How many secondary schools in Nairobi
Nairobi has roughly 28 international secondary schools spanning Year 7 to Year 13. The dominant curriculum is the Cambridge IGCSE followed by A Level, offered by Brookhouse, Hillcrest, Braeburn and Peponi. Two schools, International School of Kenya and Aga Khan Academy outreach in Mombasa, run the IB Diploma. ISK is the only AP school in the city, alongside its IB offering.
Several schools run a hybrid sixth form, letting pupils choose between A Level and the IB Diploma after IGCSE. Brookhouse and Braeburn Garden Estate are the established dual offers. For UK university targets A Level is most efficient. For US, Canadian or European destinations the IB Diploma travels better, and AP at ISK is a strong fit.
The sixth form cohort in Nairobi is small in absolute terms, roughly 1,400 pupils across all schools, which means small class sizes and close university counselling. Most pupils head abroad for university to the UK, US, South Africa, Canada and Australia.
Fees and the sixth form premium
Secondary fees in Nairobi range from about KES 900,000 a year at value tier schools to KES 3.2m at the largest Karen and Runda campuses. The median Year 9 fee in 2026 sits at roughly KES 1.85m, with sixth form costing 12 to 18 percent more because of small group teaching and individual university counselling. For the full fee picture see our Nairobi fees guide.
Capital levies at the largest schools reach KES 350,000 on entry. Boarding adds KES 600,000 to KES 1.1m a year and is meaningful for families based outside Nairobi or with parents on rotational postings to Juba, Mogadishu and Goma.
Choosing between A Level, IB and AP?
Our 5 minute school finder quiz shortlists three secondary schools based on your child's year group, target universities, your home area and your budget.
Illustrative example schools
The schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each has been operating in Nairobi for at least 15 years and produces consistent IGCSE and sixth form results.
Brookhouse School in Karen runs IGCSE and dual A Level and IB Diploma sixth form, with university destinations split roughly evenly between the UK, US and South Africa. Day and boarding.
Hillcrest International School in Karen runs IGCSE and A Level only. A long established Karen institution with strong sport, strong music and a clear UK university bias.
International School of Kenya in Karura is the city's only AP and IB Diploma school. American calendar, NEASC accredited, popular with UN, embassy and US corporate families. Median IB score of around 33 in recent years.
Braeburn Garden Estate on the Thika Road runs IGCSE and dual A Level and IB Diploma sixth form. Family owned, with a clear pipeline up from Braeburn primary across multiple Nairobi sites.
Where secondary families live
Secondary families cluster around four zones. Karen for the Brookhouse and Hillcrest concentration. Gigiri, Runda and Muthaiga for ISK and the diplomatic compound. Lavington and Kileleshwa for Braeburn Lavington and the more affordable secondary streams. Spring Valley and Westlands for Aga Khan Academy and the Indian curriculum schools serving the broader Nairobi business community.
Boarding takes the geography question off the table. Brookhouse, Peponi and Greensteds Nakuru all offer boarding, which makes them an option for families based in Mombasa, Eldoret or beyond the Kenyan border.
Admissions and the sixth form jump
Year 7 and Year 12 are the two main intake points for international secondary in Nairobi. Applications for Year 7 in September 2026 opened in October 2025 with assessment days in January and February. Year 12 entry is competitive at ISK because places only become available when existing pupils leave, and at Brookhouse if the school is your first choice for a particular A Level combination.
Sixth form entry usually requires a minimum of five IGCSEs at grade 6 or above, with grade 7s in proposed A Level subjects. The IB Diploma requires balance across Group 1 to Group 6 subjects rather than absolute grade thresholds. Apply 9 to 12 months ahead for the Tier 1 schools. Use the compare tool to evaluate sixth form pathways side by side.
Frequently asked questions
How many international secondary schools are there in Nairobi?
Nairobi has roughly 28 international secondary schools spanning Year 7 to Year 13. The dominant curriculum is the Cambridge IGCSE followed by A Level. Two schools offer the IB Diploma and one offers AP.
Which Nairobi schools offer the IB Diploma?
International School of Kenya in Karura runs the IB Diploma alongside AP. Brookhouse and Braeburn Garden Estate offer dual A Level and IB Diploma sixth forms, so pupils can choose route after IGCSE.
How much do Nairobi secondary schools cost?
Secondary fees range from about KES 900,000 a year at value tier schools to KES 3.2m at the largest Karen and Runda campuses. Sixth form costs 12 to 18 percent more because of smaller group teaching and university counselling.
Where do Nairobi sixth formers go to university?
Most head abroad. The UK is the dominant destination from A Level schools, followed by South Africa, the US, Canada and Australia. ISK sends most graduates to the US and Canadian system, with strong UK and European representation.
Are boarding places available at Nairobi secondary schools?
Yes. Brookhouse, Peponi and Greensteds Nakuru offer boarding. Boarding adds KES 600,000 to KES 1.1m a year on top of tuition and is popular with families based outside Nairobi or on rotational postings.
