NDERITU: What’s next after high school?

As high school graduation draws near, students and parents across the world find themselves asking a familiar question: What’s next after high school? For students completing their KCSE, IGCSE, or O-Level qualifications, the dream of studying abroad is increasingly within reach but often requires an essential step many don’t initially expect: a foundation program.

Over the last decade, international higher education has become more accessible to families worldwide. Students are no longer limiting their aspirations to national universities. Instead, they are seeking opportunities in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, and Asia regions renowned for their academic excellence and diverse university offerings.

Yet, despite their ambition and hard work, many students quickly discover a roadblock: their local qualifications are not always enough for direct university entry abroad.

Why High School Qualifications Aren’t Always Enough

In countries such as the UK and Australia, IGCSE and KCSE are not considered terminal qualifications for undergraduate admission. While highly respected, they often fall short of direct university entry requirements. For instance, the IGCSE is a mid-secondary qualification, while the KCSE may require supplementary credentials or an additional foundation year.

This has led many academic institutions to recommend a bridging program known as the International Foundation Diploma (IFD), a structured academic year designed to prepare students both intellectually and practically for undergraduate studies overseas.

The International Foundation Diploma: A Game-Changer

The International Foundation Diploma, offered at Brookhurst International Schools, is one such program designed to meet the growing demand for a global academic bridge. Delivered under the accreditation of NCC Education, a UK-based awarding body, the IFD equips students with the skills, subject knowledge, and English proficiency needed for university-level study.

The Level 3 Foundation Diploma gives students access to over 100 universities worldwide while studying locally. It reduces the financial burden on families and offers a clear academic progression to a degree of the student’s choice.

The IFD is recognized by top universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, USA, Germany, France, Japan, Cyprus, and Ireland. It is also accepted by international campuses in Malaysia, China, Mauritius, Singapore, the UAE, and several other education hubs.

An Efficient, Focused Approach to University Preparation

The IFD is completed in just 30 weeks, divided across two semesters. It offers a faster route to university than traditional programs, covering core academic areas through a balance of lectures, coursework, and presentations.

For students, the transition is not only academic but also practical. The program emphasizes critical thinking, academic writing, and independent learning skills essential to thriving at the university level.

Former IFD student and University of Greenwich alumnus, Terer Kiprono, explains that the program gave him a structured foundation, with engaging and easy to follow material that helped him feel prepared for university life in the UK.

Brookhurst International Schools, with campuses in Lavington and Kiserian in Kenya, is the first institution in the country to offer the IFD under NCC accreditation. Both campuses provide a calm, secure, and focused academic environment perfect for students transitioning between high school and university life.

In addition to its facilities, Brookhurst is known for its seasoned faculty, many of whom bring international teaching experience to the classroom. The school’s goal is to help every student realize their academic potential while preparing them for a future beyond borders.

The IFD also presents significant cost savings. By completing the foundation year locally, families avoid the high cost of living and tuition associated with studying abroad immediately after high school, while still ensuring eligibility for undergraduate programs abroad.

To qualify for admission, students need passes in at least five IGCSE/O-Level/GCSE subjects including English and Mathematics (minimum grade C), or a mean grade of C- or higher in KCSE including passes in English and Mathematics. Applications are open to both local and international students, either online or by visiting Brookhurst campuses. 

Riqui Nderitu is the Outreach and Communications Lead at Brookhurst International Schools.