Ages 
For some parents, ISU’s impressive grounds, spacious purpose-built facilities and the privileged company it keeps may make these trimmings rather a costly educational ‘extra’. The school’s academic strength, however, is the main attraction. That, for others, combined with the first rate music, drama and sports facilities, and its distinct but unpretentious air of opportunity, makes it the ideal educational combination.
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 550
- Curricula
- International
- SEN provision
- Mainstream with SEN support
- Pre school provision (up to 4)
- Yes
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- US$ 24,100 - US$ 36,300
Head of school
Head of school
Daniel Todd
Since 2025, Daniel Todd. He has worked at the school in a variety of roles for 20 years, serving as junior school principal for the last ten. A Brit, he has also taught in the UK and has a master's from the University of Bath.
Entrance
ISU is non- selective and attempts to accommodate all students, except those with extreme learning difficulties. Admittance is year-round. The school is not yet at its capacity of 705.
Exit
In 2025 the majority headed to USA universities including Fordham University, University of Arizona and Georgetown. UK destinations include King's College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds and Manchester. Also to Cyprus, Ireland,
Latest results
In 2025, average IBDP score of 30 (same as worldwide average).
In 2024, average IBDP score of 31.
Teaching & learning
In line with its commitment to a holistic approach to education and the development of a rounded individual, ISU provides the International Baccalaureate as its curriculum; consisting of the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the
- Curricula & qualifications
- International - International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
- International - International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- International - International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Learning support & SEN
Students with special needs of all kinds (ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Aspergers, Downs Syndrome) are well catered for at ISU. Optimal Learning Centre (OLC) exists for both junior and senior school, overseen by the director of student support services,
Language support
On initial application, non-native English speakers’ language level is assessed and English language immersion given (if required) to enable speedy accommodation.
From then on, additional help is provided by in-class assistants or by the school’s
Arts & extracurricular
ISU is equipped with first-rate sports facilities in its lush, extensive grounds, including basketball and tennis courts, an indoor climbing wall and two swimming pools. In the cut-throat sporting world of the Kampala International Schools Leagues,
Ethos & heritage
Situated 8km out of town in the green residential settlement of Lubowa, ISU has a beautiful, lush 33-acre campus dotted with large purpose-built classrooms. Flowers bloom everywhere and the premises are clean and well-maintained- this is a setting
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
ISU has a highly qualified team of student counsellors housed in the OLC, trained to anticipate and deal with a wide range of psychological and behavioural issues. Disciplinary matters are usually easily resolved amongst pupils and teachers
Classroom & community
There are over 60 nationalities at the school, with the major three groups being American, Ugandan, British, plus other European and East African. ISU is a fairly exclusive school, in part due to its clientele including diplomats, foreign aid
- School year
- August – June, with two terms
- School hours
- 7:50am – 3pm
- Student nationalities
- 25% Ugandan - 24% American - 8% British - 4% Canadian - 17% Rest of Europe - 11% Rest of Africa - 11% Rest of the World
- Student nationalities - total
- 52
- Uniform requirements
- No
Money matters
Parent-led and not-for profit, almost all of ISU’s income comes from tuition fees. A few small grants are received annually, with occasional larger ones to meet specific needs (such as the new science block). There is a full scholarship awarded to
- Annual fee range
- US$ 24,100 - US$ 36,300
- Fee information
- Application fee: US$ 250 (non-refundable)
Capital Levy Fee (once, non-refundable): US$ 6,000 (Grade 1 or above);
Bus, lunch
The last word
For some parents, ISU’s impressive grounds, spacious purpose-built facilities and the privileged company it keeps may make these trimmings rather a costly educational ‘extra’. The school’s academic strength, however, is the main attraction. That, for
Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- Council of International Schools (CIS)
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS or MSA)- Memberships
- AISA, ISSEA, WIDA. Registered by US State Department.
