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The Aga Khan High School

Uganda, Kampala

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees UGX 14,001,000
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 550
Type Co-educational
Opened 1959
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, French
Typical class size 13
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The Aga Khan High School, Kampala is a private, non‑profit, non‑denominational, co‑educational day school in Uganda and a member of Aga Khan Education Services. Established in 1959 as the country's first multicultural school, it serves about 550 students from 32 nations and uses English as the medium of instruction for Ugandan O‑level (UCE) and IGCSE, and for A‑levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The curriculum offers both Ugandan national and international options, including Cambridge IGCSE and the IB DP, with a bespoke curriculum available. The school accommodates ages 11 to 18 and provides a Learning Support Centre for ESL/EAL and other learning needs, plus a teacher‑mentored mentorship programme. Facilities include a well‑stocked library with an audio‑visual centre, an ICT room with SMART‑Boards, science laboratories, art rooms, a common room and IB lounge, and extensive sports fields. The ethos emphasizes holistic development, critical thinking, and respect for diverse cultures.

The Essentials

The Aga Khan High School has 550 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English.

Location

Old Kampala, Kampala, Uganda. Muammar Gaddafi Road (formerly Makerere Road). The campus includes a library, science laboratories, ICT facilities, sports fields and an auditorium. English is the medium of instruction for the Ugandan O-level (UCE), IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme.

Stages

Grades 7–12. Co-educational.

Type

Private, non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational, day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Approximately 550 students from 32 nations.

Additional learning support

Learning Support Centre provides ESL/EAL support and assistance for learners with difficulties; English, Mathematics and French are supported.

Country affiliation

Uganda; part of the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES).

Religious affiliation

Non-denominational.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

The Aga Khan High School, Kampala is part of the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES).
Fees

Annual tuition at The Aga Khan High School ranges from UGX 14,001,000 for 2026/27.

Application / admission fees
- One‑off admission fee charged on first enrolment: First child UGX 275,000; second child UGX 225,000; third and subsequent children UGX 175,000.
- Annual insurance charge: UGX 12,000 per student.

Tuition fees (per term and per year) — by programme / year group
- National O‑Level (UCE / S1–S4): UGX 951,000 per term — UGX 2,853,000 per year (three terms).
- National A‑Level (UACE) — Arts: UGX 982,000 per term — UGX 2,946,000 per year.
- National A‑Level (UACE) — Sciences: UGX 1,024,000 per term — UGX 3,072,000 per year.
- International Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9): UGX 4,495,000 per term — UGX 13,485,000 per year.
- International IGCSE (Year 10–11): UGX 4,667,000 per term — UGX 14,001,000 per year.
- International IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13 / DP): UGX 6,592,000 per term — UGX 19,776,000 per year.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are billed termly and are payable by the opening day of each term. Parents are expected to settle term fees on or before the first day of term.
- A re‑enrolment (good‑faith) deposit or security deposit practice is used by Aga Khan schools: a deposit is normally required on application or to reserve a place; the deposit is refundable if the student is not admitted and may be credited to tuition on admission. Security/deposit refunds are processed when a student leaves after proper notice and clearance. Withdrawal and refund conditions (including required notice) are specified in the school's obligations/registration documentation and are enforced as part of the enrolment contract.
- Late payment consequences commonly applied: monthly surcharge on overdue balances and withholding of student records/results until accounts are cleared. These are standard fee‑collection terms used in the Aga Khan schools' fee schedules.

Boarding fees
- Not applicable. The Aga Khan High School, Kampala operates as a day school for Grades 7–12 and does not offer boarding provision.

Other costs and charges (not included in tuition)
- The standard exclusions from tuition include: lunch or snacks (where provided), school uniform, external examination registration fees, specific textbooks and some optional trips or programmes; these items are billed separately.
- Additional, itemised charges that may appear on invoices: field‑trip charges, subject‑specific materials or ICT requirements, and any optional co‑curricular programme fees.

Refund information and withdrawal terms
- Good‑faith / application deposits are refundable if the applicant is not admitted and are normally credited to fees upon admission. Security/caution deposits (where taken) are refundable when a student leaves, subject to proper written notice, clearance of dues and any deductions for damage or outstanding obligations.
- Withdrawal without the required notice typically triggers a charge equal to a specified period of fees (for example, several months' fees) as set out in the school's obligations/contract. Outstanding fees must be cleared before school records, certificates or exam entries are released.

Fee payment options and practical payment notes
- Accepted payment channels used across Aga Khan schools include bank deposit / bank transfer and mobile‑money bulk transfer options; cash payments are commonly discouraged or not accepted by schools in the network. Proof of payment should be submitted to the school finance office in accordance with the school's payment instructions.
- Parents should ensure electronic payments include the student name and ID on the transfer reference so payments are allocated to the correct account. Schools may withhold student clearance or access to services until payments are reconciled.

What the tuition fees cover
- Tuition fees for the listed programmes generally cover classroom instruction, exercise books and a large portion of co‑curricular activities; items specifically excluded (see Other costs) are billed separately.
Academics

The Aga Khan High School teaches IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum

The Aga Khan High School, Kampala offers both Ugandan national and international curriculums. English is the medium of instruction. Ugandan O-level (UCE) or Cambridge IGCSE are offered in S1–S4 (13–16 years) or Y7–Y11 (11–16 years), followed by Ugandan A-level (S5–S6, 17–18 years) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP, 17–18 years). The school maintains a Learning Support Centre for ESL/EAL and other learning needs, and supports a mentorship programme.

Student Teacher Ratio

Approximately 550 students and 43 teachers; the approximate student-teacher ratio is 13:1.

Exam Results

Param Shashang Desai, a Diploma Programme student at AKHS Kampala, achieved Top in the World in mathematics as part of the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Mentorship programme pairs each student with a teacher mentor to plan study schedules and set short- and long-term targets; orientation programmes involve parents and provide opportunities to interact with staff, supporting the social and emotional development of the child; a strong co-curricular programme contributes to holistic development and ethical/social growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Learning Support Centre works with ESL/EAL students and learners with difficulties or who have transferred from different curricula, providing support in English, Mathematics and French.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the medium of instruction; Learning Support Centre provides ESL/EAL support.

Mental Wellbeing

Mentorship and parental involvement support students' social and emotional development, contributing to their overall well-being.
Parent Experience

History

Established in 1959 in Old Kampala, The Aga Khan High School, Kampala was Uganda's first multicultural school. The present-day school continues to play a unique educational role in the country and offers both National and International curriculums. It is part of the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES). Between 1973 and 1992, AKES Uganda schools were managed by the Government's Ministry of Education; since then management has reverted to AKES. The co-educational school has approximately 550 students from 32 nations, and English is the medium of instruction for O-level (UCE) and IGCSE and for A-level or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The Head Teacher is assisted by 43 teachers and 22 administrative staff.

Community

The Aga Khan Schools strive to create a harmonious balance between academic demands, sporting and cultural activities and community life. They challenge pupils to be intellectually inquisitive and socially conscious. Students participate in a strong co-curricular programme including athletics, visual arts and performing arts such as music and drama, fostering a broad engagement with the world. The school's ethos nurtures principled individuals who respect diverse cultures and beliefs, enabling them to become responsible, compassionate global citizens.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school has a Parent Teacher Partnership. Every term, the faculty keeps parents up-to-date on their children's academic performance and social welfare, and Form Tutors update parents on discipline, attendance and school participation. The school encourages an ongoing partnership between the school, parents and management, with parents assisting by reviewing progress through School Development Meetings and by supporting activities such as social events, careers days and sports events. Orientation programmes give parents and students an opportunity to interact, provide feedback and exchange ideas with staff, and parents are encouraged to be involved in their child's social and emotional development, contributing actively to the school's functioning.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Aga Khan High School, Kampala offers both national and international curriculums. The school balances academic demands with sporting and cultural activities and community life. It fosters critical thinking, analysis, and respect for diverse cultures. The co-curricular programme includes athletics, visual arts, and performing arts such as music and drama. Facilities include a well-equipped library with an audio-visual centre, an ICT room with SMART-Boards, science laboratories, sports fields, and art-rooms and a common room and lounge for IB students.

Sports Facilities

Campus facilities include sports fields for athletics and other physical activities. Athletics is a core component of the co-curricular programme. Students participate in a broad range of sporting activities through these facilities, supporting physical development and teamwork.

Academic Facilities

Facilities include a well-equipped library with an audio-visual centre. The ICT room is equipped with SMART-Boards. Science laboratories provide space for practical experiments. Art rooms are available for visual arts and IB activities. A common room and lounge serve IB students. The Learning Support Centre offers ESL/EAL support and additional help in English, Mathematics and French.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Students participate in a strong co-curricular programme, including athletics, visual arts, and performing arts such as music and drama. A mentorship programme pairs each candidate student with a teacher mentor to plan study schedules and set short- and long-term targets. Parent orientation programmes give parents and students opportunities to interact with staff and participate in school activities. The school's ethos emphasizes holistic development and ethical, spiritual growth.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school develops critical thinking and analysis as a core aim. English is the medium of instruction for O-level, IGCSE, A-level and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Arts & Creative

The school has a co-curricular programme that includes athletics, visual arts and performing arts such as music and drama.

Leadership & Professional

The school has a mentorship programme pairing each candidate student with a teacher mentor to plan a study schedule and set short- and long-term targets to strive for the best possible outcomes.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Students are encouraged to develop ethically and spiritually and to strive to succeed. The Aga Khan High School's ethos nurtures principled individuals who respect diverse cultures and beliefs and aims to produce responsible, compassionate global citizens. Facilities such as a well-equipped library, ICT room, science laboratories, sports fields and art-rooms support holistic development.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the medium of instruction for Ugandan O-level (UCE), Cambridge IGCSE (S1-4 / Y7-Y11), and for A-level or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. French is taught as a subject. ESL/EAL support for English, Mathematics and French is provided through the Learning Support Centre.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Entry requirements and language. Entry to The Aga Khan High School, Kampala is selective and merit-based. English is the medium of instruction for Ugandan O-level (S1) and IGCSE (Y7–Y11), as well as for UCE/UACE and the IB Diploma Programme. For Ugandan O-level (S1) entry, a PLE score of 15 points or better is required. For Year 7 entry, candidates sit an entrance test or have SAT-2 or CIPAT with a minimum of 12 or 10 points respectively. For A-level and IB Diploma entry, a Division 2 in UCE (35 aggregates) or 5A*-C grades (including Mathematics and English) in IGCSE with a minimum B in the chosen Higher Level subjects is required; Maths and Physics HL require an A grade. Equivalence for UCE is needed for IB entry, and the Head of the previous school must vouch for good conduct; notable achievement in non‑academic activities is advantageous.
School Events
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