An open letter to parents: Understanding KJSEA senior school placement

Hillary Muhalya
Hillary Muhalya explains how the KJSEA placement system works, guiding parents on points, school categories, pathways, and the correct steps to take during Senior School selection and revision.

Dear Parents, the placement of learners in Senior Schools under the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) is a necessary process that determines the next phase of your child’s academic journey. Parents must understand how this placement is done, what the points mean, and the steps to take if the assigned school is not their preferred choice. The process is designed to ensure that learners are placed in schools that match their performance levels and abilities, while also considering their strongest academic pathways.

Placement is primarily based on the total points a learner scores in their assessments. These points are calculated from different subjects and performance areas assessed during the Junior School years. Learners with the highest total points are eligible for the top category of schools, while those with lower points are placed in schools that are better suited to their current performance levels. Specifically, learners who score between 61 and 72 points qualify for National Schools (C1). These are highly competitive institutions that provide an advanced curriculum and excellent facilities. Learners who score between 41 and 60 points are placed in Extra County Schools (C2), which are also competitive but have slightly fewer requirements compared to National Schools. Those scoring 21 to 40 points are placed in County Schools (C3), which cater to learners with moderate performance levels. Finally, learners who score between 1 and 20 points are placed in Sub-County Schools (C4), which offer more localised education and support to learners needing additional academic guidance.

For example, a learner who scores 8 + 6 + 8 + 7 + 8 + 7 + 8 + 7 + 7, which totals 66 points, will be placed in a National School. This example illustrates how the total score determines the school category. Parents should note that placement is not random; it is a structured process based on measurable academic performance.

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In addition to total points, placement considers the academic pathway in which the learner performed best. This means that if a learner excels in a particular area, such as science, mathematics, or languages, the placement system will prioritise that pathway to ensure the learner is in an environment where their strengths can be maximised. Parents should therefore carefully check their child’s assessment slip to see the path their child followed to achieve the highest scores. This will provide insight into the type of school and curriculum that will suit their child best.

Parents need to pay attention to the rules regarding admission letters. If a child is assigned to a school that is not the parent’s preferred choice, the parent should not download the admission letter. Downloading the letter automatically confirms admission to the assigned school, which may prevent any changes or revisions. If a parent wishes to request a change of school, this must be done through the former Junior School, not directly through the placement system. Parents will have a five-day window to submit any placement revision requests, after which the placement will be considered final.

Parents are strongly encouraged to share this information with other parents to ensure that everyone understands the placement process and the necessary steps for school selection. Understanding these guidelines is essential to avoid mistakes that could affect the child’s admission and to ensure that every learner is placed in a school that aligns with their abilities and future academic growth.

In conclusion, the KJSEA Senior School placement process is designed to match learners with schools that suit their performance levels and academic strengths. By checking the assessment slip, understanding the points system, and following the rules on admission letters and revision requests, parents can actively participate in ensuring that their child is placed in the best possible learning environment. Proper attention to this process is critical for the learner’s smooth transition from Junior to Senior School.

By Hillary Muhalya

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