British Elite School Wellington College to Set Up First Africa Campus in Kenya

Wellington College, which is one of the most well-known private schools in the UK, is to set up its first campus in Kenya.

The new establishment will be known as Wellington College International Kenya and will be set up in Tatu City, with construction scheduled to begin in December 2026 and be opened in September 2028.

The announcement was made by Preston Mendenhall, the Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Country Head of Rendeavour, during an event held at Tatu City.

Rendeavour is the developer behind Tatu City, one of Kenya’s largest mixed-use developments.

“Receiving a top British education no longer requires sending children to the United Kingdom. Wellington College International Kenya offers a blend of academic rigour and extra-curricular activities and amenities found only at the finest independent schools,” Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, said.

Kenya Expands Elite International Education Landscape

Wellington College International Kenya has been created as a result of cooperation between Rendeavour and Wellington College, merging the rich educational legacy of the British college and the know-how of Rendeavour to develop modern cities in Africa.

The institution will be the second one of its kind in Africa, created by Rendeavour after Wellington College International Lagos, which successfully opened in Nigeria.

At the moment, Tatu City houses other international schools like Crawford International School and Nova Pioneer, making the development an education center under construction for families interested in international education in Kenya.

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The new campus will operate as a co-educational day and boarding school serving pupils aged between three and 18 years.

It is expected to provide an international curriculum designed for families in Kenya, across Africa, and globally.

The institution will bring Wellington College’s distinctive approach to East Africa, focusing on academic achievement, character development, well-being, leadership, creativity, and global citizenship.

“Wellington College is a place like no other, and our mission is to provide an education like no other,” James Dahl, 15th Master of Wellington College, said.

A Legacy School With Global Reach

Founded in England, Wellington College traces its origins back more than 170 years.

The founding school in Crowthorne, England, was opened by Queen Victoria in 1859 under a Royal Charter as a memorial to Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington.

The school has developed a reputation for combining academic excellence with personal development and a broad range of co-curricular activities.

The institution was the first school in the United Kingdom to formally recognise student wellbeing as essential to academic success and personal development.

The school has reported strong academic outcomes, with 92 per cent of students achieving A–B grades at A Level or scores of 7–5 in the International Baccalaureate.

It has also been recorded that 42% of GCSE grades awarded were grade 9.

Beyond academics, Wellington highlights a strong global community, with more than 6,500 pupils and parents connected through its professional and social network.

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Modern Learning Environment at Tatu City Campus

The Wellington College International Kenya school will be built in Tatu City, which is growing very fast and provides housing for business, family, educational, and recreational purposes, located just outside Nairobi.

The new learning facility is set to enjoy the facilities provided by Tatu City, such as walking and cycling tracks, green areas, parks, and interaction with nature.

Pupils will have the opportunity to participate in sport, music, arts, and other co-curricular activities that would contribute to their holistic education.

Wellington College International Kenya school will become part of the global Wellington College network, which currently includes schools in various countries such as the United Kingdom, China, India, and Thailand.

The total number of students who use the Wellington College education network currently is about 10,000.

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Tatu city developed by Rendeavour in Kenya. PHOTO/ File