Aldenham Prep Riyadh vs Ellesmere College Riyadh - Al Hamra Campus

	A Aldenham Prep Riyadh Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	E Ellesmere College Riyadh - Al Hamra Campus Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SAR 53,475 - 80,500	Fees / year SAR 48,000 - 68,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 13 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Aldenham Prep Riyadh is located in Riyadh North, in the Al Noura/As Sahafah area. It is easily accessible from most parts of the city. The campus address is Aldenham Prep Riyadh School, Al Noura, As Sahafah, Riyadh RYD 13321, Saudi Arabia.	Location Ellesmere College Riyadh operates on two campuses in Riyadh: the Al Hamra campus at 6591, Khoufafa Al Tamimi Street, Alhamra District, Riyadh 11211, and the Salwa campus at 13454, Al Rimal, Riyadh. The Al Hamra address is listed by the British Council as Khoufafa Al Tamimi, Alhamra District, Riyadh 11211. Both campuses are situated in central Riyadh and are accessible by the city's major roads.
Stages	Stages The school currently offers Early Years Foundation Stage (age 3+) through Year 8 (ages 11-13). The structure includes EYFS, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, and Key Stage 3, with Year 8 as the current upper year. The school intends to expand later to cover the full EYFS–Year 13 British international framework.	Stages The school serves pupils aged 3–18. It offers Early Years (Pre-nursery, Nursery, and Reception), Primary Years (Years 3–12) under the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years (Years 11–16) under the Middle Years Programme, and Diploma-level study (Diploma Programme, American Diploma, and IGCSE Programme) for ages 16–19.
School type	School type Co-educational; the Riyadh campus operates as a British international day school (boarding is not indicated for this campus). Boarding is available at Aldenham UK for older pupils.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as part of the Ellesmere College international network. Boarding facilities are not publicly described for the Riyadh campuses.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Data on pupil nationalities or the local-to-international ratio is not publicly disclosed.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support SEN provisions are not publicly listed. Arabic Language and Islamic Studies are integrated into the local curriculum.	Additional learning support Pupil wellbeing is a stated priority and safeguarding is in place. Specific provisions for Additional Learning Needs/SEN are not publicly disclosed for the Riyadh campuses.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Aldenham Prep Riyadh is part of the Aldenham Foundation and affiliated with Aldenham UK, the UK-based founding school group.	Country affiliation Affiliation with the United Kingdom; Ellesmere College Riyadh is part of a British international school network offering British-style curricula.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no explicit religious affiliation stated. The curriculum includes Arabic Language and Islamic Studies to reflect the local context.	Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation is stated for Ellesmere College Riyadh.
School day structure	School day structure Nursery offers full-day provision. Start and end times for the general school day are not published publicly.	School day structure Exact start and end times for the school day are not publicly published. The school does publish term dates and admissions information relevant to day-to-day planning.
Bus service details	Bus service details A bus service for the Riyadh campus is not published in public materials; families typically arrange transport. The Aldenham UK campuses provide coach routes, but these are not indicated for Riyadh.	Bus service details No in-house bus service for the Riyadh campuses is publicly listed. Families typically arrange private transport or may inquire about transport options via admissions.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Schedule of tuition fees (per term and per year group) - Nursery - Term 1: SAR 18,600 - Term 2: SAR 18,600 - Term 3: SAR 9,300 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 46,500 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 53,475. - Reception - Term 1: SAR 19,400 - Term 2: SAR 19,400 - Term 3: SAR 9,700 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 48,500 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 55,775. - Year 1 - Term 1: SAR 21,400 - Term 2: SAR 21,400 - Term 3: SAR 10,700 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 53,500 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 61,525. - Year 2 - Term 1: SAR 21,400 - Term 2: SAR 21,400 - Term 3: SAR 10,700 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 53,500 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 61,525. - Year 3 - Term 1: SAR 25,400 - Term 2: SAR 25,400 - Term 3: SAR 12,700 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 63,500 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 73,025. - Year 4 - Term 1: SAR 25,400 - Term 2: SAR 25,400 - Term 3: SAR 12,700 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 63,500 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 73,025. - Year 5 - Term 1: SAR 25,400 - Term 2: SAR 25,400 - Term 3: SAR 12,700 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 63,500 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 73,025. - Year 6 - Term 1: SAR 25,400 - Term 2: SAR 25,400 - Term 3: SAR 12,700 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 63,500 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 73,025. - Year 7 - Term 1: SAR 28,000 - Term 2: SAR 28,000 - Term 3: SAR 14,000 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 70,000 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 80,500. - Year 8 - Term 1: SAR 28,000 - Term 2: SAR 28,000 - Term 3: SAR 14,000 - Total fee (excl. VAT): SAR 70,000 - Total fee (incl. VAT): SAR 80,500. Assessment, acceptance and entrance-related fees - Assessment Fee: non-refundable SAR 1,000, payable on submission of the application form. - Acceptance Fee: non-refundable SAR 10,000, payable when an offer of a school place is accepted; charged once to hold the place. - Capital Development Fee: non-refundable SAR 10,000, payable when an offer of a school place is accepted; charged once. Refundable security deposit - Refundable security deposit: SAR 2,500, payable on 1 April 2026 at the start of Term 3. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition billing split: Term 1 = 40% of the total fees (due 15 August); Term 2 = 40% of the total fees (due 15 December); Term 3 = 20% of the total fees (due 01 April). Parents are responsible for payment of all applicable school fees before the student may attend; this responsibility cannot be delegated to a company. Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable. Aldenham Prep Riyadh operates as a day prep school for the stated age range and does not list boarding provision or boarding charges for the Riyadh campus. Other mandatory or commonly charged costs - Food (lunch): Lunch provision is mandatory and bundled into the tuition cost; breakfast is available as an optional add-on and charged separately. Specific add-on prices are not listed in the schedule. - Uniform: New parents are required to purchase a full uniform bundle (summer, winter and PE) prior to the pupil starting; individual items may be bought later. Specific uniform prices and item lists are not provided in the schedule. - Discounts: A sibling discount of SAR 1,250 is applied for each additional child; the eldest child is charged at the full rate. - VAT: A 15% VAT is applied to all charges; Saudi nationals do not pay VAT on these education-related charges. The schedule notes fees are exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise. Refund information - Assessment Fee, Acceptance Fee and Capital Development Fee are explicitly described as non-refundable. The security deposit is explicitly described as refundable (SAR 2,500). No additional refund policy details (for term fees or pro-rata refunds) are specified in the Schedule of Fees. Fee payment options - The Schedule of Fees and the published fee pages do not specify accepted payment methods for tuition (such as credit card or bank transfer). Event and activity notices on the site show that some extracurricular payments have been handled by bank transfer, but accepted methods for tuition and one-off charges are not listed in the fee schedule and should be clarified directly with the school administration. Notes and contractual reference - All fees above are presented as published in the Schedule of Fees for the 2025–2026 academic year. The Schedule states that all information is governed by the 2025–2026 Parent Contract and that mandatory fees are exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.	Fee details Overview of published fees (academic year 2024/2025) - Pre‑KG (annual): SAR 50,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 16,666.67 per installment (50,000 ÷ 3). - KG 1–3 (annual): SAR 48,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to SAR 16,000. - Grade 1–6 (annual): SAR 55,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 18,333.33 per installment (55,000 ÷ 3). - Grade 7–9 (annual): SAR 61,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 20,333.33 per installment (61,000 ÷ 3). - Grade 10–12 (annual): SAR 68,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 22,666.67 per installment (68,000 ÷ 3). Application / seat reservation fee - A seat reservation fee of SAR 5,000 is required; this amount is deducted from the total tuition fee. The seat reservation fee is refundable if enrollment is withdrawn at least two weeks before the start of the academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school publishes an option to pay tuition in three installments; the first installment is due at the start of the academic year. The school also offers the option to pay the full tuition amount up front. - A 5% discount applies for full payment of tuition in advance. Sibling discounts are published as 0% for the first child, 10% for the second child and 15% for the third child; a 15% partner referral discount for certain corporate/embassy partners is also published. The maximum combined discount that may be applied is 20%. Tuition fees are stated as exclusive of VAT. - Consequences for late payment are published: if payment is not made within two weeks of the start of any term (or a student's file remains incomplete), the school reserves the right to revoke the student's admission; outstanding payments must then be settled immediately. Discounts may be rescinded after 15 days past the scheduled payment date. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are published. The school's published fee pages and admissions materials list day tuition by year group and do not publish any boarding provision or boarding rates. Other costs and additional charges - Tuition is described as covering the standard educational programme; additional costs explicitly excluded from tuition include textbooks, uniforms, extracurricular activities, field trips and specialised learning materials. Uniforms are required by policy, though the school's public materials do not publish uniform price lists. - Some items or programmes (for example, special programmes or optional activities) may be charged separately and may be non‑refundable. Refund and withdrawal policy (published schedule) - Withdrawal and refund rules are published on a term‑by‑term timetable. The school's stated schedule is: withdrawal during the first week of the term incurs payment of 30% of that term's tuition; withdrawal during the second week incurs 40% of that term's tuition; withdrawal during the third week incurs 75% of that term's tuition; withdrawal in the fourth week or later requires payment of the full term's tuition. Certain fees (for special programmes) are stated as non‑refundable regardless of timing. Fee payment options and notes on methods - The school publishes two core payment structures: full payment of tuition upfront (eligible for the 5% advance payment discount) and a three‑installment plan. Details on any other payment mechanisms (for example, which card types, online payment gateway, or bank transfer details) are not published in the fee schedule or admissions policy made available with the tuition figures. Key published notes - Tuition figures above are the school's published annual fees for the 2024/2025 academic year and are stated as exclusive of VAT. The school indicates a detailed schedule of fees and further financial information is maintained by the admissions/finance office.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is not provided. Aldenham Prep Riyadh operates as a day school for children aged 3–13. There are no boarding facilities or arrangements described on site.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement A full uniform bundle (summer, winter and PE uniform) must be purchased before starting school; after purchase, individual items can be bought as needed.	Uniform requirement Uniforms must be worn daily, using the official Ellesmere College Riyadh uniform. A PE kit is required for physical education, with changing rooms provided before and after PE. The policy allows seasonal variations for heat or cold and requires outerwear to be neutral in color and style, with changes communicated in advance .
Food options	Food options Lunch provision is included in the curriculum and bundled tuition. Breakfast is available as an optional add-on.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Aldenham Prep Riyadh is the first owner-operated branch of an independent UK school in Saudi Arabia. It is part of the Aldenham Education Group and is closely linked with Aldenham UK, which was founded in 1597.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Aldenham Prep Riyadh offers a British international curriculum for boys and girls aged 3 to 13 and currently teaches up to Year 8; there are plans to become a full EYFS–Year 13 school offering (I)GCSE and A Levels. The timetable includes English, Maths and Science, along with ICT, Art, Design Technology, Geography, History and French, with specialist French and weekly PE and swimming. Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central components of the curriculum, with Arabic taught from Lower School by subject specialists. The school follows a staged structure: Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery/Foundation), Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) and Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9). Aldenham emphasizes a broad co-curricular programme and sport, offering football, netball, hockey, cricket, basketball, plus swimming and other activities.	Curriculum details Ellesmere College Riyadh offers an IB continuum across its divisions, with Primary Years (grade 1–5) pursuing the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years (grade 6–10) the Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma Programme (ages 16–19) alongside alternative senior qualifications. In Primary Years, the curriculum is inquiry-based under the PYP, with English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities taught inhomerooms; Arabic and Spanish are offered at Language & Literature and Language Acquisition levels, with Arabic Social Studies (Saudi History) and Islamic Values, plus specialist PHE, drama, STEM, and the arts. In Middle Years, students follow the MYP with balanced subjects including English, Mathematics, Sciences, PHE, drama, STEM, and arts; Arabic/Spanish are available at Language & Literature and Language Acquisition levels, alongside Arabic Social Studies (Saudi History) and Islamic Values. For the senior phase, the Diploma Programme includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay, and CAS, with six subject groups spanning Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts or Electives. Also available are the American Diploma (AD) for grades 11–12, described as a pre-university programme with cross-curricular research and a service-learning portfolio, and the IGCSE Diploma for grades 11–12, described as an IGCSE-based curriculum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Higher education progression is supported through IB DP and AD offerings, both described as pre-university or university-preparatory tracks designed to prepare students for higher education and future careers. The DP emphasizes university readiness via TOK, Extended Essay, and CAS, while the AD program positions students for higher education and professional pathways. The IGCSE Diploma serves as another pathway in the senior years. These tracks align with Ellesmere College Riyadh's stated aim of preparing students for higher education globally.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning SEL at Aldenham Prep Riyadh is embedded in daily life through strong pastoral care. Pastoral care is at the heart of the school's approach to education. SEL is supported by a PSHE programme designed to promote well-being, confidence, and readiness for life beyond academics, with content covering physical health, mental health, and relationship health. The House system provides belonging and ongoing welfare support through personal tutors and Housemasters, complemented by a School Chaplain who offers pastoral and spiritual guidance. All staff are trained in safeguarding to help maintain a safe and supportive environment.	Social & emotional learning The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) provision, staff, or initiatives; however, campus life emphasizes a supportive, inclusive, and safe environment and a broad co-curricular programme that supports personal growth.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Information publicly available for Aldenham Prep Riyadh does not describe any dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. It does not specify which types of SEN the school can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. There is no mention of an Academic Learning Support department or intensive one to one interventions in the documented materials. In contrast, SEN related information is published for Aldenham UK which describes a small Academic Learning Support unit, but that does not confirm availability at the Riyadh campus. Therefore, SEN provision for the Riyadh campus is not publicly disclosed.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, staff, or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Information publicly available for Aldenham Prep Riyadh does not describe any dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision. The curriculum is described as tailored for Riyadh with Arabic Language central, and there is no explicit mention of EAL staff, programmes or classes. The site does not disclose EAL support details. Therefore, EAL provision is not publicly disclosed. No further EAL information is publicly available beyond the current materials.	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through well established pastoral care within the Aldenham network, including a Health Centre and access to medical staff for preventative care and wellbeing support. The Health Centre is supported by a qualified nurse and, for boarding students, a School Doctor, with additional mental health resources as part of the Life Matters and pastoral framework. Short periods of counselling are available, with referrals to Private therapy or CAMHS if more is needed. A School Chaplain provides pastoral and spiritual support, including assemblies and one to one listening when needed. PSHE programs include mental health education as part of holistic development.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by a campus described as supportive, inclusive, and safe, which fosters student well‑being.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding at Aldenham Prep Riyadh is a priority, with ALL staff trained in safeguarding and a dedicated safeguarding team in place. The safeguarding team works with families and external agencies to support pupils and ensure a safe environment. If there are concerns about a child welfare, staff or families should contact the safeguarding team, or call emergency services if a child is in immediate danger. A safeguarding policy is published and available, outlining procedures and protections. These standards reflect the safeguarding framework used across the Aldenham group.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a top priority; the campus has security measures, staff trained in safeguarding protocols, and safeguarding professionals on hand.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Aldenham Prep Riyadh uses purpose-built facilities and learning spaces designed to inspire and educate. The campus includes an outdoor play area and state-of-the-art technology. The school is located in Riyadh North, easily accessible from most parts of the city. The facilities reflect a modern learning environment designed to support holistic education.	Facilities overview Ellesmere College Riyadh operates across two campuses, Al Hamra and Salwa, providing advanced learning environments for pupils aged 3-18. The Salwa Campus has opened to expand space for academic, sport and creative activities. The facilities include science laboratories, STEM spaces, and a library to support research and study. Classrooms and other learning spaces are described as state-of-the-art to support IB, American Diploma and IGCSE programs. The facilities also include an auditorium for assemblies and performances, and a sports complex with a gym, swimming pool and multi-purpose spaces.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sport is a strong focus at Aldenham Prep Riyadh; games and physical education are central to school life. From Reception onward, pupils have access to a specialist PE teacher. The school offers a broad range of co-curricular activities including sports. Outdoor spaces support physical education and active learning.	Sports facilities The sports facilities include a dedicated gymnastics area, versatile multi-purpose sport halls, paddle courts and a swimming pool. The swimming facility is described as a central feature of the campus, used for skill development and potential tournaments. A fully equipped gym supports physical education and personal fitness. The pool and gym are complemented by other indoor and outdoor areas that support a healthy, active lifestyle.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school provides a first-class British international education for ages 3 to 13. It is closely aligned with Aldenham School in the UK and integrated with a global network. The curriculum emphasizes strong academic foundations and personal growth beyond the classroom. Current operations offer classes up to Year 8 as the school grows toward a full EYFS to Year 13 program.	Academic facilities Science laboratories are equipped with modern equipment to enable hands-on experiments and critical thinking. STEM laboratories are available to support technology-enabled learning. A library provides resources for research and study across the school's programs. Classrooms are part of the teaching spaces designed to support IB, American Diploma and IGCSE delivery, with emphasis on modern resources and technology. The school describes its facilities as state-of-the-art and conducive to a range of learning approaches.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Aldenham offers a broad co-curricular program including sports, languages, and performing arts. Music and Drama are taught by specialist teachers from Nursery onward, with opportunities to learn instruments and participate in productions. Co-curricular activities support holistic development and a sense of community. The program aligns with the broader British international education approach of Aldenham.	Extra curricular facilities Art and Music Rooms provide dedicated spaces for creative work and performances. The auditorium seats 300 and hosts student performances and events. Co-Curriculum programs are part of campus life, offering extracurricular opportunities beyond core academic subjects. The sports facilities support a range of activities, including swimming and other team or individual events, with paddle courts and gym facilities available.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Aldenham Prep Riyadh opened in September 2022 as the first owner-operated, integrated branch of a UK independent school in Saudi Arabia, serving children aged 3 to 11. It is closely aligned with Aldenham School in the UK, sharing its ethos and traditions, with Aldenham UK founded in 1597 as the flagship of the Aldenham Foundation. The Riyadh campus appointed Vicky Gocher as Founding Head, bringing leadership from Aldenham Prep in the UK. In 2023, Aldenham Education Group announced plans to add a second campus in King Abdullah Financial District to deliver a broader K-12 offering, while Aldenham Prep Riyadh continues to grow from its 2022 origins.	History Ellesmere College Riyadh was established through a partnership between Ellesmere College UK and the Glory & Princeton International Schools Group, announced in April 2024. The Riyadh campus opened to its first pupils in September 2024, starting with Kindergarten and early years as part of the initial rollout. The Glory Group, founded in 2003 by Dr Hamdi Abel Razek Ahmed and his wife, operates multiple schools in the region and is developing a university in New Mansoura, underpinning the international expansion. The Riyadh site operates two campuses, Al Hamra and Salwa. In November 2025, Ellesmere College Riyadh hosted its first immersion group from Riyadh visiting Ellesmere College UK, signaling ongoing cross‑campus exchanges.
Community	Community The school describes a warm, inclusive community with pastoral care at its heart and a strong connection to the wider Aldenham family and its global network. Its curriculum is broad and supported by a rich co-curricular programme, with opportunities in sports, languages and the arts. It hosts regular events for families, including Parent Workshops and Tea and Talk sessions, as well as school photos. It also participates in community charity initiatives such as Harvest Festival donations for orphans care.	Community The school describes its community as focused on leadership and entrepreneurial development through team sports, the Combined Cadet Force, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, with public speaking as a key activity. Students in Ellesmere's sports academies have gained international recognition, including representations at county and national levels in rugby, swimming, sailing, canoeing, tennis, and shooting. The two Riyadh campuses—Al Hamra and Salwa—support a broad and diverse local and international student body within a single Ellesmere network. The educational approach integrates High Performance Learning principles across the curriculum, reinforcing a culture of high expectations and practical skill development.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association ASPA is established to foster a strong sense of community among parents, teachers and pupils. It supports the educational aims of Aldenham Prep Riyadh through active collaboration and engagement. It enhances the educational and social experience of pupils by organizing events, activities and initiatives, and it promotes effective communication between parents and the school while encouraging parental involvement in supporting the life and values of the school. The association has an Executive Committee, including a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, with members such as Chair Mrs Tufful AlOkby, Secretary Mrs Fatima Bouakharif, Treasurer Mrs Rayanne Zaim, and members Mr Ishaq Uri, Mr Richard Muldoon, Mr Rakan Ghoth, among others. ASPA operates within the Aldenham network, as shown by references to Aldenham UK (founded 1597).	Parent teacher association The site lists an Ellesmere Club as the primary parent-community organization, appearing in the site navigation as the dedicated channel for family involvement. The partnership with the Glory Group emphasizes family involvement and staff–family collaboration as central to the school's international expansion. Co‑curricular offerings such as the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, team sports, and public speaking form core elements of community life and involve families through events and showcases. In November 2025, the Ellesmere UK campus hosted the first immersion group from Ellesmere College Riyadh, illustrating ongoing cross-network engagement between families and pupils. The Riyadh campuses operate in Al Hamra and Salwa, with communication channels open to families.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school provides a British International education for boys and girls aged 3 to 13, closely aligned with Aldenham School in the UK. It currently offers classes up to Year 8 and will develop into a full EYFS to Year 13 British International School offering (I)GCSE and A Level qualifications. The curriculum emphasises breadth and high standards, developing academic, creative and sporting talents through a broad curriculum and rich co-curricular programme. Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central; Arabic is taught from the Lower School by specialist teachers and is contextualised for Riyadh.	Academic & intellectual The school offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 12. The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child and connects subjects through inquiry-based learning across transdisciplinary themes. The school is an official IB candidate school for the PYP.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Pupils have specialist music instruction from Nursery onward and can learn instruments and participate in dramatic productions. The co-curricular programme includes arts and performing arts as key components of the all-round education, with clubs and activities spanning languages, arts and crafts, sports and STEM. Performing arts are part of the school's activities, enhancing creative development.	Arts & creative Specialties include drama and the arts. The co-curricular programme includes music and the arts among its offerings.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central components of the curriculum, and Arabic is offered from the Lower School by subject specialists. The curriculum is British in nature but tailored to fit the Riyadh setting.	Cultural & language Arabic and Spanish are taught at Lang&Lit level for native speakers. Arabic and Spanish are offered as additional languages (Lang Acquisition) for learners. Arabic Social Studies (Saudi History) covers Islamic Values.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies From Year 1 onwards, each class has one PE lesson per week with a specialist teacher, a Games afternoon and a weekly swimming lesson. Major sports include football, netball, hockey, cricket and basketball, with opportunities to be coached in other sports such as badminton, climbing and trampolining. Educational trips and visits are important experiences, and visiting groups support learning.	Social & hobbies The co-curricular programme offers a wide range of activities beyond the classroom. Students can participate in sports, music and arts, along with clubs and community service. The programme is designed to enrich student life and foster personal growth.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The co-curricular programme includes clubs and community service. It provides opportunities to engage with the local community and develop a service orientation.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school is led by Headmaster Mr Mark S. Bedford. Deputy Head - Pastoral is Mr Crispin Cole, and Deputy Head - Academic is Mrs Hina Khan. The Headmaster has led schools in the UK, Cyprus, Thailand, China and Saudi Arabia, with a background in English Literature, School Improvement and Educational Psychology.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care is at the heart of the school, creating a warm and inclusive community where children feel valued, supported and confident. A broad curriculum and strong sense of community help pupils discover and develop their talents.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are part of the co-curricular programme. The provision supports wellbeing through physical activity and creative engagement.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Arabic language is offered from the Lower School onwards and is delivered by subject specialist teachers. The curriculum is tailored to fit the Riyadh setting, with Arabic language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies as central components. The timetable includes English, Maths and Science, with English and other subjects such as ICT, Art, DT, Geography and History.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1. Entry points and age bands: Aldenham Prep Riyadh offers day education for boys and girls aged 3 to 13. The school currently offers classes up to Year 8 and will become a full EYFS to Year 13 British International School offering (I)GCSE and A Level qualifications. Entry points are Nursery (Age 3+), Lower School (Age 4+; Reception, Year 1 and Year 2), and Upper School (Age 7+; Years 3-6). Aldenham Prep Riyadh is located in Riyadh North.	Admissions 1. Initial Application Review. Submit the online admission form with all required documents. The admissions team reviews the submission to ensure the application is complete and meets basic entry requirements. This step confirms that the applicant and family meet the school's initial criteria for movement to assessment. It signals readiness to proceed to the evaluation stage. 2. Admissions Exam. All applicants complete an entrance examination designed to assess academic ability in key subject areas. The exam results help determine whether the student is eligible for unconditional acceptance or will require conditional acceptance. If results indicate the student does not pass or achieve a low score, the school may offer conditional acceptance and develop an educational plan. Parents are expected to follow the plan and may need to arrange additional tutoring. 3. Interviews. Following the assessment, students and parents may be invited to an interview with the admissions team and, in some cases, with key academic staff. The interview provides an opportunity for the school to learn more about the student's interests, goals, and fit with the school community. The process may be used to confirm information gathered during the exam and review the student's readiness for the programme. 4. Conditional Admission. Based on assessment and interview, admission may be offered conditionally. Conditions may include attending additional support classes or engaging in enrichment activities to address identified needs. Parents are responsible for meeting the conditions and for arranging any recommended tutoring or supports. The school will communicate the conditions and the educational plan. 5. Finalization of Admission. Finalization occurs once all conditions have been met and financial obligations have been satisfied. This includes official registration in the school system and the creation of a comprehensive student file. The process formalizes the student's entry into Ellesmere College Riyadh. 6. Formal Registration within the School System. Formal registration within the school's system is completed. This step confirms the student's enrollment in the school database. All necessary documentation and approvals are stored in the student's file. 7. Ministry Authorization and Certificates. The school requires authorization from the Ministry of Education and submission of the required sequence of certificates. This step ensures compliance with national education requirements. The family provides the necessary certificates as part of enrollment. 8. Noor System Printout. A printout from the Noor system of the student's previous school is obtained. The Noor record is necessary for transferring student records. 9. Financial Obligations and Policies. Fulfillment of all financial responsibilities and adherence to the school's policies. The policy covers seat reservation, tuition, payment plans, and refunds. A seat reservation fee of SAR 5,000 is required and is deducted from tuition; payments can be made in 3 installments; there are refunds schedules and VAT applies. Scholarships are available for eligible applicants.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Scholarship Programs: Ellesmere College Riyadh offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships and financial aid packages based on need and merit. Scholarships recognize exceptional academic, artistic, or athletic talents and contribute to the student's education. Details and eligibility are outlined in a separate document available from the admissions office.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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