W. Ochola

Influence of School Uniqueness on Pupil Performance and Transition: a Case of Management Factors / Characteristics of Primary Schools in Nyandarua North District, Kenya W. Ochola

Performance of pupils at Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination is an indicator of the efficiency and uniqueness of schools. At primary school level, it determines efficiency in school management and level of transition to secondary school. Study used survey research and population of head-teachers and teachers serving in 248 primary schools both public and private. Sample comprised 56 head-teachers and 56 teachers from 56 schools. Research instruments had reliability at alpha 0.83. Data was analysed through quantitative statistics with aid of SPSS 17.0 for Windows. Study indicated that academic performance in public primary schools was low and had fluctuated over years. Study also indicated deficiency in admission capacity at secondary school. Boarding, private and urban schools performed better and had higher transition rates compared to day, public and rural schools. Study recommended need for enhancement of performance in examinable subjects in order to boost efficiency in transition rates. It also recommended improvement of capacity in secondary schools to admit more students.