Kenya’s Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) has become the anchor metric for senior school placement under the competency-based curriculum. Its grading structure is designed not only to report performance but also to indicate how well a learner is progressing along the competency pathway. Understanding what each grade means—and how it contributes to the final placement score—is therefore essential for parents, guardians, and learners planning the next stage of education.
The KJSEA grading framework is organised into four performance bands: Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Approaching Expectations, and Below Expectations. Each band carries two levels, a corresponding Achievement Level (AL) score, a percentage range, and a points value that contributes to the cumulative placement tally.
What Exceeding Expectatitions means and score
At the top of the scale is Exceeding Expectations, reserved for learners demonstrating mastery above the expected level.
EE1 represents AL 8, scored between 90 and 100 percent, earning 8 points.
EE2 corresponds to AL 7, covering 75 to 89 percent, and awards 7 points.
Learners in this category show advanced understanding and application of competencies, often performing tasks with independence and precision.
Meeting Expectations Score and what it means
The next band, Meeting Expectations, reflects solid, competent performance.
ME1 sits at AL 6, achieved with 58 to 74 percent, and earns 6 points.
ME2 is assigned AL 5, scored between 41 and 57 percent, and carries 5 points.
Learners here demonstrate the expected level of proficiency and readiness for more complex tasks, which is the benchmark for most senior school pathways.
Approaching Expectations Score and what it means
Approaching Expectations marks learners who are developing competencies but are not yet consistently meeting the expected standard.
AE1 (AL 4) covers 31 to 40 percent and awards 4 points, while
AE2 (AL 3) spans 21 to 30 percent and attracts 3 points.
This band signals the need for targeted support to help learners strengthen foundational skills.
Below expectations score and what it means
Lastly, Below Expectations identifies learners requiring significant instructional intervention.
BE1 aligns with AL 2 (11 to 20 percent) and provides 2 points, while
BE2 represents AL 1 (1 to 10 percent), attracting 1 point.
Performance here indicates substantial gaps in competency development that must be addressed before transition.
These points matter because KJSEA contributes the largest share—60 percent—toward the final senior secondary placement score. School-Based Assessments (SBA), conducted in Grades 7 and 8, contribute another 20 percent, capturing continuous, classroom-based evidence of learning. The remaining 20 percent comes from KPSEA, ensuring that early primary-level competencies inform placement decisions.
The final placement score is therefore a composite: KJSEA 60 percent + SBA 20 percent + KPSEA 20 percent = 100 percent. Understanding this structure helps families interpret results accurately, anticipate placement outcomes, and plan interventions or support where needed.
