Braeside Lavington, a premier institution within the Braeburn Group of International Schools, stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Nairobi, Kenya. Renowned for its commitment to the British curriculum, this co-educational international school caters to students aged 2 to 18, offering a nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and academic achievement. Located in the serene residential suburb of Lavington, Braeside Lavington is a top choice for families seeking world-class education in Kenya’s capital. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the school’s fees structure for the 2025/2026 academic year, alongside insights into its curricula, admissions process, extracurricular offerings, and tips for expatriates considering international schools in Kenya.
Overview of Braeside Lavington
Braeside Lavington, established in 1996, is a day school that follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, delivering a robust education from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to A-Levels. As part of the Braeburn Group, which operates 19 co-educational international schools across Kenya and Tanzania, Braeside Lavington serves a diverse student body of over 3,600 pupils. The school is accredited by the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) and is celebrated for its inclusive, supportive environment that prepares students for global success. For parents exploring international schools in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, Braeside Lavington is a standout option due to its rigorous academic standards and extensive extracurricular programs.
Fees Structure for 2025/2026 Academic Year
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for families considering Braeside Lavington. The fees structure for the 2025/2026 academic year is transparent and inclusive of essential educational resources like approved textbooks and exercise books. Below is a detailed breakdown of the tuition, lunch, and transport fees, along with additional costs and policies.
Tuition Fees and Deposits
The tuition fees vary by year group, reflecting the different educational stages from Crèche to Year 13. A one-time deposit of KSh 15,000 is required upon enrollment, refundable at the end of a student’s tenure, provided all accounts are settled and school property returned.
| Year Group | Annual Tuition Fee (KSh) | Deposit (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Crèche (Half Day) | 495,600 | 15,000 |
| Crèche (Full Day) & FS1 (Nursery) & FS2 (Reception) | 688,798 | 15,000 |
| Year 1 to 6 | 1,183,800 | 15,000 |
| Year 7 to 9 | 1,322,100 | 15,000 |
| Year 10 to 11 | 1,398,000 | 15,000 |
| Year 11 | 1,398,000 | 15,000 |
| Year 12 & 13 | 1,465,000 | 15,000 |
- Billing Structure: Fees for Years 11, 12, and 13 are billed in two tranches (August and December), while all other year groups are billed in three tranches (August, December, and April).
- Early Payment Discount: A 3% discount on tuition fees is offered if paid in full within six days of the due date.
- Family Discounts: Discounts on tuition fees are available for siblings:
- 2nd Child: 10%
- 3rd Child: 20%
- 4th Child: 30%
- 5th and subsequent Child: 40%
- Late Payment Surcharge: A 1.25% monthly surcharge is applied for late payments.
Lunch Fees
Lunch fees are mandatory and vary by year group, ensuring students receive nutritious meals tailored to their needs.
| Year Group | Annual Lunch Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Crèche to Year 2 | 122,400 |
| Year 3 to Year 6 | 128,400 |
| Year 7 & 8 | 138,300 |
| Year 9 to 13 | 140,399 |
Transport Fees
Braeside Lavington offers an extensive school transport system, with fees depending on the zone and whether the service is one-way or return. Family discounts of 50% apply to the second and subsequent siblings on the same route.
| Year Group | Transport Type | Annual Transport Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| EYFS to Year 13 | Zone A Return | 109,799 |
| EYFS to Year 13 | Zone A One Way | 66,000 |
| EYFS to Year 13 | Zone B Return | 142,800 |
| EYFS to Year 13 | Zone B One Way | 85,800 |
| EYFS to Year 13 | Zone C Return | 175,499 |
| EYFS to Year 13 | Zone C One Way | 105,598 |
| EYFS to Year 13 | Zone D Return | 197,100 |
| EYFS to Year 13 | Zone D One Way | 118,500 |
Additional Costs and Policies
- Registration Fee: A non-refundable fee of KSh 5,000 is required to process applications.
- Advance Payment: For year groups with limited vacancies, a 20% advance payment of the first term’s tuition fee is required, which is non-refundable if the place is not taken up.
- Activity Fees: Charged separately and accompanied by an official letter from the headteacher.
- Withdrawal Policy: A full term’s notice in writing, acknowledged by the headteacher, is required for withdrawals, or a full term’s fees are payable in lieu.
- Fee Adjustments: The Board of Directors reserves the right to adjust fees with five months’ notice.
These fees position Braeside Lavington as a competitive option among Nairobi IB schools and British curriculum Kenya institutions, offering value through its comprehensive facilities and diverse programs.
Curriculum at Braeside Lavington
Braeside Lavington follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, a cornerstone of the British curriculum Kenya framework, ensuring students receive a globally recognized education. The curriculum is structured across several key stages:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): For Crèche, Nursery (FS1), and Reception (FS2), focusing on play-based learning to develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
- Key Stage 1 and 2 (Years 1–6): Emphasizes core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside creative arts and physical education.
- Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Broadens the curriculum with subjects like Humanities, Foreign Languages, and ICT, preparing students for IGCSEs.
- Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): Students pursue IGCSE qualifications, selecting subjects based on interests and career aspirations.
- Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13): Offers A-Levels and, in some Braeburn campuses, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, catering to Nairobi IB schools seekers.
The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship, aligning with the needs of a multinational student body. Braeside Lavington’s emphasis on individualized learning ensures students are well-prepared for top universities worldwide, a hallmark of international schools in Kenya.
Admissions Process
Enrolling at Braeside Lavington is a straightforward yet selective process, designed to ensure a good fit for both the student and the school. Here’s an overview:
- Initial Inquiry: Parents are encouraged to schedule a school tour or an informal chat with the headteacher to understand the school’s ethos and facilities.
- Application Submission: Complete the registration form and pay the non-refundable KSh 5,000 registration fee. For competitive year groups, a 20% advance payment of the first term’s tuition is required.
- Assessment: Applicants may undergo assessments to determine academic and social readiness, particularly for older year groups.
- Waiting List: If no immediate vacancies are available, students are placed on a waiting list.
- Enrollment Confirmation: Upon acceptance, parents receive an invoice, and the deposit and fees must be settled before the student starts.
For expatriates relocating to Nairobi, early application (12 months in advance) is recommended due to high demand, as noted in expat guides for international schools in Kenya. Contact the admissions office at +254 (0)722685575 (Primary) or +254 (0)721499951 (Secondary) or via email at enquiries.braeburn@braeburn.ac.ke.
Extracurricular Activities
Braeside Lavington prides itself on a vibrant extracurricular program that complements its academic offerings, fostering well-rounded development. Key activities include:
- Sports: Football, swimming, basketball, and athletics, with teams competing locally and internationally, such as at the World Schools Games International School World Cup in Barcelona.
- Arts and Culture: Drama, music, and visual arts, with events like the Ancient Egypt-themed day for Year 3 students showcasing creative learning.
- Clubs and Societies: Debate, Model United Nations, and STEM clubs, encouraging leadership and critical thinking.
- Outdoor Adventures: Expeditions like the Senior Dragon Award Expedition to Migombani Camp for Year 8 students promote teamwork and resilience.
These activities align with the school’s mission to nurture confident, responsible individuals, making it a top choice for families seeking holistic education in British curriculum Kenya schools.
Expat Guide to Choosing Braeside Lavington
For expatriates relocating to Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu, selecting the right international school is critical. Braeside Lavington offers several advantages for expat families:
- Location: Situated in Lavington, a quiet residential suburb, the school is easily accessible from expat-heavy areas like Karen and Westlands. Its extensive transport system mitigates Nairobi’s notorious traffic challenges.
- Curriculum Flexibility: The British curriculum, with IGCSE and A-Level options, ensures continuity for students transitioning from other international systems, a key consideration for Nairobi IB schools seekers.
- Diversity: With over 50 nationalities represented, Braeside fosters an inclusive environment, easing cultural integration for expat children.
- Facilities: World-class facilities, including modern classrooms, science labs, and sports fields, support a high-quality educational experience.
- Community Engagement: Regular events and parent-teacher interactions create a supportive community, vital for expatriates adjusting to life in Kenya.
Expat families should consider visiting the school and reviewing its fee structure alongside other international schools in Kenya, such as Brookhouse Schools or the International School of Kenya, to compare costs and offerings. Braeside’s competitive fees and sibling discounts make it an attractive option for larger families.
Comparison with Other International Schools
Braeside Lavington’s fees are competitive within the landscape of international schools in Kenya. For context:
- Brookhouse Schools (Nairobi): Annual fees range from KSh 345,000 to KSh 3,915,000, with higher costs for boarding students.
- International School of Kenya (ISK): Fees range from $14,550 to $34,800 per year, with a $10,000 capital levy for new students.
- Braeburn Mombasa International School: Fees align closely with Braeside Lavington, reflecting the Braeburn Group’s standardized approach across its campuses.
While Braeside Lavington does not offer boarding, its day school model and transport system cater effectively to Nairobi-based families. For those in Mombasa or Kisumu, Braeburn’s campuses in these cities provide similar curricula and standards, ensuring consistency across international schools in Kenya.
Braeside Lavington stands out as a premier choice for families seeking a British curriculum Kenya education in Nairobi. Its comprehensive fees structure, inclusive of textbooks and exercise books, coupled with family discounts and flexible payment options, makes it accessible to a wide range of families. The school’s adherence to the National Curriculum of England and Wales, robust extracurricular programs, and supportive environment ensure students are well-equipped for global success. For expatriates and local families alike, Braeside Lavington offers a balanced, high-quality education that aligns with the needs of a diverse, multinational community.
