About The Banda School

The Banda School is one of the most distinguished private British preparatory schools in Kenya and a leading member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) globally. Its history traces back to 1956 when Mr. Jim Chitty ran Kaptagat Preparatory School near Eldoret. After a move to Nairobi in 1966, the school settled on its current, expansive location in Karen, a serene suburb bordering the Nairobi National Park. The school’s name, “Banda,” comes from the simple thatched hotel that previously occupied the site, symbolizing a return to humble, essential values.

Curriculum Rooted in British Standards
The Banda School provides a rigorous, rounded education for boys and girls aged 15 months to 13 years (Early Years to Year 8).

World-Class Curriculum: The academic program is entirely based on the British National Curriculum of England and Wales, adapted to be highly relevant to the Kenyan setting. This includes full implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Preparatory Focus: The school excels in preparing students for transition to top international secondary schools worldwide. The curriculum builds towards the ISEB 13+ Common Entrance (CE) examinations, a globally recognized benchmark for entry into prestigious senior schools in the UK, Kenya, and South Africa.

Holistic Subjects: The curriculum balances core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science) with specialist teaching in French, Kiswahili, Geography, History, Art, Drama, and Music from an early age, ensuring a truly well-rounded education.

Core Values and Unique Ethos
The spirit of The Banda is one of nurture, success, and warmth, guided by a mission to bring out the very best in all pupils and build “Confidence for Life.”

The School Motto: Our long-standing Latin motto, “Arduus ad Stellas” (Reach for the Stars!), inspires ambition and aspiration in every child.

Mission Statement: “We Give All Our Children Wings and Teach Them How to Fly” encapsulates our approach to holistic development.

The BANDA Acronym: Our values are defined by: Build (knowledge, resilience, relationships), Appreciate (myself, others, the environment), Nurture (ourselves, others, our talents), Dream (dream big, aim high), and Achieve (my best, our best).

Multicultural Community: With students representing over 30 nationalities, The Banda fosters a global, tolerant, and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect and community engagement.

Access Full School Information
The Banda School offers a unique, high-quality preparatory education in Nairobi, combining the structure of the British system with a dynamic, supportive atmosphere.

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