Nairobi Jaffery Academy vs Riara International School
Nairobi Jaffery Academy and Riara International School are both in Nairobi, about 2 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), EYFS and British programmes, and Nairobi Jaffery Academy also offers Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are KES 282,000 - 720,000 at Nairobi Jaffery Academy and KES 2,100 - 869,800 at Riara International School, which puts Nairobi Jaffery Academy roughly 15% higher. Nairobi Jaffery Academy takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Riara International School from 4 to 16. Nairobi Jaffery Academy is the larger school, with around 600 pupils to Riara International School's 300. Typical class sizes are 15 at Nairobi Jaffery Academy and 19 at Riara International School.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum
Curriculum
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary)
Pupils
Pupils
600
Pupils
300
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
19
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
2015
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Naushad Merali Drive, Nairobi, Kenya
Location
Riara International School is located along Riara Road in the Riara Gardens area of Nairobi, Kenya. The school operates a transport service with routes centered on Riara Road and surrounding neighbourhoods. Transport routes are organized into a Special Zone and Zones 1 through 7, covering areas such as Riara Road, Riara Heights Flats, Junction, Impala Courts, Apple Walk, and Riara Woods Apartments, among others. These routes reflect the Riara Road corridor in Nairobi.
Stages
Stages
Early Years Program (EYFS); Primary School Years; Secondary School Years (Years 7-9 Cambridge Lower Secondary; Years 10-13 Cambridge and Edexcel hybrid).
Stages
Preparatory School includes EYFS 1 to Year 6, with EYFS 2 (Reception) as part of early years, followed by Year 1 to Year 6. High School covers Year 7 to Year 11.
School type
School type
Private international school offering the Cambridge curriculum.
School type
The school is part of the Riara Group of Schools.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Over 18 nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides individualized attention and support for students.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has Cambridge curriculum aligned with the United Kingdom.
Country affiliation
Kenya
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Islamic.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Transport services are available with multiple routes (Special Zone and Zones 1–7). To subscribe, complete the Transport Request Form available from the school office. Transport routes and per‑term fees are published for each zone, and payments can be made via MPesa Pay Bill 805700 or to the Riara Group of Schools Limited bank accounts.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Admission Fees
- Application fee: KES 10,000. - Admission (acceptance) fee: KES 10,000 (one‑off at admission). - Caution (security) deposit (refundable as a deposit where applicable): - Kindergarten: KES 20,000. - Year 1–6: KES 40,000. - Year 7–11: KES 60,000. - Year 12–13: KES 80,000.
Tuition fees (per term by year group)
- EYFS — Half day: - Playgroup: KES 94,000 per term. - Pre‑Nursery: KES 97,000 per term. - Nursery: KES 100,000 per term.
- EYFS — Full day: - Playgroup: KES 103,000 per term. - Pre‑Nursery: KES 107,000 per term. - Nursery: KES 110,000 per term. - Reception: KES 113,000 per term.
- Key Stage I (Years 1–2): KES 123,000 per term.
- Key Stage II: - Years 3–4: KES 141,000 per term. - Years 5–6: KES 153,000 per term.
- Key Stage III (Years 7–9): KES 176,000 per term.
- Key Stage IV (IGCSE): - Year 10: KES 212,000 per term. - Year 11: KES 318,000 (note: charged for Term 1 & Term 2 only).
- Key Stage V (A‑Level): Years 12–13: KES 360,000 (charged for Term 1 & Term 2 only).
Annual / term notes
- The amounts above are published as per‑term charges. For year groups shown as billed for Term 1 & Term 2 only (Year 11 and Years 12–13), the published per‑term figure applies to those listed terms. Other year groups are listed on a per‑term basis.
Meals and catering
- Lunch fee per term: - EYFS up to Year 3: KES 19,000 per term. - Year 4 to Year 13: KES 23,000 per term.
Transport (per term)
- School transport is charged by route/zone and billed per term. Example zone charges published include amounts in the range of approximately KES 31,000–KES 40,000 per term (one‑way and two‑way options listed by zone). Specific route/zone pricing and one‑way vs two‑way differences are published per route.
Boarding
- Nairobi Jaffery Academy operates as a day school; boarding fees are not applicable.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- Caution (security) deposit: see amounts listed above under Application and Admission Fees (normally refundable subject to the school's withdrawal/clearance policy). - Lunch and transport: charged per term as shown above and are additional to tuition. - Textbooks, stationery, exam registration fees, school uniform and occasional activity or trip charges are commonly billed in addition to tuition at comparable schools; published term fee listings do not itemize all such ancillary charges within the per‑term tuition figures. Parents should expect separate charges for books, external exam fees and certain trips or special activities where applicable.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition and ancillary fees are presented as per‑term charges. The academic calendar and term dates for the 2025–2026 cycle are published by the school; published per‑term fee figures correspond to those term periods. Year 11 and Years 12–13 carry published fees that apply to Term 1 & Term 2 only (as shown above). Specific due dates for each term, late‑payment penalties, and installment options are governed by the school's fee policy documents and billing statements.
Refund information
- A refundable caution (security) deposit is published by year group (see amounts above). Specific refund conditions (timing, deductions, requirement for written notice, and the process for reclaiming caution deposits or any pro‑rata refunds) are set out in the school's fee policy and enrolment/withdrawal terms. Those detailed refund terms are not published alongside the per‑term fee table that lists the charges above.
Fee payment options
- The school lists a parent portal (iSAMS parent portal) and a front‑office contact for administration of admissions and fees; the portal and the school's finance office are the official routes for invoicing and payments. Specific accepted payment channels (for example bank transfer, M‑Pesa Paybill, credit/debit card or online payment link) and bank account or paybill details are provided directly by the school on invoices and finance communications rather than within the public per‑term fee table. Parents should use the school's finance office contacts to obtain official invoice and payment instructions.
- The published per‑term fee table above includes application/admission charges, refundable caution deposits (by year group), per‑term tuition, lunch and route‑based transport fees. Detailed fee policy items that govern payment deadlines, accepted payment methods, exact refund procedures and fine print for withdrawal/notice periods are maintained in the school's fee policy and invoice documentation and are not itemized within the public per‑term fee table referenced above. For those specific contractual payment and refund terms, contact the school's finance office using the front office contact details given above.
Fee details
Application and Entry Charges - Application fee (one-off): KES 2,100. - Registration fee (one-off): KES 5,000. - Reservation fee (payable on confirmation of admission; non-refundable but credited toward school fees): KES 30,000 per student. - Caution deposit (one-off, refundable subject to school conditions): KES 15,000. Refundable on completion of final year or on withdrawal after full settlement and one-term written notice; insufficient notice can lead to forfeiture.
Term tuition fees by year group (per term and annual total) - Preparatory school - EYFS 1: KES 110,000 per term — Annual total KES 330,000. - EYFS 2 (Reception): KES 115,500 per term — Annual total KES 346,500. - Year 1: KES 173,300 per term — Annual total KES 519,900. - Year 2 – Year 3: KES 199,500 per term — Annual total KES 598,500. - Year 4 – Year 5: KES 219,500 per term — Annual total KES 658,500. - Year 6: KES 239,400 per term — Annual total KES 718,200.
- High school - Year 7: KES 263,600 per term — Annual total KES 790,800. - Year 8 – Year 9: KES 274,100 per term — Annual total KES 822,300. - Year 10: KES 285,600 per term — Annual total KES 856,800. - Year 11: KES 428,400 per term; Year 11 fees are payable in two instalments (1st instalment at the start of Term 1 and 2nd instalment at the start of Term 2) — Annual total shown as KES 856,800.
- What term tuition covers: tuition, lunch and exercise books. External examination fees and optional activities are excluded.
Other recurring and one-off school charges - Student accident insurance (annual): KES 2,000. - Sports T-shirt, round-neck T-shirt, polo shirt and tracksuit (uniform sports set): KES 9,000. - ‘Out of the Blocks' (Prep School program): KES 2,000. - Workbooks (one-off, by year grouping): Year 1 & 2 KES 9,300; Year 3 & 4 KES 11,500; Year 5 & 6 KES 10,300; Years 7–9 KES 5,000. - Examination fees: External examination fees apply for Years 6, 9 and 11; these are payable at the beginning of Term 2.
Transport (school bus) charges (per term by zone) - Transport is charged per term and routes are zoned. Examples of per-term two-way charges by zone: Special Zone KES 14,900; Zone 1 KES 31,700; Zone 2 KES 36,600; Zone 3 KES 39,900; Zone 4 KES 41,400; Zone 5 KES 48,300; Zone 6 KES 50,700; Zone 7 KES 56,400. One-way and specific-route amounts vary by zone. To subscribe to transport, a Transport Request Form must be completed.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing cadence: Fees are termly. Term fees should be paid in full on or before the first day of each term. Year 11 has a two-instalment arrangement as noted above. - Late payment penalty: An interest charge of 3% per month applies to amounts unpaid 30 days after the start of term. - Cashless policy: Cash payments are not accepted at the school office; payments must be made via approved banking channels or the school's mobile-pay option. Payment confirmation requires submission of the bank pay-in slip and a receipt will be emailed on confirmation.
Refunds and related conditions - Caution deposit refund: The caution deposit is refundable on completion of the final year or on withdrawal subject to full settlement of outstanding fees and recovery of any lost/damaged school property, and provided one term's written notice of withdrawal is submitted. Insufficient notice may lead to forfeiture of the caution deposit. - General refund policy: Fees once paid are stated as non-refundable; exceptions are limited to the refundable caution deposit as described and any explicitly stated refundable items.
Accepted payment channels and banking details (summary of options) - Bank transfer to the Riara Group of Schools' accounts with major Kenyan banks (examples include Kenya Commercial Bank, ABSA Bank Kenya, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, NCBA Bank Kenya). Specific account numbers are available from the school's finance office. - Mobile payment: MPESA Paybill — Paybill No. 805700; use the student's admission number as the account number when paying. - Payment confirmation: Submit the bank pay-in slip via the school's designated email for fees to receive an emailed receipt.
Optional and miscellaneous costs - Optional activities (charged separately): instrument lessons, sports and activity clubs, horse riding, go-karting, skating and similar extracurriculars incur additional fees when selected. Termly educational trips within Nairobi County may be charged separately.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Cambridge program is the core of Nairobi Jaffery Academy's curriculum. The Early Years follows the EYFS framework. Primary uses the Cambridge framework for English and Mathematics and Science, while other subjects are based on the English National Curriculum, including Art, Geography, History, ICT, Physical Education and Personal and Social Education; Swahili and Arabic are taught as second languages from Year 1. In the Secondary School, Years 7–9 follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum, and Years 10–13 follow a hybrid pathway combining Cambridge and Edexcel programmes.
Curriculum details
British National Curriculum (BNC) is the framework used by Riara International School's international programme; the curriculum emphasises the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for self-fulfilment and development as active, responsible citizens.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
The school has suitable class sizes.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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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
The school provides intellectual, social, physical and emotional education within a multicultural and bilingual environment. NJA hosts students from over 18 nationalities, reflecting a diverse community that supports social development. The mission emphasises innovative teaching methods and attention to individual differences to promote personal growth and resilience.
Social & emotional learning
The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and supports self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to the school's approach. The principal describes NJA as dedicated to wellbeing, excellence and opportunity for all, with care and guidance supporting students from ages 3 to 18.
Mental wellbeing
Mentoring and counselling are provided as part of health services to support students' mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school upholds the highest standards of behaviour at all times and provides care and guidance to students.
Safeguarding
Safety is emphasized and safeguarding practices are integrated, with focus on safe play.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The campus is located on Naushad Merali Drive, Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi Jaffery Academy hosts students from over 18 nationalities. The school offers a Cambridge International program within a multicultural and bilingual environment that prioritises wellbeing, excellence and opportunity. The campus is described as having world-class facilities and a stunning presence in Nairobi, enabling innovative learning experiences.
Facilities overview
The kindergarten is in its section within the Riara Annex 3 Campus. It includes classrooms, a library, an ICT centre, a music room and a play centre. It features a Play Park, a playground, a swimming pool and a dining area. These facilities support early years and primary learning.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Nairobi Jaffery Academy offers the Elite Sports Academy, focused on football. Training follows the Cruyff Football Methodology with data-driven coaching and end-of-term assessments. The coaching team includes a UEFA-certified European Technical Director and a Local Technical Director, supported by a leadership group. Training runs after school with separate sessions for Junior (U7–U13) and Senior (U15–U19) groups, typically 1 hour 30 minutes long. There are player development pathways and scholarships with partner academies in Europe, high-performance camps, and annual visits by Cruyff Football international directors.
Sports facilities
The school has a swimming pool on campus.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The Cambridge program at Nairobi Jaffery Academy emphasises growth and development, with suitable class sizes and qualified teachers. The Cambridge framework covers English, Mathematics and Science, with other subjects including Art, Geography, History, ICT, Physical Education and Personal and Social Education; Swahili and Arabic are taught from Year 1. Cambridge resources are plentiful, with many materials sourced from the UK. In Years 7 to 9, students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, while Years 10 to 13 offer a hybrid Cambridge and Edexcel pathway. Teaching and learning are student-centred, with Assessment for Learning to support progress.
Academic facilities
The campus provides classrooms, a library and an ICT centre for academic work. It also includes a music room and a play centre.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The school offers an extensive programme beyond academics, including overseas trips and inspirational speakers. Students receive bespoke careers advice and leadership opportunities, and benefit from connections with the East Africa Jaffery network. EYFS Sports Day is part of the extracurricular calendar, alongside events like the Study Abroad Expo.
Extra curricular facilities
Co-curricular activities include dance, gymnastics and swimming. Pre-Primary 2 learners learn the descant recorder; piano and ballet lessons are optional.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Nairobi Jaffery Academy is a Cambridge International School in Nairobi that combines the UK curriculum with the Cambridge framework. It is described as one of the few true faith-based international schools in East Africa. Jafferians range from ages 3 to 18 and come from more than 18 nationalities. The programme includes overseas trips, inspirational speakers, bespoke careers advice, leadership opportunities, and connections with the East Africa Jaffery network.
History
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Community
Community
NJA hosts students from more than 18 nationalities and respects and celebrates all faiths and cultures. The Latest section features events such as Expo At Village Market, Study Abroad Expo, and EYFS Sports Day. The campus is located in Nairobi and provides contact channels for families.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Cambridge International education informs Nairobi Jaffery Academy's approach, with a focus on student growth and development. Teaching and learning are student-centred, emphasising inquiry, collaboration, and reflection. The program includes overseas trips, inspirational speakers, bespoke careers advice, leadership opportunities, and connections with the East Africa Jaffery network to broaden learning beyond the classroom.
Academic & intellectual
Termly educational trips within Nairobi County are offered. These trips augment classroom learning and broaden students' exposure to real-world contexts.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Performing arts are recognised as part of the school's holistic education, with outstanding achievements in performing arts alongside academics and sports. The campus supports innovative learning experiences to enable creative pursuits, alongside the school's emphasis on wellbeing and growth.
Arts & creative
Art Club and Chess Club are offered as optional activities. Additional arts and performance-oriented options include Piano, Guitar, Clarinet, Dance & Fitness, and Skating.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school hosts students from over 18 nationalities, creating a multicultural community. The environment is bilingual and supports language development within a diverse culture. There are cross-cultural learning experiences such as the Study Abroad Expo and other international events to broaden horizons.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Chess Club and Art Club are available as optional activities for students. These clubs provide opportunities to socialise with peers and pursue personal interests beyond core academics.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The program includes leadership opportunities and bespoke careers advice. The East Africa Jaffery network and international connections support ongoing professional development and opportunities for students.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Nairobi Jaffery Academy offers an Elite Football Program with football training and matches for junior and senior groups, guided by Cruyff Football Methodology and delivered by UEFA-certified coaches. Training sessions are scheduled after school (e.g., 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.) and include end-of-term assessments and pathways to development opportunities, including scholarships with partner academies in Europe. The program emphasizes wellbeing, excellence, and opportunity for all, with pathways and international exposure through its partnerships and coaching leadership.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Dance & Fitness is offered as an optional activity. Other physical activities include Skating, Tae Kwondo, Go Karting, and Horse Riding.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the core language of instruction under the Cambridge curriculum, with English as an Additional Language available.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school operates within a multicultural and bilingual environment.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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Admissions
1. Submit an application and pay a one-off application fee of 2,100 KSH. Payments may be made via MPESA Pay Bill 805700 using the student's admission number as the account reference, or by bank transfer to the accounts listed in the fee structure.
2. Upon admission confirmation, pay a reservation fee of 30,000 KSH per student, credited toward school fees. A 5,000 KSH registration and a 15,000 KSH caution are also due. The caution is refundable on completion; withdrawal requires a one-term written notice and refunds may be adjusted for lost property or outstanding fees.
3. Term fees are due on or before the first day of the term. The term fee covers tuition, lunch, and exercise books and excludes external examination fees and trips. External examination fees for Years 6, 9, and 11 are payable at the start of Term 2; Year 11 fees are payable in two installments at the starts of Terms 1 and 2. Workbooks costs vary by year and are payable via Riara Group of Schools Limited.
4. Payments should be via approved banking channels or MPESA; cash is not accepted. A late payment penalty of 3% per month applies to amounts unpaid 30 days after the start of the term; fees paid are non-refundable. Transport is available; a Transport Request Form is required, and rates are zone-based with different One-Way and Two-Way charges. Riara reserves the right to review and adjust fees as necessary.
