Muhula guide for parents
School curricula in Kenya, explained
CBC, IGCSE, IB, Montessori, A Levels... Schools in Kenya follow many different curricula. This guide explains each one in simple words: how it is organised, how children are assessed, where it leads, and what to ask the school.
At a glance
| Curriculum | Ages | Main exams | Style | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBC / CBE | 4 to 17 | KPSEA (Grade 6), KJSEA (Grade 9), senior school exams | Skills and values, continuous assessment | Kenyan universities, TVET, careers by pathway |
| 8-4-4 | Form 3 to 4 only | KCSE (last in 2027) | Exam-focused | Kenyan universities, colleges |
| Cambridge | 3 to 19 | IGCSE (16), AS & A Level (18) | Subject depth, final exams | Universities worldwide |
| Pearson Edexcel | 14 to 18 | International GCSE, International A Level | Exams in units | Universities worldwide |
| British National | 3 to 18 | GCSE / IGCSE, A Level | Key Stages, exams at 16 and 18 | UK and world universities |
| IB | 3 to 19 | IB Diploma (out of 45) | Inquiry, projects, broad | Universities worldwide |
| American | 3 to 18 | GPA, AP, SAT / ACT | Credits, continuous grades | US / Canada and world universities |
| French | 3 to 18 | Brevet, Baccalauréat | Taught in French | France, Europe and beyond |
| Montessori | 1½ to 6 (some to 12) | None | Child-led, hands-on | Any primary curriculum |
CBC / CBE (Kenya)
Kenya's national curriculum: 2 years pre-primary, 6 years primary, 3 years junior school and 3 years senior school (2-6-3-3). Children are assessed continuously on skills and values as well as knowledge, with national assessments in Grade 6 (KPSEA) and Grade 9 (KJSEA).
What it is
Kenya's national curriculum, introduced in 2017 to replace 8-4-4. It was first called the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and is now officially Competency Based Education (CBE). Instead of focusing mainly on exam scores, it aims to build skills (competencies) such as communication, critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy and citizenship, together with values like respect and responsibility. It is taught in public and most private schools and is set by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-primary: PP1 and PP2 | About 4 to 5 | Learning through play: language, numbers, environmental, creative and movement activities. |
| Lower primary: Grades 1 to 3 | About 6 to 8 | Reading, writing and numbers, plus Kiswahili, environmental activities, creative activities and religious education. |
| Upper primary: Grades 4 to 6 | About 9 to 11 | More subjects (science and technology, social studies, agriculture and nutrition, creative arts). Ends with KPSEA in Grade 6. |
| Junior school: Grades 7 to 9 | About 12 to 14 | Nine compulsory learning areas for everyone, including Integrated Science, Pre-Technical Studies, Agriculture, Social Studies and Creative Arts & Sports. Ends with KJSEA in Grade 9. |
| Senior school: Grades 10 to 12 | About 15 to 17 | Learners choose a pathway: STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Science. Everyone takes English, Kiswahili (or Kenyan Sign Language), Mathematics and Community Service Learning, plus three subjects from their pathway. The first Grade 10 class started in January 2026. |
How children are assessed
Children are assessed all the time through classwork, projects, practical work and portfolios (school-based assessment), not only by one big exam. KNEC runs two national assessments: KPSEA at the end of Grade 6 (school-based assessments from Grades 4, 5 and 6 count for 60% and the Grade 6 assessment for 40%) and KJSEA at the end of Grade 9, which, together with school-based scores, is used to place learners in senior schools and pathways. Results are reported in performance levels (for example "exceeding", "meeting", "approaching" or "below" expectations) rather than marks out of 500.
What comes next
Senior school pathways lead to university, TVET colleges and careers linked to the pathway: STEM towards medicine, engineering, computing and agriculture; Social Sciences towards law, business, languages and teaching; Arts & Sports Science towards music, film, design, sport and related careers.
Questions to ask the school
- Which senior school pathways and subjects does the school (or its sister school) offer?
- How does the school record school-based assessments, and how will you see your child's progress?
- Are there enough labs, computers and workshop space for Integrated Science and Pre-Technical Studies?
- What does the school ask parents to buy or do for projects?
8-4-4 (Kenya)
Kenya's former national system: 8 years primary, 4 years secondary, 4 years university. It is being phased out: the last KCPE was in 2023 and the last KCSE is planned for 2027.
What it is
Kenya's national system from 1985 until CBC: 8 years of primary school, 4 years of secondary school and 4 years of university. It is being phased out: the last KCPE (end of primary) was sat in 2023 and the last KCSE (end of secondary) is planned for 2027. Only learners already in secondary school still follow it.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Primary: Standard 1 to 8 | About 6 to 13 | Ended with the KCPE exam (marked out of 500). No new learners: the last KCPE was in 2023. |
| Secondary: Form 1 to 4 | About 14 to 17 | Ends with the KCSE exam, graded A to E (mean grade). The class that will sit KCSE in 2027 is the last. |
How children are assessed
Mainly final national exams run by KNEC: KCPE (now ended) and KCSE. KCSE subjects are graded A to E and combined into a mean grade; a C+ has traditionally been the minimum for direct university entry.
What comes next
KCSE leads to university (through KUCCPS placement), TVET colleges and diploma courses.
Questions to ask the school
- If your child is in Form 3 or 4 now: how is the school preparing for the final KCSE years?
- For a younger child, choose a CBC (CBE) school or another curriculum: 8-4-4 no longer takes new learners.
Cambridge (IGCSE / A Level)
A British-based international curriculum from Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Children follow Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary, sit IGCSE exams at about 16, then AS and A Levels at about 18, which universities worldwide accept.
What it is
An international curriculum from Cambridge University Press & Assessment (part of the University of Cambridge, UK). It is used in about 160 countries and is one of the most common choices in Kenyan international and private schools. Schools can offer all the stages or only some of them.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Early Years | About 3 to 6 | Play-based early learning. |
| Cambridge Primary | About 5 to 11 | English, mathematics, science and more. Optional Primary Checkpoint tests at the end. |
| Cambridge Lower Secondary | About 11 to 14 | Builds the base for IGCSE. Optional Lower Secondary Checkpoint tests. |
| Cambridge IGCSE / O Level | About 14 to 16 | Students pick subjects (usually 7 to 10) from about 70. Exams at the end of Year 11. |
| Cambridge International AS & A Level | About 16 to 18/19 | Usually 3 or 4 subjects studied in depth over two years: AS after one year, A Level after two. |
How children are assessed
Mostly written exams at the end of each course, set and marked by Cambridge; some subjects add practical or coursework. IGCSE grades run from A* to G (some subjects use 9 to 1). A Levels are graded A* to E.
What comes next
A Levels are accepted for university entry in the UK, Kenya, the USA, Canada, Europe and beyond. In Kenya, foreign certificates are equated to Kenyan qualifications by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).
Questions to ask the school
- Which IGCSE and A Level subjects are offered, and is there a minimum number?
- Does the school also offer the Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary stages or only the exams?
- What are the exam fees (often paid separately from school fees)?
- Where do recent A Level students go to university?
Pearson Edexcel
A British exam board similar to Cambridge. Students take Edexcel International GCSEs at about 16 and International A Levels at about 18; the subjects and university recognition are much like Cambridge's.
What it is
Pearson Edexcel is a British exam board, like Cambridge. Schools that follow a British-style curriculum can enter students for Edexcel International GCSEs and International A Levels instead of (or alongside) Cambridge. Universities and employers treat Edexcel and Cambridge qualifications as equal.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| International GCSE | About 14 to 16 | Similar subjects to Cambridge IGCSE; graded 9 to 1 (9 is the highest). |
| International A Level (IAL) | About 16 to 18 | Usually 3 or 4 subjects; taken in units, so some exams can be sat in the first year and resat. |
How children are assessed
Mainly written exams. Because International A Levels are modular (in units), students can sit some papers early and resit units to improve.
What comes next
The same as Cambridge: university entry in the UK, Kenya and worldwide.
Questions to ask the school
- Why does the school use Edexcel rather than Cambridge (or both)?
- Which subjects can be taken, and when are exam sittings?
GCE O & A Level
The General Certificate of Education: O Level (Ordinary) exams at about 16 and A Level (Advanced) exams at about 18. They come from British exam boards such as Cambridge and are the classic route to university.
What it is
GCE means General Certificate of Education, the classic British exam route. O Level (Ordinary Level) is taken at about 16 and A Level (Advanced Level) at about 18. Today they are offered mainly through Cambridge (O Level, AS & A Level) and Pearson Edexcel (International A Level); in Kenya many people still say "GCE" for these exams. Private candidates can also sit them through registered centres.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| O Level | About 14 to 16 | A broad set of subjects; graded A* to E. Similar level to IGCSE. |
| AS and A Level | About 16 to 18 | Specialist study of 3 or 4 subjects for university entry. |
How children are assessed
Written exams at the end of the course, graded A* to E.
What comes next
A Levels are the standard British route to university and are recognised in Kenya and worldwide.
Questions to ask the school
- Which exam board (Cambridge or Edexcel) does the school use?
- Can students who studied another curriculum join at A Level?
British National Curriculum
England's school curriculum, taught in Year groups and Key Stages: Early Years (age 3 to 5), primary (Years 1 to 6), secondary (Years 7 to 11, ending with GCSE / IGCSE exams) and sixth form (A Levels).
What it is
The National Curriculum of England, taught in British schools abroad. Children move up by Year group according to age, in stages called Key Stages. At 16 they usually take GCSE or IGCSE exams and at 18 A Levels, often with Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) | 3 to 5 | Nursery and Reception: learning through play in seven areas such as communication, physical and personal development. |
| Key Stage 1: Years 1 and 2 | 5 to 7 | Reading, writing and numbers. |
| Key Stage 2: Years 3 to 6 | 7 to 11 | A wider range of subjects; end of primary. |
| Key Stage 3: Years 7 to 9 | 11 to 14 | Start of secondary school. |
| Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11 | 14 to 16 | GCSE / IGCSE courses and exams. |
| Sixth form: Years 12 and 13 | 16 to 18 | A Levels (or similar) for university. |
How children are assessed
Regular school assessments and reports, then national-style exams: (I)GCSE at 16 and A Level at 18.
What comes next
A Levels lead to universities in the UK, Kenya and worldwide.
Questions to ask the school
- Which exam boards are used at 16 and 18?
- How are children placed in Year groups when they join from CBC?
International Baccalaureate (IB)
An international programme from age 3 to 19 that teaches through projects and inquiry: PYP (3 to 12), MYP (11 to 16), and the IB Diploma or Career-related Programme (16 to 19). The IB Diploma is widely respected by universities.
What it is
The International Baccalaureate is a non-profit foundation based in Switzerland. Its programmes focus on inquiry (asking questions and finding answers), projects, languages and an international outlook. Schools must be authorised by the IB, and some offer only one programme.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Years Programme (PYP) | 3 to 12 | Learning across subjects through themes and inquiry; ends with a group "exhibition" project. |
| Middle Years Programme (MYP) | 11 to 16 | Eight subject groups; ends with a Personal Project. |
| Diploma Programme (DP) | 16 to 19 | Six subjects (three at Higher Level, three at Standard Level) plus Theory of Knowledge, a 4,000-word Extended Essay and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Scored out of 45. |
| Career-related Programme (CP) | 16 to 19 | At least two DP subjects with a career-related course and a reflective project. |
How children are assessed
Teachers assess coursework throughout, and the Diploma ends with exams marked by the IB. Each Diploma subject is graded 1 to 7, plus up to 3 points for Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay (45 in total; 24 is the usual pass).
What comes next
The IB Diploma is respected by universities worldwide, including in Kenya, the UK, the USA and Europe.
Questions to ask the school
- Is the school authorised for each IB programme it advertises (check ibo.org)?
- Which Diploma subjects and levels are available?
- What were last year's average Diploma points?
American curriculum
The US system from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Students earn credits and a grade point average (GPA) towards a High School Diploma, and can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the SAT or ACT for university.
What it is
The US school system, taught in American international schools. Children move through grades from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Instead of one final exam, students earn credits in each course and a grade point average (GPA) that leads to a High School Diploma.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K and Kindergarten | 3 to 5 | Early learning and readiness for school. |
| Elementary school: Grades 1 to 5 | 6 to 11 | Core subjects: English, mathematics, science and social studies. |
| Middle school: Grades 6 to 8 | 11 to 14 | More subjects and electives. |
| High school: Grades 9 to 12 | 14 to 18 | Credits towards the Diploma (often around 24 to 26); options such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses. |
How children are assessed
Ongoing grades from tests, homework, projects and participation, combined into a GPA (usually out of 4.0). Many students also take the SAT or ACT tests and AP exams (scored 1 to 5) for university.
What comes next
The Diploma with good grades, AP results and SAT / ACT scores leads to US and Canadian universities and others worldwide; some universities outside the US ask for AP results as well.
Questions to ask the school
- Is the school accredited (for example by Cognia, MSA or WASC)?
- How many AP courses are offered?
- Do students need the SAT / ACT, and does the school prepare them?
French curriculum
The French national curriculum taught in French: maternelle (3 to 5), élémentaire (6 to 10), collège (11 to 14, ending with the Brevet) and lycée (15 to 18, ending with the Baccalauréat). AEFE schools follow it worldwide.
What it is
The French national curriculum, taught in French. Schools in the AEFE network (the agency for French education abroad) follow the same programmes as schools in France.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| École maternelle | 3 to 5 | Early years: language, play and first numbers. |
| École élémentaire | 6 to 10 | Primary school (CP to CM2). |
| Collège | 11 to 14 | Lower secondary (6e to 3e); ends with the Diplôme National du Brevet. |
| Lycée | 15 to 18 | Upper secondary (Seconde, Première, Terminale); ends with the Baccalauréat. |
How children are assessed
Continuous assessment plus national exams: the Brevet at about 15 and the Baccalauréat (the "Bac") over the last two years.
What comes next
The Baccalauréat gives entry to universities in France, Europe and beyond.
Questions to ask the school
- Is the school AEFE-accredited?
- What French level does a child need to join, and is there support for beginners?
Montessori
A child-led way of teaching, most common from age 2½ to 6: mixed-age classes, hands-on learning materials and children choosing their own work, guided by a trained teacher. It is a method rather than an exam system.
What it is
A way of teaching developed by Dr Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. Children learn at their own pace with hands-on materials in a calm, carefully prepared classroom, and the teacher guides rather than lectures. In Kenya it is most common in nursery and pre-primary, often combined with CBC or a British curriculum later on. Montessori is a method, not an exam system, and the name is not protected, so quality varies.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Toddler | About 1½ to 3 | Practical life skills, movement and language. |
| Primary (Children's House) | About 2½ or 3 to 6 | Mixed-age class; areas for practical life, the senses, language, mathematics and culture. |
| Elementary | 6 to 12 | Offered by fewer schools; projects and research. |
How children are assessed
No tests or grades in the early years: teachers observe each child closely and share progress in conferences and reports.
What comes next
Children usually move on to a CBC, British or IB school; ask how the school prepares them for that move.
Questions to ask the school
- Are the teachers Montessori-trained (for example AMI or AMS)?
- Are classes mixed-age with a full set of Montessori materials?
- Which curriculum do children follow after the Montessori years?
German curriculum
The German school system taught in German, leading to the Abitur at about 18, which gives entry to universities in Germany and beyond.
What it is
The German school system, taught in German at German schools abroad.
How it is organised
| Stage | Ages | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Grundschule | 6 to 10 | Primary school. |
| Secondary (Gymnasium) | 10 to 18 | Leads to the Abitur. |
How children are assessed
Continuous assessment and final exams for the Abitur.
What comes next
The Abitur gives entry to universities in Germany and many other countries.
Questions to ask the school
- What German level does a child need to join?
How to choose
- Think about where your child will study later. CBC (CBE) leads naturally to Kenyan universities and TVET; Cambridge, Edexcel, IB and American qualifications are recognised in Kenya and abroad.
- Think about your child. Children who enjoy projects and asking questions often thrive in IB or Montessori; children who like clear structure and exams often do well in Cambridge or A Levels. Every system can suit many children: the school and the teachers matter most.
- Stay consistent where you can. Moving between systems is possible, but the move is easiest at natural break points: end of primary (about 11), before IGCSE / Grade 10 (about 14) and before A Level / IB Diploma (about 16).
- Ask about costs beyond fees. International exams have separate entry fees, and some curricula need more books, devices or materials.
- Language. French and German curricula are taught in those languages; check the support for children who are still learning them.
- Visit and ask. Use the questions under each curriculum, ask to see a lesson, and talk to parents whose children are already at the school.
Switching between curricula
Children can move between systems, for example from CBC to IGCSE or from IGCSE to the IB Diploma. Schools usually place a child by age and an entry test, and may suggest extra support in English, mathematics or a new language. To use a foreign certificate (such as IGCSE, A Level or the IB Diploma) for further study or jobs in Kenya, the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) can recognise and equate it to Kenyan qualifications; universities may also ask for KUCCPS or their own entry requirements.
Words you may hear
- CBC / CBE
- Competency Based Curriculum / Competency Based Education: Kenya's current national curriculum.
- KICD
- Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development: designs the national curriculum.
- KNEC
- Kenya National Examinations Council: runs national exams and assessments.
- PP1, PP2
- Pre-primary 1 and 2: the two years before Grade 1.
- KPSEA
- Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, at the end of Grade 6.
- KJSEA
- Kenya Junior School Education Assessment, at the end of Grade 9; used for senior school placement.
- Pathway
- The area a CBC learner specialises in from Grade 10: STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Science.
- KCPE, KCSE
- The 8-4-4 exams at the end of primary (ended 2023) and secondary (last planned for 2027).
- KUCCPS
- Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service: places students in public universities and colleges.
- KNQA
- Kenya National Qualifications Authority: recognises and equates qualifications, including foreign ones.
- IGCSE / GCSE
- (International) General Certificate of Secondary Education: British-style exams at about 16.
- O Level
- Ordinary Level: exams at about 16, similar to IGCSE.
- AS / A Level
- Advanced Subsidiary / Advanced Level: exams at about 17 and 18 for university entry.
- PYP, MYP, DP, CP
- The four IB programmes (Primary, Middle Years, Diploma and Career-related).
- GPA
- Grade point average: the American way of summing up a student's grades, usually out of 4.0.
- AP
- Advanced Placement: university-level courses and exams in American high schools.
- SAT / ACT
- US university admission tests.
- Brevet, Baccalauréat
- French national exams at about 15 and 18.
- Key Stage
- A stage of the British National Curriculum (Key Stages 1 to 4, then sixth form).
Sources
Checked in October 2026. Details change: always confirm with the school and the official bodies.
- Kenya: Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (kicd.ac.ke), Kenya National Examinations Council (knec.ac.ke), Ministry of Education, and news reports on Grade 10 pathways and the 8-4-4 phase-out (People Daily, The Standard, Education News).
- Cambridge: cambridgeinternational.org (Cambridge Pathway).
- Pearson Edexcel: qualifications.pearson.com.
- International Baccalaureate: ibo.org.
- French curriculum: aefe.fr and education.gouv.fr.
- England's National Curriculum and Key Stages: gov.uk.
- Montessori: Association Montessori Internationale (montessori-ami.org).