Bura Girls High School is a Catholic-sponsored national girls’ school located in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. Known for its rich history, commitment to academic excellence, and role in promoting girls’ education in Kenya, the school has continually evolved into one of the country’s most respected institutions.
History of Bura Girls High School
Bura Girls High School traces its origins back to the 1920s, when it began as a day primary school for both boys and girls. In the 1940s, the institution transitioned into a girls’ intermediate boarding primary school. During this time, it also housed a teacher training college called St. Joseph.
In 1965, the school officially became a fully-fledged girls’ high school, starting with just one stream under the leadership of Sr. Philothea, a German Precious Blood Sister. In 1974, a second stream was added through the Harambee movement, marking the school’s growth.
In 1990, the leadership of the school was handed over to an African head, with Rev. Sr. Dorothy Mshai becoming the first African head teacher. Over the years, leadership continued to transition to lay persons, with Mrs. Lucy Mwawasi becoming the first lay headteacher in 1993. This leadership was passed on to Mrs. Lilian Mwalekwa in 1999, and later to Mrs. Marietta Mwambanda in 2011, and finally to Mrs. Polly Asikoye in December 2011.
The school continued to grow, becoming a three-streamed institution in 2005 and officially a four-streamed school in 2010. The school’s population has since grown to approximately 700 students. In recognition of its academic achievements and impact on girls’ education, Bura Girls was officially elevated to national school status in 2012.
KCSE Performance
Bura Girls High School has consistently demonstrated strong performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. In 2023, the school presented 318 candidates. A significant 94.65% of these candidates attained the minimum university entry grade of C+ or above, with the highest performing students achieving grades in the A and A- categories.
- Grade Distribution:
- 8 students scored A (plain).
- 39 students scored A-.
- 82 students achieved B+.
- 91 students scored B.
- 91 students received B-.
- 27 students achieved C+.
- 12 students scored C.
- 5 students attained C-.
The mean score for the 2023 KCSE was 8.39, a strong reflection of the school’s academic standards.
School Fees
As per the Ministry of Education’s 2020 guidelines, national schools in Kenya were grouped into four clusters, and Bura Girls High School falls under Cluster One (I). This means the official annual fee cap for students is approximately Ksh 75,798.
However, actual fees may vary slightly from one school to another, depending on additional charges for items such as:
- School uniforms
- Motivational programs
- Co-curricular activities
- Institutional development projects
Location and Contacts
Bura Girls High School is located in Mwatate Sub-County, Taita Taveta County, approximately in the Ng’ambwa area.
For inquiries, complaints, or further information, you can reach the school’s administration using the following contact details:
- Mobile Number: 0721 257 694
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 81 -80311 – NG’AMBWA
- Email Address: [email protected]
- KNEC Code: 01100004
Conclusion
Bura Girls High School stands as a testament to the Catholic Church’s dedication to girls’ education in Kenya. From its humble beginnings as a primary school to its current status as a national girls’ school, Bura Girls continues to produce outstanding academic results while nurturing holistic development in its students.
