The International School of Cape Town (ISCT) is a premier educational institution offering a globally recognized British curriculum to a diverse community of local and expatriate families. Renowned for its academic excellence, multicultural environment, and holistic approach to education, ISCT attracts students from nursery through A-Level (Year 13). For families considering ISCT or similar institutions, understanding the fees structure, curriculum, admissions process, and extracurricular offerings is crucial.
Located in Cape Town, South Africa, ISCT delivers the Cambridge International Curriculum, including IGCSE and A-Level qualifications, making it a top choice for families seeking a British curriculum. Similarly, Kenya hosts a vibrant network of international schools, particularly in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, offering curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British National Curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels), and American systems. These schools cater to both expatriates and local elites, providing high-quality education with global recognition.
Key locations in Kenya, such as Nairobi, are home to prestigious institutions like the International School of Kenya (ISK), Aga Khan Academy, and Braeburn Schools, which are renowned for their IB and British curriculum offerings. This article not only details ISCT’s fees and offerings but also draws parallels with international schools in Kenya to help parents make informed decisions.
ISCT Fees Structure for 2025
ISCT’s fees structure for the 2025 academic year is designed to offer flexibility through multiple payment options, sibling discounts, and inclusive services. Below is a detailed breakdown of the tuition fees, additional costs, and payment options, followed by a comparison with Kenyan international schools.
Tuition Fees by Year Group
ISCT offers four payment options: Upfront Annual, Standard Annual, Per Term, and Per Month. Fees vary by year group, with a technology levy and additional charges for specific services. Below is the fee schedule for 2025:
- Nursery:
- Upfront (by 31 Jan 2025): R80,750
- Standard Annual: R85,000
- Per Term (x4): R21,250
- Per Month (Jan-Oct): R8,500
- Technology Levy: R2,150
- Reception:
- Upfront: R88,160
- Standard Annual: R92,800
- Per Term: R23,200
- Per Month: R9,280
- Technology Levy: R2,150
- Year 1:
- Upfront: R90,155
- Standard Annual: R94,900
- Per Term: R23,725
- Per Month: R9,490
- Technology Levy: R2,150
- Year 2:
- Upfront: R92,150
- Standard Annual: R97,000
- Per Term: R24,250
- Per Month: R9,700
- Technology Levy: R2,150
- Year 3:
- Upfront: R103,550
- Standard Annual: R109,000
- Per Term: R27,250
- Per Month: R10,900
- Technology Levy: R2,300
- Year 4-6:
- Upfront: R111,055–R127,870
- Standard Annual: R116,900–R134,600
- Per Term: R29,225–R33,650
- Per Month: R11,690–R13,460
- Technology Levy: R4,300
- Year 7-9:
- Upfront: R135,708–R152,475
- Standard Annual: R142,850–R160,500
- Per Term: R35,713–R40,125
- Per Month: R14,285–R16,050
- Technology Levy: R4,300
- Year 10-12:
- Upfront: R158,888
- Standard Annual: R167,250
- Per Term: R41,813 (Year 12: R55,750 x3)
- Per Month: R16,725 (Year 12: R18,583 Jan-Sept)
- Technology Levy: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
- Year 13 (A-Level):
- R30,900 per subject per annum
- Technology Levy: BYOD
Additional Fees at ISCT
- Textbook Levy: R1,300 (non-refundable) for Year 7 and new students up to A-Level.
- Aftercare:
- Nursery & Reception (Full Day, 12:30–16:30): R2,900/term
- Year 1 & 2 (Half Day, 14:00–16:30): R2,150/term
- Year 3–6 (Mon-Thurs 14:30–17:00, Fri 13:30–16:30): R2,150/term
- Late Collection: R120/incident
- Casual Aftercare: R110/day
- School Bus: R2,500/term (Tokai route).
- Incidental Fees: External examination fees (e.g., IGCSE, A-Level) and camp costs.
- Sibling Rebate: 10% on second and subsequent children.
Payment Options
Parents can choose from four payment plans:
- Upfront Annual: 5% rebate if paid by 31 January 2025.
- Standard Annual: Full fees paid after 1 February 2025.
- Quarterly: Payments due on the first day of each term.
- Monthly: Payments over 10 months (Jan-Oct, or Jan-Sept for Year 12), prearranged with the school.
Payments are made via electronic funds transfer to First National Bank (account details provided). Debit orders are available for monthly or termly payments, and cash or credit card payments are not accepted. Parents must confirm their payment option by 11 October 2024 via accounts@isct.co.za.
Comparison with Kenyan International Schools
Kenyan international schools, particularly in Nairobi, offer similar flexibility but vary widely in costs. For example:
- International School of Kenya (ISK): Annual tuition ranges from KES 1,969,000–3,642,000 (approx. $14,550–$34,800) for 2022–2024, with additional IB exam fees ($300–$908).
- Braeburn Schools: Fees range from KES 178,000–844,000/term, with sibling discounts (10%–40%).
- Caplora International School: Fees range from KES 54,000–95,000/term, with extracurricular costs (e.g., sports: KES 7,500/term).
- Nairobi International School: First-year fees start at KES 617,000, with deposits refundable under specific conditions.
While ISCT’s fees are competitive within the South African context (R80,750–R167,250 annually), Kenyan schools often have higher fees due to their expatriate focus and boarding options, with annual costs reaching up to KES 1.5 million in top-tier institutions like Brookhouse School.
Curriculum Offerings
ISCT Curriculum
ISCT follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, a globally recognized British system that prepares students for IGCSE and A-Level examinations. Key features include:
- Key Stage 1 & 2 (Nursery–Year 6): Focus on foundational skills in English, mathematics, science, and humanities, with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning.
- Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9): Broad curriculum covering core subjects, arts, and physical education.
- Key Stage 4 (Year 10–11): IGCSE preparation with subject choices tailored to student interests.
- Key Stage 5 (Year 12–13): A-Level program with flexible subject combinations, costing R30,900 per subject in Year 13.
The curriculum is inclusive of textbooks and exercise books, though parents supply stationery. ISCT’s approach fosters critical thinking, global awareness, and preparation for top universities worldwide.
Kenyan International School Curricula
Kenya’s international schools offer diverse curricula to cater to expatriates and local families:
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Schools like ISK and Aga Khan Academy in Nairobi provide the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), ideal for globally mobile families.
- British Curriculum: Braeburn, Hillcrest, and Brookhouse Schools offer IGCSE and A-Levels, aligning with ISCT’s model. These schools emphasize academic rigor and extracurricular balance.
- American Curriculum: Rosslyn Academy in Nairobi provides a North American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, appealing to families relocating from the US or Canada.
- Other Systems: German, French, and Swedish schools in Nairobi cater to specific expatriate communities, offering national curricula alongside IB options.
The choice between IB, British, or American curricula depends on family mobility, university aspirations, and cultural preferences. The IB is popular in Nairobi for its holistic approach, while the British curriculum dominates in Kenya and at ISCT for its structured progression.
Admissions Process
ISCT Admissions
ISCT’s admissions process is straightforward:
- Application: Submit an online application with a non-refundable fee (not specified for 2025).
- Assessment: Students may undergo entrance tests or interviews, especially for Key Stages 3–5.
- Documentation: Includes academic records, proof of identity, and payment confirmation.
- Notice Period: A full term’s written notice is required for withdrawal.
Parents are encouraged to contact ISCT’s admissions office for specific requirements and deadlines.
Kenyan International School Admissions
Admissions in Kenyan international schools vary but typically include:
- Application: Online forms with non-refundable fees (e.g., $100 at Rosslyn Academy).
- Entrance Tests: Common for secondary levels, assessing English, math, and reasoning.
- Interviews: Often required for IB or A-Level programs.
- Deadlines: Early applications (12+ months in advance) are advised due to waiting lists, especially in Nairobi’s Karen and Westlands areas.
For example, ISK requires a $1,000 deposit to secure a place, applied to the first semester’s tuition. Nairobi’s competitive market necessitates early planning, unlike ISCT’s more flexible intake.
Extracurricular Activities
ISCT Extracurriculars
ISCT emphasizes holistic development through a range of extracurriculars:
- Sports: Football, netball, swimming, and athletics, with facilities planned for expansion in the 2025 campus master plan.
- Arts: Drama, music, and visual arts, fostering creativity.
- Clubs: Debate, chess, and environmental groups.
- Camps: Annual trips to enhance teamwork and leadership.
Aftercare programs support working parents, with costs ranging from R2,150–R2,900/term. The new sports centre and classroom block at the Woodland Heights Campus will further enhance these offerings.
Kenyan International School Extracurriculars
Kenyan schools are known for robust extracurricular programs:
- Sports: Braeburn and ISK offer football, basketball, swimming, and rugby, with facilities like those at Hillcrest’s GEMS Education campus.
- Arts and Culture: Aga Khan Academy and Brookhouse provide drama, music, and cultural events, reflecting Kenya’s multicultural heritage.
- Community Service: Schools like Rosslyn Academy and Woodland Star emphasize service, aligning with Christian or value-based missions.
- Special Programs: Caplora’s Forest School (KES 10,000/term) and Brookhurst’s flight training at Wilson Airport are unique offerings.,
Kenyan schools often integrate extracurriculars into the curriculum, with costs sometimes included in tuition or charged separately (e.g., KES 7,500/term for sports at Caplora).
Expat Guide to International Schools
ISCT for Expatriates
Cape Town is a popular destination for expatriates, and ISCT caters to their needs:
- Multicultural Environment: Students from diverse backgrounds, including third-culture kids (TCKs), benefit from a global perspective.
- Curriculum Continuity: The Cambridge curriculum ensures seamless transitions for families relocating internationally.
- Support Services: English Language Learning (ELL) and learning support programs are available, similar to ISK’s offerings in Kenya.
- Location: Situated in a safe, accessible area with a morning bus service from Tokai.
Expat Life in Kenyan International Schools
Kenya, particularly Nairobi, is a hub for expatriates due to its economic growth and presence of organizations like the United Nations. Key considerations include:
- Locations: Nairobi’s Karen and Westlands are expat-friendly, with schools like ISK and Braeburn nearby. Mombasa and Kisumu offer fewer but high-quality options, such as Aga Khan Academy and Braeburn Mombasa.
- Cultural Integration: Schools incorporate Kenyan culture while maintaining international standards, easing transitions for expat children.
- Boarding Options: Common in Kenya (e.g., Greensteds International School in Nakuru), unlike ISCT’s day-only model.
- Waiting Lists: Nairobi schools often have long waiting lists, requiring early applications.
Expatriates in Kenya benefit from a vibrant community, with schools offering language support (e.g., French at Lycée Denis Diderot) and career guidance for university placements.
Campus Development at ISCT
ISCT’s Woodland Heights Campus is undergoing a master plan development, starting in 2023, to enhance facilities:
- New Sports Centre: To support athletics and team sports.
- Classroom Block: For Key Stage 2, improving learning spaces.
- Upgraded Infrastructure: Enhanced movement corridors and parking.
These upgrades align with trends in Kenyan schools, such as Hillcrest’s integration with GEMS Education’s facilities, ensuring modern, sustainable campuses.
The International School of Cape Town offers a competitive fees structure, flexible payment options, and a robust British curriculum, making it an excellent choice for families in Cape Town. Its fees (R80,750–R167,250 annually) are comparable to mid-tier international schools in Kenya, though top Kenyan institutions like ISK and Brookhouse may charge significantly more. With a focus on academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and expat-friendly services, ISCT mirrors the strengths of Nairobi’s IB and British curriculum schools while maintaining affordability. For parents exploring international schools in Kenya or South Africa, understanding fees, curricula, and admissions processes is key to finding the right fit for their children.
For more details on ISCT, contact accounts@isct.co.za or visit their website.
