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Kenya – Top 17 Independent Secondary Schools

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UPDATE Top 10 Independent Secondary Schools in Kenya

NEW LIST:  TOP 10 SECONDARY SCHOOLS in Kenya

1. Rift Valley Academy

  • RVA is a Christian boarding school located in central Kenya. The academy, a branch of Africa Inland Mission International, exists to provide a quality education in a nurturing environment for the children of missionaries serving in Africa. With over 100 years of rich history, RVA has played an instrumental role in the lives of countless MKs (missionary kids). The current student body of about 450 includes more than 20 different nationalities. The families these students represent serve with 80 mission organizations in over 20 African countries.

2. International School of Kenya

  • Located on the outskirts of Nairobi, the International School of Kenya is a coeducational day school encompassing grades pre-kindergarten through 13 and offering both the North American High School Diploma as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma to its graduates.
  • At its picturesque 25-hectare campus established in 1976, ISK provides a well-rounded education to approximately 650 students who represent 60 nationalities.

3. Brae Burn School

  • Braeburn High School is a co-educational International Secondary School following the British National Curriculum. Students are prepared for the University of Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations (IGCSE). The School enjoys a wide racial mix, and has recently moved to its present site so all the buildings and facilities are brand new and in pristine condition.
  • Braeburn High is a day school with an extensive school transport system. The School has a warm, friendly and caring atmosphere with high standards of discipline, providing an environment conducive to good learning. Our aim is to allow all students to fulfill their academic potential, while at the same time developing social skills and graces to enable them to meet the challenges of society.

4. Hillcrest Secondary School

  • Occupy grounds of over 50 acres, including a seven-acre property adjacent to the school that is home to our boarding community known as Toad Hall. The international nature of the school is one of Hillcrest’s main assets, and today our students represent over 55 countries from around the world. Evolving from a small primary school in Nairobi to a vibrant and successful international community that offers quality British education to students of all ages, nationalities and religions, the Hillcrest reputation evokes pride and respect. The positive nature of the working environment is demonstrated by low staff turnover and an impressive 98% student completion rate. The school has only had four previous headteachers.

5. Brook-House Secondary School

  • Brookhouse is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 3-19, offering an adapted form of the British National Curriculum to Kenyan and international students. The school strives to develop each student’s intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth to their full potential.

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6. St. Andrew’s Senior School

  • was opened in 1988 as a result of demand for boarding education for 13-16 year old boys and girls. The school is now very well established with over 170 students.
  • The Senior School has a strong academic tradition and students are taught to work hard and independently. We ensure that each of our students gains the very most of these vital school years. Our staff is well qualified to bring out the best in all our students. In addition to guiding them through to IGCSEs, students receive tuition in music, drama, art and a wide range of sporting and recreational activities.
  • GCSEs are an excellent preparation for ‘A’ Levels and the International Baccalaureate and students from St. Andrew’s School thrive both academically and socially as they progress to schools, whether in the UK or elsewhere.

7. Nairobi Academy

  • is a combined Preparatory and Secondary Boarding school for boys and girls aged 2 – 18, situated on a 20+ acre site, with spacious playing fields, on the south-west of Nairobi, Kenya, on Langata Road between Karen and the Bomas of Kenya.
  • We follow the English National Curriculum and offer Cambridge Board IGCSE and A-Level examinations, leading to international university entrance. Our exam results are consistently among the best in Kenya. In addition we offer a full games and activities programme. Good discipline, specialist teaching starting at age 7, and small classes are factors contributing to our educational success.

8. Rosslyn Academy

  • a private Christian school founded in 1967, is an international, coed, day school with a North American curriculum for grades K-12. Approximately 44% of the 488 students are American, and more than 32 nationalities are represented in the school. Situated within a kilometre of the United States Embassy and the East Africa United Nations headquarters, Rosslyn Academy sits on 40 acres of former coffee plantation in a residential area on the outskirts of Nairobi. Rosslyn provides a beautiful and calm refuge from the bustle of the capital city. In the center of the campus the original plantation house serves as the administration building. Although the elementary, middle and high schools are located on the same campus, each school has its own principal, facilities and culture.

9. Greensteds School

  • Greensteds is a happy, thriving, buzzing community of young men and women who learn to appreciate the values of hard work, commitment and making the most of each opportunity presented to them. We would like each person to realise his/her full potential by the time they finish their Sixth Form years with us so they are confident, assured young people ready to embark on university or a working life.
  • We are proud of our achievements yet, we are constantly looking to move forward; to modify how we operate whilst retaining our reputation as a leading British Curriculum School in Kenya. Our Year 13 leavers will soon be attending universities, undergoing graduate courses in a range of subjects all over the world and once qualified we hope they will return to become leaders in whichever field they have chosen to study.

10. Aga Khan High School, Mombasa

  • is a private co-educational, multicultural day secondary school. The school, situated on Vanga Road, next to the Aga Khan Hospital, has provided an excellent education since its founding.
  • The School is a not-for-profit independent school registered with the Ministry of Education, Kenya. The school is home to approximately 640 students and 40 staff.
  • The School works hard to maintain high standards of quality education while involving students in complementary sporting and cultural activities and community life. In recent years the school has consistently improved in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results. The 2006 KCSE results showed dramatic improvements with the Aga Khan High School, Mombasa earning the position of 20th best school in Kenya. It also ranked sixth in the National Private School Ranking.
  • In addition to excelling in Academics, several students have won prestigious awards in the areas of dramatic arts, science and swimming.

11. St. Austin’s Academy

  • Every year, the majority of our A level students end up going to universities around the world. Some of the most popular destinations have been local and overseas universities such as USIU, Nairobi University, Yale University, Oxford University and Sheffield University amongst others. There has also been a trend of our best students ending up with scholarships from some of the most prestigious universities.
  • We have an International student body here with students represented from over 42 different countries from around the world. Our greatest strength is derived from the fact that these students through their acts and deeds personify peace and harmony and truly make us a global village.

12. Aga Khan High School, Nairobi

  • is a private co-educational, multicultural day secondary school. The school is situated in Westlands, along Waiyaki Way, just seven kilometers from Nairobi’s city centre.
  • The Aga Khan High School, Nairobi is a not-for-profit independent school registered with the Ministry of Education, Kenya. The school is home to approximately 345 students and 28 teaching faculty.
  • Offering strong academic teaching on a campus with extracurricular facilities that are the envy of many schools, the Aga Khan High School, Nairobi strives to impart an education that will enable students to become well-placed members of Kenyan society, who will shape Kenya for generations to come.

13. Coast Academy

  • Coast Academy was the pioneer school that introduced and followed the British Education Curriculum way back in 1970.
  • Every year the Academy boasts of extremely impressive results at A and O levels. It is a fact that 95% to 97% of our A level students join prestigious and world-renowned universities around the world. The popular educational destinations have been the UK, U.S.A, Australia, Canada and India.
  • The trend has always been our best students securing full or partial scholarships from universities.
  • We have an International and multi-racial student body here. Our greatest strength is derived from the fact that these students through their acts and deeds personify peace and harmony and truly make us a global village.

14. Mombasa Academy

  • The Mombasa Academy is a private school situated in Nyali, a lush suburb of Mombasa on the mainland north of Mombasa Island.
  • The school has been established for over 20 years and its pupils, ranging from three to eighteen years old, come from a diverse range of cultures.

15. Greenacres School

16. Molo Academy

17. Acacia Academy

18. Rusinga School

  • is a Christian day School offering the British National Curriculum.  We have a strong commitment to academic excellence and a high level of discipline.  Children are accepted from the age of two and are able to progress through our Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary sections, culminating in the opportunity to sit IGCSE (formerly ‘O’ level) and GCE (A level) examinations.

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Comments

  1. brenda says

    st.christophers school…why is it not on this list…?their performance is great, their facilities are wonderful …someone please tell me why….

  2. Webdude says

    @karimi.
    If you click on the schools it will take you to their webpages from where you can get more info. in so far as fees, IB etc are concerned. Overall this is a nice list. For those who know what a holistic education is, this is the way to go. Mr(Ms) “Well I won’t put my name here” summed it up all, some of the schools follow american system of education while others follow the british system. The choice is yours.

  3. karimi says

    this website should provide more information esp on the amount of school fees charged in each school and info for students who want to do IB and are from the local Kenyan system!

    and for those who mentioned the likes of Lenana and Starehe, you are clearly on the wrong web page, this is only for international schools in Kenya plus Precious Blood is a better performer than your schools, so just don’t embarrass yourselves in public

  4. nimo says

    y isnt st.christoher’s there??? and this list z a bit biased like strathmore should be there and st.christopher’s!

  5. kenyan mum says

    Thank you for the rankings, and for the comments, very helpful to a mum who wants to give quality all round education to her children. The independent schools offer much more than just an academic experience and is why one must pay more for a holistic experience… if you compare the quality of graduates from these schools to those from the best public schools in Kenya, you will find a great difference. A good school is not just about academics, it has to offer that and more because there is more to a person than just good grades.

  6. Nyokabikariuki says

    And also St.Andrews– that school is amazing! It has an airstrip, a chapel/ church, etc. ISK is also cool. I think to see what’s best you should visit them personally.

  7. Nyokabikariuki says

    Hi, I’m back. Seeing the comments, and I had visited some of these schools on trips and interviews. I was in Rusinga first, and for me I think they need to improve their facilities. I’ve been to several, and I think Hillcrest and Peponi are the best.

  9. xtine says

    The ranking to me of schools still not clear, however if Rusinga and Peponi could offer boarding facilities at affordable costs trust me you will be overwhelmed by parents response and willingness to have their children enrolled as soon as this September.Kudos!!!

  11. sokech says

    Brookhouse is not for rich politicians.Come and look at the academic programmes at the school.Others are pale shadows.St Andrews started an A level programme with labs as a koke.

  12. Well I won't put my name here says

    I can’t believe that anyone is suggesting that Lenana, Starehe, Nairobi School, Alliance etc… rank anywhere near the international schools…. they simply don’t charge the level of fees to compete. They may have been the best during the British era, but those days are long gone. Sure, they may rank highly for Kenya, but how many of their students continue on to an International University? Of the British System Schools the best are Peponi, Hillcrest, Braeburn, St. Andrews Turi roughly in that order. Of the US schools the best is likely Rosslyn, then ISK, followed by RVA.

    Brookhouse is purely for rich politicians kids….the school looks like a joke. I know that the Indian schools… Nairobi Academy, Premier, Oshwal and Aga Khan are great academically, but when it comes to putting out all round students, in terms of music, theatre, variety of sport and cultural diversity….. they just dont measure up.

  13. Phil Dow says

    Could you contact me with a list of your criteria for ranking? The schools listed here are among the best in Kenya, but the overall are suspect. Peponi is a very strong school and is not listed here, and Rosslyn Academy, which has the largest and most successful Advanced Placement program in sub-Saharan Africa, with recent graduates at Cambridge, Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, etc., ranks only 8th?

  14. young money says

    i go to aga khan in nairobi i wanted to transfer to hillcrest or braeburn when i start yr 11 is it possible do u think

  15. young money says

    how much is braeburn and hillcrest per term ?especially i heard hillcrest is of the chain chicks every ting

  17. morgan lucie riley says

    ladies and gents, what makes a school iz more than a fancy name, porche facillities and quality teacherz. its realy the student who makes the school what it is. so be it hillcrest, or …. all those great schools yu mentioned, its about yu, the individual and what yu bring forth from it. cheerz!

  18. Kim says

    this list i feel is specifically meant for international schools or schools that provide programs that are recognized and probably even done world wide. instead of complaining that it only lists the ‘richest schools’ (mind you if it were a list for the richest/most expensive schools in Kenya it wouldn’t be in this order and some schools wouldn’t be on here TRUST ME). you should try to get the writers perspective and judging from the list it CLEARLY shows schools that provide(i believe) international programs that are recognized and done by others world wide.
    so please stop having this mentality that people are against the Kenyan system or whatever problem u seem to have with the supposed ‘rich people’..this is just one persons opinion.

  19. Waithera says

    So many fans for Peponi school..
    This analysis is supposed to communicate the Premium schools in Kenya.
    Green Garden, Starehe, nairobi Sch bla bla bla cannot fit into this category. Its like saying the top 10 premium cars on kenyan Roads are Mercedes benz, Chrysler, Range Sport, BMW…then someone throws in one of those…’even Toyota NZE should be there’

  21. Jenna says

    Peponi Secondary Should be at the top…its the best and most expensive and has the best teachers and quality eduaction compare to the rest.
    PEPONI – BEST SCHOOL IN KENYA

  22. BENEAH k. NDANDI says

    STAREHE BOYS CENTRE remains to be the best secondary school in Kenya followed by Alliance High. Am surprised where you got your rankings.MY Opinion is that you were ranking the richest schools. so please now give us the ranking of the best Highschools in Kenya.

  23. MILLY says

    Am very happy molo academy is among the best. schools. But worried about mary mount…. they should be among.

  25. Esther says

    please be specific when ranking. Is it academic? am looking for a school where I dont have to pay extra tuition fees outside. Where the teaching staff are honest and dont look down on slow students.

  27. Kimmina says

    I am not from Kenya..Neither have i ever lived there but pls be clear…wich one is the best?
    I wanna join a school there but all this list and argument thing is confusing me.The citizens are claiming that peponi ,green garden,and rusinga should be highly ranked in the current list.
    Make a manse….try a new list,more genuine than this. I have been highly confused by this list thingy……..tell us what you really consider in this ranking list.Thats all!!Nice week 2 u!

  29. Carol says

    The list should have clear criteria for ranking:
    1. Academic achievement
    2. Facilities
    3. Teaching staff qualifications
    4. Student’s admissions to good universities
    5. Social skills and career progression
    6. Should also change annually
    7. Perhaps also do surveys from parents, teachers, students etcc

  30. Hashim Dotto says

    i really like this but i dnt know yet what school i wanna go????????????????????????????????

  32. Cook says

    3things lads:
    1. thats why it says top independent schools
    2. I think peponi definately should be here
    3. There should be the category of best public schools

  35. wayne says

    these are the best private schools in kenya not public schools doing local examinations please note ,though the list should have considered a few more schools like aga khan academy mombasa, and oshwal academy mombasa ,these are the only schools in kenya pursuing two new programs in full that is IB AND IPC .

  38. Issa says

    While the list provided is good starting point for non Kenyan parents like my self, reasonable questions were raised by well informed Kenyans.

    I see no response from the webmaster which raises doubts about the validity of the ranking proved, and adds to their concerns.

    Please support your list with additional information as requested

  40. Nyokabi Kariuki says

    Please answer these questions, and read some comments of mine below.
    1) What facts did you use to position the schools in the current positions?
    2) Out of ten, what would you give each school?
    3)What school would parents consider going to first while seeing this website?

    I think you should classify the schools in their systems, eg. top 10 British, American and Kenyan system schools (in Kenya).

  43. Paul Mugo says

    Everyone knows that the best school in Kenya is The Starehe Boys’ Centre and School, followed by Alliance High School, others are the likes of Nairobi and Lenana Schools…Starehe and Alliance are more internationally recognised than any of the schools listed here. What you did was getting a list of schools attended by the children of Kenya’s richest..
    Starehe, for a fact has students from outside Kenya.
    You need to ensure that your website gives true information.

  44. Cross says

    Im very surprised Peponi doesn’t feature here. Peponi Secondary really should be near the top of this list.

  45. Taita says

    PEPONI SENIOR SCHOOL SHOULD BE IN THE TOP FIVE OF THIS LIST!!!!! ROSSLYN ACADEMY AND ISK COME NOTHING CLOSE TO WHAT PEPONI HAS TO OFFER. THEY HAVE PRODUCED TOP MARKS IN O & A’LEVEL EXAMINATIONS IN THE COUNTRY FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

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