Ages 
Large school with a stunning, spacious campus, but a better reason for choosing AKA is its International Baccalaureate programme - touted loudly up and down the coast - and the serious approach to education at all levels. Mombasa’s AKA has benefited from significant cash advances and its ‘new’ style attitude to education. There is a pleasing internationality about the place, excellently qualified, well-paid staff from many cultures, plus an excellent staff training programme offered through the IB scheme. Gives the feel of being truly multi-faith and welcoming in its outlook.
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 647
- Curricula
- International
- SEN provision
- SEN considered case by case
- Offers boarding
- Boarding available
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- KES 537,140 - KES 3,058,000
Head of school
Head of academy
Colin Webster
Since August 2023, Colin Webster; an experienced school leader and educator with over 25 years of experience and vast knowledge of the International Baccalaureate and the programmes it encompasses. Previously, Colin served in various leadership
Entrance
Entrance tests in English and maths. School currently developing new range of assessments aiming to take top 10 per cent of academic students who also show leadership potential and outstanding ethical/moral values. It is possible to join during the
Exit
In 2024, uni destinations included: Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Carleton University, Concordia University, Huron University College, McGill University, McMaster University, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, University of
Latest results
In 2024, IB average 37.
Teaching & learning
The curriculum follows the primary years programme, middle years programme and International Baccalaureate. Policy of dual-language instruction starting in grade 1: English (intended lingua franca across network of Aga Khan Academies) combined with
- Curricula & qualifications
- International - International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
- International - International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- International - International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Learning support & SEN
Called 'student support'. There is currently one teacher and two assistants. Bearing in mind that the academies are intended for exceptional students, one assumes in the future they’ll be dealing with the gifted children rather than children with
Language support
Generally, the students speak Swahili and English.
Arts & extracurricular
About 100 children play instruments, and although there’s currently no instructor for strings, a school band and woodwind ensemble are starting up and there are plenty of music rooms for practising.
Presidential Award offered.
Usually two
Sport
Sports, the usual ones played in Kenyan schools, are compulsory and a reasonable percentage of students play on teams (slightly more boys than girls). The school seems to hold its own in the local leagues.
Boarders
Mombasa AKA is a residential school. In the boarding houses, four students share a room and communal facilities include student lounge with a large-screen television, dedicated study areas and a laundry facility. The school eventually aims to be 75
Ethos & heritage
Based since 2003 near the Likoni ferry on the south end of Mombasa Island. There are those who feel that the site is a drawback, in that getting to it during rush hours can be stressful, but the school offers a highly successful bus service from
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Strong: the student handbook is enough to make anybody sit up straight, eg mobile phones aren’t allowed at all without special permission. A student is selected to be overall pastoral leader in the secondary school and there’s a leader for each year
Classroom & community
Pupils come from all over – many from the expat community (including Russian, South African, Indian, Canadian, American, European, British) but the majority from East Africa notably Kenya and Uganda. Lots of parental interest in the school, with a
- School year
- Mid August – early July, with three terms
- School hours
- 7:45am – 4pm depending on year group
- Student nationalities
- (61%) Kenyan, (6%)Tanzanians , (9%) Indians, (11%) Ugandan, (4%) Tajiks, (5%) Pakistanis, (2%) Americans, (2%) British
- Student nationalities - total
- 30
- Uniform requirements
- Yes
Money matters
In keeping with AKA goals of providing 'an outstanding education to exceptional students from diverse backgrounds', they intend to select students of promise, good character and serious intent regardless of family’s financial standing. The idea is
- Annual fee range
- KES 537,140 - KES 3,058,000
The last word
Large school with a stunning, spacious campus, but a better reason for choosing AKA is its International Baccalaureate programme - touted loudly up and down the coast - and the serious approach to education at all levels. Mombasa’s AKA has benefited
Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- Authorised by International Baccalaureate Organization (not to be confused as an inspection or accreditation agency)
None (school may be licensed, or may be "inspected" by its own owner, but it is not independently accredited or inspected by recognised agency or organisation)- Memberships
- AISA. Owned by Aga Khan Academies.
