The transition of learners from Junior Secondary School (Grade 9) to Senior School (Grade 10) under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya is a critical phase. Placement is no longer solely based on marks but on a comprehensive set of factors, including aptitude, choice, merit, and equity. This guide details the criteria, special quotas, and subjects that govern placement into the three distinct Senior School Pathways in Kenya.
What is Grade 10 Senior School Placement?
Grade 10 Senior School placement is the process by which learners are assigned to a specific educational institution and one of three specialization Pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Science. This process follows the successful completion of Junior School, culminating in the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA).
Eligibility: Who is Placed in Senior School?
All learners who have completed Grade 9 and sat for the KJSEA are eligible for placement into Senior School. The placement process aims to align the learner’s academic profile and interests with the appropriate pathway and school.
5 Key Criteria for Senior School Placement in Kenya
Placement into Grade 10 is a multifaceted decision based on five core pillars, ensuring a holistic transition for every learner:
- Learner’s Choice: This is paramount, covering the learner’s selection of Pathways, specific Tracks, desired Subject Combinations, and preferred Schools. Learners select a total of 12 schools: 3 day schools within their local sub-county, 3 boarding schools in their home county, and 6 boarding schools outside their home county.
- Merit: Academic performance is measured holistically:
- KJSEA (Summative Assessment in Grade 9): Accounts for 60% of the final placement score.
- School-Based Assessments (SBA) (Grades 7 and 8): Accounts for 20%.
- Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) (Grade 6): Accounts for the remaining 20%.
- Psychometric Tests: These tests are conducted by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the schools to gauge the learner’s aptitude, interest, and talent identification. They include cognitive, personality, and aptitude components to align learners with the most suitable pathways.
- Equity: This factor involves Regional Balancing and affirmative action to ensure fair access for all learners, particularly those from marginalized areas.
- School Capacity: Placement is limited by the availability of space and resources in the respective schools applied for.
Special Quotas and High Achievers’ Placement
The placement system includes specific quotas per sub-county to ensure top-performing learners secure boarding places in schools of their choice:
| Pathway Track | Placement Quota (Per Gender, Per Sub-County) | Target Schools |
| STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) | Top 6 learners per gender | Boarding schools of choice |
| Social Sciences | Top 3 learners per gender | Boarding schools of choice |
| Arts & Sports Science | Top 2 learners per gender | Boarding schools of choice |
Furthermore, candidates with an Achievement Level averaging 7 and 8 per track (corresponding to ‘Very Good’ and ‘Exceptional’ performance in the KJSEA grading system) are placed in boarding schools of their choice.
Features and Subject Structure in Senior School
Upon placement, learners embark on a specialized curriculum across Grades 10, 11, and 12. All students must study seven subjects in total.
Core Subjects (4 Mandatory Subjects for All)
These subjects ensure a broad foundation regardless of the chosen pathway:
- English
- Kiswahili/KSL (Kenyan Sign Language)
- Core Mathematics/Essential Mathematics
- Community Service Learning (CSL)
Elective Subjects (2-3 Subjects from the Chosen Pathway)
Learners select a minimum of two and a maximum of three subjects from their specific pathway.
| Pathway | Examples of Elective Subjects |
| STEM | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Computer Studies, Home Science, Aviation, Building Construction, Metalwork, Wood Technology, Marine and Fisheries Technology |
| Social Sciences | Literature in English, Indigenous Languages, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, Arabic, French, Business Studies, History and Citizenship, Geography, Religious Education |
| Arts & Sports Science | Sports and Recreation, Music and Dance, Theatre and Film, Fine Arts |
Lesson Distribution and Time Allocation (40 Minutes per Lesson)
The total number of lessons per week is capped at 40. Each lesson has a standard duration of 40 minutes.
| Subject Category | Subject | No of Lessons Per Week |
| Core Subjects | English, Kiswahili, Core/Essential Mathematics, CSL | 18 (5 lessons each for English/Kiswahili/Maths, 3 for CSL) |
| Elective Subjects | Elective 1, Elective 2, Elective 3 | 15 (5 lessons each) |
| Integrated/Support | Physical Education, ICT Skills, P/RPI (Religious Instruction), Learner Personal/Group Study | 7 (3 for PE, 2 for ICT, 1 for P/RPI, 1 for Study) |
| Total Lessons | 40 |
How to Apply and Access Placement Results
Learners indicate their preferred Pathway, Subject Combinations, and Schools through a national digital selection system.
- Online Portal: The selection process is managed via the Ministry of Education’s digital platform.
- Accessing Results: Placement results are published online, and admission letters/joining instructions shall be accessed using the learner’s assessment number.
- School Admission: All schools, both public and private, shall process Grade 10 admissions through the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS).
Summary of Key Takeaways
The Grade 10 placement process in Kenya is guided by Learner Choice, Merit (60% KJSEA, 20% SBA, 20% KPSEA), Psychometric Tests, Equity, and School Capacity. Top performers secure boarding slots through defined quotas (e.g., Top 6 per gender for STEM track in a sub-county). All students in Senior School will study four core subjects and 2–3 electives from their specialized pathway (STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Science) over a structured 40-lesson week of 40-minute lessons.
