Hillcrest International School vs Light International School

	H Hillcrest International School Nairobi, Kenya	L Light International School Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 577,600 - 3,055,000	Fees / year KES 752,000 - 2,623,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum)
Pupils	Pupils 630	Pupils 572
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1965	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Light International School Nairobi is located in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. The postal address is P.O. Box 1799-00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. The school can be reached by telephone at +254 703 200 002 or +254 717 998 888 and by email at info@lis.sc.ke. The Karen campus serves students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds.
Stages	Stages Early Years; Preparatory; Secondary; Sixth Form.	Stages Kindergarten (Aged 3-5) through A-level (Year 13) as part of the Cambridge International Curriculum.
School type	School type The school is a private international school with boarding facilities and is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.	School type The school is a co-educational day and boarding school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Around 40 nationalities are represented.	Pupil nationality mix 15 nationalities represented
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Provision for SEND and EAL.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Kenya	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Scope and academic year The fees below apply to the 2025/2026 academic year and cover one-time registration amounts, termly tuition and ancillary term charges, boarding charges where applicable, payment terms, and common additional costs. Application / one‑time registration fees - Interview / assessment fee (Primary, Secondary, AS & A‑Level): KES 5,000 (one‑time). - Interview / assessment fee (Kindergarten): KES 2,000 (one‑time). - Admission fee: KES 30,000 (one‑time). - Caution / security deposit: KES 50,000 (refundable subject to school conditions). - Boarding caution deposit (where applicable): KES 30,000 (one‑time). Tuition and term charges (per term) — day students and per‑term ancillary items - Kindergarten (KG 1–3): Tuition KES 188,000 per term; Lunch KES 35,000 per term; Stationery KES 5,000 per term; Club fee KES 11,000 per term; Online subscriptions KES 5,000 per term. Annual tuition (three terms) = KES 564,000 (tuition only). - Years 1–2: Tuition KES 244,000 per term; Lunch (Years 1–6) KES 47,000 per term; Stationery KES 5,000 per term (Term I & II 5,000; Term III sometimes shown as KES 4,000); Club fee KES 11,000 per term; Online subscriptions KES 5,000 per term. - Years 3–4: Tuition KES 297,000 per term; ancillary charges same structure as Years 1–2 (Lunch, stationery, clubs, subscriptions). - Years 5–6: Tuition KES 385,000 per term; Lunch KES 47,000 per term; Stationery and other term charges as above. - Years 7–8: Tuition KES 417,000 per term; Lunch KES 59,000 per term (Years 7–10); Stationery KES 6,000 per term; Club fee KES 11,000 per term; Online subscriptions KES 5,000 per term. - Years 9–10: Tuition KES 442,000 per term; Boarding (where applicable) KES 338,000 per term; Lunch KES 59,000 per term; Stationery KES 6,000 per term; Club fee and subscriptions as above. - Year 11 (IGCSE first year/candidate year): Tuition KES 663,000 per term (fees for Year 11 are charged over two terms only — Term 1 and Term 2); Stationery KES 9,000 per term; Lunch and club charges applicable (see Year 11 items). Annual tuition (two‑term basis) = KES 1,326,000. - Years 12–13 (AS & A Level): Tuition KES 758,000 per term (charged over two terms only — Term 1 and Term 2); Boarding for Years 11–13 KES 445,000 per term (two‑term billing where applicable); Stationery and other term charges specified for senior years. Annual tuition (two‑term basis) = KES 1,516,000. Annual totals (examples / consolidated view) - Typical annual totals (tuition + routine term charges) are published by year group; examples include KES 585,500 for Nursery/Kindergarten levels and higher totals for primary and secondary year groups as shown in the school's published fee breakdown. Use the per‑term numbers above to compute the exact annual amount for each year group (three‑term or two‑term billing as applicable). Boarding fees and rules - Boarding charges by year group (per term): Years 9–10 boarding KES 338,000 per term; Years 11–13 boarding KES 445,000 per term (Years 11–13 billed over two terms only where applicable). Boarding caution deposit: KES 30,000 (one‑time). No reimbursement, refund, or credit note is made if a student drops boarding unless otherwise determined by the school's formal drop/notice procedure. Other one‑time and recurring costs - Textbook / curriculum materials (annual, by year): KG KES 20,000; Years 1–6 KES 35,000; Years 7–10 & 12 KES 40,000; some candidate year groups (IGCSE / A‑level) have examination‑linked or subject fees additionally. - Graduation fees for certain year groups: KG3 KES 7,000; Year 6 KES 8,500; some senior graduation/certification charges (example: Year 11/13 graduation items) shown separately. - Exam and exam‑related fees (Cambridge IGCSE / AS / A‑Level / BTEC): Candidate exam fees and subject entry fees are charged in addition to tuition; Cambridge examination fees for candidate classes must be paid by the stated school deadline (for example, by 30 January for candidate year groups). Practical/art facilitation and subject‑based exam fees are charged where applicable. - Routine charges that appear termly: student ID KES 1,000 (annual), emergency health services KES 2,000 (annual), yearbook KES 3,000 (annual), career testing/counselling and other optional services where applicable. - School and PE uniform are not included in the fees; uniform costs are billed separately. Lunch is compulsory for day students. Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties - Term billing: For KG–Year 10 and most year groups, termly fees are chargeable and payable over three terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). For Years 11–13 (senior candidate years) fee types are chargeable and payable over two terms (Term 1 and Term 2) as specified. All fee types must be paid in full at least fifteen working days before the start of each term. - Late payment penalty: A surcharge of 5% is levied per month on any outstanding fee balance. - Notice and withdrawal: A full term's written notice to, and acknowledgement by, the Principal is required for withdrawal; otherwise a full term's fees is payable in lieu of notice. In specific year groups with limited vacancies, a non‑refundable advance/commitment payment (50% of tuition) may be required as part of first term fees. Refunds and refundable items - The standard caution deposit (KES 50,000) is refundable subject to the school's refund conditions and account settlement. Certain advance/commitment payments and some other deposits are explicitly non‑refundable in case a placement is forfeited. No reimbursement or credit note is made if a student drops boarding unless the formal drop process and any school conditions provide otherwise. A cleared fees balance is required for exam registration and issuance of official documents. Fee payment methods and instructions - Accepted methods: Bank transfer and bank cash deposit to the school's Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) account using the student's Virtual Bank Account number as the payment reference; parents/guardians are asked to forward payment confirmation to the school's specified WhatsApp numbers or email address for reconciliation. Cheques and direct cash payments to the school are not accepted. International/telegraphic transfers may require the KCB SWIFT code and correct account reference. Use the student's virtual account number on the payment reference to ensure correct posting. Discounts and special billing rules - Sibling discount (applies to tuition only for registered Light Group siblings): 2nd child 5% tuition discount; 3rd child 10%; 4th and subsequent siblings 15% (first born not entitled to discount). When a sibling graduates or transfers the discount allocation is recalculated. In certain year groups a 50% non‑refundable advance may be requested to secure a place. Notes for calculation and use - Use the per‑term figures above together with the billing rules (three‑term or two‑term billing) to compute annual totals for each year group. Boarding, examination, subject‑specific, and one‑time registration charges are additional to term tuition and must be added when estimating total annual cost for admission and enrollment.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
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.	Boarding arrangements Boarding options include Full Boarders who stay on campus throughout the term and go home during holidays, and Weekly Boarders who stay on campus during the week and return home on weekends. Boarding life is supervised by on-site supervisors who live on campus and provide round-the-clock support and mentorship. Facilities include modern dormitories, study rooms, gaming rooms, mentorship rooms, TV rooms, a laundry area, clean washrooms, and hot showers.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school has a school uniform and dress code; uniforms and PE uniforms are required, with details including a house T-shirt/jersey for house activities; uniforms are not included in the fees.
Food options	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.	Food options Lunch is available and is compulsory for day students; lunch fees and boarding fees are subject to amendment.
House system	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.	House system Every student belongs to one of four houses: Heisenberg – Green, Tesla – Red, Feynman – Yellow, Newton – Blue. These houses compete in events such as Fun Day and the annual house quiz, and also undertake community links through house activities.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Hillcrest International Schools is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a five-member Board appointed at the annual general meeting of Omeriye Limited, the legal entity of the school, and LIS is associated with Light Group Of Schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details The Cambridge International Curriculum is used at Light International School Nairobi. The curriculum is based on Cambridge Assessment International Education programs, starting with Cambridge Primary and moving through to IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Levels. The school is accredited as a Cambridge International School for Primary, Key Stage 3, IGCSE and A Level Programs. Light International School provides a full Cambridge curriculum for ages 3 to 18. The program emphasizes cross-curricular learning and the use of technology to enhance learning, and prepares students for admission to universities worldwide.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The school has low student-teacher ratios.	Student teacher ratio 1:67.
Exam results	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%.	Exam results SAT results (2018-2019): Participation 19%; Average Score 1310.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school opens the door to further and higher education and their chosen career path.	Higher education progression College and University Acceptances in the past five years include University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, Simon Fraser University, University of Manitoba, University of Houston, Strathmore University, South China University, University of Texas, Queensland University of Business, Coventry University, Nairobi University, Deakin College, Trent University, Mount Kenya University, and Loughborough University.
Gifted and talented	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.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	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.	Social & emotional learning Guidance & Counselling (Non Academics) is offered as part of the Cambridge Secondary curriculum to support students' personal development and well-being.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school considers learning support needs in class allocations to balance year groups and accommodate students who require additional learning support.
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.	English as an additional language English as a second language is included in the English curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing Health and safety are a priority; the school maintains a drug-free environment and will safeguard the well-being of its members.
Safeguarding	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 The school is guided by the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Children's Act; the school has a legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment and to safeguard the best interests of the child.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview The Nairobi campus has modern facilities and technology to support learning. The curriculum is based on the British education system (IGCSE) and is tailored to the needs of each student. A wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama, complements academics. Technology is integrated into teaching to enhance the learning experience.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities Outdoor clubs include soccer, basketball, volleyball, netball, swimming, skating, boxing, archery, scouting, environmental activities, Tong-il moo-do, and dance. Indoor clubs include debate, programming, Presidential Awards, journalism, book club, science club, EAMUN, art, music, cooking, drama, chess, table tennis, crocheting, first aid, robotics, and digital art. The program also includes community service and cultural programs to enrich learning.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities The Cambridge International Curriculum is offered from kindergarten (ages 3-5) through A-level. The British education system (IGCSE) forms the curriculum. The campus features modern facilities and technology, including classrooms and laboratories.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities Outdoor clubs: soccer, basketball, volleyball, netball, swimming, skating, boxing, archery, scouting, environmental, Tong-il moo-do, and dance. Indoor clubs: debate, programming, Presidential Awards, journalism, book club, science club, EAMUN, art, music, cooking, drama, chess, table tennis, crocheting, first aid, robotics, and digital art. In addition to clubs, the program includes community service and cultural programs to enrich student life.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Light International School Nairobi traces its roots to the Light Academy network of schools located across Kenya and operates from the Karen suburb of Nairobi in a quiet environment conducive to learning. The school offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten (ages 3–5) through A-level (Year 13) to students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds. It participates in national and international projects and competitions, including hosting the East African Round of the World Scholar's Cup and the environment-focused Golden Climate International Project Olympiad (GCIEPO), inaugurated in 2011. The school is accredited as a Cambridge International Exam Centre for IGCSE and A Levels. The motto is Access to Success and the core values are Leadership, Integrity, Good Judgement, Honour, and Trustworthiness.
Community	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.	Community The LIS community includes students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds. The school hosts and participates in international events, such as the World Scholar's Cup East Africa Round and the Golden Climate International Project Olympiad (GCIEPO), fostering intercultural exchange. Dormitories and hostels provide a home-like environment with a dorm master and staff support. The values of leadership, integrity, and social responsibility guide the school community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual The school offers indoor clubs including Debate, Programming, Journalism, Science Club, Book Club, Robotics, and EAMUN. Presidential Awards and Art, Music, and Digital Art are also part of the indoor program.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative Indoor arts and creative clubs include Art, Music, Drama, and Digital Art. Crocheting and Cooking are also offered among co-curricular activities.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language Cultural programs promote diversity and intercultural understanding through events celebrating different traditions. EAMUN is a Model United Nations club within the indoor offerings. The co-curricular program includes community service and cultural programs.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies Outdoor Clubs include Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, Swimming, Skating, Boxing, Archery, Scouting, Environmental, Tong-il moo-do, and Dance. Indoor Clubs include Debate, Programming, Presidential Awards, Journalism, Book Club, Science Club, EAMUN, Art, Music, Cooking, Drama, Chess, Table Tennis, Crocheting, First Aid, Robotics, and Digital Art.
Community & service	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.	Community & service Community service is offered as part of the co-curricular program. Community service initiatives provide opportunities for students to give back to their local community and enrich the learning experience.
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional Presidential Awards is listed among indoor clubs. Indoor clubs such as Debate, Journalism, and EAMUN provide opportunities for student leadership and organized activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Outdoor Clubs offer Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, and Swimming. Additional activities include Skating, Boxing, Archery, Scouting, Environmental initiatives, Tong-il moo-do, and Dance.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision English is the language of instruction across the curriculum, with English as a First Language and English as a Second Language available. Language subjects include French (Second Language), German (Second Language), Spanish (Second Language), and Turkish (First Language). English language development is supported through ESL. Kindergarten uses IEYC with Jolly Phonics, and the Primary programme blends Cambridge Primary with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards None listed on the site in the provided pages.	Awards —
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.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
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.	Admissions 1. The school currently accepts admissions for KG1 through Year 13, with some slots limited. The curriculum is based on the British education system (IGCSE). Admission requirements should be reviewed before applying. 2. Prepare the required documents. The list includes: copy of birth certificate; two passport-sized photographs; copies of both parents' IDs; copies of both parents' KRA PIN; transfer letter from former school (if transfer) or latest report form; copy of student's passport; copy of a parent/sponsor's passport (if not Kenyan); fully signed last page of the Parents/Students Handbook; signed Drugs Policy; signed Digital Access to Success (DAS) Program Policy; duly filled subject selection form (Year 10 and 12); copy of a valid health insurance card (if applicable); copy of a pupil's pass (for foreign students); and copies of payment slips showing total amounts paid for registration, annual school fees, and term fees. Non-Kenyan citizens must apply for a pupil's pass after completion of registration. 3. Fill the application form. An application form is available via a Google Form linked for LIS Nairobi admissions. The page notes to view admission requirements before filling the form. 4. Fee terms and conditions. All fee types must be paid fully fifteen working days before the beginning of each term. School fees are payable in Kenya Shillings only. For Kindergarten to Year 10, fees are charged per term (Three Terms); for Years 11 to 13, fees are charged per term (Two Terms). Cambridge examination fees for candidate classes (Year 11, 12 & 13) must be paid by 30 January of the respective year, and Cambridge exam registrations cannot be done until the balance is cleared. The school reserves the right of admission. In Year Groups where vacancies are limited, a 50% advance payment of the tuition fee may be required as part of the First Term's fees, and this advance is nonrefundable if the place is forfeited. Sibling discounts apply: 2nd born child 5%; 3rd born child 10%; 4th born child and any other siblings 15% (the 1st born child is not entitled to a discount). When a sibling graduates or transfers, the discounts are recalculated. A full term's notice in writing and the Principal's acknowledgement in writing is required for withdrawals; otherwise a full term's fees are payable. Payment methods include bank transfer or bank deposit to the LIS bank account; cheques and cash payments are not accepted. 5. Age requirements. The school strictly follows the age groups: Nursery 3; Kindergarten 1 4; Kindergarten 2 5; Year 1 6; Year 2 7; Year 3 8; Year 4 9; Year 5 10; Year 6 11; Year 7 12; Year 8 13; Year 9 14; Year 10 15; Year 11 16; Year 12 17; Year 13 18. 6. Waiting list. If vacancies are not available immediately, students are put on a waiting list.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist Waiting list is used when vacancies are not immediately available.
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