Durham International School is an outstanding school situated across two campuses in the leafy suburbs of Nairobi – Thigiri and Rosslyn. It is a sister school to Durham School UK which has been providing an excellent education to students since 1414 and in Nairobi since 2021. Our motto is Confidence for Life and we are a school that is forward-looking and progressive; combining the very best of old and new.
Our exceptional teachers encourage students to think creatively, to apply knowledge and skills successfully and imaginatively, and to constantly challenge themselves whilst building ‘Confidence for Life’.
We are acutely aware that all our students will need the skills and attributes to thrive in an ever more competitive world. The emphasis of a Durham education is very much on what our students can do well and ensuring that they emerge as happy, confident, grounded and well-balanced young people. In addition, they will take with them the lifelong friendships developed in our safe environment.
Durham International School is Kenya’s first and only British branded school. The British education system enjoys a deserved reputation as a world-class provider of education. At Durham we prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century whilst upholding the traditional values that define a Durham education. Our class sizes are small, and teacher to student ratios very high, allowing for individual attention throughout a very broad range of subjects. We provide a truly rounded education within a warm, inspirational,family-orientated community. This is woven into a culture that celebrates the individual as a whole person.
A Durham education provides a rounded learning experience by encouraging self-expression, creativity and individuality. Success in sport, the arts and in other areas, such as debating, may be more discrete than exam results, but it is one of the ways in which a student’s independence, confidence and belief in themselves is built up. This concentration on developing the whole person is part of the reason why students who have experienced a British education are so prized by employers. Similarly, there is always an emphasis placed on developing leadership and social skills. Living and studying together in a multi-age, multi-cultural community enables students to successfully develop qualities such as kindness, respect and responsibility.
We welcome students from all over the world who are seeking a very distinctive, historic cultural foundation, rich in the arts, in science and technology, with an open, outward looking community, where everyone is valued for their characteristic contribution to the whole.
This prospectus reflects our philosophy as we seek to ensure that we are preparing our children for the challenges of this fast-changing world. It is an invitation to work together as we seek to reinforce and develop the best possible education; an education which is preparing students to be strong and resilient yet also flexible, kind, creative and thoroughly engaged.
A modern education with a focus on the individual is something we are passionate about delivering throughout Durham International School from Early Years, to Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior School concluding with our Sixth Form. Students flourish when they enjoy their education, whilst discovering and developing individual talents and exploring new skills.
We hope you will take some time to read through the following pages and we would value your own thoughts as we seek to develop Durham International School to ensure we provide the very best environmentfor your child to think, commit, engage and share.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
Durham International School is an outstanding school situated across two campuses in the leafy suburbs of Nairobi – Thigiri and Rosslyn. It is a sister school to Durham School UK which has been providing an education to students since 1414 and in Nairobi since 2021. Throughout our history, we have retained our reputation for excellence in education and we are proud of the standards, the values and the aspirations associated with this history. We are a school that is forward-looking and progressive; combining the very best of old and new, instilling ‘Confidence for Life’.
Our Mission is to provide students with a rounded education; one which inspires and nurtures a love of lifelong learning, an aspiration for achievement, respect for others, and ‘Confidence for Life’. Our core values of Moral intergrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness are the MARK of a Durham education and underpin all our teaching and learning.
We are aware that all our students will need the skills and attributes to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. With our support and guidance, students develop strong communication skills, the ability to lead and work with others, and above all, they develop self-confidence - feeling that, with hard work and determination, anything can be achieved.
The emphasis of a Durham education is very much on what our students can do well and ensuring that they emerge as happy,confident, globally-minded andwell-rounded young people with strong academic results. In addition, they willtake with them the lifelong friendships developed in ournurturing environment that values their emotionalwellbeing as much as their personal development and academicperformance.
Together, these values guide us- shaping who we are and who we aspire to become.
One of the most important things we can do is encourage young people to make thoughtful reflection a natural part of their lives.
Knowledge is essential, but facts alone don’t mean much without independent thinking, curiosity, and the freedom to express ideas openly. Even when the details of what we learn fade over time, the ability to think clearly, use evidence, and solve problems with creativity and originality will always stay with us.
The first steps towards productive thought are intellectual curiosity and an openness to new ideas. Young minds are naturally inquisitive and creative. We recognise the courage required to challenge, question and at times fail as part of a successful learning experience. We are committed to providing an environment where a willingness to take risks and intellectual courage are woven into the Durham education. The ability to apply rationality to problem solving and to seek appropriate evidence for the way we think combine with the attributes above to provide a solid foundation for each student to fulfil their potential.
At Durham International School your child will be…
NURTURED to be curious, stretched and challenged in every aspect of school life.
ENCOURAGED to combine creativity and ambition with logic and reason in their thinking.
INSPIRED to try new things, to take risks and learn, without fear, from their mistakes.
“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory."
Gone are the days of passive learning. Today, teachers are here to inspire, facilitate, and support – not just to hand out the ‘right answers.’ Learning is now about thinking for yourself, asking questions, and really understanding. At Durham, students are encouraged to take charge of their own growth, with teachers always there to support and respond to their individual needs.
In practice this means students asking questions, volunteering answers, reviewing notes, and reflecting upon progress. Planning and organisational ability play a vital part and require self-awareness, persistence and resilience; skills so important to our approach. Likewise, a good student commits to depth of understanding, always recognising that education is a never-ending process with layer upon layer of understanding waiting to be discovered and never satisfied with one dimensional answers. Success will be celebrated - but so too will effort, perseverance, and growth. Challenges and setbacks are not signs of failure - they are essential parts of meaningful learning. If we never falter, perhaps we are not reaching far enough. In fact, it’s often during the most difficult times that we grow the most.
At Durham International School your child will be…
NURTURED with the supportof teachers to take responsibility for theirdevelopment.
ENCOURAGED to ask questions, volunteer answers and reflect upon their progress.
INSPIRED to aim high and strive for a deeper level of understanding.
One of the most important things we To live with integrity, students need to truly understand themselves – their passions, strengths, and their areas for development. It’s easy in life to get swept along, lose sight of what matters, or take the easier path. But learning how to shape our own lives and take ownership of our choices is a journey that starts with education.can do is encourage young people to make thoughtful reflection a natural part of their lives.
We believe young people should be active participants in their own future, encouraged to discover their purpose and pursue it with confidence. With determination, a belief in hard work, and a clear sense of direction, every student can aim for excellence with positivity and self-belief.
Alongside academic learning, important life skills – like teamwork, leadership, and empathy – grow naturally through daily experiences: participating in meaningful discussion, taking on responsibilities, volunteering, playing sport or music, performing in plays, and so much more. These opportunities open doors to an exciting, limitless future.
At Durham International School your child will be…
NURTURED to recognise their passions, strengths and weaknesses.
ENCOURAGED to define their own lives with integrity.
INSPIRED to work hard to achieve excellence with confidence and positivity.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.”
Our core values of Moral integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness are the MARK of a Durham education and underpin all our teaching and learning.
We aim to develop a love of lifelong learning coupled with a culture of perseverance in the face of challenge so that students can flourish emotionally, socially, academically and physically. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, think critically, explore different ways of doing things, reflect on their learning, collaborate and be team players. We believe this is fundamental in developing a child’s sense of well-being, nurturing their resilience, self-esteem, sense of respect for others and sense of social responsibility.
Our Mission is to provide students with a rounded education; one which inspires and nurtures a love of lifelong learning, an aspiration for achievement, respect for others, and ‘Confidence for Life’.
Our Mission is to provide students with a rounded education; one which inspires and nurtures a love of lifelong learning, an aspiration for achievement, respect for others, and ‘Confidence for Life’.
Whilst academic life is at the heart of the school, we set out to provide a host of opportunities in sport, music and drama so that every student is given a chance to explore their potential.
Our core values of Moral integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness are the MARK of a Durham education and underpin all our teaching and learning at Durham.
Moral Integrity
M
A
Ambition
Responsibility
R
K
Kindness
Within a community shaped by moral integrity and kindness, Durham aims to cultivate responsibility, respect and ambition to ensure that every student can thrive, be happy and make a positive mark in the world.
The three pillars of a Durham School which support this aim and shape the environment where students can learn and grow are:
Academic challenge: providing students a lifelong appetite for learning
Pastoral care: supporting students emotional, moral and spiritual strength
Co-curricular opportunities: providing opportunities to enrich and develop the individual, fostering collaboration, teamwork and leadership.
We do this by nurturing and supporting our students to become:
Within a community shaped by moral integrity and kindness, Durham aims to cultivate responsibility, respect and ambition to ensure that every student can thrive, be happy and make a positive mark in the world.
The three pillars of a Durham School which support this aim and shape the environment where students can learn and grow are:
Within a community shaped by moral integrity and kindness, Durham aims to cultivate responsibility, respect and ambition to ensure that every student can thrive, be happy and make a positive mark in the world.
The three pillars of a Durham School which support this aim and shape the environment where students can learn and grow are:
All Durham School pupils join the Old Dunelmian (OD) Society upon leaving. The Society, with over 5,000 members, supports lasting friendships. For alumni careers, see our ‘Confidence for Life’ publication.
Brochure downloadProviding students a lifelong appetite for learning
Supporting students emotional, moral & spiritual strength.
Enrich individuals, foster collaboration, teamwork, leadership and learn new skills.
Global citizens who act with responsibility and humility and are ready to make a positive contribution to society
Individuals who are reflective, emotionally resilient, and effective communicators
Thinkers who can research, evaluate, innovate, solve and create both collaboratively and independently
Providing students a lifelong appetite for learning
Supporting students emotional, moral & spiritual strength.
Enrich individuals, foster collaboration, teamwork, leadership and learn new skills.
We do this by nurturing and supporting our students to become:
Thinkers who can research, evaluate, innovate, solve and create both collaboratively and independently
Individuals who are reflective, emotionally resilient, and effective communicators
Global citizens who act with responsibility and humility and are ready to make a positive contribution to society
At Durham, we recognise that academic and pastoral needs are inseparable. We know that only happy students reach their full potential and perform well academically, so great care and support are given to ensure that all students have a positive experience and look forward to each day at school. We have a dedicated health centre run by a qualified nurse on each campus.
Healthy eating is also promoted as part of our holistic approach to wellbeing and we are proud to work with a dedicated catering team who deliver an exceptional service. They provide for those with allergies and intolerances, cultural diets and hold regular food forums with the students.
Our Mission is to provide students with a rounded education; one which inspires and nurtures a love of lifelong learning, an aspiration for achievement, respect for others, and ‘Confidence for Life’.
At Durham International School we believe that co-curricular activities are central to the all-round development of our students and we aim to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to enrich their lives both inside and outside school. We are immensely proud of our co-curricular programme that offers something for everyone and encourages our students to get out there, get stuck in, give it a go and above all - have fun!
It is about challenge, it is about determination, it is about the rich reward of hard work and the ability to bounce back when you fall down. It is, above all else, about ensuring that all our students are nurtured and encouraged to develop interests, passions, skills and values that will stay with them long after they leave us and enter the world beyond.
The House system is also at the heart of Durham life and offers another sense of belonging to each student as well as an opportunity to showcase talents against other houses in House competitions.
This vertical system, with students represented from each year group, really helps to promote leaders and as students progress through the School, they are encouraged to become positive role models and leaders for the younger years. We have four Houses – Simba (Lion), Tembo (Elephant), Kifaru (Rhino) and Chui (Leopard).
Our co-curricular sports provision caters to both aspiring athletes and those seeking to enjoy the benefits of physical activity. From Football, Netball, Cricket and Basketball to Swimming. Tennis, Running, Gymnastics, and Yoga, students have countless opportunities to compete, improve fitness, and develop leadership skills.
Our coaching emphasizes commitment, sportsmanship, and healthy competition, ensuring students grow in both ability and character.
For those with creative flair we offer Art, Drama Club, LAMDA (speech and drama training), Choir, Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, and String Group, alongside opportunities for creative writing through Ink & Impact. Language lovers can expand horizons in Lati Club and Spanish Club, whilst our EAMUN (East Africa Model United Nations) team develops skills in diplomacy, debate and global awareness.
Trips and expeditiona are an essential part of learning at Durham, offering students opportunities to explore, discover, and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. Whether visiting museums, conservancies, or cultural landmarks, these experiences bring lessons to life, spark curiosity, and deepen our understanding of the world around us. Through shared adventures, students develop independence, teamwork, and a lasting appreciation for learning in all its forms.
In January 2026, we launch our new Outdoor and Environmental Education Programme for students in Years 2 to 9. Through a week of age-appropriate adventures, students will develop resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while deepening their understanding of Kenya’s incredible natural environment.
From day trips and first camping experiences in the younger years to conservation projects, outdoor challenges, and cultural expeditions for older students, the programme offers a clear journey of growth and independence.
These experiences help students build essential life skills - initiative, empathy, and collaboration - and strengthen our community through shared challenge and reflection. Each trip is safe, enriching, and closely aligned with our curriculum.
The Outdoor and Environmental Education Programme is a key part of every child’s Durham experience, inspiring confidence, character, and care for the world they live in.
Years 2 and 3: Local day trips around Nairobi, with on-campus adventures and an introduction to outdoor skills
Year 4: Camping near Lake Naivasha, combining school-based preparation with field-based learning
Year 4: Camping near Lake Naivasha, combining school-based preparation with field-based learning
Years 5 and 6: A week under canvas in Nanyuki, including conservation work at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Years 7 and 8: Outdoor adventure week in Sagana, focused on teamwork, challenge, and personal growth
Year 9: A cultural trek and expedition experience at Maji Moto, near the Maasai Mara
Year 4: Camping near Lake Naivasha, combining school-based preparation with field-based learning
Our Mission is to provide students with a rounded education; one which inspires and nurtures a love of lifelong learning, an aspiration for achievement, respect for others, and ‘Confidence for Life’.
Innovative and enthusiastic educators are at the heart of our learning community, providing the framework for your child’s educational, cultural and social development.
Our management team draws on decades of experience, upholding the highest standards in British independent and international education, whilst honouring the culture, history and traditions of our Kenyan home.
Head of Prep
Principal Elect
Deputy Head
Pre-Prep Lead
All students of Durham International School in Kenya become part of the wider Durham family for life. Upon leaving, they are eligible to join the Old Dunelmian (OD) Society, which brings together former students of both Durham International School in Kenya and Durham School in the UK.
The OD Society has over 5,000 members worldwide and exists to keep those lifelong friendships and connections made at Durham alive and thriving. Many ODs say that returning for a reunion or event - even after many years - feels like coming home, as they reconnect with former teachers, friends, and the unique spirit of Durham.
The outstanding reputation that Durham enjoys across the globe is built on the success of its alumni. A Durham education, whether in Kenya or the UK, nurtures confident, well-rounded, and forward-thinking individuals - people who go on to make their mark as leaders, innovators, and changemakers in their chosen fields.
Once a Durham student, always a part of the Durham story!
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“He has made so many friends
he loves his teachers he comes home
and talks about school & all the fun thing.”
“Durham school gave me a
marvelous start in life, sport
and academically.”
“With Durham I know and I’m Certain
that she’s well taken care of
and I couldn’t be happier.”
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