The Banda School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$3K - US$19K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 1-13
Students: ~490
Location: Langata, Nairobi
Updated April 2026
In Brief
Banda is Nairobi's most respected British prep school for the under-14s - the pastoral quality, specialist learning support, and scholarship results set it apart. If you have primary or junior-age children and live in the south of the city, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
The Banda School has occupied its 35-acre campus on Magadi Road, adjacent to Nairobi National Park, since 1966. It is a prep school - Nursery 1 to Year 8 only - which means every decision on campus, from staffing to timetabling, is built around children aged 1 to 13. With around 490 pupils from 38 nationalities, it runs a British curriculum from EYFS through the National Curriculum for England, preparing leavers for Common Entrance and scholarship exams to secondary schools including Hillcrest, Peponi, and UK independent schools. The 2025 Year 8 cohort secured 20 scholarship awards, which is a strong result for a school of this size.
Learning support is a genuine differentiator. Five specialist learning support teachers provide one-to-one provision at no additional charge - unusual in Nairobi's international market - and the school specifically notes its capacity to support children with dyslexia and dyspraxia. The campus itself is an asset: bush walks, wildlife sightings from the playing fields, and a culture that mixes rigorous academic preparation with genuine outdoor and physical education. Boarding for up to 25 children aged 7-13 is available, predominantly on a weekly basis, which suits families who travel for work.
Annual fees for 2025-2026 run from KES 379,500 (Nursery 1) to KES 2,508,000 (Years 2-7 day), with a 10% sibling discount available from the second child in Year 2 and above. The Langata location is ideal for families living in Karen, Langata, or near Wilson Airport; it becomes less convenient for those in Gigiri, Westlands, or the northern suburbs. The school does not go beyond Year 8 - you will need a secondary school plan from the day you enrol a young child.
What parents value
- –IAPS-member British prep school with BSO and ISI inspection record. 20 scholarship awards from the 2025 Year 8 cohort. 100% of leavers proceed to secondary school.
- –Five specialist learning support teachers included in tuition fees at no extra charge. Explicitly supports dyslexia and dyspraxia - rare in Nairobi's international prep market.
- –35-acre campus adjacent to Nairobi National Park. Weekly boarding available for ages 7-13. 10% sibling discount from second child in Year 2 and above.
Points of consideration
- –Prep school only - Nursery to Year 8. No secondary provision. You will need a secondary school plan from the point of enrolment; leavers typically move to Hillcrest, Peponi, Brookhouse, or UK independent schools.
- –Langata location is excellent for south Nairobi families but involves a long commute from Gigiri, Westlands, or the northern suburbs. Factor journey times into your decision.
- –Fees at the upper primary level (KES 2,508,000 for Years 2-7) are among the highest in Nairobi for the prep age group. Confirm current rates directly - the school publishes fees via PDF on request.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery 1 | 1 | NaN |
| Nursery 2 | 2 | NaN |
| Kindergarten 1 | 3 | NaN |
| Kindergarten 2 | 4 | NaN |
| Kindergarten 3 | 5 | NaN |
| Year 1 | 6 | NaN |
| Years 2-7 | 7 | NaN |
Fees converted from KES. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | NaN |
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities, sports, and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's age group.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Nairobi's international schools attract a highly diverse student body from diplomatic, NGO, and professional families. Contact the school for current enrolment and nationality breakdown details.
Leadership
James Moss-Gibbons
Headmaster since August 2023. James read geography at Oxford and completed his PGCE at the University of Reading before moving into international school leadership.