Aga Khan Education Services (AKES)
Overview
About Aga Khan Education Services (AKES)
Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) is one of the largest private, not-for-profit school networks in the developing world. With over 190 schools, eight hostels, and more than 100 non-formal education centres across nine countries, AKES builds on more than a century of educational leadership inspired by the vision of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
Rooted in the principles of pluralism, AKES encourages students to make ethical choices and embrace diversity. Our success is driven by dedicated educators, high standards, and a learner-centered approach that evolves to meet the needs of modern societies.
Historical Background
The Aga Khan Education Services was established by Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, grandfather of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. The earliest schools date back to 1905, beginning as local literacy classes in remote areas of Southeast Asia.
These early schools were progressive, emphasizing equal access to education regardless of gender or background. They laid the foundation for AKES’ long-standing commitment to early childhood education, girls’ education, and inclusive learning.
Global Reach and Educational Approach
Our schools follow both national and international curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International, and the Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB). AKES places a strong focus on teacher development, curriculum relevance, and child-centered learning.
Whether in a large urban school or a rural learning centre, our programmes aim to help students thrive both personally and professionally, while also giving back to their communities.
Commitment to Quality and Inclusion
AKES programmes reflect our belief that quality education should be inclusive, equitable, and transformative. We strive to create schools that serve as community hubs for progress and opportunity.
This commitment is reflected in our investment in infrastructure, digital learning, and continuous teacher training. We actively engage parents, alumni, and local partners to build lasting impact.
Part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
AKES is a key agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, international, non-denominational organizations working across sectors to improve living conditions in the developing world.
AKDN focuses on health, education, culture, rural development, and economic growth. The network was founded by His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who served as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. He combined his spiritual role with a lifelong commitment to human development and global progress.
On 4 February 2025, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V succeeded his father and became the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, as well as Chair of AKDN. He continues the vision of strengthening institutions that serve humanity with compassion and excellence.
Unified Vision for Development
All AKDN agencies, including AKES, work together toward a shared mission—to build enduring institutions that respond to the challenges of economic, social, and cultural change in the modern world.
By aligning resources, values, and goals, the network strives to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions to communities in need.
Learn More
To explore more about the Aga Khan Development Network and its global initiatives, visit the
AKDN website.
[ Find out more on the Aga Khan Development Network ]
Aga Khan Schools Curriculum
Every Aga Khan School complies with local curriculum requirements, however AKES enriches its curricula by affiliating with rigorous national and international examination boards.
For example, schools in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Bangladesh offer international curricula including the British Cambridge International Education and International Baccalaureate programmes. In Pakistan, increasing numbers of AKES schools have affiliated with Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB), and are engaged in exams that focus on conceptual learning and the application of knowledge in real world situations.
Every school strives to create an environment that prioritises an approach to learning that is relevant to student’s future and current needs. Interactive education models encourage students to ask questions, pursue independent lines of inquiry and develop interest and expertise in a broad range of subjects.
Co-curricular subjects in the arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and sports further enrich the learning experience. Extra-curricular activities like after-school and student clubs and community service programmes, also play an important part in extending learning beyond the classroom. These programs equip students with essential skills that cannot be measured with a grade. Self-esteem, self-confidence, the importance of teamwork and cooperation are all qualities that are important in the development of ethical frameworks and dispositions to service that are part of the education of an AKES student.
