Durham International School, part of the historic Durham School UK, is a premier British-curriculum school located in the serene Thigiri area of Nairobi, Kenya. Founded in January 2021, Durham International School combines a rich academic tradition with a focus on holistic education, preparing students for success both academically and socially. This article explores Durham International School’s fees, admissions process, curriculum, location, and contact information.
History of Durham International School
Durham International School traces its legacy to the esteemed Durham School UK, founded over 600 years ago, with notable alumni like Sir Tony Blair, Rowan Atkinson, and Geoff Parling. The Kenyan branch, established in 2021, carries forward this tradition of excellence by offering a British National Curriculum and integrating global best practices in education. The school is part of the Durham School Foundation, which is known for producing leaders across various fields, both academically and in extracurricular pursuits.
Curriculum at Durham International School
Durham International School follows the British National Curriculum, emphasizing academic rigor alongside a broad range of co-curricular activities. The school offers an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for younger students and follows Key Stages in primary and secondary levels leading to IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-Levels for older students.
The curriculum includes:
- Early Years (ages 2–5)
- Primary School (Key Stages 1 & 2, ages 5–11)
- Secondary School (Key Stage 3 & IGCSE, ages 11–16)
- A-Level Courses (ages 16–18)
Students at Durham International School also have opportunities for personal growth through various extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, languages, and community service.
Durham International School Fees for 2025/2026
The fees at Durham International School reflect its world-class facilities and international curriculum. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the fee structure is as follows:
Early Years / Little Durham (Ages 2-5)
- Termly Fees: Ksh 271,950
Primary School (Year 1–5, Ages 5–11)
- Year 1-5 Fees: Ksh 641,025
Secondary School
- IGCSE & A-Level (Year 6–13, Ages 11–18):
Fees vary based on the grade level and facilities offered, with specific discounts for siblings and full annual payments.
The fees cover:
- Tuition
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Co-curricular activities
- Most excursions
- Ambulance service
Durham International School also provides financial incentives, including:
- 5% discount for the first sibling
- 7.5% discount for second and subsequent siblings
- 5% discount for full annual fee payment upfront
For admissions, a non-refundable registration fee of Ksh 6,500 is charged, with a Ksh 45,325 Acceptance Fee upon admission.
Parents are encouraged to contact the school for a detailed fee breakdown specific to each child’s needs and grade level.
Extracurricular Activities
Durham International School offers an extensive extracurricular program to support the holistic development of students. Activities include:
- Sports: Swimming, Tennis, Soccer, Golf, Karate, Gymnastics, and more.
- Arts: Music, Drama, and Visual Arts.
- Community Involvement: Students engage in community service projects and field trips to enhance their learning experiences.
- Adventure and Leadership: Programs like Karura Forest Fridays foster teamwork and leadership.
These activities are integrated into the academic curriculum, aiming to build teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills.
Admissions Process
The admissions process at Durham International School is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring that students are suited for the academic environment. Here’s how to apply:
- Inquiry: Parents can initiate the process by contacting the school via email or through the admissions page on the school website.
- School Visit: After the inquiry, a school tour is arranged for parents and prospective students.
- Assessment: Students are required to sit an age-appropriate assessment, after which an offer letter is issued for successful candidates.
- Acceptance: To confirm a place, parents must pay the Acceptance Fee and a refundable security deposit (equivalent to one term’s fee).
Location and Contact Information
Durham International School is located in the Thigiri area, conveniently situated between Westlands and Gigiri, offering easy access to key landmarks like the Village Market and the United Nations Headquarters.
- Address:
Thigiri Hilltop, Thigiri
P.O. Box 43045-00100, Nairobi, Kenya - Phone:
0700-DURHAM (0700-387426)
Senior High Inquiries: +254 721 821 962 / +254 787 157 166 - Email:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Admissions: [email protected] - Website: www.durhamkenya.com
Conclusion
Durham International School offers an exceptional educational experience rooted in British academic excellence while focusing on the holistic development of students. With its world-class facilities, strong extracurricular programs, and an inclusive admissions process, Durham prepares students for success in global academic environments. For more details on fees, admissions, and curriculum, parents can contact the school directly.
