage Four and Sixth Form; the Sixth Form will commence in September 2028 with IB or A Level offerings and dedicated university and careers guidance.	Curriculum details British National Curriculum (BNC) is the framework used by Riara International School's international programme; the curriculum emphasises the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for self-fulfilment and development as active, responsible citizens.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression A university and careers guidance program will help each student plan the next stage of their education, including personal statement writing, interview preparation and course selection.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and supports self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mentoring and counselling are provided as part of health services to support students' mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safety is emphasized and safeguarding practices are integrated, with focus on safe play.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Durham operates across two Nairobi campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn. The Thigiri Campus sits in a leafy area on the edge of Karura Forest, with Rosslyn nearby hosting the Senior School in a purpose-built setting. The Rosslyn facility features state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated co-curricular spaces and outstanding sports facilities. Durham Kenya is a branch of Durham UK with a 600-year heritage and opened its Thigiri Campus in January 2021 to support a rounded, lifelong-learning education.	Facilities overview The kindergarten is in its section within the Riara Annex 3 Campus. It includes classrooms, a library, an ICT centre, a music room and a play centre. It features a Play Park, a playground, a swimming pool and a dining area. These facilities support early years and primary learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Outstanding sports facilities support a broad programme, including hockey (hockey sevens), football, netball and basketball. The sports calendar shows regular fixtures and matches across age groups, reflecting an active participation in multiple team sports.	Sports facilities The school has a swimming pool on campus.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Durham Kenya delivers a world-class education that combines academic achievement with co-curricular opportunities and pastoral care. The Early Years framework follows the UK EYFS model, with a student-centered approach and continuous assessment from Year 1 onward, including online journals for parents. Grow with Durham supports progression from Key Stage Three through Sixth Form, emphasizing continuity and advanced learning through Years 7–13.	Academic facilities The campus provides classrooms, a library and an ICT centre for academic work. It also includes a music room and a play centre.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The co-curricular programme offers exciting sports, arts and cultural opportunities to complement academic learning. Grow with Durham extends these opportunities through Key Stage Three and beyond, helping students develop a wide range of interests and life skills.	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities include dance, gymnastics and swimming. Pre-Primary 2 learners learn the descant recorder; piano and ballet lessons are optional.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school is a branch of Durham UK, a historic institution with a 600-year history of academic excellence. Durham International School Kenya opened its Thigiri campus in January 2021 and has since grown into a well-known international school in Nairobi. A new purpose-built campus was opened to lay the foundation for generations to come. In 2025, Durham Kenya opened the Rosslyn Campus. The Durham education emphasizes a rounded education with the 'Confidence for Life' and 'Respect for All' ethos, underpinned by the core values of Moral integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness.	History —
Community	Community The Durham community is caring, nurturing, and supportive, with every member known, valued, and celebrated as individuals. A welcoming culture is expressed through the Karibuni greeting and a strong sense of belonging. Families are invited to visit and tour the school to learn more. The Rosslyn campus sits near the Thigiri campus and is described as a green, well-connected site close to Nairobi landmarks, reflecting the school's growth.	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Durham Kenya follows a British education system with a strong academic core and a broad co-curricular programme. The Early Years curriculum follows the UK's Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with Key Stage One and Key Stage Two building foundations in reading, writing, mathematics, science, history and geography. Key Stage Three emphasises problem solving, analytical thinking and independent learning and informs Year 9 iGCSE options. The Sixth Form will commence in September 2028, offering subject specialisation and continuing to develop critical thinking, analysis and communication skills, with tutoring and dedicated university and careers guidance to support progression.	Academic & intellectual Termly educational trips within Nairobi County are offered. These trips augment classroom learning and broaden students' exposure to real-world contexts.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Co-curricular opportunities include Art, Drama Club, LAMDA (speech and drama training), Choir, Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and String Group, alongside Ink & Impact for creative writing. Music and Drama are emphasised across the school, with school productions and ensembles highlighted.	Arts & creative Art Club and Chess Club are offered as optional activities. Additional arts and performance-oriented options include Piano, Guitar, Clarinet, Dance & Fitness, and Skating.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Modern Foreign Languages include French and Spanish, with Kiswahili taught in Key Stage 3. In Years 7 to 9 students study two languages (including Kiswahili) and have options in French and Spanish; Latin is offered as an IGCSE subject. Latin IGCSE is described alongside other language subjects.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Co-curricular sports include football, netball, cricket, basketball, swimming, tennis, running, gymnastics and yoga. The House system fosters belonging and leadership with four Houses: Simba, Tembo, Kifaru and Chui.	Social & hobbies Chess Club and Art Club are available as optional activities for students. These clubs provide opportunities to socialise with peers and pursue personal interests beyond core academics.
Community & service	Community & service Trips and expeditions are an essential part of learning. An Outdoor and Environmental Education Programme launches in January 2026 for Years 2 to 9 to build resilience and teamwork, complemented by service projects and co-curricular activities that promote responsibility and global awareness.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Sixth Form will allow leadership within the school community; students will mentor younger pupils and take part in service projects and co-curricular activities. Dedicated university and careers guidance supports planning for the next steps, while Form Tutors provide daily academic and pastoral mentoring.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing and pastoral care are central, with a dedicated health centre, counsellors and a focus on healthy eating. The House system fosters belonging and character, while the Outdoor and Environmental Education Programme promotes resilience and care for the world.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Dance & Fitness is offered as an optional activity. Other physical activities include Skating, Tae Kwondo, Go Karting, and Horse Riding.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision A Modern Foreign Language is taught. Language lovers can expand horizons in Lati Club and Spanish Club.	Language provision —
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. Enquiry: Prospective families email the school using the enquiry form on the website. The school responds to the enquiry by email and invites you to arrange a visit at a mutually convenient time. You will also be invited to complete a registration form to formalise your interest in applying to Durham International School. This begins the admissions process. 2. Registration of Interest: Durham confirms interest by email and invites a visit and completion of a registration form to formalise the application. 3. Assessment Invitation: Following registration, prospective students sit an age-appropriate assessment to evaluate academic and personal aptitudes. This may be completed during the visit with your child, depending on age. The assessment carries a non-refundable fee of USD 50. Students already at Durham International School have automatic entry into the next Year Group. 4. Offer of Admission: Successful candidates receive an official offer of a place at Durham International School. The offer letter confirms the start date and Year Group and includes information on accepting the place and joining details. 5. Acceptance of Offer: Families who wish to accept the offer must complete the Acceptance of a Place form and pay an Acceptance Fee of USD 350, along with a Security Deposit (refundable at the end of your child's time at the school, subject to required notice). These payments secure the student's enrolment. Source: turn1view0	Admissions 1. Submit an application and pay a one-off application fee of 2,100 KSH. Payments may be made via MPESA Pay Bill 805700 using the student's admission number as the account reference, or by bank transfer to the accounts listed in the fee structure. 2. Upon admission confirmation, pay a reservation fee of 30,000 KSH per student, credited toward school fees. A 5,000 KSH registration and a 15,000 KSH caution are also due. The caution is refundable on completion; withdrawal requires a one-term written notice and refunds may be adjusted for lost property or outstanding fees. 3. Term fees are due on or before the first day of the term. The term fee covers tuition, lunch, and exercise books and excludes external examination fees and trips. External examination fees for Years 6, 9, and 11 are payable at the start of Term 2; Year 11 fees are payable in two installments at the starts of Terms 1 and 2. Workbooks costs vary by year and are payable via Riara Group of Schools Limited. 4. Payments should be via approved banking channels or MPESA; cash is not accepted. A late payment penalty of 3% per month applies to amounts unpaid 30 days after the start of the term; fees paid are non-refundable. Transport is available; a Transport Request Form is required, and rates are zone-based with different One-Way and Two-Way charges. Riara reserves the right to review and adjust fees as necessary.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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