Hillcrest International School vs Nairobi Waldorf School
Hillcrest International School and Nairobi Waldorf School are both in Nairobi, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer BTEC Qualification programmes. Hillcrest International School also offers British, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels, and Nairobi Waldorf School also offers Waldorf Steiner and IB. Published annual fees are KES 577,600 - 3,055,000 at Hillcrest International School and KES 293,577 - 1,027,971 at Nairobi Waldorf School, which puts Hillcrest International School roughly 175% higher. Hillcrest International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Nairobi Waldorf School from 1 to 18. Hillcrest International School is the larger school, with around 630 pupils to Nairobi Waldorf School's 450. Both keep typical class sizes around 16.
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
Two campuses in Nairobi, Kenya: Karen Campus at 35 Nandi Road and Lavington Campus on Mageta Road. Karen Campus offers Kindergarten through High School; Lavington Campus currently serves Kindergarten through Class 5.
Stages
Stages
Early Years; Preparatory; Secondary; Sixth Form.
Stages
Karen Campus: Kindergarten through High School; Lavington Campus: Kindergarten through Class 5.
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
Day school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Around 40 nationalities are represented.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Provision for SEND and EAL.
Additional learning support
Learning support is provided through the Kolisko Group; students who require support receive an Individual Education Program (IEP).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Kenya
Country affiliation
Kenya
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Non-sectarian; not affiliated with any particular religion
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
School day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Monday to Friday. The Main Lesson approach uses morning blocks of 1.5–2 hours for each subject, taught in three- to four-week cycles.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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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
Fees per term (KES)
- Toddler & Playgroup (five days/week): KES 97,859 per term. - Kindergarten (five days/week): KES 119,340 per term. - Primary School: - Class 1: KES 170,845 per term. - Class 2: KES 207,860 per term. - Class 3–5: KES 252,028 per term. - Class 6–8: KES 261,630 per term. - High School: - Class 9–10: KES 311,507 per term. - Class 11: KES 342,657 per term. - Class 12: KES 428,322 per term (Class 12 is charged for two terms only).
Sibling and early-payment discounts
- Sibling discounts: 10% on the first younger sibling, 15% on the second younger sibling, and 20% on any additional younger siblings. - Early-payment discounts: 2.5% discount if school fees are paid in full two weeks before the first day of school for the term; 5% discount if annual school fees are paid in full before the first day of school.
Application, admission, development and security deposit fees
- Application fee (non‑refundable): KES 5,000 due with submission of the application. - Admission fee (non‑refundable): KES 7,000 for Kindergarten admissions; KES 12,000 for Primary and High School admissions. - Note: A child moving from the Waldorf Kindergarten to Primary must pay an additional KES 12,000 admission fee (the earlier KES 7,000 is not credited). Students transitioning internally from Nairobi Waldorf Primary to the High School are not required to pay the KES 12,000 high school admission fee. - Development fee (one‑off, non‑refundable): KES 30,000 per child. - Security deposit (refundable): KES 20,000 for Kindergarten admissions; KES 50,000 for Primary and High School admissions. - When a child moves from Kindergarten to Primary, an additional top‑up of KES 30,000 is required to bring the security deposit to the Primary/High School rate.
Other costs and fee inclusions/exclusions
- Afternoon care (Kindergarten) — fees per term if booked at the start of term: - One day per week: KES 6,500 per term. - Two days per week: KES 13,000 per term. - Three days per week: KES 19,500 per term. - Four days per week: KES 26,000 per term. - Five days per week: KES 32,500 per term. - Reduced weekly attendance (Daisies, ages 18 months–3 years) — fees per term: - Two days (Tue & Thu): KES 45,020 per term. - Three days (Mon, Wed, Fri): KES 67,528 per term. - Five days (Mon–Fri): KES 97,859 per term. - Class materials: All writing books, main lesson books, textbooks and basic drawing and craft materials are included in tuition. Materials for special projects, replacement of lost/damaged personal items, and class outings/trips are charged to parents. - Meals: A snack and warm lunch are included in Toddler, Playgroup and Kindergarten fees. A warm lunch is included in Primary and High School fees. Parents must provide swimming costumes, towels and any specialised sports equipment. - Games kit / uniform items: Primary games kits and High School tracksuits are available from the school at additional cost. - School bus (per term, zoned routes by campus): - Zone A: two-way KES 33,600; one-way KES 20,160. - Zone B: two-way KES 39,095; one-way KES 23,457. - Zone C: two-way KES 44,590; one-way KES 26,754. - Pupil insurance: Basic accidental-injury insurance for pupils is provided (medical costs from accidents at school or off campus are covered under the school's insurance arrangement).
Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties
- Billing schedule / deadlines: Full school fees and other related fees (including bus fees and other fees billed ahead of or during a term) must be received no later than the first Friday of the term. - Late payment fee and follow-up: A late payment fee of KES 5,000 per child is charged for any outstanding fees after the first Friday of the term. The full balance, including the late fee, must be settled by the Friday of the second week of school. If fees remain unpaid as the third week commences, the child will be asked to remain at home. Parents receive an email, a hard‑copy letter and a phone call before the final late-payment deadline. - Payment plans: Per‑term payment plans are available on request (application required at least two weeks before term start). An administration fee of KES 5,000 per child is charged with the payment‑plan application. Term fees may be split into up to three installments; all fees must be cleared by the end of the term. Missed deadlines cancel the delayed‑payment option and render fees immediately due; repeating missed deadlines affects eligibility for payment plans in the remainder of the school year.
Payments accepted and banking details
- Accepted methods: Bank transfers / bank deposits and M‑Pesa payments. Post‑dated cheques are not accepted; payments in kind are not accepted. On direct deposits or electronic transfers, fees are considered unpaid until proof of payment is provided to the accounts team. - Bank (Diamond Trust Bank, DTB — Karen Hub Branch): - Account name: Nairobi Waldorf School Trust - KES Account no.: 0300790004 - Bank code: 063 - Branch code: 031 - SWIFT code: DTKEKENA - M‑Pesa Paybill: Business number 516600; Account number 929942. - After paying by M‑Pesa, the payment reference number must be emailed to accounts@nairobiwaldorfschool.ac.ke to update the statement.
Withdrawals and refunds
- Notice period: One full term's written notice is required to withdraw a child. If one term's notice is not given, one term's fee is payable in lieu of notice and the refundable security deposit will be forfeited. - Refundability: Security deposits are refundable (subject to the above withdrawal/notice provisions). Application, admission and development fees are non‑refundable.
Boarding
- Boarding: Not applicable — there are no boarding fees listed and the school operates as a day school.
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
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
The dress code is used instead of a formal uniform. Clothing should be neat, simple, and comfortable, free from logos or graphics; natural fibers such as cotton or wool are encouraged. A school-branded games kit is required for games.
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 provided for Kindergarten, Primary and High School. Kindergarten has vegetarian options. The menu rotates on a three-week cycle and includes dishes such as spaghetti with paneer or meat sauce and vegetables, beef or vegetable pilau, vegetable rice, chicken or paneer dishes, and Friday options like pizza or fish; Kindergarten snacks include rice pudding and fruit-based options. Main dishes depend on ingredient availability, and fruits/vegetables vary by season.
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
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Hillcrest International Schools is a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Governance and ownership
The Nairobi Waldorf School Trust is a private, international, not-for-profit school. It is governed by three groups: the Board of Trustees, the Pedagogical Team, and the Management Team. The school operates on two campuses, Karen and Lavington.
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
Waldorf education guides Nairobi Waldorf School, educating the head, heart, and hands through academics, movement, and the arts. A class-teacher approach keeps the same teacher with a cohort from early years through primary, supporting routines and social development. Learning uses Main Lesson blocks, with a subject taught in three- to four-week cycles for in-depth exploration. The curriculum spans Kindergarten through High School, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered at the Karen Campus and Pearson BTEC qualifications in Business and Art & Design at Levels 2 and 3, providing progression to higher education. Language study includes English and Swahili, with French taught in upper years and IB DP language options including French B, Swahili B, or French Ab Initio.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
The school has low student-teacher ratios.
Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes promote individualized attention.
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
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The school opens the door to further and higher education and their chosen career path.
Higher education progression
The IB Diploma Programme is offered at the Karen Campus as a two-year pre-university pathway and is globally recognized; Kenyan universities generally accept IB after an equivalence process. Pearson BTEC qualifications in Business and Art & Design provide higher education and apprenticeship pathways, with Level 3 BTEC equivalent to A‑levels and higher BTEC levels recognized for university entry in Kenya and internationally.
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
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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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
Social and emotional growth is fostered through themes of sharing, caring, and community building.
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 Learning Support Department provides services for learners with Specific Learning Disabilities/Disorders (SLD), ADHD, and English Language Learners (ELL); instruction is differentiated within an inclusive main-lesson setting with some pull-out support, and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Accommodation Plan may be developed for eligible students.
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
The Learning Support Department provides English Language Learner (ELL) support.
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
Mental wellbeing is supported through psycho-social services led by the management team, with a Child Psychologist on call to assist the community in trauma cases.
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 welfare and safety of students are paramount; a formal NWST Child Safety and Protection Policy defines abuse types, safeguarding procedures, confidentiality, and zero tolerance for discrimination.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
The Nairobi Waldorf School Trust is a private, international school. It is governed by three groups – the Board of Trustees, the Pedagogical Team, and the Management Team. The Board of Trustees is made up of a balanced representation of faculty, administration, parents, and respected members of the community; board members are elected by the school community at the Annual General Meeting and oversee legal, financial, and administrative governance and policy development. The Pedagogical Team maintains the quality, depth, and professionalism of teaching at the school and creates an environment where teachers can nurture, protect, and support students so that they can fully experience their own individuality and success.
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 school emphasizes a strong community with connections between students, staff, and parents. The Kolisko Group provides learning support and students may receive an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with support from educators and families. The school is non-sectarian and welcomes families from diverse religions and cultural backgrounds; spirituality is respected but not tied to any single religion. Waldorf aesthetics and the environment emphasize natural materials, seasonal rhythms, and ceremonies and celebrations in classrooms.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
Pedagogical Team maintains teaching quality, depth, and professionalism and creates an environment in which teachers can nurture and support students to express their individuality and achieve success.
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 Nairobi Waldorf School Trust uses the Waldorf Main Lesson approach, with subjects taught in blocks of three to four weeks. Academics are woven with art, music, and movement to support the development of thinking, feeling, and willing in each student. The program educates the head, heart, and hands, guiding holistic development.
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
Art and music are central to the curriculum. In early years children sing and play the flute and participate in movement; handwork (knitting, sewing) and woodwork are core parts of primary education, and drama and visual arts appear in upper grades. BTEC Art and Design pathways offer hands-on study in photography, film, fashion, graphic design, and 3D design.
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
French and Swahili are offered as language options. In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, language acquisition includes French B, Swahili B, or French Ab Initio. High school studies include French as part of the core subjects.
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
Co-curricular activities include swimming, soccer, and basketball. Drama, music, and visual arts are integrated through blocks and electives, with opportunities for additional creative pursuits beyond class time.
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
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is part of the IB Diploma Programme, focusing on community engagement and personal growth. The school emphasizes a strong sense of community among students, staff, and parents. Social responsibility and ethical awareness are embedded across programmes including BTEC.
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
Mentorship, teamwork, and independent projects build leadership and professional skills. The IBDP Core (TOK, EE, CAS) fosters leadership, reflection, and social responsibility. BTEC pathways emphasize collaboration, project work, and enterprise-oriented skills.
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
Active learning weaves movement into daily study, with Waldorf emphasis on educating the head, heart, and hands. Physical activity is supported through swimming, soccer, and basketball, as well as fieldwork and movement in early childhood. The curriculum emphasizes well-being, balance, and holistic development.
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
Kiswahili is taught in Grade 1 as Kiswahili: Building Language Foundations with language-focused activities. In Grade 2, Kiswahili and French appear in the subject rotation, supporting language development. In the IB Diploma Programme, English A: Language and Literature is studied, and Language Acquisition options include French B, Swahili B, or French Ab Initio, indicating multiple languages are offered across levels.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
The French curriculum immerses students in the language through conversational practice, vocabulary building, and cultural exploration.
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
None listed on the site in the provided pages.
Awards
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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
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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. Complete and submit a Student Application with a non-refundable application fee of KShs 5,000 per child; the application and fee must be submitted before the school undertakes the initial assessment of the child. 2. Final admission and placement depend on space availability and the school's ability to provide the education and support required for the individual child; the decision is made by the teachers. 3. With increasing interest in Waldorf education, requests for placement exceed space, particularly in the Kindergartens, so interviews with parents/guardians of those requesting placement are conducted. 4. Broad criteria for admission: Kindergarten accepts children from eighteen months, with groups including toddler (18 months–2.5 years), playgroup (2.5–4 years), and kindergarten (4–6 years). Reception Group is for children in their last year of Kindergarten, focusing on developing pre-learning skills with teacher support to enter Primary School. Class One admission from Kindergarten to Primary School is not automatic; a child turning six on or before 30 November is automatically assessed for Class One readiness during term II of the current school year, and if successful, admission typically occurs in late August/early September of that year. If a child turns six after 30 November, an assessment may be carried out following consultation; if readiness is shown, admission may be granted. For Class Two and beyond, a series of interviews, observations, and assessments are conducted for optimal grade placement.
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
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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.
