Guidelines for transition of learners from junior to senior school

The transition of learners to senior secondary school under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is a structured process designed to align students’ educational paths with their interests and abilities. Here’s an overview of how your child will be placed in senior school:

Assessment and Placement Criteria

At the end of Grade 9, learners will undertake the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2025. This assessment comprises:

20% from the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA)
20% from School-Based Assessments (SBAs) in Grades 7 and 8
60% from a summative evaluation at the end of Grade 9
The cumulative performance will guide placement into senior secondary schools.

Selection of Pathways and Schools

Learners will choose their preferred career pathways, which include:

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Targeting 60% of learners

Arts and Sports Science: Allocating 15% of learners

Social Sciences: Accommodating 25% of learners.

Based on these pathways, students will select a total of 12 schools:

First-choice pathway and track: 7 schools

Second-choice pathway and track: 3 schools

Third-choice pathway and track: 2 schools

Of these selections, nine will be boarding schools (four within the learner’s home county and five outside), and three will be day schools in their home sub-county or county.

Automated Admission Process

The Ministry of Education has implemented an automated system for the admission process.

Admission letters will be accessible online using the learner’s assessment number. To retrieve the admission letter:

✅Visit the Ministry’s official website: www.education.go.ke or www.kemis.education.go.ke

✅Enter the learner’s assessment number to view and download the admission letter.

✅Present the downloaded letter to the head teacher of the primary school for authentication.

✅The principal of the admitting school will verify the letter upon admission.

Considerations for Placement

The placement process aims to ensure equity and regional balance by considering:

Merit : Performance in the KJSEA

Choice : Learner’s selected schools and pathways

Quota System: Ensuring regional distribution and balancing public and private school candidates.

Additionally, no more than five learners from the same junior school will be placed in the same boarding school to promote diversity.

Special Provisions

Top Performers: The top two learners per gender in each STEM track per sub-county will be placed in a boarding school of their choice.

Learners with Special Needs: Candidates with higher achievement levels will be placed in schools that cater to their specific requirements.

This structured approach ensures that each learner transitions to a senior school environment that best suits their academic strengths and career aspirations.