What Parents and Students Should Know About Senior School Categories Under CBC

Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) at the senior school level (Grades 10–12) introduces structured pathways, subjects, and school types designed to align learning with students’ talents and future career goals.

To transition to senior school, Grade 9 learners must first sit for the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA).

The assessment, administered by KNEC, will contribute 60 percent of the final mark, with school-based assessments accounting for 40 percent.

Placement in senior schools will depend on performance and alignment with career pathways.

Academic Pathways

At senior school, learners will take seven subjects: four core subjects—English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), Community Service Learning, and Physical Education—and three additional subjects from their chosen pathway.

The three CBC pathways are:

• Arts and Sports Science: Tracks in Performing Arts, Sports, and Visual Arts.
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Tracks in Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Technology & Engineering, and Career & Technical Studies (CTS).
• Social Sciences: Tracks in Humanities & Business Studies, and Languages & Literature.

Also Read: Explained: How Learners Are Selected for Grade 10 School Placement

Senior School Categories Under CBC

Senior schools will be either triple pathway institutions, offering all three routes, or double pathway schools, offering two combinations such as STEM with Arts and Sports (STEAMS) or STEM with Social Sciences (STEMS).

Accommodation models include day schools (commuting learners) and hybrid schools (some boarding, some commuting).

Schools may also be single-sex or mixed, with specialized institutions for learners with special needs, including vocational senior schools.

Currently, senior schools still fall under the traditional four-tier categorization:

• C1 – National
• C2 – Extra County
• C3 – County
• C4 – Sub-County

However, under CBC, this categorization is expected to gradually phase out as placement shifts to focus on pathways rather than prestige.

Beyond senior school, learners can progress to tertiary institutions to pursue arts, sports science, humanities, STEM, technical studies, or vocational training, preparing them for a future world of work.

The Ministry of Education emphasized that this structure is designed to provide flexibility, inclusivity, and career readiness, ensuring that every learner has a path tailored to their strengths and ambitions.

Also Read: How to Transfer Student from One School to Another Under CBC

Automated Placement System

The Grade 10 placement will be supported by an automated system designed to ensure fairness and efficiency.

Teachers will provide critical input by offering insights into each learner’s potential, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Academic performance, as reflected in grades and test scores, will play a central role in determining subject eligibility. In addition, learners’ personal interests—identified through career exploration assessments—will guide subject selection and pathway choices.

The system features modifiable controls to accommodate unique cases, while data processing and continuous monitoring ensure accuracy and transparency in placements.

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