Quality International School vs Sycamore International School

	Q Quality International School Kampala, Uganda	S Sycamore International School Kampala, Uganda
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year UGX 6,027,028 - 28,975,277	Fees / year UGX 8,200,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, SEN focussed	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 350	Pupils 173
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 12
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2013	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Manchester Road - Kyanja, Kampala, Uganda	Location Plot 3 Olumi Close, Kitante, Kampala, Uganda. The campus is located in Kitante, Kampala. Phone: +256 776 470 555; +256 700 470 555. Email: admin@sycamore.ac.ug.
Stages	Stages Early Years Foundation (3 to 5 years); iPrimary (3 to 11 years); iLower Secondary (11 to 14 years); International GCSE (14 to 16 years); International A-Levels (16 to 19 years); Special Needs Education (Inclusive Education Department)	Stages Early Years and Primary.
School type	School type International school offering programmes from Early Years Foundation through International A-Levels	School type International school offering the Cambridge curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Special Needs Education; Inclusive Education Department	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Uganda
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian (non-denominational)
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Admission Fees - A non-refundable admission/application fee of UGX 200,000 is payable once at registration. Tuition and Term Fees (published information) - Term fees are required and must be paid before the first day of attendance each term; specific term-by-term tuition amounts by year group are not published. The school requires payment of term fees in advance of term start. Annual Curriculum and Examination Fees - An annual curriculum and examination fee of USD 600 is charged in addition to term tuition; this is payable in USD to the school's foundation account. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - All term fees must be paid before the start of the term. - Fee payments (local currency) are accepted by direct deposit / bank transfer (RTGS/EFT) to the school's UGX account: Bank of Africa UGX account number 03595120006. Annual curriculum and examination fees (USD) are payable to the Quality International Foundation USD account at Bank of Africa, account number 03700020017. Boarding Fees - No boarding fees or boarding provision are published; there is no published boarding fee schedule. Other costs and ancillary fees - The published enrolment prerequisites include administrative items (two recent passport-size student photographs, one for each guardian, copy of birth certificate or passport, previous academic reports, parents'/guardians' national ID, a medical report, and an immunization card). These items are required at registration; no specific published charges for uniforms, textbooks, transport, or uniform costs are listed. Refund and Cancellation Policy - All fees paid are non-refundable. Fee Payment Options - Local currency payments: direct deposit / bank transfer (RTGS/EFT) to the Bank of Africa UGX account (03595120006). - USD payments for annual curriculum and examination fees: Bank of Africa USD account (03700020017) payable to Quality International Foundation. No other payment methods are listed for fee payments. Summary of what was located and outstanding detail - The school's published fees information confirms the one-time admission fee (UGX 200,000), the annual curriculum/examination fee (USD 600), the bank accounts for UGX and USD payments, the requirement that term fees be paid before term start, and that all fees are non-refundable. The school's published materials do not provide a public, itemized schedule listing tuition amounts per year group or per term, nor do they publish boarding fees or uniform costs; those specific tuition figures and any boarding or uniform charges are not available in the school's publicly posted fee notices.	Fee details Application and Admission Fees - Interview (application) fee: UGX 150,000 per applicant. - Admission fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 100. Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual total) - Foundation (Early Years to Reception, ages 1.5–4): UGX 2,490,000 per term (USD 100 per term). Annual total (3 terms): UGX 7,470,000 (USD 300). - Lower Primary (Year 1 to Year 3, ages 5–7): UGX 2,590,000 per term (USD 150 per term). Annual total (3 terms): UGX 7,770,000 (USD 450). - Upper Primary (Year 4 to Year 6, ages 8–10): UGX 2,920,000 per term (USD 200 per term). Annual total (3 terms): UGX 8,760,000 (USD 600). - Lower Secondary (Year 7 to Year 9): UGX 3,150,000 per term (USD 350 per term). Annual total (3 terms): UGX 9,450,000 (USD 1,050). - Upper Secondary (Year 10 to Year 13): Fee not published / listed as TBD in the available fee schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is divided into three terms; tuition is payable each term. Prompt payment is desirable. - Payments may be made in both Ugandan shillings (UGX) and US dollars (USD) where shown. Tuition amounts are shown in both currencies for the applicable year groups. - When paying by electronic bank transfer (EFT/RTGS), use the child's name as the payment reference. All payments should be made using the SchoolPay system or to the school bank account. No cash payments are accepted at the school. Boarding fees - No boarding or boarding fees are listed in the published fee schedule; the available fee schedule indicates day-school arrangements (tuition includes lunch) and does not specify boarding charges. This indicates boarding is not applicable in the published schedule. Other costs and regularly listed additional fees - Development fee (annual): UGX 250,000. - Swimming: UGX 160,000 per term. - Co-curricular activities: listed range UGX 60,000 to UGX 170,000 (amounts may vary by activity; listed as TBC for some activities). - Outdoor education trips and Checkpoint examination fees (Year 6 & Year 9): amounts listed as TBC in the published schedule. - School uniform (full-set prices by stage): - Early Years & Reception (full set): UGX 285,000. - Year 1 to Year 6 (full set): UGX 380,000. - Year 7 to Year 9 (full set): UGX 450,000. - The published uniform schedule also lists unit prices for items (e.g., shirts, trousers, jumpers, socks, belts) and typical quantities per set; parents should budget for the full-set amount shown for the relevant year group. Refund information - Refunds are permitted only under the school's stated terms and conditions; refunds are subject to the rules set out in the Parents' Handbook. Specific refund conditions (timing, amounts forfeited, or eligibility) are defined in those terms. Fee payment options (methods accepted and instructions) - SchoolPay online payment system (SchoolPay code provided on the application form). - Electronic bank transfer (EFT) / Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) to the school bank account; use the child's name as the payment reference. - The published instructions explicitly state that all payments must be made via SchoolPay or the school bank account and that no cash payments are allowed at the school. Brief note on the fee schedule used - The details above are taken from the school's published Fee Structure (2024–2025) and the school's Fees Schedule page, which are the most recent fee documents available in the school's public admissions materials. No later academic-year fee schedule (2025–2026 or 2026–2027) was found in the school's published downloads at the time of review.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. Early Years & Reception wear a grey dress or grey shorts with a blue shirt, a jumper, and socks; Lower and Upper Primary wear a blue shirt with a grey skirt/shorts, a belt, a jumper, and socks; a sports kit is included for activities.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Lunch is included in tuition.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Governance is led by a Director and a Principal. It is a Christian school.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details QINES is an inclusive school that nurtures curiosity, creativity and global awareness through an inspiring, broad and engaging curriculum. The school offers a staged program: Early Years Foundation (3 to 5 years), iPrimary (3 to 11 years), iLower Secondary (11 to 14 years), International GCSE (14 to 16 years) and International A-Levels (16 to 19 years). Pearson Edxcel guides the curriculum, with a dedicated Inclusive Education Department for Special Needs Education. The program aims to challenge each child and help them thrive as an individual. The school emphasizes a sense of family and community within its learning environment.	Curriculum details The curriculum is interactive, reflective and fun. It imparts lifelong learning skills including communication, collaboration, problem-solving, innovation, research, risk-taking and strategic thinking, focusing on 21st-century competencies. Core subjects Math, English, Science, and Global Perspectives are integrated with co-curricular activities. Physical Education (P.E.), music, ICT, French, Kiswahili and field trips are included in the program. Bible teachings are incorporated in lessons.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Well-being and character development are central to QINES. The core values are Moral integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness. The school aims to develop a love of lifelong learning and a culture of perseverance so learners flourish emotionally, socially, academically and physically. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, think critically, explore different approaches, reflect on their learning and collaborate as a team. Teachers are supportive and responsive to each child's needs, feelings and interests, and diversity is valued and respected. Parents are partners, with ongoing communication to support positive outcomes for each learner.	Social & emotional learning Character is important and spiritual life is central to the education at SIS. Bible teachings are integrated into lessons to connect classroom topics to everyday life. Devotions begin each day in every classroom, and chapel is held on Fridays, with weekly times of prayer for staff. The curriculum supports holistic development including social, physical, psychological, intellectual and spiritual growth.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) QINES has a Special Needs Policy. The school is an inclusive environment focused on providing education that challenges and supports all learners. The policy emphasizes access and equity for students with disabilities, reasonable adjustments, and proactive measures to enable participation in academic, cultural and social life. It sets out processes for disclosure, accommodation and disability-related planning, including a Disability Action Plan (DAP) lodged with Ugandan authorities and ongoing staff training. The policy also covers safeguarding, complaints handling and governance around inclusive education across school activities.	Special educational needs (SEN) On admission, an assessment identifies whether the student will need special or additional support on enrolment. Lessons are individualized to ensure that no child is left behind.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language French and Kiswahili are taught as part of the curriculum alongside English as a core subject.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Well-being is integrated into the Educational Ethos. Core values foster resilience, self-esteem, and respect for others, supporting students' emotional and social health. The Principles of Learning emphasize supportive, responsive teaching and valuing diversity, which contributes to a positive sense of belonging. Relationships between teachers and students are built to support each learner's emotional and physical development, and parents are encouraged to be active partners in their child's well-being.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is supported through holistic development that includes social, physical, psychological, intellectual and spiritual growth. Spiritual life activities, including daily devotions and chapel, support emotional wellbeing. Physical education and the arts contribute to overall wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a priority through the Child Protection Policy. The policy aims to keep learners safe from abuse and harm, with the primary objective of protecting all students. It outlines responsibilities, staff training requirements and clear procedures for identifying, responding to and reporting concerns. The policy adopts a rights-based, learner-centered approach, ensuring equal protection and safeguarding across all activities and facilities, and it requires transparent communication of policy guidelines to staff, parents and contractors. The school also cooperates with relevant authorities in safeguarding matters when necessary.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The school offers weekly enrichment activities. These activities include sports (football, basketball, badminton, volleyball); cookery; brain games (Chess, Brain Master mental math, Scrabble); ICT (coding, animation); creative writing; visual arts (painting, drawing, crafts); performing arts (music, ballet, drama, guitar, piano). Some activities attract a small fee, and offerings may change depending on coaches and availability.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Opened in 2013; fully licensed, registered and accredited by the Ministry of Education & Sports Uganda.	History —
Community	Community The school has an outstanding reputation for family and community and provides learning opportunities beyond the ordinary. It is an exciting, vibrant and inclusive primary school with a dynamic and diverse community. Community events include Staff Professional Development, Independence Day, Half Term Holidays, Book Week, Science Day, World AIDS Day, and Persons With Disability.	Community The Cambridge curriculum shapes learners as Confident, Responsible, Reflective, Innovative, and Engaged. Bible teachings are integrated into lessons. The curriculum blends international and local experiences, and values diversity, embracing learners, staff and parents regardless of race, faith, gender, or cognitive abilities. Student life includes Visual and Performing Arts, Spiritual Life, and Sports and PE; events such as Poetry Week 2026 and Christmas Production 2025 are showcased in the gallery, and the school operates from two Kampala campuses: Kitante and Kansanga.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers an inclusive education with a broad and engaging curriculum that nurtures curiosity, creativity and global awareness. Our core values of Moral integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness are the foundation of teaching and learning and help students flourish emotionally, socially, academically and physically. Teachers use ongoing formative assessment to track each child's learning and plan next steps, with emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration and independent learning. The curriculum spans Early Years Foundation, iPrimary, iLower Secondary, International GCSE and International A-Levels, including Special Needs Education.	Academic & intellectual Brain games include Chess, Brain Master (mental math), and Scrabble. ICT covers coding and animation. These co-curricular activities foster thinking skills and academic engagement beyond regular lessons. Some co-curricular activities attract a small fee and may change depending on student preferences and coach availability.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school nurtures curiosity, creativity and global awareness through an inspiring, broad and engaging curriculum. The school has an outstanding sense of family and community and offers learning opportunities far beyond the ordinary. Campus Life features activities and events that support student life and leadership development, including Careers Day and Student Life. The curriculum includes International GCSE and International A-Levels, providing opportunities for creative application of knowledge.	Arts & creative Visual Arts includes painting, drawing and crafts. Performing Arts includes music, ballet, drama, guitar and piano. Creative Writing is offered as a co-curricular activity.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language QINES is an inclusive school with a dynamic and diverse community and a focus on global awareness. Our Educational Ethos states that diversity is valued and respected and that students collaborate and are team players. The curriculum includes International GCSE and International A-Levels, aligning with international standards and global content. We also empower internationally minded learners.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Campus Life highlights student life and leadership opportunities, including Careers Day. There is a strong sense of family and community on campus. Parents are partners in education, engaged with their child's learning to support positive outcomes. The school provides opportunities for social interaction and teamwork through events and activities.	Social & hobbies Cookery is offered as a weekly enrichment activity. Brain games include Chess, Brain Master (mental math), and Scrabble. These activities enable students to socialize and explore interests outside formal lessons.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service We involve students in community service by giving their time and other donations to those in need. In the past, students along with their parents and staff have donated food, textbooks, scholastic materials and clothes to local schools and orphanages. We adopted a school and conducted teacher training to assist them in delivering effective teaching amid scarce resources.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Campus Life focuses on developing leadership and life skills through student life initiatives, including Careers Day. The school emphasizes creating the next leaders and fosters a sense of family and community. The internationally oriented curriculum supports progression to higher education and global careers, including International GCSE and International A-Levels. The instructional approach develops critical thinking, collaboration and independence for professional growth.	Leadership & professional Student Leadership 2024-2025 includes Student Heads, Head Boy and Head Girl, and Councillors. A Student Council Teacher supports the student leaders. Directors include Service, Membership, Club Admin and Projects.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Well-being is a core focus of learning; the core values of Moral integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness underpin well-being. Principles Of Learning emphasize positive relationships, diversity and responsive teaching that supports each child's emotional and physical development. There is a strong sense of family and community on campus that sustains student well-being, and parents are partners in maintaining positive outcomes.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and PE are offered, including football, basketball, badminton, and volleyball.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches in English and offers a one-stop international curriculum for 3 to 11 year olds. It is based on the English National Curriculum (2014) with an international approach. The curriculum is written with learners of English as an additional language (EAL) in mind.	Language provision Cambridge Primary English is taught. French is taught as an International Language. Swahili is taught. The Cambridge Primary curriculum is used, and languages are integrated with core subjects.
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. Submit the application with the non-refundable application fee; no application will be processed or Entrance Assessment conducted without proof of payment; use the applicant's name as the payment reference. 2. The Admissions Department will schedule the Entrance Assessment; successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer from the Admissions Department. 3. Overseas applicants or those transferring from another school will undergo an assessment on arrival/start of school. 4. Registration prerequisites include two recent passport photos of the student and one for each guardian, a copy of the student's birth certificate or passport, copies of the student's previous academic reports, copies of each parent/guardian's National ID, a medical report from the doctor, an immunization card/vaccination card, and a non-refundable admission fee of UGX 200,000. 5. Enrolment requirements include payment of the admission fee UGX 200,000, payment of term fees before the first day of attendance, and payment of the annual curriculum fees USD 600.	Admissions 1. Visit any of our campuses and see the Admissions Officer or Head Teacher. You will be requested to book an appointment to assess your child. The assessment aims to gauge the student's progress and identify if they will need special or additional support on enrolment. The student's performance in the assessment does not affect the admission decision. 2. You will be requested to fill the Admission Forms. 3. You will be given a deposit slip or bank details to make your initial Admission deposit. Your admission will not be considered complete until you have returned the deposit slip. 4. Alternative application process. For alternative application process, click the link below to apply online. Online Application. 5. On admission, the following documents are required: A copy of birth certificate and, for Early Years, a copy of the immunization card; Two passport size photos for the student; One passport photo and copy of national identity card or passport details for parents/guardian; One passport photo and copy of national identity card or passport details for emergency contact; Copies of the last 3 report cards from the previous school (where applicable). The passport photos can be scanned and emailed along with the other documents.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →