A Parent's Guide to Choosing Junior School in Kenya

The short answer: Junior School covers Grades 7, 8 and 9 under Kenya's Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). When choosing one, check which subjects and facilities it offers for these grades, how far it is, what it costs, and the current placement or admission steps — and confirm official rules with the Ministry of Education.

Editor's note (remove before publishing): confirm every policy point against current Ministry of Education and KICD publications.

What is Junior School?

Under CBC, learning is organised as Pre-Primary (PP1–PP2), Primary (Grades 1–6), Junior School (Grades 7–9) and Senior School (Grades 10–12). Junior School is the first part of secondary-level learning. Read more on our JSS and Senior Schools page.

Where Junior School is offered

Junior School classes may be hosted in different kinds of institutions. Ask the school directly where its Grade 7–9 classes are located and taught, and who teaches them.

What to check when choosing

• Subjects offered for Grades 7–9, including optional subjects.
• Specialist teachers for these grades.
• Science, computer and practical facilities that Junior School learners will use.
• Distance and transport — see evaluating transport.
• Full fees for Grade 7, 8 and 9 — see comparing school fees.
• How the school prepares learners for assessments at the end of Junior School and for Senior School pathways.

Placement and admission

Placement rules and timelines are set by the Ministry of Education and can change. Check the latest official guidance and ask each school about its own admission steps.

Next steps

Shortlist schools offering Grade 7 near you on Find a School, and use our admissions checklist.