Senior School Admission : CBE Transition
Overview of CBE Grade 10 Admissions (2026) Senior School
The Competency-Based Education (CBE) in Kenya signifies a notable transformation in education, with the 2025 Grade 9 admissions serving as the first transition of students into Senior School (Grade 10). Students finishing Grade 9 in 2025 KJSEA assessment, they will be allocated to one of three Senior School pathways:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Sports Science
The Ministry of Education will handle admissions using a centralized placement system that takes into account student performance, preferences, and school capacity.
Starehe Girls Centre’s Preparedness
Starehe Girls’ Centre is a three tier pathway school offering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Social Sciences & Arts and Sports Science. The School has made significant investments to align its infrastructure, curriculum, and staff training to comply with CBE requirements.
- Infrastructure Development: The school has resources for and infrastructure to support the three pathways, which include improved science and technology laboratories for STEM, and sports amenities to support the new cohort.
- Teacher Training: The Centre has retooled teachers with TSC support for comprehensive CBE-oriented professional development for teachers, highlighting learner-centered pedagogy, competency evaluation, and interdisciplinary instruction. Collaborations with educational institutions guarantee continuous training.
- Curriculum Alignment: Curriculum Alignment: Starehe Girls will offer all three Senior School pathways, which has been approved by the Ministry of Education, (CBE Approved Pathways) with customized subject combinations. The curriculum incorporates practical skills, innovation, and community engagement, aligning with CBE’s focus on holistic development.
- Admission Process: The Centre will implement its own policy , which will take into account the fact that three-quarters of the students are sponsored from impoverished backgrounds, while one-quarter are self-supported. This policy will be in accordance with national placement guidelines. Furthermore, the school may supplement its admission criteria with interviews or talent assessments. The primary objective is to promote the pursuit of STEM by girls, thereby addressing the gender disparities that exist in these disciplines.
- Support Systems: The Centre is investing resources to enhance orientation programs, career counseling, and mentorship to facilitate the transition for Grade 10 entrants. It will collaborate with industries and academic institutions to offer valuable exposure opportunities, students from a variety of backgrounds.
Challenges and Opportunities
Starehe Girls is preparing to provide a smooth transition despite potential logistical issues, such as high demand for limited spaces, because to its strategic planning and collaboration with stakeholders. The school’s dedication to CBE’s mission to encourage originality, analysis, and flexibility demonstrates its preparedness to produce strong women leaders in Kenya.
Starehe Girls Centre demonstrates proactive adaptation to CBE reforms, ensuring that its 2025 cohort receives a strong, future-ready education linked with national objectives.