Rainbow International School Uganda vs Vienna College Namugongo
Rainbow International School Uganda and Vienna College Namugongo are both in Kampala, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Rainbow International School Uganda also offers EYFS, British, IPC and BTEC Qualification, and Vienna College Namugongo also offers Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge International AS Levels. Published annual fees are UGX 2,750 - 17,195 at Rainbow International School Uganda and UGX 4,746 - 8,850 at Vienna College Namugongo, which puts Rainbow International School Uganda roughly 47% higher. Rainbow International School Uganda takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Vienna College Namugongo from 11 to 18. Rainbow International School Uganda is the larger school, with around 800 pupils to Vienna College Namugongo's 400. Typical class sizes are 12 at Rainbow International School Uganda and 25 at Vienna College Namugongo.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Curriculum
Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Namugongo Road, Kira, Wakiso District, Uganda. Vienna College Namugongo is a Cambridge International (CIE) Centre UG010. It is a private co-educational institution.
Stages
Stages
Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
Stages
Cambridge International Examinations Curriculum at Junior, IGCSE and GCE “A-levels”.
School type
School type
Co-educational day and boarding international school.
School type
The school is a private co-educational institution.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning Support is provided in Primary and Early Years with in-class and small-group interventions; in-house occupational therapy and speech and language sessions; Secondary offers in-class and small-group support, with differentiation and life-skills activities; a dedicated School House for interventions.
Tuition fees — Early Years (Nursery & Kindergarten)
- Nursery — Full day: Annual USD 3,500; Term fee USD 1,167; Monthly USD 350. Day hours 08:00–16:00; includes morning snack, lunch and evening snack. - Nursery — Half day: Annual USD 2,750; Term fee USD 916.70; Monthly USD 275. Day options 08:00–13:00 or 12:00–16:00; includes morning snack and lunch. - Kindergarten (KG) — Full day: Annual USD 4,500; Term fee USD 1,500; Monthly USD 450. Day hours 08:00–16:00; includes morning snack, lunch and evening snack. - Kindergarten (KG) — Half day: Annual USD 3,750; Term fee USD 1,250; Monthly USD 375. Day options 08:00–13:00 or 12:00–16:00; includes morning snack and lunch. - Early Years health package: USD 40 annually.
Tuition fees — Reception to Year 13 (per year group and term amounts)
- Reception: Annual USD 5,945; Term 1 USD 2,378; Term 2 USD 1,784; Term 3 USD 1,784. - Year 1 & Year 2: Annual USD 7,555; Term 1 USD 3,022; Term 2 USD 2,267; Term 3 USD 2,267. - Years 3–6: Annual USD 10,295; Term 1 USD 4,118; Term 2 USD 3,089; Term 3 USD 3,089. - Years 7–9: Annual USD 12,380; Term 1 USD 4,952; Term 2 USD 3,714; Term 3 USD 3,714. - Year 10: Annual USD 14,465; Term 1 USD 5,786; Term 2 USD 4,340; Term 3 USD 4,340. - Year 11: Annual USD 14,465; Term amounts listed as USD 7,233 and USD 7,233 (as shown in the fee schedule). - Years 12–13: Annual USD 17,195; Term amounts listed as USD 8,598 and USD 8,598 (as shown in the fee schedule).
Boarding and boarding‑related fees
- Boarding fee (optional): USD 3,500 per term. - Boarding health package: USD 200 (separate from the annual health package).
Other compulsory and optional charges
- Capital levy: USD 500 (one‑off payment). - Caution deposit: USD 500 (refundable). - Annual health package (general school): USD 40. - School lunch (annual): Primary (Year 1–6) USD 700; Secondary (Year 7–13) USD 800. - School bus (termly): Both‑ways USD 655 (termly) and One‑way USD 655 (termly) as listed in the fee schedule. - BTEC registration/administration fee: GBP 1,000 (one‑off payment). - Cambridge assessment / exam charges: Exam fees are charged per subject when the student is registered for the exam. Additional activities (field trips, extra curricular providers such as Lamda or special events) may attract extra charges. - Uniform: An onsite uniform shop is available; uniform is purchased separately through the school's uniform shop.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing is termly using the term amounts shown above for each year group. - Admissions/one‑off charges (admission fee, capital levy, caution deposit, BTEC fee, admission test fee, etc.) are payable as specified at admission. - Pro‑rata / mid‑entry charging rules: When a student joins after Term 1, 70% of the annual tuition fee is charged for Nursery–Year 10; Term 2 and Term 3 are shown as 35% and 35% of annual fees respectively. For Year 11–13 joining after Term 1, 70% of the annual tuition fee is charged at admission.
Refunds and refundable charges
- The caution deposit (USD 500) is explicitly stated as refundable. Other fees are charged as specified; refundable items beyond the caution deposit are not listed in the fee schedules provided.
Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes
- Cash: Cash is accepted in United States Dollars or the equivalent in Uganda Shillings; the school's accounts office applies the exchange rate on the date of payment. - Cheque / bank draft: Cheques or drafts must be payable to “Rainbow International School 2003 Limited” and should be delivered to the school accounts office; parents are asked to write the name(s) of their child(ren) on the back of the cheque. - Electronic transfer (EFT/RTG/telegraphic transfer): Electronic transfers are accepted; parents should obtain bank/transfer details from the school accounts office when arranging a transfer. Cash deposits to the school's bank accounts are also used for payments.
Practical notes on optional/additional costs
- Field trips, specialist activities (for example extra external exam or vocational programme charges, sporting or external providers), extra‑curricular provider fees, and special events may incur additional charges that are billed separately. Exam entry fees for Cambridge and similar awarding bodies are charged per subject.
Tuition and accommodation fees (per term) — listed by year group - Year 07: USD 1,582 per term. - Year 08: USD 1,836 per term. - Year 09: USD 2,109 per term. - Year 10: USD 2,505 per term. - Year 11: USD 2,611 per term. - Year 12 & 13 (Humanities/Arts): USD 2,837 per term. - Year 12 & 13 (Sciences): USD 2,950 per term. - Day students receive a reduction of USD 150 from the listed boarding/tuition amount per term.
Tuition — annual calculation (three terms) - Annual fee is calculated as three terms. Example calculations: - Year 07 annual (3 terms): USD 4,746 (3 × USD 1,582). - Year 12 & 13 Sciences annual (3 terms): USD 8,850 (3 × USD 2,950). - Payment of fees in advance for a full academic year attracts a 5% discount on the term's fees applied to the payment.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are due on or before the start of the first week of each term. - Payment in advance for the full year qualifies for a 5% discount on the term's fees. - A sibling discount of 3% per child applies where more than one child is enrolled at the same time. - All fee‑related queries must be submitted in writing to the Head of Finance; decisions on fee matters rest with the Credit Committee.
Boarding / accommodation - The listed tuition figures are published under “Tuition and Accommodation Fees,” indicating the amounts include boarding accommodation for resident students; day students pay USD 150 less per term. - The college operates multiple boarding houses for resident students.
Other recurring costs and mandatory extras - Medical insurance: UGX 100,000 per annum. - Sports fee (games kit): UGX 50,000 per annum. - School meals (boarding): three compulsory meals are provided for resident students; catering is managed by the college (additional optional canteen purchases may apply).
Refunds and penalties - Fees paid are non‑refundable. - Any exceptional refund or fee dispute must be raised in writing with the Head of Finance and may be considered by the Credit Committee; the Credit Committee's decision is final.
Fee payment options and bank details - Bank transfer payments are accepted in multiple currencies via the college accounts: - Absa Bank of Uganda Ltd – Dollar A/c, Account Number: 0344248397, Swift: BARCUGKX. - Absa Bank of Uganda Ltd – UGX A/c, Account Number: 0341399475. - Stanbic Bank – Pound A/c, Account Number: 9030008662583, Swift: SBICUGKX. - For account enquiries use accounts@vienna.ug or the college finance office phone numbers.
Administrative notes on discounts and conditions - A 5% discount applies when paying the full year in advance (applied to the term fees). - A 3% sibling discount applies per child when more than one child is enrolled concurrently. - The bursar's office may not vary fee decisions without Credit Committee consent.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Boarding House is on the school premises in a modern, quiet and safe environment. There are separate Boys and Girls houses, but meals and prep times are mixed co-educationally. Bedrooms have en-suite facilities; younger pupils share up to four per room and older pupils typically share two; examination candidates may reside on their own to focus on studies.
Boarding arrangements
The majority of Vienna College students are resident. Each student is attached to one of six boarding houses for residence and for sporting and social activities. The houses are Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger. The domestic department oversees boarding facilities, headed by a Senior Man with a deputy for the boys wing and a Senior Woman with a deputy for the girls wing, supported by two caretakers to ensure student welfare.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
RISU uniform policy (effective August 2024) requires all students to wear official RISU uniforms. Primary pupils wear tie-dye shirts with dark blue bottoms, with girls able to wear tie-dye dresses; Years 3–6 wear tie-dye shirts with dark blue bottoms. Secondary students wear a light-blue shirt with blue trousers or skirts (Year 7–11) and yellow shirts with black trousers or skirts (Year 12–13); all students wear the official RISU uniform, with plain black shoes and no logos, and hair and makeup rules apply.
Uniform requirement
Students must have at least two sets of the school uniform bought from the school. Formal wear for special occasions is also required.
Food options
Food options
The school has a cafeteria with a Lunch Menu. The Lunch Menu can be viewed and downloaded.
Food options
Dining serves three compulsory meals: breakfast, lunch and supper, with tea optional at break time. The on-campus canteen provides drinks and bites with a regulated selection.
House system
House system
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House system
Pupils are grouped into six boarding houses—Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger—and these houses share in sporting and social activities as part of house life.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Rainbow International School Uganda is governed by a Board of Governors. The Board includes Mrs. Darshna Kotecha (Director), Mr Bhasker Kotecha, Mr Anand Kapoor, Mr Amit Sagar and Mr Akash Kumar.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Rainbow International School Uganda follows the English National Curriculum at all stages. The Rainbow curriculum is broad-based and creative, with emphasis on core subjects such as mathematics, science, English and ICT, and also includes humanities, arts and physical education. Investigation, reasoning, problem solving and independent learning are central to the curriculum. The IPC is used in Primary, embedding its units and the eight Personal Learning Goals to develop international mindedness and learner dispositions. In Secondary, the English National Curriculum leads to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, with Post-16 options including BTEC qualifications. RISU is a COBIS member and is registered with the UK Department for Education, reflecting international accreditation and standards.
Curriculum details
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum for Junior, IGCSE and GCE A-levels.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Primary class sizes are capped at 24 with a 1:12 teacher–student ratio; Early Years has an adult–child ratio of 1:6. Secondary class sizes are smaller in many IGCSE and A Level classes.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
The Prospectus notes a proven track record of excellent examination results.
Exam results
In October/November 2024, 139 students sat Cambridge GCE AS & A-level examinations; 19 attained four A's.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Rainbow students are prepared for entry into top universities globally. The school provides a dedicated careers advisor and sixth form with weekly careers lessons, work experience opportunities and university visits, with graduates progressing to universities such as the University of British Columbia, University of Bristol, University of Manchester, University of Sheffield, University of Birmingham, University of Edinburgh, York University, McMaster University, Michigan State University, Penn State and Nottingham Trent University.
Higher education progression
Guidance and counselling supports personal, social, educational and career development.
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
Rainbow International School Uganda places the welfare of every child at the heart of its approach. There is a school counselor who supports students' emotional health and wellbeing together with staff. The school emphasises a values-driven, inclusive environment with small class sizes that help ensure each child's happiness and security. It fosters respectful relationships and personal development across peers, teachers and families. Specialist English as a Second Language (ESL) and learning support contribute to social and emotional development by ensuring students feel understood and supported. The overall focus is a holistic education that develops the whole child.
Social & emotional learning
Guidance & Counselling is an integral part of the school mission and promotes personal, social, educational and career development for all students. A student mentoring system assigns 6-10 students to a tutor who oversees welfare and academic progress. Twice per term, parents receive tutorial reports detailing areas such as academic effort, class participation, innovation and research, self-drive, conduct, hygiene, dress code, co-curricular and sports, and goals.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Rainbow has a Learning Support department serving primary and secondary students. In primary, over fifty students receive learning support interventions in in-class and small-group sessions focusing on literacy, numeracy, memory and processing, fine motor skills, life skills and literacy & numeracy support. The department provides in-house occupational therapy and speech and language sessions delivered by internationally qualified clinicians. In secondary, over forty students receive support at various levels, primarily in class with a member of the learning support team; there is differentiation of lessons and small-group lessons including life skills training such as gardening, cooking and self-care. Parents are engaged in progress discussions; assessments are used to tailor support and monitor progress.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Rainbow provides English as a Second Language (ESL) support delivered by specialists. The school notes ESL as part of its support alongside learning support to help learners with language needs. An inclusive approach ensures learners with language differences receive targeted assistance to access the curriculum. The ESL and learning support teams work together to support language development across year groups.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Rainbow has a school counselor who supports students' emotional health and wellbeing. The Core Statement notes that the children's welfare is at the heart of Rainbow. The school aims to develop well-being through a holistic, values-driven approach. Small class sizes and caring staff contribute to a secure, supportive environment. Rainbow emphasises relationships among students, staff and families to support mental wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through Guidance & Counselling and the mentoring system, which monitors welfare and academic progress.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Rainbow has a safeguarding and child protection policy. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in school is the Secondary Head Teacher, with Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL) including the Primary Deputy Head Teacher and other named staff. All staff and volunteers must report safeguarding concerns to the DSL and follow the procedures for referrals to relevant agencies. The policy covers training, record-keeping, confidentiality and compliance with national safeguarding guidance, and is reviewed every three years. Curriculum areas such as SMSC and PSHE address personal safety and safeguarding discussions.
Safeguarding
A code of conduct is issued and signed upon admission; discipline and social etiquette are part of all-round training. Boarding Houses are managed by a domestic department. Sick Bay is managed by a health service provider (IAA) with two resident nurses and a visiting doctor, with referrals to a major hospital.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school operates on a 9-acre site with purpose-built classrooms. The school has 6 science laboratories, 3 computer rooms with a 24/7 internet connection, 2 music rooms, a drama room, and 2 art rooms. There is a hall in both Primary and Secondary, and facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, 2 football pitches, a basketball court, and a volleyball court. The campus expanded to offer A Level in 2000 and there are close to 800 pupils on roll ranging from 2 1/2 years old up to university entrance level.
Facilities overview
Vienna College is a Cambridge International (CIE) Centre UG010, preparing students for IGCSE and GCE A-level courses. The campus has 18 modern classrooms designed for ICT-supported instruction. An Electronic Resource Centre with over 40 computers enables ICT and related subjects. A well-stocked print library seats over 80 and provides some computers for research. Science is taught in specialist laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Art & Design has dedicated teaching facilities.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school has two football pitches, a basketball court, and a volleyball court. The school has a 25-metre swimming pool for instruction and recreation. These facilities support the physical education program and team sports. Outdoor spaces complement indoor facilities for a broad PE offering.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The school has 6 science laboratories, 3 computer rooms with 24/7 internet connection, a drama room, 2 art rooms, and 2 music rooms. There is a hall for both Primary and Secondary to support assemblies and presentations. The school follows the National Curriculum for England. The teaching programme leads to International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) and Advanced (A) Level qualifications.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include 18 ICT-equipped classrooms. An Electronic Resource Centre with over 40 computers supports ICT and related subjects. A print library seats over 80 and provides some computers for research. Science is taught in specialist laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Art & Design facilities are available.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Pupils choose from clubs offered twice a week where they can enjoy sports, learn new skills, develop personal qualities, and improve their study skills or just have some fun. There are separate Primary and Secondary clubs. Session details and signup forms are provided for enrollment.
Extra curricular facilities
Six boarding houses—Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger—house resident students and support sporting and social activities.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Rainbow International School Uganda (RISU) began in September 1991 as a primary school with 29 children. In September 1995 the school moved to a 9-acre site with purpose-built classrooms, and an administration block was added. The school expanded into A Level in 2000 and today has close to 800 pupils ranging from 2.5 years old to university entrance level. RISU follows the National Curriculum for England with a broad, holistic programme that emphasizes mathematics, science, English and ICT, while also teaching humanities, arts and physical education. The facilities include six science laboratories, three computer rooms with 24/7 internet, music rooms, drama, art spaces, sports facilities and a 25-metre swimming pool.
History
Vienna College Namugongo is a private co-educational institution offering the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Curriculum at Junior, IGCSE, and GCE A-levels. It is Cambridge International Centre UG010 and focuses on student academic education in preparation and participation in IGCSE and A-level courses. The curriculum is tailored to meet the contemporary needs of society. The school has 25 years in the industry with 100% Cambridge-certified staff and over 100 candidates per sitting.
Community
Community
RISU is an internationally minded school that brings together students from many nationalities and celebrates culture and unity, as reflected in activities such as Jerusalema dance. The school fosters individuality and a partnership with families through a 'Parents as Partners' approach to ensure children feel understood, valued and secure. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects and holistic development, with a strong emphasis on a collaborative relationship between school and families to keep parents informed about progress and curriculum content.
Community
Vienna College hosts events that reflect cultural diversity, including the Inter-House Cultural Gala and Archbishop Janani Luwum Day activities. It lists Leadership Campaigns, Year 11 Study Tour to Botanical Gardens and UWEC, Guild Elections, and Visitation Day as part of its ongoing activities. These events foster student involvement, leadership development, and parent engagement within the Vienna College community.
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
The school offers clubs twice weekly across Primary and Secondary, helping pupils develop study skills, learn new skills, and build personal qualities while enjoying sports and other activities. The Library provides a vast collection of books to foster reading and critical literacy, with digital books accessible on Samsung tablets.
Academic & intellectual
The school offers the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum, including IGCSE and GCE A-levels. A student mentoring system assigns 6-10 students to a tutor who oversees welfare and academic progress, with termly tutorial reports covering academic effort, class participation, innovation and research, self-drive, conduct, hygiene, dress code, cocurricular activities and sports, and goals and targets. Guidance and counselling are integral to the school mission, supporting the personal, social, educational and career development of all students. The Year 11 Study Tour for Biology and Environmental Management includes trips to Botanical Gardens and UWEC.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The school offers a host of arts clubs: Music Club, Dance Club, Art Club, Cookery Club and Poetry Club, with specialist trainers and frequent performing arts workshops. International Awareness presentations and cultural events support artistic exploration and cross-cultural learning.
Arts & creative
Art & Design has its own teaching facilities. Music, Dance & Drama are part of school life through activities and performances. The school hosts Art Exhibitions and a Music, Dance & Drama program as part of its events. Inter-House Cultural Gala and Cultural Day celebrate cultural expression through the arts.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school promotes international mindedness and cross-cultural learning, including International Awareness Presentations.
Cultural & language
Inter-House Cultural Gala celebrates cultural diversity. Cultural Day is held as part of school activities. Arts events such as Art Exhibition and Music, Dance & Drama showcase cultural expression.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Pupils join Enrichment clubs twice a week, including sports and other activities that develop personal qualities and provide enjoyment.
Social & hobbies
The majority of students are resident and attached to one of six boarding houses for residence and social activities: Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger. The domestic department is headed by a senior teacher with deputies in charge of the boys' and girls' wings, overseeing well-being. Boarding houses support sporting and social activities and provide a community for resident students.
Community & service
Community & service
The CSR program conducts community service projects across Uganda during the annual outdoor week, with partners such as Habitat for Humanity, Rotary Interact, USPCA, Children Reachout, Bless A Child Foundation and Animal Hope.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
INGOMA is a student-led publication providing leadership opportunities in school journalism. Rainbow students also participate in international events and competitions through ISSAK and COBIS.
Leadership & professional
Student leadership is exercised through Guild Elections. Leadership Campaigns initiate the electoral process for student government. Professions Day presents alumni careers' insights and opportunities for career development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Rainbow offers extensive sports, including Swimming, Rounders, Badminton, Basketball, Athletics, Football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Cricket and Volleyball. Facilities include a full-sized football field, basketball and tennis courts, indoor volleyball courts and a swimming pool, with coaching and opportunities to compete in ISSAK and COBIS events.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Guidance and Counselling is integrated into the school mission, supporting personal, social, educational and career development. Sick Bay is managed by a health service provider with two resident nurses and a visiting doctor, with referrals to major hospitals when needed. The majority of students are resident and belong to one of six boarding houses that provide housing and social activities; a domestic team oversees the well‑being of boarding students.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The school teaches First Language English and Literature in English at IGCSE, and Foreign Language French at IGCSE. English and French are available as A' Level subjects.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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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
The school has an Enquiry Form for Admission to begin the application process. The form asks for the student's date of birth and how the family heard about RISU (options include Rainbow Website, Facebook, Twitter). After submission, the admissions officer will get back to you as soon as possible.
