About Us
Our Aims & Ethos
‘Throughout the school pupils benefit from the strong emphasis on valuing the individual child within the context of a school that has a strong family and community ethos.’
- SIS Inspection Report, 2018
Pembroke House is a unique British boarding school in the heart of Kenya. We are a small, multicultural school of around 200 pupils, and cater for boys and girls aged 6 months - 13 years. We have a 90 year history of private education in East Africa, and our focus is on developing well-rounded, happy, independent, polite and confident pupils. Our Head is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) and we follow the British Common Entrance curriculum. Our pupils go on to top international schools in the UK, Kenya and elsewhere around the world, with a high percentage achieving scholarships and awards to their next schools. We also have a large Learning Support department, which ensures we recognise specific learning needs early on, and then have the time and expertise to help children develop key skills.
At Pembroke, the welfare, safety, happiness and security of all our children is paramount. The vision is to bring out the best in every child, both in and out of the classroom. Our motivation is to provide a small, family atmosphere and instil our school values of dignity, duty and constancy. We strongly believe that the ‘Pembroke Spirit’ is something to be valued and nurtured.
However, many of these things are intangible and very difficult to capture on a website or in a prospectus. So please don’t take our word for it – come and visit to see for yourself.
Pembroke History
Pembroke House has a long tradition of quality schooling in East Africa, and is now more than 90 years old. It was named after the Cambridge College attended by its founder Headmaster, Harold Turner, who established the school in 1927 and conducted it, from the outset, on the lines of a traditional British preparatory school. This tradition has continued ever since.
Mr Turner purchased the unfinished farmhouse and 100 acres just outside of Gilgil from Captain Alan Gibson, after Gibson’s plan to farm flax failed. The original building now sits at the heart of the school buildings, and the school has understandably undergone a huge number of changes since its inception. Some of the most significant of these have been the improvement of roads, which helped to increase the number of sporting fixtures and develop the sporting prowess for which Pembroke has become renowned; the building of the Christina Chapel by the pupils in the 1950s, with its size determined by all the boys sitting in the proposed space and measuring around them; the introduction of girls to the school in 1988, after it was recognised that this was necessary for its long-term viability; constant additions and improvements to buildings, including the development of a dedicated Science Laboratory, STEAM centre, Music School, Theatre and Cafe, all of which are valuable resources; and the development of the Pre-Prep in recent years, which has proved hugely popular with local parents and contributed significantly to EYFS learning and pupils’ integration into the school from an early age.
The school has been owned by Kenya Educational Trust Limited since 1959. This body, accepted by guarantee without having a share capital, is an independent institution with all income received devoted to the management and improvement of the school. The British Common Entrance requirements are central to the school’s academic aims, standards and expectations.
The school’s motto is ‘Fortuna Favet Fortibus’ which means Fortune Favours the Brave. The emblem is the Martlet bird, which is a mythical, legless creature that represents the ceaseless pursuit of learning. The Martlet’s inability to land is considered symbolic of the constant quest for knowledge, and has led to the little bird being used in the arms of several schools and universities around the world.
Meet the Head
'A very warm welcome to our website and we are so pleased that you are trying to find out a little more about Pembroke House. Pembroke began in 1927 and fortunately, with history on our side with nigh on 95 years of experience, we managed to find a way through the recent challenges of Covid. With this time safely behind us we are now powering ahead with so many exciting and creative ideas for the future.
Meet the Council
RICHARD VIGNE
Billy Coulson
Graham Kayes
Thomas Wright
Edmund Lovatt
Alexandre Liebeskind
HENRY KNIGHT
Millie Seagon
Mary Murigah
Humphrey Nzeyi
Winnie Guchu
Staff
‘Teachers provide good models in the courteous manner in which they interact with pupils and in their insistence on good behaviour at all times. The staff show great understanding and care, and these factors help pupils to develop a strong sense of self-esteem and self-confidence.’
- SIS Inspection Report, 2018
Pembroke has a large team of dedicated professionals who are committed to the quality education and welfare of all our children. We have an excellent pupil to staff ratio of 6:1, which ensures that children receive the support and encouragement they need, across all areas of school life. Staff are drawn from international and local backgrounds, and we always look for staff who can prove their commitment and passion in our very busy boarding school environment. They must also have relevant qualifications and experience, to ensure that we are offering the best to all pupils. Staff undertake ongoing Safeguarding training and professional development throughout the year. Prospective staff must pass rigorous safer recruitment procedures to ensure the safety of our pupils.
In addition to teaching and administrative staff, we also have a large team of dedicated and hard-working support staff. Many of these people have a long history of working at Pembroke, and their value and importance cannot be underestimated.
Meet the Team
Mrs Deborah Boyd-Moss
Mr Mike Aung
Mrs Evonne Wheeler
Mrs Chantal Cillie Trevor
Mr Henry Snow
Miss Ali Omell
Mrs Laelia Surtees
Miss Alice Matthews
Mrs Kirsty Rust
Mrs Celina Ritchie
Mrs Alison Letcher
Mr John Wright
Mrs Alex Standen McDougal
Mr Michael Amaru
Mrs Katrina Dingley
Mrs MJ Nuijten-Coulson
Sister Purity Nyambura
Mr Ian Adams
Tiva Herbert-Arkle
Mrs Katie Aung
mr Toby Blake
mrs Heather Clarke
Ms Hilary Davidson
Mrs Severine Dewailly
Mrs Louise Foxton
Mrs Catherine Gatheru - Therenja
MRS DANI GOODCHILD
Miss Anna Gordons
Ms Ash Harrold
Mrs Cathrine Jensen
Mrs Colleta Kaihura
MRS EMILY KILONZO
Miss Kaila Miller
Ms Wambura Mitaru
Mr Bevan Newlands
Mrs Bridget Newlands
Ms Scolastica Nyambura
Ms Fran Pim-Kaime
mrs Ginny Shambarla
MRS EMILY SNOW
Mr James Standen-McDougal
Mrs Barbara Terry
Miss Hannah Viljoen
Ms Deborah Wilson
Ms Judy Wairimu
Mr Steve Ojiema
Miss Teresia Gachanja
Mr Seth Aoko Gumbo
Miss Barbra Jemutai
Miss Mary Karanja
Miss Juliet Kurui
Mr Samuel Likoko
Mr Larry Bernard Nyambok
Ms Mary Mwaniki
Ms Derby Nasambu
Mrs Lydia Njuguna
Mr Evanson Ndungu
Mrs Terry Mwangi
Mrs Ann Wanjiru Mutegi
Mr Denis (Dot) Njogu
Mr Ian rono
Mr Isaac Njoroge
Mr Obadiah Nyabaro
David Kuria Macharia
Ms Esther Muthama
Mr Simon Gakundi
Sister Beth Kimotho
Sister Josephine Gakii Muriira
Sister Leah Wangechi Thimba
Sister Winnie Nyambura
Sister Mildred Chabwanga
Miss Scorvia Adhiambo
Miss Charity Omollo
Miss Faith Mutheu
Inspection Report
In 2018, the school underwent a full inspection by the School Inspection Service. We were judged Outstanding in the areas of Pupils’ Personal Development and Effectiveness of Boarding Provision.
Read the full British Schools Overseas (BSO) Inspection Report for Pembroke House School here:
SIS Inspection Full Report 2018.
In February 2020, the school also underwent a compliance inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The Standards for British Schools Oversees have all been met for accreditation.
Read the full British Schools Overseas (BSO) Inspection Report for Pembroke House School here:
ISI Inspection Full Report 2020.
In 2023, the school underwent another full inspection by the School Inspection Service. We were yet again judged Excellent in the areas of Pupils’ Personal Development and Effectiveness of Boarding Provision.
Read the full British Schools Overseas (BSO) Inspection Report for Pembroke House School here:
ISI Inspection Full Report 2023.
Policies
We have policies for all areas of school life. These provide important guidelines to help govern the consistent and professional running of the school in a broad context. Links to our key policies are provided below, but all school policies are available upon request.
- Admissions Policy
- Anti Bullying Policy (Including Anti-Cyber Bullying)
- Behaviour & Discipline Policy
- Boarding Policy
- CCTV Policy
- Curriculum Policy
- Data Protection Policy
- Data Retention and Disposal Policy
- Early Years & Mini Martlets Policy
- English as an Additional Language Policy
- Equal Opportunity and Ethnic Diversity Policy
- Kenyanisation Policy
- Learning Support Policy
- Medical & First Aid Policy
- Health & Safety Policy
- Parents’ Complaint Procedure Policy
- Photography and Video Policy
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
- School and Website Privacy Policy
- Whistle Blowing Policy
Term Dates
As a general guide, the Michaelmas term runs from the beginning of September until early December; the Lent term is from early January until late March/before Easter; the Trinity term is from late April until early July. These are usually in line with other Kenyan IAPS schools to allow for match fixtures and other inter-school events.
The complete calendar for each term is available in soft and hard copy for current parents.
Please find Pembroke Term Dates below.
1.1. Welcome to Pembroke House School’s Website Privacy Notice. We appreciate you taking the time to read all our notices carefully.
1.2. Pembroke House School (“Pembroke”, “School” “We” “Us” “Our”) is committed to ensuring that your personal data is collected and used lawfully and transparently and in accordance with data protection laws applicable in Kenya.
1.3. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share and protect personal information in connection with our services, including offering private education services.
1.4. Please take time to read this Privacy Notice to understand how and why we collect and use your information in connection with our services.
2.1. Pembroke House School is a unique British Boarding School located in the heart of Kenya. We are a small, multicultural school of around 200 pupils, and cater for boys and girls aged 6 months to 13 years. We have a 90-year history of private education in East Africa, and our focus is on developing well-rounded, happy, independent, polite, and confident pupils. We are members of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS), and we follow the British Common Entrance curriculum.
2.2. We are located along Nyahururu Road, Gilgil, Kenya.
- This Privacy Notice applies to the personal data of:
- Parents/Guardians
- Pupils
- Visiting Speakers
- Alumni
- Visitors to the School
- Suppliers
- Members of the public/Website users
4.1. By accessing our website or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Policy.
4.2. It is important to point out that we may amend this Privacy Notice from time to time. Please visit this page if you want to stay up to date, as we will post any changes here.
4.1. In this Privacy Notice, Personal Data refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual. This includes identification details such as name, ID/Passport, pupils’ scholarship, library, health and academic records, photographs, parents/guardians contact details and signatures, complaints or special requests and any other information that may be used to identify you directly or indirectly.
4.2. Personal data may also include sensitive information, such as religious beliefs, health information (such as medical history), family information including children’s information, biometric data (such as fingerprint data collected when processing a health claim), property records, financial information (such as bank account details).
- We collect Personal Data directly from you as well as from other available sources to the extent permitted by law. We endeavour to only collect Personal Data that is necessary for the purpose(s) for which it is collected and to retain such data for no longer than necessary for such purpose(s). Subject to applicable law and practice, the categories of Personal Data that are typically collected and processed are: -
Data Subject |
Examples of Types of Data Collected |
Purpose for Collection |
Lawful Bases |
Pupils (current and alumni) |
§ Identification details: Names, nationality, date of birth, sex, religion, nationality § Information contained in School Registration/Enrolment Records § Log-in credentials for various school systems, § School Records: attendance records, academic records, extra-curricular records, boarding records, learning support records, health records, disciplinary records safeguarding records and dietary records § School Transfer Records: information received from Schools that a pupil(s) transfer from when joining pour School § Extra-Curricular Activities Records: Attendance Records, Sign and up forms § Financial Records: financial records relating to school fees or other payments, invoices § photographs and videos taken during school events, § Trip records: school trip records, us trip information through GPS devices fitted in school buses § Bursary and scholarship records § Any communication with Pembroke, internet and IT use records, § Car registration numbers when in Pembroke premises. § CCTV recordings when in Pembroke premises, § Cookies and online identifiers collected when using any internet enabled tools to access our systems such as the website. |
§ To interest you in our School § To enrol and onboard you to our school § To provide education services § To provide extra-curricular activities § To provide accommodation in our boarding facilities § To support pupil learning § To monitor and report on pupil attainment process § To monitor and report on your attendance record § To provide appropriate pastoral care § To assess the quality of our services § To keep you safe as per our child protection policies § To develop fee statements, invoices and any other necessary financial information § To meet your dietary requirements § To meet your healthcare needs § To evaluate your scholarship or bursary needs § To meet statutory duties imposed on us by the Kenyan Government and the UK Government § To monitor the use of Pembroke’s IT and communications systems in accordance with Pembroke’s Acceptable Use Policies. § To market or promote our school (where we do this, we must first seek your parents’ consent) |
§ Contract § Consent § Legitimate Interests § Vital Interests § Legal Obligation |
Parents/Guradians |
§ Identification details: names, occupation, signatures, nationality § Contact Details: Email addresses, telephone numbers, postal address § Bursary Application Details: information necessary to support an application for bursary or scholarship, § School Fee Payment Details: bank details, fee payments history, § Photos and videos taken during school activities or events, § Car registration numbers when in Pembroke premises. § Complaints or any communication with Pembroke, § Cookies and online identifiers collected when using any internet enabled tools to access our systems such as the website. § CCTV recordings and car registration numbers when in Pembroke premises. |
§ To communicate with you regarding your child’s learning or well-being at the school § To understand your child’s medical history and provide appropriate healthcare § To share fee statements, invoices or financial related reports and communication § To invite you to participate in our School Community initiatives and events § To receive and handle your complaints § To market or promote our school (where we do this, we must first seek your consent) § To evaluate your scholarship or bursary needs § To meet statutory duties imposed on us by the Kenyan Government and the UK Government |
§ Contract § Consent § Legitimate Interests § Legal Obligations |
Suppliers |
§ Identification details: Names, ID/Passport § Contact Details: email addresses, phone numbers, § Contract Details § Tax Information: tax identification information, CR12 information, § Any communication you have with Pembroke § Cookies and Online Identifiers collected when using any internet enabled tools to access our systems such as the website. § CCTV recordings § Car registration numbers when in Pembroke premises. |
§ To understand your product or service offerings § To enter into a contract with you for supply of goods of services § To administer your contract with us § To meet statutory obligations |
§ Contract § Legitimate Interests |
School visitors |
§ Identification details: name ID/Passport § Contact details: Phone Numbers § Car registration numbers, § Time and purpose of visit and § CCTV recordings when on Pembroke premises |
§ To grant you access to our school premises § To keep our pupils, staff and School safe |
§ Legitimate Interests |
Website Visitors |
§ Identification details: name § Contact details: email address and phone number § Cookies and other online identifiers collected when using when the website. |
§ To optimise our website and enhance your user experience § To collect your expressions of interest to join our school |
§ Legitimate Interests |
- Please note that the lawful basis for collecting personal data may vary depending on applicable data protection laws and the specific circumstances of data processing.
- Where we rely on consent, we may request in some instances, the parent/guardian to produce a copy of their national identification cards/passport to verify their authority.
- In addition, we will only publish your child/children’s examination results upon obtaining your written consent.
If you fail to provide the required information or provide inaccurate or incomplete information, it may hinder our ability to provide to provide you with requested services or information. The specific consequences of not providing personal data will depend on the context and the purpose for which the data is requested.
- We may collect personal data directly from you when you fill out our school forms such as registration/enrolment forms, call or email us or through our School IT systems.
- We may also collect personal data indirectly when you: -
- access our website or IT systems
- access our School premises which as under CCTV survey
- when you interact with our website or other social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube (in this case we collect cookies and online identifiers.
- Your children’s photographs and videos may be taken by staff and pupils throughout the school year to record and share everyday life at Your child may be identifiable in these photographs or videos. Identifiable photographs of your child may be used for:
- educational and informational purposes (such as keeping records of lessons, field trips, sports, events, staff training), as we have a legitimate interest to do so
- the identification of your child for health-related purposes, such as allergies, as it is in the vital interest of your child to do so; and
- marketing and publication purposes, if and to the extent we have obtained your consent where required under applicable data protection legislation to do so.
- The School holds copyright to such photographs and videos and infringement of the same may result to legal action being taken by the School.
8.1. We may share your personal data within the School to facilitate our internal operations and provide you efficient services
8.2. Where appropriate, we may share your personal data in various ways and for various reasons with: -
• Child Protection Officers, Police or other authorities when we believe in good faith that the law or other regulations requires us to share this data.
• School Inspectors or officials affiliated with the United Kingdom’s Department of Education
• third-party service providers who perform functions on our behalf including IT systems providers, medical or insurance service providers, marketing consultants and security agencies.
8.3. When sharing your personal data with trusted third parties, we prioritise the security and confidentiality of your information. We take stringent measures to ensure that these parties comply with strict data protection standards and handle your personal data in accordance with our instructions.
8.4. We carefully select and evaluate third-party service providers, business partners, and other recipients of your personal data. We enter into contractual agreements with these parties, imposing obligations to protect your personal data and restricting their use of the information solely for the specified purposes outlined in our agreement. Furthermore, we require these third parties to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to prevent unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of your personal data.
9.1.Pembroke has taken appropriate technical, administrative, and procedural security measures, consistent with local and international information practices and regulations, to protect the personal data from misuse, unauthorised access or disclosure, loss, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:-
- Technology safeguards: To protect your information during transmission, we utilize industry-standard encryption protocols, ensuring the confidentiality of your data. Our secure network infrastructure incorporates firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures to prevent unauthorised access and mitigate external threats. Additionally, access controls are in place, restricting data access to authorised individuals through unique user credentials, strong passwords, and role-based privileges. Regular data backups and recovery processes are performed to maintain data integrity and availability.
- Organisational Safeguards: Our commitment to data security extends to our employees and third-party service providers. Strict confidentiality agreements bind them, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal data. Regular training programs are conducted to educate employees on data protection best practices, security protocols, and their responsibilities. Access controls and authorization mechanisms ensure that only authorised personnel can access your data. We have established comprehensive data protection policies and procedures to guide the proper handling, storage, retention, and disposal of personal data. In the event of any security incidents, our incident response plan enables swift identification, mitigation, and notification, as well as measures to prevent future occurrences.
9.2. While we continually enhance our security measures, it is important to note that no security measure can provide absolute protection. However, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest possible standards of data security and will continue to invest in measures to safeguard your information.
9.3.If you suspect any misuse or loss of or unauthorized access to your personal data, please let us know immediately by sending us an email on dpo@pembrokehouse.sc.ke
10.1. We will only keep your personal data for as long is necessary to achieve the purposes for which it was required unless the retention is required or authorized by law, reasonably necessary for a lawful purpose, you have consented to longer retention periods or if the personal data is required for statistical, journalistic, literature and art or research purposes.
10.2.Where the information is past the retention period, we shall secure dispose of your information in accordance our Data Retention and Disposal Policy.
11.1. The Data Protection Act accords you with several rights over your data.
11.1.1. right to information: you have a right to be informed of how Pembroke will use your personal data.
11.1.2. right of access: you are entitled to access your personal data that is in our possession or custody.
11.1.3. right to object: you can object to the processing of all part of your personal data, unless we can demonstrate a compelling legitimate interest for the processing which overrides your interests or for the establishment, exercise or defence of a legal claim.
11.1.4. right to rectification: you have the right to request us to rectify or correct, without undue delay, personal data in our possession or under our control that is inaccurate, outdated, incomplete or misleading.
11.1.5. right to erasure: you can request us to delete or destroy, without undue delay personal data that we are no longer authorized to retain, or which is irrelevant, excessive, or obtained unlawfully.
11.1.6. right to data portability: you have the right to receive personal data concerning you in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and to transmit the data to another data controller without hindrance. You also have the right, where technically possible, to have personal data transmitted directly from us to another data controller or data processor.
11.1.7. automated decision making you have the right not to be subjected to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning or that significantly affects you. Pembroke may from time to time make decisions based on the automated processing of your personal data. In such instances, you will be informed, in writing, whenever a decision based on automated processing is taken. In addition, you can request us to reconsider any decisions made based on automated processing or to take a new decision that is not based solely on automated processing.
11.1.8. right of restriction: You have the right to request us to restrict the processing of personal data where: -
• you contest the accuracy of the personal data
• the personal data is no longer required for the purpose of the processing
• the processing is unlawful of you have opposed the erasure of the personal data and requested for restriction of its use instead.
• you have objected to the processing of personal data, pending verification as to whether our legitimate interests override your interests over the data.
10.1.9. right to raise a complaint: You can raise a complaint about our processing with the Regulator i.e., the Data Commissioner in Kenya. You may also be able to seek a remedy through the courts if you believe that your rights have been breached.
10.1.10. If you wish to exercise your rights, please write an email to the Data Protection Officer (DPO) on dpo@pembrokehouse.sc.keWe will make every effort to address your inquiries and requests via email within the timelines specified by applicable data protection laws and regulations.
10.2. To ensure the security and accuracy of the personal data we provide, we may request additional information and verification of your identity. This is necessary to confirm that we are releasing the data to the rightful owner.
11.1. To carry out the purposes outlined in Clause 6 of this Privacy Notice, your data may be transferred to:
-
- regulatory bodies such as the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools
- police enforcement authorities in the UK
- our cloud-based system service providers
- other third parties as stated in clause 8 of this Privacy Notice who may utilize servers located outside Kenya.
11.2 We will only transfer your personal data outside Kenya where such transfer is compliant with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2019 and the Data Protection (General) Regulations,2021.
11.3 To ensure that your personal data receives adequate levels of protection, we shall put in place appropriate procedures with our third-party service providers whom we share your personal data with to ensure that your personal information is treated by those third parties in a way that is consistent with, and which respects the data protection laws.
12.1. A "cookie" is a byte-sized piece of data that is stored on your computer's hard drive. They are used by nearly all websites and do not harm your system. We use them to track your activity to help ensure you get the smoothest possible experience when visiting our website. We can use the information from cookies to ensure we present you with options tailored to your preferences on your next visit. We can also use cookies to analyse traffic and for advertising purposes.
12.2. If you want to check or change what types of cookies you accept, this can usually be altered within your browser settings, or you visit our Cookie Preference Center.
12.3. When you first visit our website(s) you will be asked to choose what kind of cookies you want to receive. We ask for your prior consent for some cookies through our Cookies Preference Center while strictly necessary cookies will be set within our legitimate interests. You may also set your cookie preferences on your browser’s privacy settings. However, rejecting all cookies through your browser’s privacy settings means that you may not be able to take full advantage of all our website's features. Each browser is different, so check the "Help" menu of your browser to learn how to change your cookie preferences.
12.4. You can update your given consent at any time by visiting our Cookie Preference Center which can be found by clicking on the “Cookie Preferences” link either on the top or bottom of our website. Instead of using our Cookie Preference Center you may choose to opt-out to cookies which are not strictly necessary to perform basic features of our site by changing your browser settings. If you use our Cookie Preference Center to update your choice of cookies, please note that this does not result in deletion of already placed cookies on your device. So, if you want to delete such cookies you may delete them in your browser’s privacy settings.
12.5. For more information generally on cookies, including how to disable them, please refer to aboutcookies.org. You will also find details on how to delete cookies from your computer.
13.1. This website may include links to third-party websites, plug-ins, and applications. Clicking on those links or enabling those connections may allow third parties to collect or share data about you. We do not control these third-party websites and are not responsible for their privacy statements. When you leave our website, we encourage you to read the privacy Notice of every website you visit.