Braeside Thika, part of the esteemed Braeburn Group of International Schools, is a premier co-educational institution located in Thika, Kenya, offering a world-class British curriculum to students aged 2 to 18. Renowned for its commitment to diversity, academic excellence, and holistic development, Braeside Thika is a top choice for families seeking international schools in Kenya.
Located along Mang’u Road off Thika Highway, Braeside Thika is a co-educational international school that caters to both day and boarding students. As part of the Braeburn Group, which operates 19 schools across 11 campuses in Kenya and Tanzania, Braeside Thika delivers the National Curriculum of England and Wales, alongside IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. With a diverse student body representing over 50 nationalities, the school fosters a supportive environment that nurtures academic achievement and personal growth.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the fees structure for the 2025/2026 academic year, alongside insights into the school’s curricula, admissions process, extracurricular activities, and guidance for expatriate families relocating to Kenya.
Braeside Thika Fees Structure for 2025/2026
Braeside Thika’s fees are structured to cover tuition, lunch, transport, and boarding (where applicable), with additional costs for enrollment and examinations. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees for the 2025/2026 academic year, expressed in Kenya Shillings (KSh).
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees vary by year group and are inclusive of approved textbooks and exercise books. Fees for Years 11, 12, and 13 are billed in two tranches (August and December), while all other years are billed in three tranches (August, December, and April).
- Pre-Crèche: KSh 113,100 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- Play Group: KSh 255,000 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- FS1 (Nursery) & FS2 (Reception): KSh 472,800 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- Year 1 & 2: KSh 611,699 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- Year 3 & 4: KSh 841,499 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- Year 5 & 6: KSh 911,099 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- Year 7 & 8: KSh 1,199,999 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- Year 9: KSh 1,244,100 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- Year 10: KSh 1,264,200 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- Year 11: KSh 1,896,300 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
- Year 12 & 13: KSh 1,411,200 annually (Deposit: KSh 15,000)
Lunch Fees
Lunch fees are charged separately and vary by year group:
- Pre-Crèche to Year 2: KSh 90,600 annually
- Year 3 to Year 11: KSh 113,400 annually
- Year 12 & 13: KSh 105,900 annually
Transport Fees
Braeside Thika offers a comprehensive school transport system with fees based on geographic zones:
- Zone 1: KSh 132,000 annually
- Zone 2: KSh 162,900 annually
- Zone 3: KSh 272,400 annually
Boarding Fees
For students opting for boarding, the fees include accommodation and meals:
- Year 3–6 (Full Boarding): KSh 745,500 annually (Deposit: KSh 10,000)
- Year 7–13 (Full Boarding): KSh 828,899 annually (Deposit: KSh 10,000)
Additional Fee Information
- Deposits: A one-time deposit is required upon enrollment, refundable at the end of the student’s final term after clearance by the headteacher. Deposits must be topped up if deductions are made for losses or breakages.
- Enrollment Fee: A non-refundable registration fee of KSh 5,000 is required to process applications. In 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.
- Early Payment Discount: A 3% discount on tuition fees is offered if full payment is made within six days of the due date.
- Family Discounts:
- 2nd Child: 10% off tuition fees
- 3rd Child: 20% off tuition fees
- 4th Child: 30% off tuition fees
- 5th & subsequent Child: 40% off tuition fees
- Transport: 50% discount for the 2nd and subsequent siblings on the same route
- Late Payment Surcharge: A 1.25% monthly surcharge is applied for late fee payments.
- 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 alter fees with five months’ notice.
Curricula at Braeside Thika
Braeside Thika follows the British curriculum Kenya, specifically the National Curriculum of England and Wales, which is widely recognized for its academic rigor and flexibility. This curriculum prepares students for IGCSE and A-Level examinations, enabling them to pursue higher education at top universities worldwide.
Curriculum Structure
- Early Years (Pre-Crèche to FS2): Focuses on play-based learning, fostering creativity, social skills, and foundational literacy and numeracy.
- Primary (Year 1–6): Covers core subjects like Mathematics, English, Science, and Humanities, with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning and critical thinking.
- Secondary (Year 7–11): Students prepare for IGCSE examinations, choosing subjects based on their interests and career aspirations, including Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, and Arts.
- Sixth Form (Year 12–13): Offers A-Level qualifications, allowing students to specialize in subjects that align with their university and career goals.
Braeside Thika’s curriculum is accredited by Cambridge and Edexcel, ensuring global recognition. The school also integrates elements of the Kenyan context, celebrating local culture and diversity while maintaining international standards.
Admissions Process
Enrolling at Braeside Thika is a straightforward yet selective process, designed to ensure a good fit between the student and the school’s ethos. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the admissions process:
- Inquiry: Contact the admissions office via the school’s website or by phone (+254 (0)730881000) to schedule a visit or request information.
- Application: Submit a completed registration form along with the non-refundable KSh 5,000 registration fee. Required documents include:
- Birth certificate or passport copy
- Previous school reports
- Medical records
- Assessment: Applicants may be required to undergo an entrance assessment to evaluate academic and language proficiency, particularly for older year groups.
- Interview: A meeting with the headteacher or admissions team may be scheduled to discuss the student’s needs and aspirations.
- Offer and Acceptance: Successful applicants receive an offer letter. A 20% advance payment of the first term’s tuition fee is required for limited vacancy year groups, securing the student’s place.
- Enrollment: Finalize enrollment by paying the deposit and first term’s fees.
Due to high demand, especially in Nairobi IB schools and British curriculum Kenya institutions, parents are advised to apply 12 months in advance to avoid waitlists.
Extracurricular Activities
Braeside Thika emphasizes holistic development through a rich array of extracurricular activities, ensuring students develop skills beyond the classroom. The school’s offerings include:
- Sports: Football, swimming, basketball, and athletics, with teams competing in events like the World Schools Games International School World Cup in Barcelona.
- Arts: Drama, music, and visual arts, with opportunities to participate in school productions and exhibitions.
- Clubs and Societies: Debate, Model United Nations, chess, and environmental clubs foster leadership and critical thinking.
- Expeditions: Outdoor activities like the Senior Dragon Award Expedition to Migombani Camp provide adventure and team-building opportunities.
- Community Service: Students engage in local and regional service projects, aligning with the school’s commitment to global citizenship.
These activities complement the academic curriculum, helping students build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are highly valued in international schools in Kenya.
Expat Guide: Why Choose Braeside Thika?
For expatriate families relocating to Kenya, Braeside Thika offers a welcoming and inclusive environment, making it a top choice among international schools in Kenya. Here’s why:
- Diverse Community: With over 50 nationalities represented, the school celebrates cultural diversity, easing the transition for expat students.
- British Curriculum: The globally recognized British curriculum ensures continuity for students moving from other international schools, particularly those in Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu.
- Boarding Options: Full boarding facilities provide a home-away-from-home for expat students, with modern dormitories and pastoral care.
- Transport Services: An extensive transport system covers Thika and surrounding areas, addressing the challenges of Nairobi’s traffic for day students.
- Support for Newcomers: The school offers English Language Learner (ELL) support and personalized guidance to help expat students integrate academically and socially.
- Location: Situated just outside Nairobi, Thika offers a quieter, suburban setting while remaining accessible to the capital’s amenities.
Expat parents are encouraged to visit the school, connect with current families, and review accreditation details to ensure alignment with their educational expectations.
Comparing Braeside Thika to Other International Schools
Braeside Thika stands out among international schools in Kenya due to its competitive fees, diverse curriculum, and extensive facilities. Here’s a brief comparison with other top schools:
- International School of Kenya (ISK): Offers both IB and American curricula, with higher fees (approximately KSh 1.3–2.4 million annually). ISK is located in Nairobi’s Westlands, ideal for urban expats.
- Brookhouse School: A premium British curriculum school in Nairobi’s Karen and Runda suburbs, with fees ranging from KSh 345,000 to KSh 3,915,000 annually.
- Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi: One of the few Nairobi IB schools offering the full IB continuum, with fees not publicly disclosed but known to be high.
- Braeburn Mombasa International School: Similar to Braeside Thika, it follows the British curriculum but serves the coastal region, with comparable fee structures.
- Braeburn Kisumu International School: Caters to Western Kenya, offering the British curriculum for ages 2–16, with fees slightly lower than Braeside Thika’s.
Braeside Thika’s combination of affordability, boarding options, and proximity to Nairobi makes it a compelling choice for both local and expatriate families.
Tips for Navigating Fees and Admissions
To make the most of Braeside Thika’s offerings, consider the following tips:
- Plan Early: Apply at least a year in advance to secure a spot, especially for competitive year groups like Year 7 and above.
- Budget for Additional Costs: Factor in lunch, transport, boarding, and activity fees when planning your budget.
- Leverage Discounts: Take advantage of early payment and family discounts to reduce costs.
- Visit the Campus: Schedule a tour to assess facilities, meet teachers, and understand the school’s ethos.
- Check Accreditation: Verify the school’s Cambridge and Edexcel accreditations for assurance of quality education.
Braeside Thika offers a compelling option for parents seeking a high-quality British curriculum Kenya education in a diverse and supportive environment. With transparent fees, a robust curriculum, extensive extracurriculars, and expat-friendly features, it is well-suited for families in Nairobi, Thika, and beyond. Whether you’re an expatriate relocating to Kenya or a local family seeking international standards, Braeside Thika provides a nurturing and academically rigorous environment for students to thrive.
For more information or to begin the admissions process, visit the Braeburn Group’s official website or contact the school at +254 (0)730881000.
