Hillcrest International School
International School in Nairobi
Quick answer
Hillcrest International School Nairobi serves 500 students from 33 nationalities aged 2 to 18. The school delivers the National Curriculum of England with IGCSE and A Level pathways, accredited by COBIS and BSO. Tuition $6,105-$19,930 per year. Long-established choice for diplomatic, NGO and corporate expat families on Kenya assignments seeking British-track education. The Hillcrest Karen campus suits families in Nairobi's southwestern suburbs.
Key facts
- Curriculum: British leaving qualifications include IGCSE and A-Levels and BTEC.
- Tuition: $6,105–$19,930/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 16 (max 20) Nairobi international school · 500 students total.
- 33 nationalities top: Kenyan and British.
- Ages: Ages 2 to 18 school day starts at Early Years 8.30 am; Prep 8 am; Secondary 8.10 am.
- Accreditations: COBIS, BSO verified.
500
33 (Kenyan and British)
16 avg / 20 max
Available
COBIS, BSO
IGCSE and A-Levels and BTEC
About Hillcrest International School
Small, friendly, strong values - respect, determination, curiosity and independence.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: moderate
- In-house specialist staff listed
- EAL/ESL support listed
Not published
- —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
Questions to ask the school
- Is an educational psychologist on staff or available by referral?
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $6,105 – $19,930 |
| Annual tuition (local) | Shilling946199-Shilling3089099 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $14,018(+8%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $15,518 |
| Cost position in Nairobi | 88th percentile(premium tier) |
British
IGCSE and A-Levels and BTEC
Year 8 - ISEB Common Entrance, Year 11 Cambridge IGCSE, Year 13 A-Levels and BTECs
Excellent
Kiswahili, French (Early Years & Prep) + the following in Secondary Spanish, German, Arabic + native languages such as Dutch
Personalised depending on requirements
Yes, Learning Support Departments
Yes
Early Years 8.30 am; Prep 8 am; Secondary 8.10 am – Early Years 3 pm; Prep 3.30 pm; Secondary 3.45 pm
Yes - Early Years and Prep included in the fees; Secondary Optional
Yes
Imported from a directory listing and not independently verified — confirm fees and details with the school.
Is Hillcrest International School right for your family?
A School Fit Brief scores this school against your children's ages, learning needs, and budget — with hidden fee analysis, admissions timing, and a ranked shortlist of alternatives in Nairobi.
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At a Glance
Fee Position in Nairobi
Mid-rangeSchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Highly diverse
Common: Kenyan and British
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Decide on this school — and four others
The $49 School Fit Brief covers Hillcrest International School and 4 other top schools in Nairobi — tuition + true cost, curriculum fit, admission timeline, and red flags. Builds your shortlist in 8 minutes vs the $1,500–3,500 (and 2–4 weeks) an education consultant charges for the same answer.
Nearby Schools (within 5km)
Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.