Durham International School, which is one of the oldest schools in England, is set to open its first branch in Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.
The school, which will target Kenya's elite families, is located in the leafy suburbs of Thigiri and is expected to open in January 2021.
The school will offer the British curriculum and will start with nursery entry of children aged between two and six years.
"At Durham International Nursery and Pre-Prep School, children will be given the opportunities to enjoy their formative years through play-based activities both indoors and outdoors.
"At each stage of their education more structured activities will be introduced to ensure each child reaches their maximum potential," reads a part of the school's website.
The headteacher-elect, Susan Sue, stated that the school aimed at welcoming a diverse community of children with a range of cultural and educational backgrounds, languages, talents and abilities.
British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott, was delighted at the news of the being a former student of History at Durham Univeristy.
“Education links are a key part of the UK and Kenya’s relationship, and it’s fantastic to see Durham School being the first British school to open a branch in East Africa,” she stated.
Durham School was founded in 1414 was later re-founded by King Henry VIII of England in 1541.
It annouced its plans to enter the African education sector after the successful opening of Durham School for Girls in Doha, Qatar in September 2019.
Durham joins elite learning institutions such as Potterhouse School, Braeburn, Rosslyn Academy, Sabis, Kenton, German School, International School of Kenya, Peponi and St Andrew's Turi that offer similar learning environments in the country.
The annual fees for these institutions ranges from Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 600,000 for day scholars while those in boarding can pay up to Ksh 1.7 million in a year.
