The Banda School is a prestigious British international school located in Langata, Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 1966, the school has earned a reputation for providing a holistic and progressive educational experience for students ranging from 18 months to 13 years of age. With a unique blend of the British National Curriculum and a commitment to nurturing personal growth, The Banda School is a key player in Kenya’s educational landscape.
History of The Banda School
The Banda School’s journey began in 1956 as Kaptagat Preparatory School near Eldoret, where it was initially run by Mr. and Mrs. Chitty. In 1966, the institution officially opened as The Banda School with just 24 children and a handful of staff members. The school quickly grew in popularity, and by the late 1970s, it became known for its innovative teaching methods and commitment to holistic education.
Over the decades, The Banda School has expanded, introducing various academic programs and establishing a solid reputation for its progressive approach to education. Today, the school has grown into a leading institution offering a 21st-century learning experience that fosters academic excellence and personal development.
Educational Offerings and Curriculum
The Banda School follows a comprehensive curriculum tailored to meet the developmental needs of children. The school is authorized to offer the British National Curriculum (BNC), which is internationally recognized. Here’s a breakdown of the school’s educational stages:
Pegasus Early Years (Ages 18 months to 5 years)
The Pegasus Early Years program serves as the foundation for young learners. It focuses on fostering creativity, independence, and a love for learning through various activities like:
- Messy play
- Arts and crafts
- Storytimes
Children also have access to specialist lessons in Music, Sport, and Computing, with an emphasis on physical activities such as football, ballet, swimming, and gymnastics. The goal of this program is to help children develop emotionally, socially, and academically in a supportive environment.
Lower School (Ages 5 to 9)
The Lower School spans Years 1 to 4, where the core subjects include Mathematics, English, and Science, taught by class teachers. Specialist teachers provide instruction in:
- French and Kiswahili
- Music, PE, and Games
In Key Stage 2, children are introduced to Art and Design Technology, and their education continues to emphasize teamwork and physical activity with swimming, sports, and athletics.
Upper School (Ages 9 to 13)
In the Upper School, the curriculum becomes more specialized, with subject specialists teaching core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science (split into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from Year 7). The school also offers subjects such as:
- Geography
- History
- Art
- Drama
- Religious Studies
Physical activity remains an essential part of the school experience, with team sports such as Football, Cricket, and Hockey offered across the different terms.
Fees Structure
The fees at The Banda School vary depending on the age group and the program. Below is a breakdown of the 2024/2025 academic year fees:
Pegasus Early Years Fees:
- Caterpillar Club (12 months to 2 years):
- 5 mornings: Ksh 115,000 per term
- 4 mornings: Ksh 95,500 per term
- 3 mornings: Ksh 76,000 per term
- Nursery (2 to 3 years):
- 5 days: Ksh 290,000 per term
- 5 mornings: Ksh 241,400 per term
- 4 mornings: Ksh 209,000 per term
- 3 mornings: Ksh 177,000 per term
Primary School Fees:
- Year 1 (Ages 5–6): Ksh 440,000 per term
- Year 2 (Ages 6–7): Ksh 675,000 per term
- Years 3 to 8 (Ages 7–13): Ksh 732,000 per term
Discounts:
- 10% reduction on tuition fees for the second and subsequent children in Year 2 and above, enrolled simultaneously.
- 5% discount on total tuition fees if paid in full for the year in advance.
Late Payment Penalty: Ksh 10,000 + 2.5% per month after 14 days.
Other Fees:
- PTA Fund: Ksh 1,000 per term
- Group Insurance Cover: Ksh 550 per term
- School Diary & Identity Card: Ksh 450 and Ksh 550 annually
Extracurricular Activities Fees:
- Fees for sports and extracurricular activities range from Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 8,000 depending on the activity.
Facilities
The school’s 32-acre campus in Langata offers a wide range of facilities for both academic and extracurricular activities. Key features include:
- Modern classrooms equipped with projectors and Wi-Fi
- Music yurt
- Outdoor play areas and sand pits
- Nature-based learning spaces
- Sports fields and gymnasiums
The school also offers optional transport services and organizes school trips (both educational and recreational) for students.
Contacts
For inquiries or to schedule a visit, you can reach The Banda School using the following contact details:
- Address: Magadi Road, Langata, Nairobi, Kenya (Opposite Nairobi National Park)
- Phone: +254 709 951 000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.bandaschool.com
Conclusion
The Banda School offers a unique blend of British International education combined with a focus on 21st-century skills and personal development. With its extensive facilities, dedicated teaching staff, and commitment to academic and extracurricular excellence, The Banda School continues to be one of Nairobi’s premier educational institutions for young learners.
