Hillcrest International School remains one of Kenya’s leading British curriculum institutions, located along Langata Road in the leafy suburb of Karen, Nairobi. The school serves learners from 18 months to 18 years and offers a full academic pathway from Early Years to Sixth Form.
Founded in 1965 with just 54 students, the institution has grown into a multi-section campus divided into two sites. The western campus hosts the Secondary School, while the eastern campus accommodates Early Years and Preparatory learners. Guided by its motto Semper Prospice (“Always Look Forward”), Hillcrest continues to position itself as a centre of academic excellence.
The school follows the British National Curriculum. Learners sit for Cambridge International IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11. In Sixth Form, students may pursue A-Levels or BTEC Level 3 qualifications in areas such as Business, Sports and Performing Arts.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, annual tuition ranges from KSh 384,000 for playgroup (morning sessions) to KSh 3,083,099 for Years 12 and 13. Additional costs include lunch fees for senior students, transport charges based on zones across Nairobi, and boarding fees for Years 7 to 13. Boarding is available on both full-time and weekly options. New students also pay registration, assessment and refundable deposit fees depending on year group.
Hillcrest operates a three-term academic calendar each year. For the 2026/2027 cycle, Term One begins on 25 August 2026 and ends on 4 December 2026. Term Two runs from 5 January to 25 March 2027, while Term Three starts on 20 April and closes on 2 July 2027. Half-term breaks are scheduled within each term.
Admissions follow the Braeburn Group of International Schools policy. Applicants must provide identification documents, recent school reports and meet age requirements by 31 August of the year of entry. The school also offers limited scholarships for Years 9 and 12.
Parents seeking placement are encouraged to contact the admissions office directly for updated details and campus visits.
