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Kampala International School Uganda

Uganda, Kampala

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees UGX 16,647,325 - 105,433,060
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational
Opened 1993
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French, Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) is an international day school serving students aged 1 to 18. It offers a British-based curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme, while following the National Curriculum for England with Ugandan modifications. Established in 1993 with 67 students, the school now serves around 450 students from 46 nationalities, reflecting a diverse learning community. The school supports self-confidence and independence through a broad, inquiry-based program, backed by extensive facilities: four secondary science laboratories with a dedicated science resource room and technician; three computer labs; three music rooms and three performance areas; an indoor sports hall; an outdoor basketball court; a 25-metre eight-lane pool; two libraries with about 27,000 books; smart boards in most classrooms; and a five-acre playing field. Extra-curricular activities include outdoor education and trips to the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore and Dubai, with a ski trip to Europe, enriching learning experience.

The Essentials

Kampala International School Uganda has 500 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Plot No. 447, Block 213, Kyebando - Kisalosalo Road, Bukoto, Kampala, Uganda. P.O. Box Number 34249, Kampala, Uganda.

Stages
Early Years; Primary School (Key Stage 1; Key Stage 2); IB Diploma

Type
International day school offering the IB Diploma Programme.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 450 students representing 46+ nationalities.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are available through the Uniform Shop. Uniform Shop Opening Times: Monday to Friday 7.30am–8.45am and 2.15–3.45pm; Saturdays 9.00am–11.00am; or by appointment.

Food Options
Lunches are provided and compulsory for all students up to and including Year 9. Students in Year 10 and above may opt to eat school lunches or may provide their own. The lunch menu is rotated throughout each term and includes vegetarian options on Wednesdays.

House System
All students are allocated a house: Bwindi, Otukei, Kibale, Semliki and compete in inter-house events.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kampala International School Uganda ranges from UGX 16,647,325 to UGX 105,433,060 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrolment fees
- Enrolment fee for Early Years (KG & Reception): USD 580. A top-up of USD 2,630 is applied when a pupil moves into Year 1, yielding the full enrolment charge for Early Years → Year 1 entry.
- Enrolment fee for Year 1 through IB2 (one-time): USD 3,200 (presented as the standard enrolment/entrance charge for Year 1–IB2).
- A separate school statement of financial terms also records an enrolment amount of USD 2,350 to be paid on the day of enrolment and notes this fee as non-refundable; this figure appears alongside the other published enrolment amounts.

Tuition fees — Term fees (per term)
- Kindergarten 1–3: Tuition USD 1,540; Lunch USD 430; Total per term USD 1,970.
- Reception: Tuition USD 3,870; Lunch USD 440; Total per term USD 4,310.
- Year 1 & 2: Tuition USD 7,030; Lunch USD 550; Total per term USD 7,580.
- Year 3–6: Tuition USD 7,680; Lunch USD 550; Total per term USD 8,230.
- Year 7–9: Tuition USD 8,830; Lunch USD 600; Total per term USD 9,430.
- Year 10: Tuition USD 8,830; lunch is optional at USD 600 — total per term USD 8,830 (without lunch) or USD 9,430 (with lunch).
- Year 11: Tuition USD 13,225 per term; lunch optional at USD 600 — total per term USD 13,225 (without lunch) or USD 13,825 (with lunch). Year 11 is payable in two half-yearly payments (school notes the payment frequency for Year 11).
- IB1 (Year 12): Tuition USD 14,630 per term; lunch optional at USD 600 — total per term USD 14,630 (without lunch) or USD 15,230 (with lunch). IB1 is shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments.
- IB2 (Year 13): Tuition USD 14,630 per term; lunch optional at USD 600 — total per term USD 14,630 (without lunch) or USD 15,230 (with lunch). IB2 is shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments.

Tuition fees — Annual fees (per year)
- Kindergarten 1–3: Tuition USD 4,600; Lunch USD 1,240; Total per year USD 5,840.
- Reception: Tuition USD 11,560; Lunch USD 1,300; Total per year USD 12,860.
- Year 1 & 2: Tuition USD 21,060; Lunch USD 1,600; Total per year USD 22,660.
- Year 3–6: Tuition USD 23,010; Lunch USD 1,600; Total per year USD 24,610.
- Year 7–9: Tuition USD 26,450; Lunch USD 1,760; Total per year USD 28,210.
- Year 10: Tuition USD 26,450 per year; lunch optional USD 1,760 — total per year USD 26,450 (without lunch) or USD 28,210 (with lunch).
- Year 11: Tuition USD 26,450 per year; lunch optional USD 1,760 — total per year USD 26,450 (without lunch) or USD 28,210 (with lunch). Year 11 payment frequency is listed as two half‑yearly payments in the published schedule.
- IB1 (Year 12): Tuition USD 29,250 per year; lunch optional USD 1,760 — total per year USD 29,250 (without lunch) or USD 31,010 (with lunch). IB1 is shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments.
- IB2 (Year 13): Tuition USD 29,250 per year; lunch optional USD 1,760 — total per year USD 29,250 (without lunch) or USD 31,010 (with lunch). IB2 is shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments.

Transport (bus) fees
- Bus fee per term: One‑way USD 495; Two‑way USD 680.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Some year groups (Year 11 and the two IB years) are shown as payable in two half‑yearly payments; other year groups are presented with term and annual totals so fees are billed on a term or annual basis as indicated.
- All fees must be paid by the published due date; parents must pay fees for the next term before the last day of the current term. Outstanding accounts may result in exclusion from class or withholding of official documents.
- External examination fees (IGCSE and IB) are billed separately and must be paid prior to exam registration.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not available at this school; there are no published boarding fees.

Other costs and charges
- Lunch: lunch fees are shown separately for each year group and may be optional for some grades (Year 10, Year 11, IB1, IB2 show optional lunch at the published rate). These lunch charges are included in the term and annual totals where noted.
- Enrolment / admission-related top‑ups and staged enrolment charges (Early Years top‑up to Year 1, and the larger single enrolment charge for Year 1–IB2) are published as set amounts under the enrolment section.
- External examination fees (IGCSE and IB) and other exam‑related charges are billed separately.
- Co‑curricular clubs and activity sessions may charge separately; the school's published CCA guidance specifies that fees for CCA blocks are non‑refundable if a pupil cannot attend all sessions.
- International trips and optional excursions are described as part of the school programme; such trips are typically charged separately from tuition and will appear as additional costs when offered.
- Uniform costs are not listed in the published fee schedule and are not given as fixed amounts in the publicly available fee documents. Parents should expect separate uniform purchases or charges arranged through the school or approved suppliers.

Refunds and cancellation policy
- Fees once paid are non‑refundable. The published financial agreement states that if a child is absent for more than three weeks or withdraws from the school, no refund will be issued. If a child is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons, no fees will be refunded.

Fee payment arrangements and contact for payment instructions
- The school's financial terms state that payment is to be made to the Bursar's office; parents are required to follow the school's invoicing and bursar procedures and to settle all outstanding fees by the due dates. Specific bank account details or card/payment processor details are not published on the fee schedule pages; contact the Admissions or Office email addresses for the school's accepted payment methods and bank details.
- Admissions and finance contact details published with the fee materials: admissions@kisu.com and office@kisu.com; Admissions phone +256 752 711882.

Notes on inconsistencies in published enrolment figures
- The school's published materials include more than one enrolment figure: the Fees Structure shows Early Years as USD 580 (with top‑up) and USD 3,200 for Year 1–IB2, while the Agreement of Financial Terms and Conditions page records an enrolment fee amount of USD 2,350 payable on the day of enrolment. These differing published figures should be clarified with school admissions or the Bursar's office when arranging enrolment and payment.
Academics

Kampala International School Uganda teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows the National Curriculum for England with modifications for the Ugandan setting.

Student Teacher Ratio
There are 32 certified teachers and over 450 students, giving an approximate student–teacher ratio of about 14:1.

Exam Results
The IB Diploma Programme is offered at KISU. DP results have steadily improved, and the school underwent an IBO review in 2018 that commended its Diploma Programme. To begin the full Diploma Programme, students must achieve a grade B or higher in their IGCSE for Higher Level subjects and a grade C or higher for Standard Level; for Physics or Mathematics at Higher Level, an A is required. There are three DP pathways: the full Diploma Programme, a trial Diploma, and IB Courses certificates.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school is a learning community that cares about all stakeholders and puts the interests of children at the centre. It develops resilient and self-confident learners and is enriched by its international-mindedness. It nurtures intellectual curiosity and encourages students and teachers to be reflective, critical thinkers. It develops the whole person and cultivates highly effective communicators who are creative, critical and analytical thinkers, prepared to lead tomorrow's world.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school aims to be inclusive and welcomes students with Special Educational Needs when their needs can be catered for and effectively supported. The Learning Support Coordinator and other relevant staff discuss each individual case, and former school records and tests are required to provide details of any previous learning support or clinical assessment.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Many local and international prospective students may enter with English as an Additional Language (EAL). In these cases, students are assessed on their English language proficiency and potential to learn. Admission is on a case-by-case basis, and depending on ability, students may receive in-class support or be withdrawn from certain lessons for additional help. The school offers English and French language classes.

Safeguarding
There is a designated safeguarding lead structure within the school. Zoe Wise is Head of Primary and Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Robert Buga serves as Head of IT and Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Head of Secondary, ensuring safeguarding and child protection responsibilities are actively supported.
Parent Experience

History
Established in 1993 with 67 students. It has grown steadily and now serves over 450 students representing 46+ nationalities. The program is designed to enhance a student's self-confidence and independence. State-of-the-art facilities include four science labs, three computer labs, three music rooms, three performance areas, an indoor sports hall, outdoor basketball court, a 25-metre eight-lane pool, two libraries, smart boards in most classrooms and a five-acre playing field. Students participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including outdoor education and international trips to the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore and Dubai, with an annual ski trip to Europe.

Community
KISU is a supportive community that nurtures students in intellectual, talent-oriented and ethically built ways. The school uses a holistic approach to education and encourages active involvement in community-building initiatives. Decades of building trust and meaningful partnerships with neighbouring schools, along with extensive community consultation, help the school reflect and serve the wider community. The school serves over 450 students from 46+ nationalities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at KISU supports school activities and helps bridge the relationship between parents and teachers. PTA members note the staff's duty of care across the various hats and roles they play. Parents describe a culture that embodies diversity and inclusion and value after-school activities such as skating, baking and MUN. The school offers multifaceted extracurricular experiences that contribute to a healthy balance between academic and non-academic life. Students in the IB Diploma Programme report strong support from teachers in a fostering, engaging environment.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has four science labs in Secondary and a separate science resource room with a full-time lab technician. There are three computer labs and smart boards in most classrooms. The school provides three music rooms and three performance areas. The campus includes an indoor sports hall, an outdoor basketball court, a 25-metre eight-lane competition swimming pool, two libraries, and a five-acre playing field.

Sports Facilities
The main sports are football, basketball and volleyball for both boys and girls. Championships in swimming, athletics and cross-country are offered at primary and secondary levels. KISU competes in the ISSAK league. The campus has an indoor sports hall and an outdoor basketball court to support these activities.

Academic Facilities
In Secondary, there are four science labs and a dedicated science resource room with a full-time lab technician. Primary science is taught within the topics studied. There is a LEGO Studio with LEGO robotics equipment for learning. Two libraries serve Early Years/Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2/Secondary, with around 27,000 books. Art and Design facilities include specialist art rooms for Primary and Secondary, an additional studio and a kiln for clay work; Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design and IB Visual Arts are offered.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Students participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including outdoor education and international trips to destinations such as the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore and Dubai, as well as visits across Uganda and East Africa. An annual ski trip to Europe is a highlight. These activities support a holistic approach to education and foster community involvement. The school also hosts various events and clubs as part of the extracurricular program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
IB Diploma Programme is offered. IGCSE Art and Design (Cambridge – 0400) and IB Visual Arts are taught, with an additional Art room in Secondary used as an IGCSE/IB Studio and a kiln for clay work. There are two specialist Art and Design teachers, one in Primary and one in Secondary.

Arts & Creative
Two specialist Art and Design teachers, one in Primary and one in Secondary, are supported by dedicated art rooms. IGCSE Art and Design (Cambridge – 0400) and IB Visual Arts are offered, with the Secondary Art room used as an IGCSE/IB Studio. A kiln is frequently used for both Primary and Secondary clay work. Art and Design lessons develop practical, technical and critical skills and use arts language.

Cultural & Language
The school has 46 nationalities represented. It offers international trips to the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore and Dubai, as well as visits across Uganda and East Africa. An annual ski trip to Europe is a highlight. MUN is among after-school activities.

Social & Hobbies
More than 30 clubs are offered after school. The main sports are football, basketball and volleyball, with championships in swimming, athletics and cross-country. After-school activities also include karate, cricket, ballet, inline skating, gymnastics, table tennis, baking and Zumba.

Community & Service
KISU emphasizes community-building initiatives as part of its holistic approach to education. The school fosters involvement in community projects through its extracurricular activities and school events.

Leadership & Professional
IB Diploma Programme is offered. A Head Boy position is noted for 2024 (DP1 student), indicating leadership opportunities for students. The DP pathway is described by a student as challenging and growth-oriented.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
KISU emphasizes holistic development through sport and clubs. There are more than 30 clubs after school, including football, basketball and volleyball, with championships in swimming, athletics and cross-country. Facilities include a 25-metre eight-lane swimming pool, an indoor sports hall, an outdoor basketball court and a five-acre playing field.
Languages

Language Provision
The school uses English as the language of instruction. The curriculum integrates the British and international education systems, transitioning from an English National Curriculum adapted for our setting in Primary to IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Programmes in Secondary. French is taught as a weekly specialist subject in Key Stage 1. Cambridge Assessment English affiliations support English language development in Early Years.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Step 1: Parents ask for an application pack, complete it, and return all required documents. Incomplete applications are discarded after 30 days. Applications are reviewed to assess the student's ability to succeed in an English-language environment, taking into account prior academic records and developmental history. The application must include all documents outlined in the procedure to be processed.
2. Step 2: Admissions invites the family for a campus tour, an interview, and interactions or assessments with the student. For grades 10–12, discussion may include IGCSE or IB options. Interviews may be conducted face-to-face or online, and English and Math assessments may be used as part of placement. Parents are interviewed to ensure understanding and alignment with the school's mission and policies.
3. Step 3: Admissions informs the family of the decision. The final admission decision rests with the Director. Accepted students are placed in the appropriate grade level if space allows; accepted conditionally are monitored and may be promoted or required to repeat a year. A waiting list is used when the grade level is full, with priority to the earliest completed application; if a seat is not found within the year, parents may apply for the following academic year; the option to decline is issued if the applicant does not meet requirements.

Waitlist
Waiting list is used when a grade level is full but admission requirements are met. Priority on the waiting list goes to the earliest completed application. If a seat is not found within the current academic year, parents may apply for the following academic year by contacting the admissions office by the beginning of May. Applications do not automatically roll over to the next academic year.
School Events
The school has not added events
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