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The Banda School

Kenya, Nairobi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees KES 0 - 2,508,000
Ages 1 - 13 years
Pupil numbers 490
Type Co-educational
Opened 1966
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages French, Swahili
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

The Banda School is an international school in Kenya offering the British Curriculum for ages 1–13, with EYFS. In Lower School (Years 1–4) the National Curriculum of England & Wales is taught by class teachers, with daily Phonics and specialist instruction in French (Year 2), Kiswahili, Music, Computing, PE and Art. Classes are small, and Years 3–4 are grouped by ability for Mathematics and spelling to tailor pace. Upper School (Years 5–8) combines the British National Curriculum with an independent curriculum aligned to the ISEB 13+ Common Entrance; pupils sit the Common Entrance at the end of Year 8. The timetable covers English, Mathematics, Science, languages, Geography, History, Art, Drama, Music, Computing, Design & Technology, PE and PSHE, with Religion/Philosophy & Ethics in Years 7–8. The 35-acre campus includes science laboratories, Arts Centre, Performing Arts space, a library complex, pool and a hockey pitch. Flight enrichment programme underpins holistic development.

The Essentials

The Banda School has 490 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
Langata, Nairobi, Kenya; 35-acre site opposite Nairobi National Park on Magadi Road.

Stages
Pegasus Early Years (18 months - 5 years); Lower School (5 - 9 years); Upper School (9 - 13 years).

Type
Leading international school in Kenya; British Curriculum School.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Pupils from over 35 countries.

Additional learning support
The Learning Development Centre provides support for a wide range of abilities and Special Educational Needs, with six full-time teachers. Support may be delivered in the classroom or via withdrawal on a one-to-one or group basis, with targets set and feedback provided to parents.

Country affiliation
Kenya

School day structure
Typical day for Years 1–8 runs 8:10–15:45 with a 8:10–8:40 registration; 8:45–9:30; 9:35–10:20; 10:20–10:40 break; 10:45–11:30; 11:35–12:20; 12:25–13:10 lunch; 13:10–14:05; 14:10–14:55; 15:00–15:45; Pegasus timings differ (arrival 8:00–8:30; end 3:00–3:45). Before-school activities start from 7:00.

Bus service
The school arranges a morning and afternoon bus service with on-board bus escorts from a fixed collection point in Westlands; real-time tracking and mobile notifications.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The Banda School is a co-educational day school; no boarding is offered.

Uniform Requirement
All pupils from Reception upwards wear a uniform, and each item of clothing is clearly marked with the child's name.

Food Options
Lunch is provided; meals are balanced and varied, catering for allergies and intolerances, with options including a salad bar and soups.

House System
There are four Houses—Duma (blue), Simba (red), Swara (yellow) and Twiga (green). Pupils from Reception to Year 8 are placed in a House; inter-house competitions and Friday Flight co-curricular activities are organised by House.

Governance and Ownership
The Banda School is governed by School Management chaired by Mr D G M Hutchison; the Head Master is Mr J Moss-Gibbons; the Senior Leadership Team includes key personnel.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Banda School ranges from up to KES 2,508,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration Fees

- A non‑refundable Registration fee and an Entry fee are required to secure an offered place; these fees are charged at acceptance and are not set against the first term's tuition.

Tuition fees — Early Years (per term)

- Rising Stars (12 months – 2 years):
- Fees (5 mornings): KES 126,500.
- Fees (4 mornings): KES 105,000.
- Fees (3 mornings): KES 83,600.
- Nursery 1 (Caterpillar Club, 2 – 3 years):
- Fees (5 days): KES 313,200.
- Fees (3 days): KES 215,000.
- Fees (5 mornings): KES 261,000.
- Fees (4 mornings): KES 226,000.
- Fees (3 mornings): KES 191,000.
- Nursery 2 (Caterpillar Den, 3 – 4 years):
- Fees (5 days): KES 335,500.
- Fees (3 days): KES 241,000.
- Fees (5 mornings): KES 265,000.
- Fees (4 mornings): KES 245,000.
- Fees (3 mornings): KES 224,000.
- Reception (Butterfly House, 4 – 5 years):
- Fees (5 days): KES 367,500.

Tuition fees — Years 1 to 8 (per term)

- Year 1: KES 517,000.
- Year 2: KES 767,000.
- Years 3–8: KES 836,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Billing frequency: Fees are invoiced termly and are payable in advance; fees are due on or before the first day of each term.
- Late payment: A late‑payment penalty of KES 10,000 is charged after the first day of term, plus a surcharge of 2.5% per month after the first 14 days. No remission is made for absence through illness, quarantine or leave. Parents who withdraw a child during term are liable for a full term's fees; one term's written notice is required for withdrawal or one term's fees in lieu of notice.
- Discounts: A 10% reduction applies to the second and subsequent children attending at the same time provided all such children are in Year 2 and above. An additional 5% discount is available for families who pay a full year's fees in advance.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- Boarding accommodation is mentioned as available for pupils in the school's wider material, but no boarding fee schedule is published within the school's public per‑term fee documents. Parents should expect boarding charges, deposits or additional boarding‑specific fees to be invoiced separately if boarding is arranged.

Other costs and compulsory extras

- Items explicitly excluded from the published tuition rates and likely invoiced separately (as applicable): examination fees, certain additional activities, some trips and medical costs other than routine care. Tuition does include textbooks, stationery, science equipment, art/handicraft materials, games, morning and afternoon break, lunch and most excursions/transport to away matches where stated.
- Uniforms: Uniform is compulsory for pupils from Reception upwards. A published uniform list is provided by the school; the cost of purchasing uniform items is borne by parents and is not included in the tuition amounts.
- School transport: A morning and afternoon bus service with escorts and real‑time tracking is available from fixed collection points; transport is arranged at additional cost and is charged separately to tuition.

Refunds and deposits

- The Registration and Entry fees required to secure a place are non‑refundable. Fees already paid are not remitted in cases of illness, quarantine or leave for part of a term. Withdrawal after completion of the admission procedure requires one term's written notice or payment of one term's fees in lieu of notice. These conditions form part of the school's enrolment contract.

Payment methods and how fees may be paid

- Published payment methods accepted in Kenya Shillings: cheque, cash, MPESA (mobile money) and direct transfer to the school's bank account. Bank‑transfer details and Finance Department contact information are provided by the school for fee payments.

Summary notes (concise)

- Tuition is charged per term; per‑term amounts for Early Years and Years 1–8 are listed above.
- Registration/Entry fees secure a place and are non‑refundable; additional charges (exam fees, some trips, medical, transport, uniform purchase) are additional to the per‑term tuition.
Academics

The Banda School teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 1 to 13.

Curriculum
Lower School (Years 1–4) follows the National Curriculum of England & Wales, with Mathematics, English and Science taught by class teachers, daily Phonics, and specialist teaching in French (Year 2), Kiswahili, Music, Computing, PE and Art. Class sizes are small, and Years 3–4 are grouped by ability for Mathematics and spelling to tailor pace. Upper School combines the British National Curriculum in Years 5–6 with an independent curriculum aligned to the ISEB 13+ Common Entrance in Years 7–8; pupils sit the Common Entrance examinations at the end of Year 8. The timetable covers English, Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology from Year 7), French, Kiswahili, Geography, History, Art, Drama, Music, RS, Computing, Performing Arts, Design & Technology, Games, PE and PSHE, with Religion/Philosophy & Ethics in Years 7–8. For Year 8, a post-Common Entrance programme provides life skills and activities beyond The Banda.

Student Teacher Ratio
Classes are small, enabling an individual approach; Mathematics is set from Year 5, and from Year 7 or Year 8, French, English and Science are set.

Exam Results
2022's Year 8 cohort gained 95% A*–C grades in their final Common Entrance Exams, with all gaining entry to their first-choice Secondary School. Amongst the Year 8 pupils leaving The Banda in July 2022, 19 Scholarships were achieved to schools within Kenya and in the UK.

Higher Education Progression
The Banda prides itself on preparing pupils well for entry to secondary schools when they leave at the end of Year 8. A strong relationship exists with top independent schools throughout Kenya, the UK, South Africa and other parts of the world; a ‘Future Schools' information evening is held during the January term; scholarships and bursaries are discussed for opportunities at senior schools. Among Year 8 leavers, 20 scholarship awards were achieved to schools within Kenya and the UK.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Banda School integrates social and emotional learning through a PSHE curriculum, Wellbeing Form Tutors sessions, Wellbeing Focus Weeks, and displays around the school. A dedicated Head of Wellbeing and a Wellbeing Committee work with the Pastoral and Safeguarding teams, and there is a full-time School Counsellor. STEER Tracking was introduced in 2022 to monitor pupil wellbeing, and The Banda was named a STEER Champion School in 2025.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Banda School provides pastoral support and has a Wellbeing Centre and safeguarding structures to support pupils; specific SEN policies are available in the Policies section.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Not specified on the site.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a central focus across school life with targeted PSHE, wellbeing sessions, and dedicated staff to support pupils' mental health and confidence.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection are prioritized; responsibilities are outlined, with staff raising concerns to designated safeguarding leads and confidentiality maintained where possible.
Parent Experience

History
The Banda traces its origins from Kaptagat near Eldoret, where Mr Jim Chitty ran Kaptagat Preparatory School with 170 children from 1956. In 1966, the Dutch Government offered to purchase the school's property to build a farmer's training center; Chitty relocated the school to the current site, which was previously occupied by the British Army in 1942 and later The Banda Hotel. The Banda Hotel was built of mud and thatch; in Swahili, banda refers to a simple thatched building. Enormous effort went into putting up the school's infrastructure while coexisting with wildlife, with giraffes, warthogs and lions nearby. The Banda School officially opened its doors in September 1966 with 24 children, eight teaching staff and a Headmaster, and over the years came to be regarded as one of the leading international schools in Kenya and one of the largest IAPS schools outside the United Kingdom.

Community
The Banda cannot ignore the needs within Kenya and aims to equip children with the skills and vision to make a difference in their local community. The school supports a range of local charities each year focusing on the needs of people, wildlife and the local environment, with charity days, House events and fundraising as part of the termly calendar. Pupils, parents and teachers help propose the charities to be supported over the academic year and examples include The Olooluwa Forest Sanctuary, IAfrika, Bluebell's School Watamu, Ghetto Classics and Kibera Mpira Mtaani (KIMMTA). Visits by charity representatives and talks help children see the impact of their contributions.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Situated on 35 acres with views of the gardens and grounds from almost every classroom, The Banda School provides a safe, enclosed learning environment. The on-site Medical Centre is staffed by two experienced registered nurses, and the Well-Being Centre houses a full-time school counsellor. Outdoor facilities include a six-a-side astro turf hockey pitch (also usable for netball and tennis), a six-lane 25-metre swimming pool, two glass-backed squash courts and all-weather cricket nets, with pitches for football, cricket, hockey, rugby and netball and an athletics track. Kisembe Field features a mini mountain bike track for extra-curricular riding, and there is a multi-purpose studio for Performing Arts and other activities. Indoor facilities include classrooms, a two-storey Subject Centre, an Arts Centre with a music technology suite and recording studio; a Performing Arts room, an Art studio and a Design Technology workshop; three science laboratories, a fully equipped Computing facility with portable devices and high-density interactive touch screens, and a large Assembly Hall with stage lighting and sound equipment.

Sports Facilities
The Banda provides a six-a-side astro turf hockey pitch that can also be used for netball and tennis. There is a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool and two glass-backed squash courts. All-weather cricket nets are available for cricket practice, and the sports pitches are marked for football, cricket, hockey, rugby and netball, with an athletics track and field facilities. Kisembe Field features a mini mountain bike track for cycling as part of the extra-curricular offering.

Academic Facilities
Three spacious science laboratories enable hands-on experimentation across biology, chemistry and physics. A fully equipped Computing facility supports digital literacy with portable devices and high-density interactive touch screens in every classroom. The two-storey Subject Centre provides dedicated spaces for different subjects. There are three well-stocked libraries serving Pre-Prep, Lower School and Upper School to support reading and research. An Assembly Hall with stage lighting and sound equipment serves as a central performance and gathering space.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Banda's Flight programme is a bespoke enrichment curriculum with three weekly rotations of activities for Years 3 to 8, providing academic, social and pastoral benefits. Flight activities are grouped into six areas: Future Learning, Life Learning, Inspiring Others, Grasping New Skills, Harnessing Passions and Train and Play, and are led by staff sharing their passions outside the classroom. Examples include Planet Warriors, Headspace, Healthy Habits, Banda Podcasters and Banda Comics, among others. The programme also includes community outreach through Beyond Banda Borders and Banda's POD, which teaches recording and publishing podcasts, and other activities such as Sign Language, Baking, Chinese Club and Stop Motion Fun.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Banda School has Flight programme that supports academic and intellectual development through Future Learning and Grasping New Skills. Future Learning includes Planet Warriors, Headspace, and Healthy Habits, addressing environmental issues, wellbeing, and healthy routines. Grasping New Skills introduces Sign Language, Simply Sums, Baking, and the Chinese Club to develop language, numeracy, and practical problem-solving.

Arts & Creative
The Banda School has Flight experiences in the arts and creativity, including Broadway Bandits, African music, and Stop Motion Fun for performance, rhythm, and animation. Banda Comics enables visual storytelling, and Travelling the World provides virtual explorations of art and culture.

Cultural & Language
The Banda School has Sign Language to learn basic signing and communication, and Chinese Club for introductory Mandarin. The programme includes language-focused activities that support cross-cultural communication.

Social & Hobbies
The Banda School has Flight activities such as Bird Watching and Baking as social and hobby pursuits. Travelling the World offers virtual explorations of places and cultures with peers, while Broadway Bandits and Banda Comics encourage group creativity outside classroom learning.

Community & Service
The Banda School has Beyond Banda Borders as a community outreach programme that plans and delivers a programme of fun for less privileged school children.

Leadership & Professional
The Banda School has Flight activities that develop leadership and professional skills through Banda POD (recording, editing, and publishing a podcast) and Banda Skeptics (debating). Fundi Club creates and makes, Banda Bush Guides build a relationship with nature through survival techniques, and Banda's Grand Masters enhances chess and strategic thinking.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Banda School has Flight activities that promote wellbeing through Headspace (mental and physical health), Zen Den (Yoga) and Healthy Habits. Headspace promotes a healthy mental and physical state, Zen Den offers yoga exercises, stretches, and poses, and Healthy Habits focuses on good healthy habits and routines.
Languages

Language Provision
French (Year 2) and Kiswahili are taught by specialist teachers; language instruction is part of the Lower School curriculum, with Years 1 to 4 following the National Curriculum of England & Wales.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete online Initial Admission Enquiry form. The Admissions Team will contact you and guide you through the admissions process, customizing your journey. 2. Visit the School: You may visit at any stage; Open Mornings are announced on the website; personal visits are welcomed with a prior appointment; a visit with a senior member of staff enables discussion of educational aims and any specific needs; safeguarding considerations are addressed. 3. Guidelines to Support an Application for Entry: The Banda is non-selective; prospective parents are invited to visit; a copy of the pupil's most recent school report is requested where appropriate; any learning weaknesses must be declared with supporting documentation; for transfer from KAIS member schools, a Leaving Certificate or written clearance is required. 4. The Assessment Process: An invitation for a ‘taster' day is available; assessment may be formal or informal in the Learning Development Centre; Reception and below do not have a formal assessment but may have a taster day to gauge access to the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum; for pupils aged 5+, the assessment checks that the pupil can access the curriculum independently and notes prior educational exposure; if in-person visits are not possible, a copy of the most recent school report may be requested. 5. Additional considerations: The Banda welcomes pupils with learning difficulties and provides support via the Learning Development Centre or ESL options where needed; most younger children benefit from full immersion in English; most siblings join but admission is not automatic; siblings are given priority in place allocation subject to availability, and pupils transferring from Pegasus Early Years have priority for Year 1 in the main school. 6. Overseas Applicants: Overseas children are welcome with suitable Parent/Guardianship arrangements in Kenya; fluency in English is preferred and entry may be considered on an individual basis with recommendations for English as an Additional Language if required; parents are responsible for ensuring appropriate immigration permission to live in Kenya and study at the School. 7. Completion of the Admissions Procedure - Deposits and Contracts: If a place is offered, the Enrolment Form is completed and a non-refundable Registration (if not previously paid) and Entry Fee is paid to secure the place; a contract exists between the School and the signatories; fees are payable termly in advance and are due on or before the first day of each term; withdrawal requires one academic term's notice or one term's fees in lieu of notice.

Scholarships
The Banda School helps pupils gain scholarships to national and international schools; in 2022, 19 scholarships were achieved for Year 8 leavers to schools within Kenya and the UK; among the Year 8 cohort leaving in 2025, 20 scholarship awards were achieved to schools within Kenya and the UK. The school maintains a destination-schools network that supports students in gaining scholarships.
School Events
The school has not added events
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