The Aga Khan High School, Kampala

Admissions

Entry to the Aga Khan High School is selective, regardless of background or gender, and is entirely merit based.

Entry Requirements

For entry to the Ugandan O-level (S1), students require a score of 15 points or better in the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE). For Year 7 entry, prospective candidates sit for an entrance test or have passed SAT-2 or CIPAT exams with a minimum of 12 or 10 points respectively. For A-level and IB Diploma entry, the student must have at least a Division 2 in UCE (35 aggregates) or 5A*- C grades (to include Mathematics and English) in IGCSE with a minimum B grade, in the chosen subjects for Higher Level study (three subjects). Maths and Physics HL require minimum A grade. Equivalence for UCE needs to be confirmed for IB entry. The Head of the previous school must vouch for good conduct. Notable achievement in non-academic activities is an advantage.

Admission to the UCE/UACE Courses

The academic year for national courses begins after the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination results are announced in January and March respectively.

As soon as these results are released, parents should request for admission from the school's, Admissions Office by presenting original copies of pass slips, and for students joining in Senior 2 and 3, copies of the last two school report cards.

Admission to the IGCSE and IB Course

The IGCSE course begins each September with transfer from international primary schools at the end of Year 6, when pupils are expected to be about 11 years old. An entrance test in English, Science and Mathematics is administered for students who wish to join from other education systems.

The IB diploma course also begins each September, normally following completion of IGCSE examinations in May-June of the same year. Applications are accepted beginning in February of the year of admission. Candidates may be accepted based on their mock examination results, although final IGCSE results are usually considered. All candidates are interviewed to ascertain their awareness of the IB programme and suitability for it.

Diploma students choose three subjects* at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Subject choices are based on performance and interests: for HL Subjects at least a B grade at IGCSE and for SL subjects at least a C grade is required. *Courses offered may vary from year to year, as the School strives to meet the needs of its students.

Transfer from Other Schools

Students transferring mid-course must provide necessary information and may be required to sit for an entrance test and/or interview. A recommendation of good conduct and a leaving certificate from the previous school are necessary. Individual arrangements are made to place the student in the most appropriate class, if a place is available.

Application Forms

Application forms are available from the Head of Admissions [ Write to Head of Admissions ]. The following documents must be attached to the completed application form:

• Copy of birth certificate
• Two passport-sized photographs of the applicant
• Copy of School Leaving Certificate from previous school
• Copies of recent Progress Report cards from the previous class, issued by the last school attended
• Copy of previous public exam results (UNEB, Cambridge or equivalent)

Note: The originals of all forms and certificates may be inspected.

Parents’ Guide

Upon successful admission to the School, the parent/guardian must sign an Obligations Form (addressing fee payment, student withdrawal, absence from school and conditions for promotion). There is also a School Regulations Form, signed by both the student and parent/guardian, establishing expected student conduct during the course of study. The Computer User Policy is another document (addressing use of computers, software and Internet in school) signed by the student and the parent/guardian. Note that entry also requires the parent/guardian to be physically present when the admission offer is accepted.

The School sets a standard minimum grade attainment for promotion to the next class. This is presently:

• Division 2 or better in UCE
• 5A*-C (inclusive of Mathematics and English)
• Grade D average in UACE (10 points or better)
• 21 points in IB Diploma (excluding bonus points)

The maximum class size is 35 for national streams and 25 for international streams. The overall student-teacher ratio is about 11:1. This allows educators to effectively monitor each student’s progress.