Confidence for Life
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Durham Kenya has quickly earned its place amongst the best international schools in Kenya. We bring a 600-year history of academic excellence from Durham School, one of the oldest and most distinguished schools in the UK. At our Thigiri school, Durham is committed to educating our pupils in the very broadest sense of the word.
We prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, whilst retaining a sense of traditional values established both here in Kenya and over Durham School’s 600-year history. From kindergarten and primary school, to secondary school as we continue to grow, Durham International School is committed to helping your child build ‘Confidence for Life.’
Our Creative Curriculum makes Durham one of the best schools in Nairobi, offering students a well-rounded education through rigorous academics and an exciting range of co-curricular activities. Make an appointment today to tour the school, meet our passionate educators and see what makes Durham so special!
A Durham education is Engaging, Challenging, Motivating and Fun.
Little Durham & Playgroup
Ages 1 – 3 Years
FS1 & FS2
Ages 3 – 5 Years
Years 1 & 2
Ages 5 – 7 Years
Years 3 to 6
Ages 7 – 11 Years
Grow with Durham
Year 7 & Beyond
‘Karibuni’
At Durham International School, we recognise that a caring, nurturing, supportive environment is critical to a student’s educational success. When you walk through the door you feel a sense of belonging; I believe this is what makes us so special. Here at Durham every member of our community is known, valued and celebrated as individuals.
Come and see what makes Durham a wonderful school – we would be delighted to show you around!
Mrs Sue Small
Head of Prep
Welcome to our Senior School
Our school offers a comprehensive education that encourages academic achievement and nurtures each student’s talents. We create innovative learning experiences, supported by excellent facilities, advanced technology, and outstanding resources. Here, we will nurture scholars, future leaders, artists, innovators, and compassionate global citizens. Welcome to a place where every student can thrive and excel.
We invite you to get in touch if you would like to hear about Durham’s plans to grow, and how our school can be the perfect place for your child throughout their educational journey.
Mr Peter Harris
Principal Elect
The Durham Difference
Our Unique Approach to Learning
Durham delivers a world-class education, combining academic achievement, co-curricular opportunities and pastoral care to give students the skills they’ll need to succeed in their future education and beyond.
Our student-centred approach celebrates the individual talents, readiness and personalities of every student. We take a close interest in all student’s pastoral welfare, and closely monitor progress at every stage of learning. This allows us to support, stretch and challenge our students as individuals.
Outstanding Teachers
Durham’s talented and dedicated teachers encourage students to think creatively, to apply knowledge and skills successfully and imaginatively, and to constantly challenge themselves whilst building ‘Confidence for Life’ in a positive and supportive environment. With deep experience and a passion for education, our team supports students as they grow from our nursery school and primary school, through to our secondary school and beyond!
Excellent Location & Facilities
At our beautiful Thigiri school, next to Karura Forest, students thrive in a welcoming, engaging and vibrant learning environment. Our school offers a charming balance of a home-away-from-home feel and modern facilities custom built for the school. We strive to offer students an engaging variety of experiences, with creative learning spaces both indoors and outdoors.
Excellent Location & Facilities
At our beautiful Thigiri school, next to Karura Forest, students thrive in a welcoming, engaging and vibrant learning environment. We are conveniently situated between Westlands and Gigiri, meaning that our school is just a short drive from United Nations Headquarters, many embassies and multinational offices, and Nairobi landmarks like Village Market, Sarit Centre and Westgate Shopping Mall. Our private school offers modern classrooms, plenty of outdoor space, and exciting sports facilities.
World-Class Education
We achieve our ambition of being one of the best schools in Kenya by combining traditional academic rigor with innovative approaches to learning through a broad and balanced curriculum. Our kindergarten and playgroup curriculum is based on the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage, whilst our primary school and secondary school students follow the English National Curriculum.
As an international school, we understand the value of offering children a rich and varied school experience, and co-curricular learning is an important part of every school day at Durham Kenya.
- Swimming
- Music
- Dance
- Drama
- Football
- Tennis
- ICT
- Languages
School Fees for this Academic Year
2024 / 25
| Year Group | Ages | School Timings | September Term USD | January Term USD | April Term USD |
| Little Durham | 1 – 2 years | 8am – 12pm | 1,995 | 2,100 | 2,100 |
| Playgroup – Morning | 2 – 3 years | 8am – 12pm | 1,995 | 2,100 | 2,100 |
| Playgroup – Extended Morning | 2 – 3 years | 8am – 2pm | 2,280 | 2,400 | 2,400 |
| Playgroup – Full day | 2 – 3 years | 8am – 3.15pm | 2,470 | 2,600 | 2,600 |
| Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) | 3 – 4 years | 8am – 2pm | 2,280 | 2,400 | 2,400 |
| Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) – Full Day | 3 – 4 years | 8am – 3.15pm | 2,470 | 2,600 | 2,600 |
| Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) | 4 – 5 years | 8am – 3.15pm | 2,850 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Year 1 | 5 – 6 years | 8am – 3.30pm | 3,088 | 3,250 | 3,250 |
| Year 2 | 6 – 7 years | 8am – 3.30pm | 3,753 | 3,950 | 3,950 |
| Year 3 | 7 – 8 years | 8am – 3.30pm | 4,275 | 4,500 | 4,500 |
| Year 4 | 8 – 9 years | 8am – 3.30pm | 4,275 | 4,500 | 4,500 |
| Year 5 | 9 – 10 years | 8am – 3.30pm | 4,703 | 4,950 | 4,950 |
*School finishes early on Friday: Little Durham, Playgroup & FS1 – 12pm / FS2 – 12:30pm / Year 1 – 12:45pm / Year 2, 3 , 4 & 5 – 2:45pm
Parent Testimonials
“We are delighted with our choice to send our son to Durham and look forward to watching his confidence grow over the next few years.”
“Our daughter is always happy to go to school and full of smiles when we pick her up. I attribute this to the warmness and accommodative nature of the entire staff at Durham.”
“Our son’s energy and enthusiasm for school since joining Durham has been wonderful to watch. Thanks to the support and encouragement of the teachers to learn through discovery and exploration, he seems to be building foundations that will enable him to enjoy learning for many years to come.”
“We are loving Durham!”
“We are so proud to have our child be part of Durham.”
“Ever since our daughter joined Durham, she has become so much more eloquent in expressing her thoughts and emotions. Also her social skills towards other children and adults has drastically improved and she is more empathetic toward others.”
What They Said
“They bring a long tradition, many years of practice. It really is a fantastic place – fantastic teachers, fantastic dedication to education.”
Jane Mwangi
Kenya Association of International Schools
“It’s just really nice to see how happy all of the kids are here. They’re learning, they’re interacting, they’re enjoying themselves, and this is a great place to do it.”
Jane Marriott CMG OBE
Former British High Commissioner to Kenya
“They have heart, they have a soul, and they have a caring which comes through from all the teachers and the head teacher. This is definitely the place to be!”
Judge Peter Herbert OBE
Durham School UK Alumnus
Our Notable Alumni
Sir Tony Blair
Rowan Atkinson CBE
English actor, comedian and writer. Star of film and television. Voted as one of the top 50 comedians ever by the Observer newspaper.
Geoff Parling
Former English rugby Union international and successful coach notably with the Australian national team.
Aruna Shields
Leading actress in Indian and French films and was the most ‘Googled’ name in India in 2010. Now a qualified psychotherapist and meditation expert.