As Kenya transitions fully into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), placement into Senior School for Grade 10 learners has become a critical milestone. In some cases, learners and parents may find it necessary to request a change of school before the official reporting date. The Ministry of Education has provided clear guidelines on how such replacements should be handled to ensure fairness, transparency, and adherence to school capacity limits.
Below is a detailed explanation of the approved process for changing Grade 10 school placement choices before admission.
#### Declaration of Vacancies by Schools
Senior schools that have available spaces will formally declare their vacancies through their respective County Directors of Education. Only schools with confirmed vacancies are eligible to receive replacement requests. This step ensures that transfers are managed within the approved capacity of each institution.
Submission of Transfer Requests
All requests for replacement must be submitted through the head of the learner’s Junior School. These requests should be made at least two weeks before the official Grade 10 reporting date. Direct applications by parents or learners to senior schools are not allowed, as the process must follow the established administrative channel.
Priority Consideration for Initial Choices
Learners who had initially selected the school they are requesting to transfer to are given priority. This guideline aims to respect the learner’s original preferences while maintaining fairness during the replacement process.
Approval Based on School Capacity
Approval of any transfer request depends on the documented capacity of the senior school, as verified by the Ministry of Education. Even if a vacancy is declared, the final decision must align with ministry assessments to prevent overcrowding and to maintain quality standards.
Access to Joining Instructions
Once a replacement request is approved, joining instructions will be accessed online through the official platform. Senior schools are not permitted to issue printed admission or joining letters for replacement cases. This measure promotes uniformity and reduces the risk of fraudulent documentation.
Important Notice on Replacement Policy
Replacement of a Grade 10 school placement is allowed only once and is irreversible. Parents and learners are therefore advised to make informed decisions before submitting a request, as no further changes will be permitted after approval
Final Advice to Parents and Learners
Changing a Grade 10 school placement is a regulated process designed to balance learner choice with institutional capacity. Parents, learners, and school administrators should ensure that all procedures and timelines are strictly followed to avoid disappointment or delays in admission.
