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Durham International School Kenya

Kenya, Nairobi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees KES 350 - 19,950
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 490
Type Co-educational
Opened 2021
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Korean
Typical class size 5
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Durham International School Kenya is a Nairobi branch of Durham UK, operating two Nairobi campuses: Thigiri and Rosslyn. The school follows British Curriculum and offers a rigorous continuum from Early Years through to Sixth Form, with EYFS, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma, and Cambridge A Levels. Ages 1 to 18 are welcomed. The Thigiri campus sits near Karura Forest, while Rosslyn campus houses Senior School in a purpose-built setting with state-of-the-art classrooms and dedicated co-curricular spaces. The curriculum blends academics with co-curricular opportunities and pastoral care, with continuous assessment from Year 1 and online parent journals. Grow with Durham links KS3 to KS4 and Sixth Form, which will begin in September 2028 with IB or A Level offerings and university guidance. The school emphasizes the ethos 'Confidence for Life' and 'Respect for All', and offers outstanding sports facilities, a vibrant arts program, and languages including French, Spanish and Kiswahili.

The Essentials

Durham International School Kenya has 490 pupils, typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English.

Location
Thigiri Campus is located in a leafy, green corner of Thigiri, on the edge of Karura Forest. It sits between Westlands and Gigiri, a short drive from the United Nations Headquarters, embassies, and Nairobi landmarks such as Village Market, Sarit Centre, and Westgate Shopping Mall. The Rosslyn Campus is situated near the Thigiri campus, on a site surrounded by green spaces and tree-lined roads, with access to the Waiyaki Way–Red Hill Link Road for seamless connectivity to the wider city.

Stages
Early Years spans ages 1-6. Prep School covers ages 6-11, and Senior School covers ages 11-18. The school operates across two campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn, to serve these levels.

Type
The school is an international branch of Durham UK. It operates two Nairobi campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn. It follows the British education system through Durham UK.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students come from diverse language and cultural backgrounds. The membership looks like the United Nations. This international character reflects the Nairobi setting of the school.

Country affiliation
Affiliated with Durham UK.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Healthy eating is promoted; a dedicated catering team provides meals that cater for allergies and intolerances and cultural diets, and they hold regular food forums with the students.

House System
There are four Houses – Simba (Lion), Tembo (Elephant), Kafaru (Rhino) and Chui (Leopard).

Governance and Ownership
The school is a branch of Durham UK and is part of the Durham International Schools network; Durham International Schools Limited governs and supports safeguarding and welfare policies.
Fees

Annual tuition at Durham International School Kenya ranges from KES 350 to KES 19,950 for 2026/27.

School fees — Academic year 2026/27

Termly tuition (per year group) — amounts are USD per term
- Little Durham (age 1–2): Term 1 USD 2,370 · Term 2 USD 2,370 · Term 3 USD 2,370 · Annual (3 terms) USD 7,110.
- Playgroup — Morning (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 2,370 · Term 2 USD 2,370 · Term 3 USD 2,370 · Annual USD 7,110.
- Playgroup — Extended Morning (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 2,740 · Term 2 USD 2,740 · Term 3 USD 2,740 · Annual USD 8,220.
- Playgroup — Full Day (age 2–3): Term 1 USD 3,050 · Term 2 USD 3,050 · Term 3 USD 3,050 · Annual USD 9,150.
- Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) — standard day (age 3–4): Term 1 USD 2,740 · Term 2 USD 2,740 · Term 3 USD 2,740 · Annual USD 8,220.
- Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) — Full Day (age 3–4): Term 1 USD 3,050 · Term 2 USD 3,050 · Term 3 USD 3,050 · Annual USD 9,150.
- Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) (age 4–5): Term 1 USD 3,420 · Term 2 USD 3,420 · Term 3 USD 3,420 · Annual USD 10,260.
- Year 1 (age 5–6): Term 1 USD 3,730 · Term 2 USD 3,730 · Term 3 USD 3,730 · Annual USD 11,190.
- Year 2 (age 6–7): Term 1 USD 4,570 · Term 2 USD 4,570 · Term 3 USD 4,570 · Annual USD 13,710.
- Year 3 (age 7–8): Term 1 USD 5,250 · Term 2 USD 5,250 · Term 3 USD 5,250 · Annual USD 15,750.
- Year 4 (age 8–9): Term 1 USD 5,250 · Term 2 USD 5,250 · Term 3 USD 5,250 · Annual USD 15,750.
- Year 5 (age 9–10): Term 1 USD 5,780 · Term 2 USD 5,780 · Term 3 USD 5,780 · Annual USD 17,340.
- Year 6 (age 10–11): Term 1 USD 5,780 · Term 2 USD 5,780 · Term 3 USD 5,780 · Annual USD 17,340.
- Year 7 (age 11–12): Term 1 USD 6,050 · Term 2 USD 6,050 · Term 3 USD 6,050 · Annual USD 18,150.
- Year 8 (age 12–13): Term 1 USD 6,050 · Term 2 USD 6,050 · Term 3 USD 6,050 · Annual USD 18,150.
- Year 9 (age 13–14): Term 1 USD 6,250 · Term 2 USD 6,250 · Term 3 USD 6,250 · Annual USD 18,750.
- Year 10 (age 14–15): Term 1 USD 6,650 · Term 2 USD 6,650 · Term 3 USD 6,650 · Annual USD 19,950.

(Fees are denominated in USD; term amounts above are the published 2026/27 term figures.)

One-time and admission-related charges
- Assessment fee (new applicants): non-refundable USD 50 (payable at the assessment stage).
- Acceptance fee (to confirm a place on acceptance of the Letter of Offer): non-refundable USD 350.
- Security deposit: refundable and equivalent to one term's fees, payable at the same time as the Acceptance Fee; maximum refundable security deposit capped at USD 4,500. The security deposit will be refunded when a student leaves the school, subject to the required notice being given.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are billed termly: school fees are divided into termly instalments, payable in advance and due by the first day of each term.
- Fees include tuition, lunch and snacks, school co-curricular activities, most excursions, and ambulance services for 2026/27. Fees are quoted in USD.

Discounts and reductions
- Sibling discount: 5% reduction on the term's fee for the 1st sibling; 7.5% reduction on the 2nd sibling and every subsequent child enrolled (applies to the siblings in the lower year groups; children must be enrolled full time).
- Early payment discount: 5% discount when the full annual fees are paid on or before the first day of the academic year. Families may choose either the Early Payment Discount or the Sibling Discount; only one discount may be applied per family.

Meals, transport and other routine costs
- Meals: for 2026/27, termly fees for all year groups include lunch and snacks; both campuses are nut-free zones. Lunch service schedules vary by year group.
- Transport: bus services are available to and from multiple neighbourhoods across Nairobi (examples given include Karen, Lavington/Kileleshwa, Rosslyn/Runda). Specific routes and transport fees are not published on the fees schedule.
- Uniforms, personal stationery, special external exam fees (where applicable), optional external trips or camps, and certain specialist services may incur additional costs not covered by the standard term fees; the published term fees explicitly cover most excursions and co-curricular activities but do not itemise every optional charge.

Boarding
- Boarding is not listed in the 2026/27 published fees; Durham International School Kenya is operating as a day school (boarding facilities are not included in the published fee schedule). Plans to develop boarding have been indicated for future phases, but no boarding fees are published for 2026/27.

Refunds and notice of withdrawal
- Assessment fee and Acceptance fee are non-refundable.
- Security deposit is refundable subject to the required notice being given when a student leaves.
- A full term's notice is required when a student leaves the school or when an accepted place is cancelled. If full term's notice is not given, a full term's fee is payable in lieu of notice; this amount may be offset against the security deposit where applicable.

Fee payment options (published information)
- The school's published fees page and associated fee schedule do not list specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer account details, card payment processors, or online payment portals are not published on the 2026/27 fees page). The school's public contact details include an email address (info@durhamkenya.com) and a phone number listed on the contact page.

Important operational notes and reserve rights
- School timings, specific service schedules, and the right to alter fees and terms and conditions are subject to change; the school states it reserves the right to alter fees and terms with reasonable notice. Parents should note that certain specifics (for example, transport route fees, uniform charges, or optional trip fees) are not itemised in the published term figures.
Academics

Durham International School Kenya teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
Durham Kenya blends academics, co-curricular activities and pastoral care to prepare students for future education and life. The Early Years follows the UK's EYFS framework with four year groups and seven Areas of Learning and Development. Key Stage One and Key Stage Two build reading, writing and mathematics foundations and introduce science, history and geography, with increasing depth. Key Stage Three and beyond develop problem-solving, analytical thinking and communication skills, and KS3 informs Year 9 IGCSE option choices. Assessment is continuous from the Early Years, with an online journal for parent updates and ongoing progress tracking from Year 1. Grow with Durham links KS3 to Key Stage Four and Sixth Form; the Sixth Form will commence in September 2028 with IB or A Level offerings and dedicated university and careers guidance.

Higher Education Progression
A university and careers guidance program will help each student plan the next stage of their education, including personal statement writing, interview preparation and course selection.
Parent Experience

History
The school is a branch of Durham UK, a historic institution with a 600-year history of academic excellence. Durham International School Kenya opened its Thigiri campus in January 2021 and has since grown into a well-known international school in Nairobi. A new purpose-built campus was opened to lay the foundation for generations to come. In 2025, Durham Kenya opened the Rosslyn Campus. The Durham education emphasizes a rounded education with the 'Confidence for Life' and 'Respect for All' ethos, underpinned by the core values of Moral integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness.

Community
The Durham community is caring, nurturing, and supportive, with every member known, valued, and celebrated as individuals. A welcoming culture is expressed through the Karibuni greeting and a strong sense of belonging. Families are invited to visit and tour the school to learn more. The Rosslyn campus sits near the Thigiri campus and is described as a green, well-connected site close to Nairobi landmarks, reflecting the school's growth.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Durham operates across two Nairobi campuses, Thigiri and Rosslyn. The Thigiri Campus sits in a leafy area on the edge of Karura Forest, with Rosslyn nearby hosting the Senior School in a purpose-built setting. The Rosslyn facility features state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated co-curricular spaces and outstanding sports facilities. Durham Kenya is a branch of Durham UK with a 600-year heritage and opened its Thigiri Campus in January 2021 to support a rounded, lifelong-learning education.

Sports Facilities
Outstanding sports facilities support a broad programme, including hockey (hockey sevens), football, netball and basketball. The sports calendar shows regular fixtures and matches across age groups, reflecting an active participation in multiple team sports.

Academic Facilities
Durham Kenya delivers a world-class education that combines academic achievement with co-curricular opportunities and pastoral care. The Early Years framework follows the UK EYFS model, with a student-centered approach and continuous assessment from Year 1 onward, including online journals for parents. Grow with Durham supports progression from Key Stage Three through Sixth Form, emphasizing continuity and advanced learning through Years 7–13.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The co-curricular programme offers exciting sports, arts and cultural opportunities to complement academic learning. Grow with Durham extends these opportunities through Key Stage Three and beyond, helping students develop a wide range of interests and life skills.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Durham Kenya follows a British education system with a strong academic core and a broad co-curricular programme. The Early Years curriculum follows the UK's Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with Key Stage One and Key Stage Two building foundations in reading, writing, mathematics, science, history and geography. Key Stage Three emphasises problem solving, analytical thinking and independent learning and informs Year 9 iGCSE options. The Sixth Form will commence in September 2028, offering subject specialisation and continuing to develop critical thinking, analysis and communication skills, with tutoring and dedicated university and careers guidance to support progression.

Arts & Creative
Co-curricular opportunities include Art, Drama Club, LAMDA (speech and drama training), Choir, Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and String Group, alongside Ink & Impact for creative writing. Music and Drama are emphasised across the school, with school productions and ensembles highlighted.

Cultural & Language
Modern Foreign Languages include French and Spanish, with Kiswahili taught in Key Stage 3. In Years 7 to 9 students study two languages (including Kiswahili) and have options in French and Spanish; Latin is offered as an IGCSE subject. Latin IGCSE is described alongside other language subjects.

Social & Hobbies
Co-curricular sports include football, netball, cricket, basketball, swimming, tennis, running, gymnastics and yoga. The House system fosters belonging and leadership with four Houses: Simba, Tembo, Kifaru and Chui.

Community & Service
Trips and expeditions are an essential part of learning. An Outdoor and Environmental Education Programme launches in January 2026 for Years 2 to 9 to build resilience and teamwork, complemented by service projects and co-curricular activities that promote responsibility and global awareness.

Leadership & Professional
The Sixth Form will allow leadership within the school community; students will mentor younger pupils and take part in service projects and co-curricular activities. Dedicated university and careers guidance supports planning for the next steps, while Form Tutors provide daily academic and pastoral mentoring.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central, with a dedicated health centre, counsellors and a focus on healthy eating. The House system fosters belonging and character, while the Outdoor and Environmental Education Programme promotes resilience and care for the world.
Languages

Language Provision
A Modern Foreign Language is taught. Language lovers can expand horizons in Lati Club and Spanish Club.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquiry: Prospective families email the school using the enquiry form on the website. The school responds to the enquiry by email and invites you to arrange a visit at a mutually convenient time. You will also be invited to complete a registration form to formalise your interest in applying to Durham International School. This begins the admissions process. 2. Registration of Interest: Durham confirms interest by email and invites a visit and completion of a registration form to formalise the application. 3. Assessment Invitation: Following registration, prospective students sit an age-appropriate assessment to evaluate academic and personal aptitudes. This may be completed during the visit with your child, depending on age. The assessment carries a non-refundable fee of USD 50. Students already at Durham International School have automatic entry into the next Year Group. 4. Offer of Admission: Successful candidates receive an official offer of a place at Durham International School. The offer letter confirms the start date and Year Group and includes information on accepting the place and joining details. 5. Acceptance of Offer: Families who wish to accept the offer must complete the Acceptance of a Place form and pay an Acceptance Fee of USD 350, along with a Security Deposit (refundable at the end of your child's time at the school, subject to required notice). These payments secure the student's enrolment. Source: turn1view0
School Events
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