We believe that how students learn is as important as what they learn. At Durham, children explore and discover, create and innovate, question and problem solve, and work together and individually, as they discover their talents, passions and interests.
We make school a fun and exciting place for students, with the understanding that academic achievement and enjoyment of childhood go hand in hand. Our innovative teachers create learning opportunities designed to be enjoyable, engaging, challenging and motivating.
We also offer a rich and diverse co-curricular programme, with opportunities that enrich and develop the individual, and foster skills like leadership, creativity, collaboration and teamwork.
Students at Durham discover a love of lifelong learning, and develop the skills they need to thrive in a diverse and changing world.
Our beautiful Thigiri location offers modern classrooms, sports facilities, dedicated activity spaces, play areas and natural resources, creating a wide variety of learning environments.
Inside, our classrooms feature educational technology like interactive digital screens, and students enjoy learning with computers, tablets and tools that prepare them for future success. Teachers also incorporate our natural environment, from moving lessons outside to learning about local plants, insects and wildlife.
Students enjoy lessons in our heated swimming pool and on our tennis court, and take part in both PE and independent play on our sports field. We also have several dedicated play areas, from the playground to special spaces for Little Durham and Playgroup.
Make an appointment to visit the school and tour our facilities in person
Our Teaching staff are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and self-confidence through warm positive relationships. Little Durham provides a stage for lifelong learning by encouraging the development of positive educational and social skills that children will master as they grow.
There are many benefits to giving your child a head-start in their school journey. Sending your child to Little Durham will foster:
At Durham our number one priority is the wellbeing and happiness of every student. We welcome a diverse community from all over the world, with a range of cultural and educational backgrounds, languages, talents and abilities.
There is a strong and supportive pastoral framework running through the school. Class teachers and teaching assistants take a close interest in every individual’s pastoral welfare, fostering a sense of belonging and self-confidence through warm positive relationships, and providing the best possible start in life for students to fulfil their potential.
For any inquiries or further information about Durham School, contact us.
Our team is ready to assist you with any questions you may have.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our school community.
Contact Us chevron_rightCo-curricular learning is an important part of every school day at Durham. Our extensive programme offers students opportunities to explore their interests and talents, from sports and arts, to languages and trips off of school grounds. These activities help students develop valuable skills like teamwork, leadership, and creativity, while also fostering a sense of belonging and community.
We are committed to providing a holistic education that prepares students for life beyond school. Our broad range of co-curricular activities ensures that every student can discover their passions, develop essential life skills, appreciate the arts and culture, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Durham offers students a world-class swim programme in our onsite heated pool. This bespoke facility was designed and custom built to offer learner-friendly facilities, like deck-level sides and wide entry steps, that make it the perfect place to learn to swim and to develop correct stroke action. Swimming classes are provided during school time as part of the school’s PE programme as well as an after school Swim Club.
Through exciting art activities, students develop both their talent as artists and their appreciation for art in the world around them. Pupils gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to experiment and invent, increasing their sense of achievement and self-confidence.
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. At Durham, our music classes engage students, inspiring them to perform, listen to and enjoy music across a range of genres, styles and traditions.
Playing football offers not only individual skills development but also the opportunity to be part of a team and to develop life skills like responsibility and leadership within the supportive team environment. Durham has partnered with Skillz FC Football to offer academy level coaching at the school.
Through dance, students are challenged to develop their physical skills, practice coordinated movement, remember routines and work together with their class peers, all while being active and having fun. We also offer ballet lessons during the school day, laying the foundations for students who are passionate about dance!
Drama provides students with endless opportunities to express themselves creatively and gain confidence in their own performance. Students enjoy role playing and drama activities in their class as well as the opportunity to explore a more dedicated approach with the Helen O’Grady Speech and Drama Academy, which offers a curriculum built around creative communication.
All students at Durham enjoy weekly lessons in Kiswahili, and we offer learning programmes for French, German, Mandarin, Gujarati and Dutch. Starting from a young age, children are intrinsically better language learners, and introducing foreign languages is also a wonderful way to promote appreciation for other cultures and reinforce phonological skills.
Tennis is offered on our own tennis court and it is a favourite co-curricular activity among all age groups at Durham. Tennis is a fun social activity that develops hand eye coordination, improves focus and tactical thinking as well as range of movement and agility.
Gymnastics is an exciting activity for students, and a fun way for them to get active while develop physical strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. As they work to master new skills and movements, they learn to persevere and celebrate their achievements.
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We’ve partnered with nearby Muthaiga Golf Club to offer students an early start in perfecting their swing. Golf is a wonderful sport for building hand-eye coordination and developing gross motor skills, and is also an excellent skill to develop for their future success.
In karate, students learn fundamental forms and gain a sense of accomplishment as they progress in their skills. They develop discipline, focus, and respect, whilst improving coordination, strength, and flexibility.
We’re thrilled to offer cooking lessons, which allow students to prepare a dish from start to finish. This is a fun, hands-on activity that reinforces maths concepts, encourages critical thinking, develops fine motor skills and introduces important nutritional knowledge.
In Yoga, students enjoy interactive and story-driven sessions, and benefit from the introduction of mindfulness concepts. Through focusing on the movements and poses, pupils reset and relax, master new skills, and build a positive self image, learning to love their bodies and what they are capable of.
With the school’s close proximity to Karura Forest, Durham has built into the curriculum an environmental morning in Karura Forest each term. It is one of the most enjoyed days as the students get to engage with the natural environment of the forest in a hands-on and thoughtful manner allowing them to develop their relationship with the natural world through self-discovery and problem-solving.
In FS2, children eagerly embrace increased challenges with a curriculum rich in reading, writing, and mathematics. Structured activities create a vibrant environment where whole-class teaching, small-group activities, partner work, and play balance learning.
Key elements include systematic phonics, spelling, handwriting, vocabulary development, and listening comprehension. Hands-on activities in math foster understanding and fluency in counting, numbers, and problem-solving. Scientific investigations encourage inquiry and experimentation, spurring curiosity about how things work.
At Durham Kenya, we focus on foundational skills in reading, writing, vocabulary, and numeracy, including daily phonics. After Early Years Foundation Stage, students transition seamlessly to Key Stage One (KS1) for ages 5 to 7.
KS1 introduces a more formal approach, especially in Year 1, while still incorporating play. This phase nurtures individuality, creativity, and independent thinking.
Our core values—honesty, perseverance, respect, and kindness—along with a strong community sense, ensure consistent learning and development throughout the Pre-Prep and Prep School years.
Key Stage 2 (KS2) at Durham Kenya, for ages 7-11, equips students with a broad and deep knowledge base. Building on prior learning, KS2 fosters strengths, challenges each student, and encourages initiative, curiosity, and risk-taking.
Students engage in experiences that promote idea application, decision-making, planning, and progress evaluation. Independence and responsibility are emphasized, with students experimenting, learning from mistakes, and collaborating. Self-esteem, self-confidence, emotional management, and effective interaction skills are also key focuses, enhancing their overall learning.
We fully understand how important the decision is when choosing your child’s school and we are committed to ensuring that their first experience of education is one filled with happiness and learning.
Please contact our friendly Admissions Team to make an appointment to visit our school.
Email: admissions@durhamkenya.com
Tel: 0700-DURHAM (0700-387426)
