Durham International School

The school’s educational ethos is built on the core values of Moral integrity, Ambition, Responsibility, and Kindness (MARK). It aims to develop a love of lifelong learning and a culture of perseverance, encouraging students to think critically, collaborate, and reflect on their learning. The mission is to inspire every student and provide them with 'Confidence for Life' by fostering aspiration, respect, and a rounded education.

The school offers an 'all-through' British education, beginning with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for children aged 1 to 5. This progresses into Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7), Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11), and continues through to the Senior School (ages 11-18), which includes preparation for IGCSE and A Level examinations. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and challenging, with a strong emphasis on foundational skills in reading, writing, and numeracy, alongside opportunities in music, drama, and sport.

The school prioritises the wellbeing and happiness of every student, recognising that academic and pastoral needs are inseparable. Each campus is equipped with a dedicated health centre managed by a qualified nurse. The school also employs a holistic approach to wellbeing, which includes promoting healthy eating through a dedicated catering team that accommodates allergies, intolerances, and cultural dietary requirements.

The school invites prospective families to contact the admissions team to learn more about the school and to schedule a visit. The admissions process involves completing a student registration form, and the school offers various entry points from Little Durham (ages 1-2) through to Sixth Form (ages 16-18). Prospective parents are encouraged to book a tour of the facilities and should bring identification or a passport during their visit.

The school operates across two campuses in Nairobi: the Thigiri campus and the Rosslyn campus. The Thigiri campus, situated near Karura Forest, serves students aged 1 to 6 and features bright classrooms, a dedicated music room, a library, a computer room, a secure playground, a heated swimming pool, and a tennis court. The purpose-built Rosslyn campus serves students from Year 2 upwards and includes cutting-edge educational technologies, sports fields, and a covered, heated 25-metre, 8-lane swimming pool with tiered seating.

The school provides a broad co-curricular programme designed to foster teamwork, leadership, and creativity. Activities include swimming in an on-site heated pool, football coaching, dance and ballet, drama through the Helen O’Grady Speech and Drama Academy, tennis, gymnastics, karate, cooking, and yoga. Additionally, students participate in termly environmental mornings at the nearby Karura Forest and have access to language programmes in French, German, Mandarin, Gujarati, and Dutch.