Galaxy International School Uganda vs Heritage International School - Kampala
Galaxy International School Uganda and Heritage International School - Kampala are both in Kampala, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Galaxy International School Uganda also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, and Heritage International School - Kampala also offers EYFS, IPC, American and Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are close, at UGX 6,050 - 15,000 for Galaxy International School Uganda and UGX 3,550 - 16,250 for Heritage International School - Kampala. Galaxy International School Uganda takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Heritage International School - Kampala from 2 to 17. The two are similar in size, at around 400 and 500 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at Galaxy International School Uganda and 10 at Heritage International School - Kampala.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), American Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils
Pupils
400
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
10
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
1994
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
GISU is located in Lubowa, along the Kampala–Entebbe Road, about 9 km from Kampala. Turn off before Roofings Ltd. and continue along the housing estate, with the school about 500 m from Quality Supermarket on the main road. The address is Plot 1077, Lubowa Estate, Entebbe Road, P.O. Box 11119 Kampala Uganda.
Location
Heritage International School is on Kiwafu Crescent in Kampala, Uganda (P.O. Box 7899). The school is in the suburbs of Kampala and sits on a 15-acre campus. Classes are kept to a maximum of 20 students and are double-streamed from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Stages
Stages
Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Level programmes.
Stages
Early Years, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School (K–12). The school is double-streamed from K through Grade 12 with class sizes up to 20 students.
School type
School type
International, co-educational school offering Cambridge International Examinations (Checkpoint, IGCSE, AS & A Level) with boarding facilities.
School type
International Christian school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
GISU takes in children with mild additional needs and supports them accordingly; learners with additional educational needs receive education through addressing their differences and including them in activities, with accommodations such as extra time for assignments or exams, use of technology, or adaptive equipment as appropriate.
Additional learning support
Inclusive education for students with mild to moderate learning challenges; support includes sessions, writing IEPs, literacy/numeracy catch-up programs, and occasional Personal Assistants; English as an Additional Language support; wellbeing services with a School Counselor and Chaplain.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Uganda
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No explicit religious affiliation; the school welcomes students of different faiths.
Religious affiliation
Christian
School day structure
School day structure
Regular school day runs from 08:00 to 15:30. Meals are served centrally in the dining hall.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Bus transport is available; transport costs depend on distance.
Bus service details
Yes. Bus services operate for students in selected Kampala residential areas with morning pick-up and after-school drop-off; late buses are available for enrichment activities; drivers are accompanied by a chaperone and buses have tracking devices; an extra charge applies.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Admission fee
- A one-time admission (registration) fee is payable for new students. The admission fee is USD 1,000 (non-refundable).
Tuition fees (per term and annual totals, by year group)
- Kindergarten (KG2 & KG3) - Term 1: USD 2,650 - Term 2: USD 1,750 - Term 3: USD 1,650 - Annual total: USD 6,050.
- Reception - Term 1: USD 2,850 - Term 2: USD 1,850 - Term 3: USD 1,750 - Annual total: USD 6,450.
- Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) - Term 1: USD 3,450 - Term 2: USD 2,400 - Term 3: USD 2,250 - Annual total: USD 8,100.
- Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6) - Term 1: USD 4,400 - Term 2: USD 3,050 - Term 3: USD 2,750 - Annual total: USD 10,200.
- Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) - Term 1: USD 5,000 - Term 2: USD 3,450 - Term 3: USD 3,150 - Annual total: USD 11,600.
- IGCSE (Years 10 & 11) - Term 1: USD 5,450 - Term 2: USD 3,850 - Term 3: USD 3,500 - Annual total: USD 12,800.
- AS / A Level (Years 12 & 13) - Term 1: USD 6,450 - Term 2: USD 4,450 - Term 3: USD 4,100 - Annual total: USD 15,000.
Book, exam and other recurring academic charges
- Book fees (annual, paid at registration): - KG2 – Year 2: USD 250 - Years 3 – 9: USD 350 - Years 10 & 11: USD 450 - Years 12 & 13: USD 350.
- Cambridge examination fees are charged in the relevant exam year and are payable in addition to tuition and book fees. Lunch and other facility charges are included within tuition. Transport is provided by a third-party operator with separate charges that vary by route and distance. School uniform costs vary by grade.
Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Boarding is offered from Year 7 to Year 13. Boarding fees per boarding student are: - Term 1: USD 2,450 - Term 2: USD 1,750 - Term 3: USD 1,600 - Total (boarding for the full year): USD 5,800.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is billed by term (three terms). Book fees are charged annually and are payable at registration. Lunch and facility charges are included in the tuition amounts. Transport and other optional services are billed separately. An upfront payment discount of 5% is offered where parents pay the full year in advance. A sibling discount of 5% applies for families with two or more children enrolled. The admission fee is payable once on registration and is non-refundable.
Other costs and optional charges
- Uniform: prices vary depending on grade; uniform purchase is an additional cost. - Transport: charged separately by a third-party transport provider; cost depends on route and distance. - Extracurricular activities fees (termly): - Early Years: Term 1 USD 100; Terms 2 & 3 USD 100 each. - Years 1–6: Term 1 USD 150; Terms 2 & 3 USD 150 each. - Years 7–13: Term 1 USD 150; Terms 2 & 3 USD 150 each.
Refund information
- The admission (registration) fee is non-refundable. Other refund or cancellation rules are governed by the school's financial agreement; full details should be confirmed with the admissions office.
Fee payment options and practical note
- The publicly available fee schedule and registration materials specify amounts, term billing and discounts but do not list specific payment channels (for example, specific bank account details, credit-card acceptance, mobile-money or online payment provider names) in the published fee schedule documents reviewed. Confirmed channels commonly used by schools in the region include bank transfer and school-approved electronic payment platforms, but the school's admissions or finance office should be contacted to confirm accepted methods and any transaction details or payment references to use. Contact options: +256 781 468 000 or admissions@gisu.ac.ug.
Summary of the most important items for parents
- Plan for a one-time, non-refundable admission fee of USD 1,000 at registration. - Budget tuition by year group on a per-term basis (three terms); annual totals are shown above. - Include book fees, examination fees and optional transport or boarding charges where applicable. Boarding fees for Years 7–13 are billed per term and total USD 5,800 for the year.
Fee details
Application and initial fees - Application fee (non-refundable): USD 500. - Reservation / Re-enrollment deposit (non‑refundable but deductible from next year's tuition): USD 500. - Capital levy (paid annually): USD 500 per family when more than two children enroll; if only one child, USD 250.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment plan options: - Annual plan: single payment at the beginning of the school year (preferred). - Semester plan: two equal instalments at the start of each semester (costs 10% more than the Annual plan). - Quarterly plan: four equal instalments at the start of each quarter (costs 16% more than the Annual plan). - Discounts and sibling concession: - 5% discount for families paying the Annual fee by 1 June; 2.5% discount for annual payment by 1 July. - 10% discount for families with more than two children enrolled. - New families: tuition must be settled as per the invoice issued by the Finance Office before the student's first day of school. Returning families follow the agreed payment plan. - Late payment: a surcharge of 10% applies to fees not paid on time; nonpayment may result in discontinuation of services.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed in the 2026/2027 fee schedule; no boarding fees are provided for this academic year. Heritage's published fee documents for 2026/2027 do not include boarding charges.
Optional and other costs - Lunch program (price per semester): PS1 – Junior Kindergarten: USD 300; Kindergarten – Grade 5: USD 400; Grade 6 – Grade 12: USD 450. - Bus service (price per semester, by route): Route A (Buziga, Bunga, Muyenga) USD 500; Route B (Bugolobi, Port Bell) USD 550; Route C (Kololo, Kisementi, Makerere) USD 550; Route D (Entebbe Road, Lubowa) USD 600. - SEN (Special Educational Needs) support (per semester): Moderate (3–4 sessions/week) USD 500 or 10% of semester fees, whichever is lower; Mild (1–2 sessions/week) USD 250 or 5% of semester fees, whichever is lower. - EAL/ESL support (per semester): Moderate (3–4 sessions/week) USD 1,000 or 12% of semester fees, whichever is lower; Mild (1–2 sessions/week) USD 500 or 6% of semester fees, whichever is lower. - Development / capital levy (annual): see Application and initial fees above. - Uniforms and textbooks: uniform costs are not specified in the 2026/2027 fee schedule and are charged separately; uniforms and other consumables (textbooks, field trips, examinations, CCA, transport where applicable) are additional to tuition and optional-service charges.
Refund information - Re-enrollment and admission fees are non‑refundable. - Tuition refund on withdrawal (per published schedule): - If admission is withdrawn prior to the start of the semester: 75% refund of tuition paid. - If withdrawn within 2 weeks of the start of the semester: 50% refund. - If withdrawn within 1 month of the start of the semester: 25% refund. - After 1 month of the semester has passed: no refund for that semester's tuition.
Fee payment options and banking details - Accepted payment methods: cheque, Visa card, or bank transfer. Fees may be paid in US Dollars or Ugandan Shillings. Tuition is charged in US Dollars and payable according to the chosen payment plan. - Published bank details (selected): - Stanbic Bank Uganda (Forest Mall Branch): Account name Heritage International School Limited; Account number: 9030008122171; SWIFT: SBICUGKX. - DFCU Bank Uganda (Nsambya Branch): Account number: 02100018380569; SWIFT: DFCUUGKA. - Absa Bank Uganda (Kampala Road Branch): Account number: 034-4062781; SWIFT: BARCUGKX. - First Merchants Bank (US) — account for USD payments: Account number: 102543998; Routing number: 074900657 (details supplied for international payments).
(All amounts are shown in USD. Figures are taken from the school's published 2026/2027 school fees documentation and the school's tuition and fees information.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Full, 24/7 boarding is provided in separate Boys Dormitory and Girls Dormitory. Dorm-masters and supervisors oversee the boarding houses and maintain open communication between House and parents, with students selected for leadership roles within the boarding community. Most meals are served centrally in the dining hall, and dorms have common rooms plus kitchen facilities (kettle, toaster, conventional ovens, microwave and a fridge); bed sheets and pillowcases are changed weekly, and basic provisions such as fruits, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, margarine, honey, jam, peanut butter, salt and pepper, and cups and cutlery are supplied to boarders.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Most meals are served centrally in the dining hall for boarders. Dorms include kitchen facilities, and the school provides pantry items such as fruits, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, margarine, honey, jam, peanut butter, salt and pepper, plus cups and cutlery for boarders.
Food options
Lunch is provided daily with an international menu published monthly in the School Newsletter. Lunches are nut-free and alternatives are available for vegetarians and other dietary requirements, with water provided. The cafeteria has microwaves for packed lunches, and a snack bar offers items priced from 1,000 to 3,000 UGX, with lunches paid for at the beginning of each semester.
House system
House system
Pupils are organized into dormitories: Boys Dormitory and Girls Dormitory. Each dorm has a common room, dorm meetings, and organized activities (birthdays, picnics, football, and other games) under the supervision of dorm-masters, with leadership roles for students within the boarding community.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is privately owned with a Board of Governors, and day-to-day operations are managed by the Principal.
Governance and ownership
Heritage Leadership is Christ-centered and governs the school through a Board of Governors appointed by the Christian mission organizations that own and operate the school. The Board develops policies to ensure the smooth operation of the school based on biblical principles and guiding the overall development; day-to-day operations are led by the Head of School and the Administrative Team, with the Head reporting to the Board.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
GISU delivers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Early Years to Upper Secondary. Early Years uses the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. In Primary and Secondary, GISU follows Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary, Cambridge International IGCSE, and Cambridge AS & A Levels.
Curriculum details
Blend of international standards. Early Years follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Elementary uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) alongside Singapore Math. Secondary works toward a High School Diploma on a credit-based system, with options to sit IGCSE (Cambridge UK) and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Iowa Assessments are administered annually and results are shared with parents. AP courses are offered in subjects such as Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Computer Science Principles, Environmental Science, Microeconomics, Physics (1 and C), Psychology, World History, and Human Geography.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Average class size is 18 students.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Students are prepared for university study and are sent to universities and colleges in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and South Africa.
Higher education progression
Graduates have gained admission to universities around the world including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Uganda, Kenya, Asia and other European countries, with many students receiving scholarships.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Enrichment for gifted and talented students is provided by the Student Support Service Team.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school provides School Counselling as part of School Life to support students' social and emotional development. Home Visits strengthen personal connections between staff, students and families to support wellbeing and engagement. Our teachers undergo professional development to align with curriculum standards and contemporary practices.
Social & emotional learning
Heritage provides a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for students with mild to moderate learning challenges or differences. Support is offered according to the needs of the child and arranged through the Student Support Services following teacher observation and parental communication. A dedicated point person oversees the provision of support, including offering sessions, conducting person-centred reviews, writing IEPs, and coordinating with parents and class teachers. The program includes literacy and numeracy catch-up work and bespoke sensory and wellbeing activities to support in-class learning. Some students receive additional support from a Personal Assistant to help them reach their fullest potential.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Gifted and Talented Education is described as part of GISU's learning support.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Heritage offers inclusive education for students with mild to moderate learning challenges or differences. Support is provided in class as much as possible and adjusted to the child's needs, supplemented by literacy/numeracy catch-up programmes and bespoke sensory and wellbeing activities. Some students receive additional support from a Personal Assistant. A designated department oversees the support with a point person responsible for implementation. IEPs are written to formalize individual learning plans and progress is tracked through achievement assessments.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
Our EAL students are evaluated on arrival at Heritage. We implement the support needed to ensure that students attain the language level that enables them to access grade level content in all subject areas. High School admission will be dependent on a good proficiency of English prior to entering the school.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
School Counselling supports student mental wellbeing as part of GISU's wellbeing provision.
Mental wellbeing
Heritage provides mental wellbeing support through a School Counselor, a School Chaplain, caring teachers, principals and school nurses, all of whom are available to offer emotional or pastoral support where needed. Students can access confidential one-to-one support. We have started a wellbeing program in Sports, Music, Dance and Art to provide students with creative outlets to manage and regulate their own emotions, social experiences and behaviors, with a focus on developing creativity, confidence, resilience and self-esteem. The school takes mental health seriously and can offer advice and support if you or your family are going through a particularly difficult time, with trusted professionals available as needed.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safe recruitment and promoting a safe environment and wellbeing of children and young people.
Safeguarding
Heritage is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants will be subject to child protection screening. Checks may include past employers, Interpol Police Clearance and/or authorities in other countries.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
All classrooms are equipped with Smart boards and a sound-field system. Facilities include dedicated spaces for science, ICT and the arts: Science Laboratories, Chemistry Laboratory, Biology Laboratory, Physics Laboratory, ICT Laboratories, an IPAD Room, a MACBOOK Laboratory, a Design and Technology Room, a Music Room, and Libraries. The campus is located at Plot 1077 Lubowa Estate, Entebbe Road, Kampala (500 m after Quality Shopping Village). A campus video offers a virtual tour to learn more about the facilities.
Facilities overview
Heritage International School is located in Kansanga, south of Kampala, on a 14-acre campus. The campus includes an early years block, elementary block, middle and high school areas, and facilities such as computer and science labs, an administration building, cafeteria, library, chapel, music and art rooms, and a sports department. The grounds feature trees, bushes, plants and large open spaces that create a peaceful learning environment. The school opened its own aquatics center with a junior pool and a full-sized 25m pool planned for the high school. The campus design is welcoming, with an aesthetic reminiscent of a safari lodge that reflects its family-friendly environment.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
The Aquatics Center includes a junior pool for Early Years to Grade 2 and a full-sized 25m pool for older students. The campus provides ample field and court space for a range of sports. Heritage is a member of the International Schools Sports Association of Kampala (ISSAK), with seasons for basketball and soccer (U9 to U20) and volleyball (U13 to U20), plus friendly events for younger children. Heritage Swimming Academy offers swimming programs for ages 3–20. The school also benefits from experienced coaches drawn from within the school community and external partners.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
GISU offers Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary, AS & A Level and IGCSE programmes. The Cambridge International Curriculum is followed in Primary and Secondary. The school provides Science Laboratories, Chemistry Laboratory, Biology Laboratory, Physics Laboratory. ICT Laboratories, IPAD Room, MACBOOK Laboratory, Design and Technology Room, Music Room, and Libraries support a broad range of learning.
Academic facilities
Stem is a priority, with Grades K-10 using Singapore Math and science concepts explored through IPC units in elementary; middle school covers biology, chemistry, and physics. All students through Grade 8 take a computer class, and high school offers AP courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus and Computer Science, with electives such as Engineering, Architecture and Hardware Design. The campus features computer and science labs as part of the facilities. The Library houses over 22,000 books and offers digital resources, with weekly library lessons for Elementary and Early Years.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Heritage provides a broad range of extra-curriculars. The Music Department has five yearly concerts, performances in a live pit band, a Staff Choir, a Pep Band and a Jazz Band, along with purpose-built classrooms for Primary and Secondary Visual Arts and Primary Music. Visual Arts fosters creativity and includes high school electives in art. Drama and dance are offered with annual productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, and the Music Man. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is offered with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels focusing on Service, Skill Development, Physical Recreation and the Adventurous Journey. Heritage Model United Nations runs the Heritage MUN conference and participates in UGMUN, providing opportunities to research, debate and draft resolutions.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
Heritage International School was founded by a group of mothers from a Bible study group at a family picnic in the late 1980s. The school opened on September 9, 1994, and was sponsored by five Christian missions: Baptist Mission Mission (US), FIDA International (Finland), Kinderhilfswerk (KIDS) (Uganda), Church of God Mission (Uganda), and Mission Aviation Fellowship (UK). Their aim was to provide a Christ-centered education for missionary children while welcoming all backgrounds. In 2001 the campus moved to its present site on August 27, 2001, and the first HIS graduation followed in 2004; President Yoweri Museveni opened the campus on September 26, 2005. Baptist Mission Uganda withdrew in 2006 and World Gospel Mission joined in 2011; the school gained equivalency to O- and A-levels in 2012 and was accredited by ACSI and MSA in 2014.
Community
Community
GISU is located in Lubowa, 9 km from Kampala, along the Kampala-Entebbe Road. The school provides Cambridge International Education and has a Student Council – STUCO and a Parents & Teachers structure, including a PTA. Recent and upcoming community events include GISU STEAM EXPO, GISU SPORTS DAY 2026, GISU Blood Donation, and IFCD2025; an upcoming GISU Parents' Workshop is scheduled for March 7–8, 2026, and the Mathemania – National Round will take place on March 15, 2026.
Community
Heritage has a community-focused structure including a Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF), Special Events, and Giving. The PTF supports staff appreciation, special events (international dinner, rain festival, productions) and fundraising for approved projects, with elections to nominate a non-voting representative from the PTF to the Board of Governors. Special Events bring the community together with initiatives like the International Dinner and Rain Festival, and the school conducts Community Outreach as part of its service efforts.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The Parent Teacher Association provides a structure through which the parents, caregivers, and guardians of Galaxy International School Uganda students can work together with teaching staff. The PTA will work with the Principal and teaching staff members to build partnerships between home and school. The Parent Teacher Association undertakes a programme of activities which promotes the involvement of parents and which supports students, parents and school staff. In planning its activities, the PTA consults with the Principal and teaching staff members. Email: pta@gisu.ac.ug.
Parent teacher association
The Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF) at Heritage is the voluntary body that supports and nurtures the school's mission, vision, leadership and programs by encouraging parental involvement in the life of the school. The Fellowship is open to parents of current students as well as teachers and administrators serving at the school. The PTF supports various activities such as staff appreciation, special events (international dinner, rain festival, productions) and fundraising for approved projects. Elections take place for a non-voting representative from the PTF to the Board of Governors for a two-year term, and involvement from parents is strongly encouraged.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
GISU hosts Mathemania – National Round. GISU hosts the GISU STEAM Expo. These events promote mathematics and STEM through competition and demonstration of projects. They provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.
Academic & intellectual
Brain Science, Model United Nations, and Spelling Bee are Heritage Clubs; external enrichment clubs include Young Engineers, offering STEM-focused experiences beyond the regular curriculum.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
IFCD2025, the International Festival of Cultural Diversity, features music recitals, art exhibitions, and cultural performances. The festival includes traditional dance performances, a fashion show, and a food festival. Students, parents, and staff participate in the cultural showcases and celebrations of creative expression.
Arts & creative
The Arts program provides opportunities in music, visual arts, and drama to develop creativity and visual communication.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
International Festival of Cultural Diversity (IFCD) highlights language, music, and culture. The festival brings together students, parents, and staff to celebrate diverse cultural heritage. The event features language displays, music performances, traditional dance, art exhibitions, and a fashion show. It demonstrates GISU's commitment to intercultural understanding.
Cultural & language
Model United Nations is offered as part of after-school activities, providing international and cultural engagement.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The Student Council (STUCO) is the student government and provides a voice for students to influence school decisions. Boarding life includes sport, outdoor and indoor activities, and dormitory football matches. Evening and weekend activities in boarding life include group games, movie nights, and other social gatherings.
Social & hobbies
After-school activities include Academy Sports Programs such as Basketball, Soccer, and Swimming; additional enrichment activities cover a range of sports and hobbies.
Community & service
Community & service
GISU Blood Donation Drive brings together students, parents, staff, partners and well-wishers to support healthcare. The event reflects GISU's commitment to community service and collective action. Participants are publicly acknowledged for their generosity and contribution.
Community & service
Community aspects include a Parent-Teacher Federation (PTF), special events, alumni, and giving.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
STUDENT COUNCIL – STUCO is the student government and provides a voice for students to influence school decisions. The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) exists to engage families in GISU life. Parent Teacher Conferences (PTC) and Parent Workshops are part of GISU's family engagement. GISU also maintains alumni connections as part of its community.
Leadership & professional
Duke of Edinburgh and Model United Nations support leadership development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Boarding program provides an environment for personal and interpersonal development, emphasizing integrity, creativity, self-reliance, respect, empathy, leadership and service. Dorm-masters and supervisors maintain open lines of communication with parents to support student wellbeing. Boarding life features sport, outdoor and indoor activities, with evenings and weekends filled by social and recreational events such as dormitory football matches, games, and social gatherings. Most meals are served centrally in the dining hall as part of dormitory life.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports and fitness are emphasized through PE and Sports; Academy Sports Programs include Basketball, Soccer, and Swimming, with some sessions on Saturdays.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is taught across the curriculum. English-First Language is offered in IGCSE, English Literature and English as a Native Language are available at AS/A Level. French is taught as a Modern Foreign Language from Early Years through IGCSE and AS/A Level.
Language provision
Literacy/Language Arts is North American-based and uses the Reading Wonders Curriculum. French is taught as a subject within the school day. English as an Additional Language is provided for students who need it; EAL students are evaluated on arrival and language support is implemented to enable access to grade-level content. High School admission requires a good proficiency of English prior to entering the school.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
ACSI accreditation for K-12 (2014) MSA accreditation for K-12 (2014) Ministry of Education (Uganda) recognition as mixed day primary school (2001) and O-level and A-level equivalency granted (2012).
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
GISU admits students from all over the world and follows the Cambridge International Curriculum in both Primary and Secondary. Placement is dependent on the child's age, with other factors considered on a case-by-case basis. The Admission Package includes the following documents and forms: Application Form; Admission Form; Student Health Record Form; Report Cards from the past two years; Placement and Enrolment Policy and Procedure; Financial Agreement; Rules and Regulations; two passport-size photographs; School Calendar; Copy of Birth Certificate; Copy of Passport (for foreign students); and Payment of Admission Fee. Vacancies are available in Early Years, Years 1–6, Years 7–13. Plot 1077, Lubowa Estate, Entebbe Road (500 m after Quality Shopping Village).
Admissions
1. Begin by completing the application form to begin the school admission process. Once submitted, the registrar will contact the family. Admissions are accepted throughout the year. 2. The Head of School, the Elementary Principal, the Secondary Principal, the Head of Student Support Services, and the Registrar determine admission based on past school records, Heritage student assessment, and the school's admissions policies. Admission criteria include the applicant's ability to benefit from the program, space in the appropriate grade level, the capacity of the school to meet the applicant's educational needs, and the family's ability to meet financial obligations. 3. Required forms include Student Application, Student Health Record (including Authorization for Emergency Medical Care), School Fees Agreement, and Photo and Video Release. Required documentation includes Immunization Records, school records (transcripts, IEP and Psych. Assessment if applicable), copy of Birth Certificate or Passport, and, for High School, a chart for courses and hours completed. 4. Student placement follows age-based placement from Pre-School 1 through Grade 12, with exceptions possible when moving from other jurisdictions. Promotions are recommended at the end of the school year based on student performance; if a student is not eligible for promotion, parents will be invited to discuss alternatives. All classroom instruction is conducted within the Christian ethos of the school, and all students participate in religious instruction and activities. 5. An online application is available via heritageis.openapply.com and an inquiry form is available for questions. The Admissions Team and registrar are available to assist, and campus visits can be arranged during office hours.
Scholarships
Scholarships
GISU Merit & Needs Based Scholarship Programme provides partial or full scholarships to academically and socially gifted students commencing IGCSE or AS/A Level. Scholarships are awarded for an academic year and aim to identify students who would thrive in an international setting and would not be able to attend GISU without financial support. Scholarships may cover up to 100% of school fees for self-funding or partial self-payers; boarding fees are not waived; admission and caution fees may be waived for full scholarship recipients applying from outside GISU; tuition is covered for the grade studied, while uniforms and transport/extra-curricular fees are the student's responsibility. Selection is open to all nationalities and targets students entering Grades 10–13 who are candidates for full IGCSE or AS/A Level programmes; Sports Scholarships are one example of scholarship categories with criteria including demonstrated sporting talent, leadership, and English proficiency. The applicant review process includes a Scholarship Application Pack, site assessments, interviews, and the Financial Assistance form; University placements are assisted from Grade 10, but no university scholarship is guaranteed. GISU reserves the right to withdraw scholarships or to adjust criteria and the number of scholarships awarded.
