International School of Uganda vs Kampala International School Uganda

	I International School of Uganda Kampala, Uganda	K Kampala International School Uganda Kampala, Uganda
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year UGX 29,963,427 - 126,473,535	Fees / year UGX 16,647,325 - 105,433,060
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 615	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1967	Opened 1993
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISU is located in Lubowa, a Kampala suburb about 10 kilometres south of central Kampala, Uganda. The campus sits on a 33-acre green site that houses Early Childhood, Junior School and Senior School on a single campus. The address is 272 Entebbe Road, Kampala. The campus is described as a green space with indigenous plants and bird-life, and facilities include a Science Centre opened in 2015 and an Arts Centre opened in 2022.	Location Plot No. 447, Block 213, Kyebando - Kisalosalo Road, Bukoto, Kampala, Uganda. P.O. Box Number 34249, Kampala, Uganda.
Stages	Stages Early Childhood, Junior School and Senior School on one Lubowa campus.	Stages Early Years; Primary School (Key Stage 1; Key Stage 2); IB Diploma
School type	School type Independent, non-profit, day school offering the International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).	School type International day school offering the IB Diploma Programme.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 554 students (Whole School) across 56 nationalities; 25% of students are non-native English speakers.	Pupil nationality mix Over 450 students representing 46+ nationalities.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure ISU arrivals occur around 7:40–7:45 am; the regular school day ends at 3:10 pm (2:20 pm on some Wednesdays). After-school activities extend to 4:10 pm, with a limited 5:00 pm bus service for extended activities or sports.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details ISU operates a fleet of 17 buses serving Kampala, Entebbe and Lubowa. Bus arrivals at school are around 7:40–7:45 am; end-of-day bus services depart at 3:10 pm, 4:10 pm, or 5:00 pm. Buses feature seat belts, a DriveCam, three-point seat belts on all seats, walkie-talkies linked to the US Embassy, and a driver with an adult bus monitor for student welfare.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration fee - A non-refundable registration fee of USD 500 is payable by all students at the time of application. Tuition fees (2026–2027) — amounts by entry year group and payment plan Payment plans available: - Plan A — one instalment (single annual payment). - Plan B — two instalments (each instalment shown; totals include finance charges). - Plan C — three instalments (each instalment shown; totals include finance charges). Tuition by year group (figures shown as: Plan A — annual; Plan B — each of 2 instalments (annual total in parentheses); Plan C — each of 3 instalments (annual total in parentheses)): - Playgroup — Plan A: USD 7,500; Plan B: USD 3,830 (annual total USD 7,660); Plan C: USD 2,560 (annual total USD 7,680). - EC1–EC2 — Plan A: USD 9,200; Plan B: USD 4,690 (annual total USD 9,380); Plan C: USD 3,140 (annual total USD 9,420). - Afternoon Supervision — Plan A: USD 1,700; Plan B: USD 870 (annual total USD 1,740); Plan C: USD 590 (annual total USD 1,770). - Kinder — Plan A: USD 25,700; Plan B: USD 13,110 (annual total USD 26,220); Plan C: USD 8,780 (annual total USD 26,340). - Grade 1–5 — Plan A: USD 27,600; Plan B: USD 14,080 (annual total USD 28,160); Plan C: USD 9,430 (annual total USD 28,290). - Grade 6–8 — Plan A: USD 32,000; Plan B: USD 16,320 (annual total USD 32,640); Plan C: USD 10,930 (annual total USD 32,790). - Grade 9–10 — Plan A: USD 33,200; Plan B: USD 16,930 (annual total USD 33,860); Plan C: USD 11,340 (annual total USD 34,020). - Grade 11–12 — Plan A: USD 38,700; Plan B: USD 19,740 (annual total USD 39,480); Plan C: USD 13,220 (annual total USD 39,660). - All Plan B and Plan C instalment amounts shown are inclusive of finance charges. Optional bus (transport) fees Optional bus service (figures shown as: Plan A — annual; Plan B — each instalment (annual total in parentheses); Plan C — each instalment (annual total in parentheses)): - One child — Plan A: USD 2,320; Plan B: USD 1,175 (annual total USD 2,350); Plan C: USD 790 (annual total USD 2,370). - Two children — Plan A: USD 2,270; Plan B: USD 1,160 (annual total USD 2,320); Plan C: USD 780 (annual total USD 2,340). - Three children — Plan A: USD 2,220; Plan B: USD 1,130 (annual total USD 2,260); Plan C: USD 760 (annual total USD 2,280). - Four children — Plan A: USD 2,170; Plan B: USD 1,110 (annual total USD 2,220); Plan C: USD 745 (annual total USD 2,235). - Bus fee instalments for Plan B and Plan C are inclusive of finance charges. Capital levy, deposits and continuing-enrolment charges - Capital levy (one-time, non‑refundable) charged for students entering Grade 1 or higher: USD 10,000. An ISU Alumni rate of USD 2,000 applies for eligible alumni families. Families may apply to pay the capital levy in two instalments: first on entry and second at the start of the next school year. - Annual capital levy: USD 1,000 for all students in Grade 1 and above. This annual capital levy is reduced pro rata by the same percentage as any financial assistance awarded. - Re-enrolment deposit: USD 500 per student payable in May each year; this deposit guarantees a place for the following year and is deducted from the next year's tuition. Families who notify in writing by 30 June that they will not be returning will receive a full refund of the re-enrolment deposit. Other costs and optional charges - Co-Curricular Activities (CCA): optional seasonal activities may require additional payment for external coaches, equipment or materials. - ISSEA/MUN and other out-of-country trips: partially subsidised; estimated additional cost per participating student ranges from USD 800 to USD 1,500 depending on group size and destination. - Uniforms: there is no school uniform; students are required to adhere to the school dress code. Any sports kit or items sold through the school shop may incur separate charges. Billing schedule and payment terms (dates for the 2026–2027 academic year) - Plan A (single payment): full payment due by 1 August 2026. - Plan B (two instalments): instalments due 1 August 2026 and 4 January 2027. Each instalment amount shown under Plan B is payable on those dates; totals include finance charges. - Plan C (three instalments): instalments due 1 August 2026, 1 November 2026 and 1 February 2027. Each instalment amount shown under Plan C is payable on those dates; totals include finance charges. Refunds and late-payment consequences - Refunds: Fees paid in advance are refundable only where at least four weeks' advance written notice of withdrawal is given. Refunds are calculated on a quarterly basis; no refund is given where a student has attended any part of a quarter. The re-enrolment deposit is refundable if written notice of non-return is given by 30 June. - Late payment: If any part of fees remains unpaid 30 days after the due date, the student may be excluded from classes. A late payment fee of 1% may be applied to overdue amounts. Students with outstanding fees may be excluded from school-sponsored trips, and school reports or transcripts will not be released until fees are up to date. Payment methods and administrative details - Currency: all tuition and fees are charged in United States dollars (USD). - Accepted payment methods: bank transfer or direct deposit to the school's bank accounts, or payment through the school business office by US dollar cheque drawn on Stanbic Bank or ABSA Bank. School banking details are provided for electronic payments. Boarding - Boarding is not available; the school operates as a co‑educational day school. Summary notes on variability - Some optional items (transport, CCAs, trips, sports kit) involve additional charges beyond tuition and levies. Instalment totals for Plan B and Plan C include finance charges and will be slightly higher than the single-payment amount shown under Plan A.	Fee details Application / Enrolment fees - Enrolment fee for Early Years (KG & Reception): USD 580. A top-up of USD 2,630 is applied when a pupil moves into Year 1, yielding the full enrolment charge for Early Years → Year 1 entry. - Enrolment fee for Year 1 through IB2 (one-time): USD 3,200 (presented as the standard enrolment/entrance charge for Year 1–IB2). - A separate school statement of financial terms also records an enrolment amount of USD 2,350 to be paid on the day of enrolment and notes this fee as non-refundable; this figure appears alongside the other published enrolment amounts. Tuition fees — Term fees (per term) - Kindergarten 1–3: Tuition USD 1,540; Lunch USD 430; Total per term USD 1,970. - Reception: Tuition USD 3,870; Lunch USD 440; Total per term USD 4,310. - Year 1 & 2: Tuition USD 7,030; Lunch USD 550; Total per term USD 7,580. - Year 3–6: Tuition USD 7,680; Lunch USD 550; Total per term USD 8,230. - Year 7–9: Tuition USD 8,830; Lunch USD 600; Total per term USD 9,430. - Year 10: Tuition USD 8,830; lunch is optional at USD 600 — total per term USD 8,830 (without lunch) or USD 9,430 (with lunch). - Year 11: Tuition USD 13,225 per term; lunch optional at USD 600 — total per term USD 13,225 (without lunch) or USD 13,825 (with lunch). Year 11 is payable in two half-yearly payments (school notes the payment frequency for Year 11). - IB1 (Year 12): Tuition USD 14,630 per term; lunch optional at USD 600 — total per term USD 14,630 (without lunch) or USD 15,230 (with lunch). IB1 is shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments. - IB2 (Year 13): Tuition USD 14,630 per term; lunch optional at USD 600 — total per term USD 14,630 (without lunch) or USD 15,230 (with lunch). IB2 is shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments. Tuition fees — Annual fees (per year) - Kindergarten 1–3: Tuition USD 4,600; Lunch USD 1,240; Total per year USD 5,840. - Reception: Tuition USD 11,560; Lunch USD 1,300; Total per year USD 12,860. - Year 1 & 2: Tuition USD 21,060; Lunch USD 1,600; Total per year USD 22,660. - Year 3–6: Tuition USD 23,010; Lunch USD 1,600; Total per year USD 24,610. - Year 7–9: Tuition USD 26,450; Lunch USD 1,760; Total per year USD 28,210. - Year 10: Tuition USD 26,450 per year; lunch optional USD 1,760 — total per year USD 26,450 (without lunch) or USD 28,210 (with lunch). - Year 11: Tuition USD 26,450 per year; lunch optional USD 1,760 — total per year USD 26,450 (without lunch) or USD 28,210 (with lunch). Year 11 payment frequency is listed as two half‑yearly payments in the published schedule. - IB1 (Year 12): Tuition USD 29,250 per year; lunch optional USD 1,760 — total per year USD 29,250 (without lunch) or USD 31,010 (with lunch). IB1 is shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments. - IB2 (Year 13): Tuition USD 29,250 per year; lunch optional USD 1,760 — total per year USD 29,250 (without lunch) or USD 31,010 (with lunch). IB2 is shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments. Transport (bus) fees - Bus fee per term: One‑way USD 495; Two‑way USD 680. Billing schedule and payment terms - Some year groups (Year 11 and the two IB years) are shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments; other year groups are presented with term and annual totals so fees are billed on a term or annual basis as indicated. - All fees must be paid by the published due date; parents must pay fees for the next term before the last day of the current term. Outstanding accounts may result in exclusion from class or withholding of official documents. - External examination fees (IGCSE and IB) are billed separately and must be paid prior to exam registration. Boarding fees - Boarding is not available at this school; there are no published boarding fees. Other costs and charges - Lunch: lunch fees are shown separately for each year group and may be optional for some grades (Year 10, Year 11, IB1, IB2 show optional lunch at the published rate). These lunch charges are included in the term and annual totals where noted. - Enrolment / admission-related top‑ups and staged enrolment charges (Early Years top‑up to Year 1, and the larger single enrolment charge for Year 1–IB2) are published as set amounts under the enrolment section. - External examination fees (IGCSE and IB) and other exam‑related charges are billed separately. - Co‑curricular clubs and activity sessions may charge separately; the school's published CCA guidance specifies that fees for CCA blocks are non‑refundable if a pupil cannot attend all sessions. - International trips and optional excursions are described as part of the school programme; such trips are typically charged separately from tuition and will appear as additional costs when offered. - Uniform costs are not listed in the published fee schedule and are not given as fixed amounts in the publicly available fee documents. Parents should expect separate uniform purchases or charges arranged through the school or approved suppliers. Refunds and cancellation policy - Fees once paid are non‑refundable. The published financial agreement states that if a child is absent for more than three weeks or withdraws from the school, no refund will be issued. If a child is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons, no fees will be refunded. Fee payment arrangements and contact for payment instructions - The school's financial terms state that payment is to be made to the Bursar's office; parents are required to follow the school's invoicing and bursar procedures and to settle all outstanding fees by the due dates. Specific bank account details or card/payment processor details are not published on the fee schedule pages; contact the Admissions or Office email addresses for the school's accepted payment methods and bank details. - Admissions and finance contact details published with the fee materials: admissions@kisu.com and office@kisu.com; Admissions phone +256 752 711882. Notes on inconsistencies in published enrolment figures - The school's published materials include more than one enrolment figure: the Fees Structure shows Early Years as USD 580 (with top‑up) and USD 3,200 for Year 1–IB2, while the Agreement of Financial Terms and Conditions page records an enrolment fee amount of USD 2,350 payable on the day of enrolment. These differing published figures should be clarified with school admissions or the Bursar's office when arranging enrolment and payment.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school does not have a uniform but all students are expected to adhere to the dress code. Junior School students are required to wear a sports uniform available from the school office.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are available through the Uniform Shop. Uniform Shop Opening Times: Monday to Friday 7.30am–8.45am and 2.15–3.45pm; Saturdays 9.00am–11.00am; or by appointment.
Food options	Food options ISU offers an optional hot lunch for Early Childhood to Grade 12, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and no pork; most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Lunch is prepared in the school cafeteria by The Bistro, and weekly menus are published; students may also bring their own lunch, and Senior School has microwaves to heat food.	Food options Lunches are provided and compulsory for all students up to and including Year 9. Students in Year 10 and above may opt to eat school lunches or may provide their own. The lunch menu is rotated throughout each term and includes vegetarian options on Wednesdays.
House system	House system ISU has a House system. Students allocated to a house wear a House T-Shirt during PE and house events; houses are Water, Fire, Air and Earth, and there are events such as sports day.	House system All students are allocated a house: Bwindi, Otukei, Kibale, Semliki and compete in inter-house events.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is operated by the ISU Association whose members are the parents and teachers. ISU is not-for-profit and funds are used for annual operations and campus development. Seven of the 10 Board members are elected by the Association for two-year terms; two Board members are appointed by the Board, and the remaining member is appointed by the US Ambassador.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ISU offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3-11, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16, and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-18. ISU implements three IB programmes and provides four graduation pathways: the IB Diploma, the IB-Enriched ISU High School Diploma, the ISU High School Diploma, and the ISU Individualised Diploma. All ISU Diploma Requirements lead to an ISU High School Diploma, equivalent to a US High School Diploma. The IB Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups and three core elements: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service. ISU is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. All instruction is in English.	Curriculum details The school follows the National Curriculum for England with modifications for the Ugandan setting.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The Senior School has 212 students and 44 teaching professionals, yielding a student–teacher ratio of about 4.8:1. This ratio reflects the Senior School cohort within ISU's IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) as reported in the school's recent Senior School Profile.	Student teacher ratio There are 32 certified teachers and over 450 students, giving an approximate student–teacher ratio of about 14:1.
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma (DP) outcomes show yearly variations: 2019 had 19 graduates with an 82% pass rate, 2020 had 34 graduates with 97%, 2021 had 28 graduates with 100%, 2022 had 25 graduates with 89%, 2023 had 24 graduates with 92%, and 2024 had 17 graduates with 89%. Average DP scores for ISU graduates hover around the low 30s, with highest DP scores reaching the low-to-mid 40s in certain years. The school's DP pass-rate data and score distributions are listed in the Senior School Profiles. The school presents DP course offerings and pass statistics to illustrate performance relative to global averages.	Exam results The IB Diploma Programme is offered at KISU. DP results have steadily improved, and the school underwent an IBO review in 2018 that commended its Diploma Programme. To begin the full Diploma Programme, students must achieve a grade B or higher in their IGCSE for Higher Level subjects and a grade C or higher for Standard Level; for Physics or Mathematics at Higher Level, an A is required. There are three DP pathways: the full Diploma Programme, a trial Diploma, and IB Courses certificates.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression From Grade 11 onward, ISU provides a College Counseling Team to support university placement planning. University placements 2018-2024 show destinations including the United States (about 46%), Canada (about 20%), Europe (about 14-15%), the United Kingdom (about 12%), with smaller shares to Asia, Australia and Africa/Middle East; Makerere University in Uganda is also among reported destinations. ISU describes university destinations by region and lists individual university examples from various countries. The counseling team guides students toward post-secondary options across global universities.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented ISU offers Merit & Needs Based Scholarships for academically gifted Diploma candidates, covering up to 75% of tuition for Grades 11-12 and supporting academic, arts and sports excellence; selection considers academic achievement, specialized talents, English proficiency, and leadership potential, with CAS and enrichment expectations. Scholarships are awarded by a committee, with documented criteria and peer/teacher nominations, and include accompanying ISSEA participation and related requirements. ISU also outlines additional scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programmes, including criteria for eligibility and the application process.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning ISU uses a whole-school inclusive approach to social and emotional learning. The school emphasizes belonging and removing barriers to inclusive education. Counselors in every section support wellbeing and emotional health, working with teachers to guide learners through challenges. The school has two full-time therapists who provide occupational and speech-language therapies as part of the student-support services. Learning Support Teachers collaborate across programmes to provide classroom-based support and, if needed, dedicated learning-support spaces. English as an Additional Language is offered to help students develop social and academic confidence in using English.	Social & emotional learning The school is a learning community that cares about all stakeholders and puts the interests of children at the centre. It develops resilient and self-confident learners and is enriched by its international-mindedness. It nurtures intellectual curiosity and encourages students and teachers to be reflective, critical thinkers. It develops the whole person and cultivates highly effective communicators who are creative, critical and analytical thinkers, prepared to lead tomorrow's world.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) ISU provides Learning Support Teachers who support learners across the three programmes through collaboration and co-teaching in classrooms. Intensive Learning Support is available for learners whose needs exceed classroom provisions. The school has two full-time therapists who support occupational therapies and speech and language therapies. English as an Additional Language is offered to help students become socially and academically confident in English.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school aims to be inclusive and welcomes students with Special Educational Needs when their needs can be catered for and effectively supported. The Learning Support Coordinator and other relevant staff discuss each individual case, and former school records and tests are required to provide details of any previous learning support or clinical assessment.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language is offered in both sections to support students who are still learning English and to help them become socially and academically confident in using the English language.	English as an additional language Many local and international prospective students may enter with English as an Additional Language (EAL). In these cases, students are assessed on their English language proficiency and potential to learn. Admission is on a case-by-case basis, and depending on ability, students may receive in-class support or be withdrawn from certain lessons for additional help. The school offers English and French language classes.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing A counselor is available in each section to support wellbeing and emotional health. The Senior School wellbeing programme focuses on three components: health, relationships, and identity. The school fosters a sense of belonging through community activities and leadership opportunities, including Student Council and participation in ISSEA, UGMUN, and service projects.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ISU has Child Safeguarding Guidelines to foster a safe environment. Educators have a professional obligation to identify child abuse or neglect and to report suspected incidences to the Head of School or Junior or Senior School Principal. Reporting and follow-up of all suspected incidences will proceed under ISU Child Safeguarding Guidelines. Cases may be reported to embassies, the appropriate child protection agency in the home country and/or local authorities. The policy is distributed to staff annually and training on child protection is provided annually. Recruitment practices include verifying qualifications and references, and staff are required to sign a professional code of conduct including Child Protection training.	Safeguarding There is a designated safeguarding lead structure within the school. Zoe Wise is Head of Primary and Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Robert Buga serves as Head of IT and Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Head of Secondary, ensuring safeguarding and child protection responsibilities are actively supported.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ISU's 33-acre green campus in Lubowa houses Early Childhood, Junior School and Senior School on a single site. A facilities master plan guides ongoing development, with a Science Centre opened in 2015 and an Arts Centre opened in 2022. The campus includes a well-resourced library, a dining hall, and an Early Childhood learning kitchen with a vegetable garden. Sport and performance spaces include two sports fields, two sports halls, a full-length football/rugby field, a 400m track, four tennis courts, three basketball courts, two swimming pools, an indoor climbing wall, a gym and a 430-seat auditorium. There are also two art rooms and three music rooms supporting creative learning.	Facilities overview The school has four science labs in Secondary and a separate science resource room with a full-time lab technician. There are three computer labs and smart boards in most classrooms. The school provides three music rooms and three performance areas. The campus includes an indoor sports hall, an outdoor basketball court, a 25-metre eight-lane competition swimming pool, two libraries, and a five-acre playing field.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities ISU's sports facilities include: a 25-meter pool, a 400m track, four football pitches, four classic clay tennis courts, an indoor climbing wall, a newly built gym, a covered sports hall with a basketball court and two volleyball courts, two outdoor basketball courts with eight hoops, and a 1.4km Leopards Trail around the campus.	Sports facilities The main sports are football, basketball and volleyball for both boys and girls. Championships in swimming, athletics and cross-country are offered at primary and secondary levels. KISU competes in the ISSAK league. The campus has an indoor sports hall and an outdoor basketball court to support these activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ISU provides a Science Centre (opened in 2015) and an Arts Centre (opened in 2022). The library is well resourced. There are two Art Rooms and three Music Rooms, and a 430-seat Auditorium for performances and gatherings. There is an Early Childhood learning kitchen with a vegetable garden.	Academic facilities In Secondary, there are four science labs and a dedicated science resource room with a full-time lab technician. Primary science is taught within the topics studied. There is a LEGO Studio with LEGO robotics equipment for learning. Two libraries serve Early Years/Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2/Secondary, with around 27,000 books. Art and Design facilities include specialist art rooms for Primary and Secondary, an additional studio and a kiln for clay work; Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design and IB Visual Arts are offered.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities ISU offers competitive and non-competitive athletics and other extracurricular activities through its Beyond the Classroom programs, including ISSEA and ISSAK leagues; ISSEA tournaments cover Track & Field, Cross Country, Volleyball, Drama & Visual Arts, Forensics, Chess, Basketball, Rugby, Band & Choir, STEAM, Golf, Football and Tennis; ISSAK includes volleyball, basketball, football, swimming and track and field. Trips and service-learning opportunities are also part of the program.	Extra curricular facilities Students participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including outdoor education and international trips to destinations such as the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore and Dubai, as well as visits across Uganda and East Africa. An annual ski trip to Europe is a highlight. These activities support a holistic approach to education and foster community involvement. The school also hosts various events and clubs as part of the extracurricular program.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The International School of Uganda first opened on 17 May 1967 as The Lincoln School located at 93 Buganda Road. It was the first international school to open in Uganda. Today ISU has over 600 students from over 50 countries. It looks forward to the future while honouring its past.	History Established in 1993 with 67 students. It has grown steadily and now serves over 450 students representing 46+ nationalities. The program is designed to enhance a student's self-confidence and independence. State-of-the-art facilities include four science labs, three computer labs, three music rooms, three performance areas, an indoor sports hall, outdoor basketball court, a 25-metre eight-lane pool, two libraries, smart boards in most classrooms and a five-acre playing field. Students participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including outdoor education and international trips to the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore and Dubai, with an annual ski trip to Europe.
Community	Community ISU offers a wide range of activities through the Co-Curricular Activities programme, providing 15+ activities per season from Music to Drama, Rugby to Capoeira, Cultural Activities to Life Skills. Uganda Model United Nations (UGMUN) was established by ISU students in 2015 as the first high school MUN conference in Uganda. ISU hosts AISA-GISS in 2025, a three‑day summit hosted by an AISA member school with the theme Kola Kati (Act Now), and Docathon Africa empowers students to learn documentary filmmaking and share their stories. Activities are organized in three seasons: Season 1 (September to November), Season 2 (January to March), Season 3 (April to May).	Community KISU is a supportive community that nurtures students in intellectual, talent-oriented and ethically built ways. The school uses a holistic approach to education and encourages active involvement in community-building initiatives. Decades of building trust and meaningful partnerships with neighbouring schools, along with extensive community consultation, help the school reflect and serve the wider community. The school serves over 450 students from 46+ nationalities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Community Association (PCA) creates a supportive and sustainable relationship between all members of ISU to foster community through open communication, planning events and creating initiatives to support student learning and growth. Its aims include serving as a forum of communication between school leadership and parents, providing information, engagement and resources for the ISU community, developing events to build community and connecting with partners in the wider Uganda community. The PCA is a network of parents and school representatives; all ISU parents, guardians and teachers are automatically members and can join events, volunteer or attend. PCA events have included Kampala bus tours, welcome dinners, family fun days, spring events, quiz nights and supporting sporting events. Contact is [email protected]	Parent teacher association The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at KISU supports school activities and helps bridge the relationship between parents and teachers. PTA members note the staff's duty of care across the various hats and roles they play. Parents describe a culture that embodies diversity and inclusion and value after-school activities such as skating, baking and MUN. The school offers multifaceted extracurricular experiences that contribute to a healthy balance between academic and non-academic life. Students in the IB Diploma Programme report strong support from teachers in a fostering, engaging environment.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual CCAs offer 15+ diverse activities daily, including Music, Drama, Rugby, Capoeira, Cultural Activities and Life Skills. Activities run in three seasons: Season 1 (September to November), Season 2 (January to March), and Season 3 (April to May). In Senior School, CCAs focus on building talent, interests, service and life skills, and university preparation through Creativity, Activity, Services (CAS). Uganda Model United Nations (UGMUN) and other competitions develop leadership, communication and critical thinking.	Academic & intellectual IB Diploma Programme is offered. IGCSE Art and Design (Cambridge – 0400) and IB Visual Arts are taught, with an additional Art room in Secondary used as an IGCSE/IB Studio and a kiln for clay work. There are two specialist Art and Design teachers, one in Primary and one in Secondary.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative CCAs include Music, Drama and Visual Arts, with opportunities in Band & Choir. Docathon develops film-making and storytelling skills through investigation, storyboarding, filming and editing. Creativity, Activity and Services (CAS) underpin Senior School involvement in arts-related experiences.	Arts & creative Two specialist Art and Design teachers, one in Primary and one in Secondary, are supported by dedicated art rooms. IGCSE Art and Design (Cambridge – 0400) and IB Visual Arts are offered, with the Secondary Art room used as an IGCSE/IB Studio. A kiln is frequently used for both Primary and Secondary clay work. Art and Design lessons develop practical, technical and critical skills and use arts language.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Cultural Activities are offered as part of CCAs. The AISA-GISS theme for 2025 is Kola Kati, meaning Act Now in Luganda.	Cultural & language The school has 46 nationalities represented. It offers international trips to the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore and Dubai, as well as visits across Uganda and East Africa. An annual ski trip to Europe is a highlight. MUN is among after-school activities.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies CCAs and clubs cover a broad range of interests beyond academics, including arts and cultural activities, supporting collaboration and social engagement.	Social & hobbies More than 30 clubs are offered after school. The main sports are football, basketball and volleyball, with championships in swimming, athletics and cross-country. After-school activities also include karate, cricket, ballet, inline skating, gymnastics, table tennis, baking and Zumba.
Community & service	Community & service Service-learning opportunities are part of ISU's activities, with UGMUN and AISA-GISS promoting community impact and leadership through global issues and service.	Community & service KISU emphasizes community-building initiatives as part of its holistic approach to education. The school fosters involvement in community projects through its extracurricular activities and school events.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional UGMUN and AISA-GISS foster leadership development, communication and critical thinking; Docathon builds teamwork and project planning for documentary projects.	Leadership & professional IB Diploma Programme is offered. A Head Boy position is noted for 2024 (DP1 student), indicating leadership opportunities for students. The DP pathway is described by a student as challenging and growth-oriented.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing ISU offers competitive and non-competitive sports with ISSEA tournaments and ISSAK play; facilities include a 25‑meter pool, 400m track, four football pitches, four clay tennis courts, an indoor climbing wall, a gym, a covered sports hall with basketball and volleyball courts, two outdoor basketball courts, and the Leopards Trail around the campus.	Lifestyle & wellbeing KISU emphasizes holistic development through sport and clubs. There are more than 30 clubs after school, including football, basketball and volleyball, with championships in swimming, athletics and cross-country. Facilities include a 25-metre eight-lane swimming pool, an indoor sports hall, an outdoor basketball court and a five-acre playing field.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All instruction is in English. The Diploma Programme includes English Language & Literature SL/HL and Self-taught, and Language B options in French B SL/HL, Spanish Ab Initio SL, Spanish B SL/HL, and Kiswahili Ab Initio SL. English as an Additional Language is available to support learners. In Junior School, six languages are taught with specialist teachers.	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction. The curriculum integrates the British and international education systems, transitioning from an English National Curriculum adapted for our setting in Primary to IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Programmes in Secondary. French is taught as a weekly specialist subject in Key Stage 1. Cambridge Assessment English affiliations support English language development in Early Years.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquire About Enrollment. The Admissions Director handles class availability by online enquiry form, and you may begin the process by making an online enquiry. The school may enrol at any time during the school year, but only after complete applications are received and reviewed. 2. Documentation & Registration Fees. After the admissions team contacts you, provide the required documentation and pay the USD 500 registration fee per child deposited to the school's account. 3. Acceptance. The application paperwork is reviewed by the admissions team, and parents are informed of the decision by the Admissions Director. The admission considerations include the applicant's potential to benefit from the academic programme, the school's capacity to meet the applicant's educational needs, and the family's ability to meet enrolment obligations. 4. Finalising The Enrolment. The business office will contact you to arrange fee payment; the Emergency Contact form and Bus Form (if required) must be submitted before the start date. 5. Grade Placement & Waitlist. Grades are generally placed based on age, with consideration given to previous transcripts, academic ability, social development, interviews and placement tests where necessary. As a grade reaches its optimal capacity, a waiting pool is established and the waitlist procedure comes into effect. Enrollment can occur at any time if a place is available, and withdrawal is possible at any time.	Admissions 1. Step 1: Parents ask for an application pack, complete it, and return all required documents. Incomplete applications are discarded after 30 days. Applications are reviewed to assess the student's ability to succeed in an English-language environment, taking into account prior academic records and developmental history. The application must include all documents outlined in the procedure to be processed. 2. Step 2: Admissions invites the family for a campus tour, an interview, and interactions or assessments with the student. For grades 10–12, discussion may include IGCSE or IB options. Interviews may be conducted face-to-face or online, and English and Math assessments may be used as part of placement. Parents are interviewed to ensure understanding and alignment with the school's mission and policies. 3. Step 3: Admissions informs the family of the decision. The final admission decision rests with the Director. Accepted students are placed in the appropriate grade level if space allows; accepted conditionally are monitored and may be promoted or required to repeat a year. A waiting list is used when the grade level is full, with priority to the earliest completed application; if a seat is not found within the year, parents may apply for the following academic year; the option to decline is issued if the applicant does not meet requirements.
Scholarships	Scholarships Christina McConnell Scholarship for Ugandan Citizens: full scholarship covering 100% of school fees for Ugandan nationals of secondary school age from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to study the IB Programmes. Applications for 2026-27 are now CLOSED. ISU Merit & Needs-Based Scholarship Programme (2026–2028): two Merit & Needs-Based Scholarships for students entering Grade 11 in August 2026; up to 75% tuition support for the two years of the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12); funding determined by demonstrated financial need; eligible applicants should be born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010. Applications opened for 2026–28; deadline 20 March 2026; materials and application form are available via scholarship@isumail.ac.ug. The Beacon Scholarship: leadership-focused programme offering access to top-tier secondary schools and undergraduate programmes; includes leadership training and mentoring; applicants must demonstrate they are Change-makers; more information is available on the Beacon Scholarship website.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Grade placement uses age as a general guide; when a grade reaches capacity, a waiting pool is established and the waitlist procedure comes into effect.	Waitlist Waiting list is used when a grade level is full but admission requirements are met. Priority on the waiting list goes to the earliest completed application. If a seat is not found within the current academic year, parents may apply for the following academic year by contacting the admissions office by the beginning of May. Applications do not automatically roll over to the next academic year.
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