Nairobi School is a public boys’ secondary institution located in Nairobi. It is categorized as a regular school within the Ministry of Education Senior School structure. As with many established schools in Kenya, learners typically attend on a boarding basis, although Ministry categorization does not explicitly state the boarding status.
The school is in Cluster C1 for CBC Senior School classification. Nairobi School offers multiple subject pathways to suit diverse learner strengths and future career interests.
Understanding the CBC Senior School System
Kenya’s Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) places students into three-year Senior School learning (Grades 10, 11 and 12). This stage prepares learners for specialization and future studies or work opportunities.
Senior Schools select from the following pathways:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
- Social Sciences
- Arts & Sports
Each learner chooses a subject combination that forms their specialization. Performance, interests and career goals should guide these choices.
CBC Grade 10 Subject Combinations at Nairobi School
Nairobi School offers a wide selection of combinations across:
- 48 STEM options
- 9 Social Sciences options
- 3 Arts & Sports options
Below is a structured breakdown to help families explore the choices.
STEM Pathway
This pathway suits learners strong in mathematics, sciences and hands-on technical skills. It can lead to engineering, health sciences, ICT, aviation, agricultural science, architecture, and technical trades.
Subject categories available include:
Pure Sciences
Examples:
- Core Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry
- Core Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics
- Core Mathematics, Computer Studies, Physics
- Core Mathematics, Agriculture, Chemistry
- Biology, Chemistry, Computer Studies
- Core Mathematics, Business Studies, Physics
- Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry
- Aviation, Chemistry, Core Mathematics
- Aviation, Physics, Core Mathematics
- Electricity, Physics with Core Mathematics
- Power Mechanics with Physics or Chemistry
These options are ideal for students aiming toward technical university courses like medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy, engineering and physical sciences.
Applied Sciences
Examples:
- Agriculture, Business Studies, General Science
- Aviation, Computer Studies, Geography
- Agriculture, Computer Studies, General Science
- Agriculture, Computer Studies, Power Mechanics
- Business Studies, Computer Studies, Electricity
- Computer Studies, General Science, Geography
Applied science is best for learners targeting middle-level engineering fields, environmental studies, ICT support, agribusiness and logistics.
Technical Studies
Examples:
- Core Mathematics, General Science, Wood Work
- Business Studies, General Science, Metal Work
- Business Studies, Physics, Power Mechanics
- Computer Studies, General Science, Wood Work
- Core Mathematics, Electricity, General Science
- Metal Work with General Science or Business Studies
- Power Mechanics with Mathematics or General Science
These combinations support skilled trades, TVET progression, industrial training, design and mechanical production careers.
Social Sciences Pathway
This pathway is strong for learners who excel in languages, humanities and cultural studies.
Subject clusters offered:
Languages & Literature
Examples:
- Fasihi ya Kiswahili, Indigenous Language, Literature in English
- Business Studies, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, Literature in English
- French, German, History & Citizenship
- CRE, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, Indigenous Language
- Fasihi ya Kiswahili, History & Citizenship, Literature in English
These support careers in media, translation, teaching, law, international relations and communications.
Humanities & Business Studies
Examples:
- CRE, German, History & Citizenship
- Computer Studies, History & Citizenship, Islamic Religious Education
- Business Studies, Computer Studies, Islamic Religious Education
- CRE, French, History & Citizenship
These lead toward public service, academia, entrepreneurship, digital administration and social sciences fields.
Arts & Sports Science Pathway
Best for creative and physically talented learners.
Subject combinations:
- Business Studies, General Science, Sports & Recreation
- Computer Studies, Fine Arts, Theatre & Film
- Fine Arts, Music & Dance, Sports & Recreation
These combinations can lead toward sports coaching, performance arts, media production, digital design, and recreation management.
Which Pathway Should a Learner Choose?
Parents can guide Grade 9 students by considering:
✔ Strengths in mathematics and science → STEM
✔ Interest in languages, culture or history → Social Sciences
✔ Creative talent or sports excellence → Arts & Sports
A helpful approach is to reflect on:
- Subjects the learner consistently enjoys
- Career ambitions they show interest in
- Practical skills and natural abilities (technical, leadership, artistic, athletic)
Discussing options with teachers during transition helps ensure the pathway aligns with the learner’s potential.
Admission Considerations for Families
While specific processes may vary year to year, families can generally expect:
- Placement guided by the Ministry of Education and Junior School performance
- School category and capacity influencing selection
- STEM pathway often requiring stronger grades in Science and Mathematics
- Boarding considerations such as distance from home and pocket money needs
Parents should plan early for transition, including documentation, fees arrangements and subject decisions.
Why Choose Nairobi School?
Nairobi School offers:
- A broad array of over 60 distinct subject combinations
- All three major CBC pathways for boys
- Options that can lead to both university and TVET career routes
- Strong grounding in both STEM and humanities fields
Its location in Nairobi also makes accessibility easier for many families across the city and surrounding counties.
