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International Schools in Manama, Bahrain

Compare 54 international schools in Manama, Bahrain. Filter by curriculum, fees (average BHD 42,054), location, and more to find the right international school now.

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

Schools listed
54
Curricula
26
Average annual fee
BHD 2,907
Fee range
BHD 380 – 10,382
More school facts
Most common curriculum
British Curriculum (26 schools)
Average school size
1,422 pupils
Largest by enrolment
The Asian School
Oldest
St Christopher's School (1961)
About international schools in Manama, Bahrain

Manama’s international schools are a compact, English-medium sector that typically offers British (IGCSE/A-Level), American, International Baccalaureate and Indian (CBSE/ICSE) pathways alongside Bahrain-mandated Arabic and Islamic studies. Fees vary widely by school and programme, with many international schools charging in the range of around BHD 1,500 - 4,000 a year while lower-cost community/Indian schools and higher-fee premium options sit below and above that band respectively. The local academic year commonly begins in late August or early September, and popular schools run entry assessments, waiting lists and an annual re-registration rhythm so families should start enquiries several months before arrival. Practical essentials for relocating parents include a valid passport and residence/CPR documentation, up-to-date vaccination records and certified school reports for transfers, and awareness that some grade transfers require Ministry registration or equivalency checks.

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FAQs for Bahrain

Which curricula will my child find in Manama and how do they differ?
You will commonly find British (England-based national curriculum with IGCSEs and A-Levels), American diploma programmes (sometimes with AP), the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP) and Indian CBSE/ICSE tracks; each sets different assessment styles and university preparation routes so curriculum choice should follow your family’s longer-term plans. Schools vary in focus and pacing - for example IB emphasises inquiry and global skills, British programmes use year groups and terminal IGCSE/A-Level exams, and CBSE follows a nationally standardised Indian syllabus - so compare sample timetables, assessment models and university counselling services when choosing.
What language(s) are used at international schools in Manama?
English is the primary medium of instruction at most international schools, but Bahraini Ministry rules and common school policy mean Arabic language and Bahraini social studies or Islamic education are taught according to the national syllabus. Many schools also offer additional modern languages such as French or Spanish and run bilingual support for students learning English as an additional language.
How much should we budget for school fees?
Fees vary by curriculum, campus and year group; reliable fee surveys and school lists place many international school tuitions in Bahrain broadly around BHD 1,500 - 4,000 per year, with lower-fee community or Indian schools below that and some premium international schools charging substantially more. Remember to budget extra for one-off joining or capital levies, transport, uniforms, exam fees and extracurricular provision when comparing total cost of attendance.
When should we apply and what does the admissions process look like?
Most families begin formal enquiries and applications several months before the new school year, since many international schools open places in late August or early September and use entrance tests, interviews or assessment days to place pupils. Some schools maintain waiting lists and re-registration windows, and students transferring into Year 3 or above may need Ministry approval or certificate equivalency as part of the formal registration process.
What documents will we need to enrol a child in Manama?
Schools usually ask for the child’s passport, parents’ CPR/residence permit or visa pages, an immunisation/vaccination record, birth certificate and recent school reports or a transfer certificate; originals or certified translations may be required for overseas documents. The Ministry of Education and many schools also require equivalency paperwork for grades completed abroad, and enrolment is only completed once all documents and any required fees are submitted.
What ages and school stages do international schools cover here?
The majority of international schools in the Manama area offer provision from early years (pre-school/nursery) through primary and secondary up to Year 12/13 or the equivalent, accommodating children roughly aged 3 to 18. Specific age structures and the availability of early years or post-16 (A-Level/IBDP) places vary by school, so check each school’s published year-group offer and entry requirements.