Preparing for School Admissions: A Practical Checklist for Parents

The short answer: start a term or two before your child joins, gather the documents most schools ask for, confirm each school's own steps and deadlines, and get every fee and condition in writing before you accept an offer.

When to start

Popular schools may fill places early. As a rule of thumb, start looking one or two terms before your child is due to join, and earlier for entry points such as PP1, Grade 1, Grade 7 or Grade 10. Each school sets its own dates, so ask.

Step 1: Shortlist and enquire

• Shortlist three to five schools — see how to choose the right school.
• Contact each school and ask: When does admission open? What are the steps? Is there a deadline? Is there a fee to apply?

On FindSchoolKenya you can send an enquiry from each school's profile without creating an account.

Step 2: Gather documents

Schools differ, but commonly ask for:

1. Your child's birth certificate (copy).
2. Recent passport-size photos.
3. The latest school report or progress record.
4. A leaving certificate or transfer letter from the current school, when moving.
5. Immunisation or medical records, and details of any allergies or conditions.
6. Parent or guardian ID copies and contact details.
7. For older learners, assessment results or a learner identification number, where applicable.

Ask each school for its exact list. Keep copies of everything in one folder.

Step 3: Assessments and interviews

Some schools assess children or meet parents before offering a place. Ask:

• What does the assessment cover, and how long does it take?
• Is there a fee?
• Will parents meet the head teacher?

Prepare your child gently: explain what will happen, and avoid making it feel like an exam they can fail.

Step 4: Visit

If you haven't visited yet, do so before accepting. Use our questions to ask before enrolling.

Step 5: Review the offer

Before you accept, check in writing:

• The full fee structure for your child's grade — see comparing school fees.
• One-time charges, deposits, and whether any are refundable.
• The deadline to accept and what happens if you withdraw.
• The uniform and items list, and where to buy them.
• The first day, reporting time and what to bring.

Step 6: Prepare your child

• Visit the school together if possible.
• Practise the morning routine and the journey.
• Label uniform and belongings.
• Talk about what will be new, and listen to their worries.

Public school placement

For public schools, especially at Grade 7 (Junior School) and Grade 10 (Senior School), placement follows Ministry of Education processes and timelines. Check official announcements for the current year.

Keep a simple tracker

For each school: date enquired, documents sent, assessment date, outcome, offer deadline, fees confirmed. It prevents missed deadlines.

Start your shortlist on Find a School.