Hillcrest International Schools, Nairobi
Hillcrest International Schools is a British curriculum group in the Karen suburb of Nairobi, taking children from the early years through to the sixth form across separate preparatory and secondary schools, with fees in the mid band for the city. It leads to IGCSE and A Level, and is a familiar British system option for families comparing Nairobi international schools.
At a glance
| Curriculum | British (National Curriculum for England), IGCSE, A Level |
|---|---|
| Exam boards | Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel (IGCSE, A Level) |
| Stages | Early years to sixth form (ages 2 to 18) |
| Founded | Not published |
| Accreditation | Not published |
| Fee band | Mid for Nairobi |
| Campus area | Karen |
Curriculum and academics
Hillcrest delivers the National Curriculum for England across the age range, organised into an early years and preparatory school for the younger pupils and a secondary school for the older ones. Pupils sit IGCSE examinations in the middle years on Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel specifications, then progress to A Level in the sixth form. The pathway is the standard British route, which keeps a child's record portable for families moving between British system schools. Our British curriculum guide sets out how the stages and exam boards connect.
The split between a dedicated preparatory school and a secondary school lets each phase focus on its own pupils, with the breadth of sport, arts and outdoor education that British independent schools are known for and that Karen's green setting supports. Subject choice broadens through IGCSE and A Level across the sciences, humanities, languages and the arts.
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Try the School FinderHillcrest International Schools fees
Hillcrest International Schools fees sit in the mid band for the city, with separate schedules for the preparatory and secondary schools and tuition rising by year group. The school publishes its current schedule directly. To see where that lands against the rest of the market, our guide to international school fees in Nairobi sets out the full range from budget to premium.
Beyond tuition, budget for the usual extras: a registration or assessment fee, a refundable deposit, and optional costs such as transport, meals, uniform, trips and external examination entries. We list fee bands rather than promote any school, because no school pays to be listed on GlobalSchoolGuide.
Admissions
Hillcrest admits subject to availability, with the principal intake at the start of the academic year. The process generally asks for recent school reports and, depending on the year group, an assessment or a visit. Sixth form entry is usually linked to IGCSE results and the subjects a student wishes to take, and the move from the preparatory school to the secondary school is managed within the group.
Because demand for popular year groups can outstrip places, families relocating to Nairobi should register interest early and confirm availability for their child's stage before settling on a neighbourhood.
Location and who goes there
Hillcrest is based in Karen, a green, established residential suburb on the southwestern edge of Nairobi that is popular with expatriate and professional Kenyan families. The community reflects the area: British system families, returning Kenyans and households drawn to Karen's space and slower pace. Commutes are easiest for families living in Karen and the neighbouring suburbs, so it is worth matching the school to where you intend to live.
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Frequently asked questions
How much are Hillcrest International Schools fees?
Hillcrest sits in the mid band for Nairobi international schools, with separate schedules for the preparatory and secondary schools. Tuition rises by year group and the current schedule is published by the school. Budget also for registration, a deposit, transport, meals and examination entries.
Is Hillcrest International Schools a good school?
Hillcrest is a long established British curriculum group in Karen offering IGCSE and A Level across its preparatory and secondary schools. Whether it suits your child depends on your priorities, which is why we do not publish a single ranking.
When do Hillcrest International Schools applications open?
Hillcrest admits subject to availability, with the main intake at the start of the academic year. Popular year groups fill early, so registering interest ahead of the start of the year is advisable.
What curriculum does Hillcrest International Schools follow?
Hillcrest follows the British National Curriculum from the early years, leading to IGCSE in the middle years and A Level in the sixth form.