Compare Premium International Schools in Kenya

Rural campus just outside Nairobi, East Africa.

Shell (Year 9) to Upper Sixth (Year 13). The year groups are organised as Shell (Year 9); Lower and Upper Fifth Form (Year 10–11); and Lower and Upper Sixth Form (Year 12–13).

Independent coeducational school for both boarding and day pupils.

Learning Support provides greater support for Special Education Needs and opportunities to stretch the gifted and talented.

Multi-faith.

Boarding, weekly boarding and day pupil options. Games afternoon sessions are timetabled twice a week. A transport service includes a daily bus for day pupils (arrives 7:30am, departs 4:15pm) and a late bus at 5:30pm; a bespoke Weekly Boarding bus serves Nairobi and environs; airport transfers are provided for term starts/ends.

A bespoke Weekly Boarding bus is provided, servicing Nairobi and its environs. There is a comprehensive transport service for day pupils with daily pick-up/drop-off to locations within Nairobi; the daily bus arrives at 7:30am and departs at 4:15pm, with a late bus at 5:30pm.

Day, Weekly Boarding and Full Boarding pupils at Peponi School all work together to create our community. All Houses offer full boarding, weekly boarding and day options. Full Boarding provides a home-from-home environment with on-site Common Rooms, weekend activities around Nairobi, chapel services and supervised prep; escorted transfers between Peponi School and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are provided at the start and end of term. Weekly Boarding combines full boarding with family time on weekends, with all weekday meals provided and after-school activities, plus a weekly boarding bus serving Nairobi and its environs; Day pupils share a room in their House, with options to stay overnight for late activities and a daily transport service to locations around Nairobi.

The uniform can be purchased from Haria Uniform Shop in Sarit Centre, Nairobi. All Peponi School Uniform (except the VI Form Striped Tie) is held at Haria Outfitters, with staff able to assist. The Games Kit is held at Tessens Sports Services; garments are ordered online and delivered to Peponi School ahead of the academic year.

All weekday meals are provided for weekly boarders.

The school uses a house system with Sedge House, Chala House, Elementaita House, Jipe House and Magadi House. Each House supports pastoral care and participates in House events and competitions.

The curriculum aims to realise each pupil's potential across academics, athletics, pastoral care and social development. It offers a range of academic options with small class sizes to provide individualised attention and differentiated learning. The year groups span from Shell (Year 9) to Upper Sixth (Year 13), with Mathematics, all three Sciences, English Language and English Literature as compulsory subjects, and pupils are prepared for IGCSE examinations by a dedicated staff.

Small class sizes enable individualized attention.

The school has received Pearson Learner Awards for top performers, including a pupil achieving the highest mark in Kenya in Chemistry for Pearson IGCSE.

The Careers Department runs a structured programme for Years 9 to A Level, providing careers guidance and information to enable tailored career choices; by the time pupils reach A Level, progress is evident. Former pupils have progressed to universities worldwide, including the University of Toronto (Aerospace Engineering), the University of Glasgow (Biochemistry) and CEU Cardinal Herrera (Medicine).

The learning support department provides greater support for special educational needs and explores opportunities to stretch the gifted and talented.

The school places pupils' wellbeing as its number one priority. The Pastoral structure centers on House and Tutorial systems that create a harmonious, family-style community where students can thrive in work, rest and play. Each pupil has a Personal Tutor who supports social and emotional development alongside academic progress. PSHE lessons are delivered across year groups and followed up in assemblies and Tutor time. The Honour Code fosters respect, trust and community throughout the school. Boarding and day pupils benefit from a nurturing environment that promotes resilience, leadership and strong communication.

Learning Support provides inclusive education for pupils with additional needs. The SENCo leads the Learning Support Department, supported by Learning Support Teachers and Assistants. Identification of needs occurs through assessments, with the cycle of support: Assess, Plan, and Do. Interventions include in-class support, withdrawal support, transition support, and exam access arrangements (extra time, reader, scribe, modified papers). A team of professionals including a School Counsellor, School Nurse, Speech and Language Therapist and Education Psychologist collaborates to ensure appropriate support. Pupils with SEND make progress through targeted intervention and a differentiated curriculum.

English is taught as an additional language (EAL) for pupils who join the school and are not fluent in English. The policy recognises multilingualism as an asset and sets high expectations with appropriate support. EAL provision takes an integrated approach to language and content, with holistic assessment and emphasis on social inclusion. Provision includes curriculum modification within lessons, targeted reading, writing, speaking and listening targets, and language-focused teaching strategies. Visual supports, additional verbal support, and opportunities for speaking and listening are provided, with attention to the language features of each subject. Home language use is encouraged where appropriate, and pupils may be grouped with peers at similar language development.

The school prioritises mental wellbeing through its pastoral system. The House and Tutorial structure create a supportive, family-style community where pupils can thrive in work, rest and play. Each pupil has a Personal Tutor who is a key link between pupil, staff and parent, guiding wellbeing and progress. PSHE lessons provide regular coverage of personal, social and health education, reinforcing wellbeing across the year groups. The school provides access to counsellors and a medical team to support emotional health, and the overall environment fosters resilience, confidence and compassionate leadership.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child. The pastoral structure supports safeguarding through the House and Tutorial system, coordinating with parents, staff and the medical team to ensure safety and welfare. The Honour Code promotes respect, trust and community, contributing to a safe and secure school culture. The safeguarding framework underpins all aspects of student life, including housing, activities and academics. The school maintains policies and procedures to address safeguarding concerns and promote safe behaviours across the school community.

1. Enquiry. After reading the prospectus, looking at the website or visiting the School, begin the admissions process by filling the Enquiry Form on the site or by contacting the School's Registrar. The Enquiry Form is available online in the admissions section.
2. Registration. At entry, parents complete a registration form and pay a non-refundable registration fee. Registration does not guarantee a place and places the pupil's name within the application process. Each pupil is registered using their full name as per passport or birth certificate.
3. Assessment. For Years 3–13, all applicants complete an entry assessment to ensure the School can meet the child's needs and attend the assessment; the child's most recent report from their current school plus any other professional reports related to learning (e.g., Educational Psychologist) are requested. For children outside the Nairobi area, the current school may be sent an assessment under the same conditions, and a reference from the current school/learning environment is needed. For Kindergarten and Years 1–2, assessment may be informal during play for entry into Kindergarten; Year 1–2 entrants are invited to attend an assessment conducted by the Head of Pre Prep and Pre Prep teachers, including a phonics check, reading, assessments of language understanding and basic number recognition, lasting about one hour on a chosen date.
4. Scholarships. Peponi School welcomes applications for scholarships and exhibitions at 13+ entry and 16+ entry; there are a number of awards available in a wide range of pupil activity. The aim is to reward and encourage pupils to excel and to strive for the very best in their endeavours. More information on scholarships can be found on the Scholarships page of the site.
5. Offer of a Place. Following the completion of all aspects of the Entry Procedure, the Head will decide whether to offer a place for a child and the year group. Admission will be subject to the availability of a place and a child satisfying any admission requirements at the time. The School will offer a place to a child by way of a letter to the parents; parents will also be sent an acceptance form and a copy of the School enrolment contract. To accept, all those with parental responsibility must complete, sign and return the acceptance form together with a payment of the caution deposit and copies of the child's passport and birth certificate. Parents have three weeks to accept or the place may be forfeited.
6. Waiting List. The School will not hold open places for children if the deposit is not paid and their names will be added to the waiting list. When oversubscribed, a waiting list is operated; provided the registration form has been filled, the registration fee paid and assessment taken, a child can join the waiting list. Places that become available will be allocated according to the admissions policy criteria and not necessarily on the length of time on the waiting list. The waiting list is reviewed whenever a child is added to or removed from the waiting list and at the end of each school year; a child's name may remain on the waiting list for the following school year at the parents' request, and if a child remains on the waiting list, they may be required to take another assessment.

Scholarships and Exhibitions are available for 13+ entry and 16+ entry; awards cover a wide range of pupil activity and aim to reward academic or extracurricular excellence. The 16+ entry process for Lower VI/Year 12 involves an academic assessment with three parts: Part I – compulsory papers in Mathematics, English and General Paper; Part II – a choice of two option papers; Part III – an extended writing piece of 800–1000 words. Applications for 2026 entry are open for 16+; 13+ scholarships offer Academic, Specialist (music, art, drama, or sport), and All-Rounder awards. Applications for September 2027 entry open in September 2026. For more details, see the 16+ Scholarship Handbook and the 13+ Scholarship Handbook on the Scholarships page.

Oversubscription leads to a waiting list. The School operates a waiting list once all places are allocated; joining requires a completed registration form, paid registration fee and an assessment. Places are allocated according to admissions policy criteria and not simply by time on the waiting list; the waiting list is reviewed on additions/removals and at the end of each school year; a child on the waiting list may remain on the list for the next year upon parental request and may be required to take another assessment.

Peponi House is located in Nairobi, Kenya. The Prep School site is on Farasi Lane, off Lower Kabete Road, in the Westlands area. Kabete Kindergarten sits on Lower Kabete Road in the Nairobi suburb. Transport links include access via Junction 11 on the main A2 highway and a network of daily school transport for day pupils.

From 5 Years to 13 Years

Independent, co-educational day preparatory school

Pupils come from 48 nationalities; most pupils and their families live close to the school in Nairobi.

Inclusion Department provides SEND support with short-term interventions; the SENCO leads two Learning Support Teachers and three Learning Support Assistants; support includes withdrawal lessons and in-class support, exam access arrangements, and links to external professionals. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided.

A transport service operates for day pupils with daily pick-up and drop-off to locations around Nairobi; a bespoke Weekly Boarding bus is also available.

Uniform must be worn and is available from Haria Uniform Shop in Sarit Centre, Nairobi. It includes white shirts or blouses with dark blue skirts or shorts (Years 2–6), white socks, and black shoes; Years 7–8 use the same with a navy jacket; the PE kit features four house colours (Chania green, Mara yellow, Tana red, Tsavo blue) and a blue hat with the crest is compulsory.

Peponi House uses a four-house system: Chania (green), Mara (yellow), Tana (red), Tsavo (blue). Pupils wear house-coloured PE shirts and participate in inter-house activities.

Peponi House is part of Peponi Schools, a group consisting of Peponi House Kabete Kindergarten, Peponi House, and Peponi School.

The curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum and the Common Entrance (CE) syllabus. Each pupil's journey is unique, and learning is tailored to individual strengths and aspirations. The academic programme is at the heart of Peponi House, aiming for academic and personal excellence in a forward-looking preparation for success and happiness in a changing world. Hard work, friendships, cooperation and respect underpin the community, bolstered by pastoral excellence and a growing expertise in pioneering and dynamic teaching and learning. Pupils are supported to enjoy their studies, thrive and have fun while developing broader skills and interests.

Graduates move on to Peponi School for the next stage and to a range of UK and international independent schools, with a notable number securing scholarships. UK destinations include Oundle School, Rugby School, Cheltenham Ladies' College, Malvern College, Millfield, Sevenoaks, St Andrew's, Turi, Blundells, and King's Bruton. International destinations include the International School of Kenya, International School Athens, UWC Maastricht, and other international institutions. The Destination Schools and Scholarships page shows annual numbers of pupils joining these schools and the scholarships awarded.

Peponi House provides exceptionally high-quality pastoral care as the foundation of its holistic education. The environment is warm, safe, and welcoming, with emphasis on child wellbeing and emotional development. A dedicated senior management team leads each phase to ensure regular, open communication between pupils, parents, and staff. The Form Tutor system gives each pupil two adults in Years 5–8 to support learning and pastoral needs. The school places happiness, mental health, and emotional wellbeing at the heart of its education, helping pupils build confidence and belonging.

The school identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and provides targeted support through specialist staff and classroom teaching. Data show SEND pupils make very good progress from their starting points with progress carefully monitored. A high number of pupils with EAL require and receive additional reading and literacy support, with staff tailoring guidance to individual needs. The school maintains an inclusive ethos and uses targeted interventions to help learners reach their potential. The SIS inspection highlighted that EAL and SEND pupils progress well with appropriate support.

English as an additional language (EAL) is present among a substantial minority of pupils. Thirty-two pupils have EAL. EAL pupils receive effective support and guidance, with reading and literacy support identified and delivered by teachers and support staff, helping them access the curriculum. Pupils with EAL achieve good progress through targeted intervention and monitoring. The school's approach includes explicit planning for EAL within lessons.

Peponi House runs a proactive mental wellbeing program integrated with pastoral care. The B-Connect – Empowering Boys' Mental Health initiative places pupil voice, emotional literacy, and resilience at the heart of the culture. Wellbeing Ambassadors and a Buddy System empower pupils to support peers and lead wellbeing initiatives. Staff development includes Youth Mental Health First Aiders and Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) training. The school collaborates with external agencies to inform practice and engage parents through PEP Talks and parent education.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are core to Peponi House. The school follows British safeguarding guidelines while aligning with Kenyan law. The Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Head Pastoral oversee safeguarding; staff receive training in safeguarding procedures; DBS checks and other verifications are implemented for staff and volunteers. A formal Child Protection Policy is in place and available to parents on request; safeguarding matters are reviewed annually. The school participates in CPAN and maintains procedures for online learning safeguarding.

A prospectus can be downloaded and an enquiry form can be completed to learn more about the Peponi House admissions process.

16+ Scholarships: Amazing Opportunity to earn a scholarship at Peponi School. Applications for 2026 entry are now open. This is for entry into Year 12 (at 16 years old) in September 2026. Application Deadline: Wednesday, 11th February 2026.