British International School Riyadh and King's College Riyadh are both in Riyadh, about 16 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and British International School Riyadh also offers IB. Published annual fees are SAR 49,095 - 107,933 at British International School Riyadh and SAR 52,784 - 79,175 at King's College Riyadh, which puts British International School Riyadh roughly 19% higher. British International School Riyadh takes pupils from 3 to 18, and King's College Riyadh from 3 to 12. British International School Riyadh is the larger school, with around 2,052 pupils to King's College Riyadh's 525. Typical class sizes are 24 at British International School Riyadh and 22 at King's College Riyadh.
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British International School Riyadh
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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King's College Riyadh
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Fees / year
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Fees / year SAR 49,095 - 107,933 | Fees / year SAR 52,784 - 79,175 |
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Age range
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Age range 3 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 12 years |
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Type
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Type — | Type — |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) | Curriculum British Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 2,052 | Pupils 525 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 24 | Typical class size 22 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened — | Opened — |
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Bus service
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Bus service — | Bus service — |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location British International School Riyadh operates across seven campuses in Saudi Arabia, including three in Riyadh: Al Hamra, Diplomatic Quarter, and Al Waha. In Riyadh, Al Hamra is located at 2786 Ibrahim Mubarak Said Ad Dusari in the Gharnatah District; the Diplomatic Quarter campus is at 3586 Alradaef Street, Al Safarat District; and Al Waha sits at 2822 Muhammad Ali Janah Street in the Gharnatah District. These campuses are part of one not-for-profit British international school network and offer cross-campus collaboration for families living in and around Riyadh. | Location The Diriyah campus of King's College Riyadh is located in Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It sits near major routes, including King Khalid Road, making it accessible by car from central Riyadh and surrounding neighbourhoods. The campus is purpose-built for the school and reflects its British-international identity. |
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Stages
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Stages BISR is an all-through school for ages 3–18, with nurseries through Year 12 on its Riyadh campuses. The Diplomatic Quarter campus offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the 16–18 age group, while other campuses follow the English National Curriculum with GCSE and A‑Level pathways. | Stages The school currently serves Pre-School to Year 7 (ages 3–13) and plans to extend progressively to Year 13 (up to age 18). |
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School type
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School type The school is co-educational (mixed-gender) and operates as a day school. Boarding is not offered. | School type The school is fully co-educational, welcoming both boys and girls. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix The student body comprises students from over 90 nationalities. The most common nationality is not published, and exact local-to-international ratios are not publicly disclosed; the school presents a highly diverse international mix. | Pupil nationality mix Public data indicate about 523 students across roughly 41 nationalities, with Saudi Arabian as the most common nationality; local and international students are represented in roughly a 50/50 balance. |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support Limited support for Additional Learning Needs (SEN). The school runs a Student Services programme with capacity for mild to moderate needs (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism) and offers limited EAL support. | Additional learning support The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Learning Support, including Individual Education Plans, with group or one-to-one sessions as needed and integration with daily lessons. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation BISR is a British international school overseas and is accredited as a British School Overseas (BSO) and by the Council of International Schools (CIS). | Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom as part of King's College UK and is the first British private school to open in Saudi Arabia; it is part of the Cognita family of schools. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation stated for the school. | Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; Islamic Studies is included as a central component of the curriculum alongside Arabic and Social Studies. |
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School day structure
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School day structure Most campuses run a day that starts around 07:45 and finishes around 16:00, with breaks and a lunch period. At the Diplomatic Quarter campus, students may bring lunch or use catering options where available. | School day structure School days start at 7:30am. Pre-School and Reception finish at 1:45pm; Year 1–7 finish at 2:35pm. Breakfast club runs from 6:30am, with after-school activities (ECAs) for Pre-School/Reception until 2:30pm and for Year 1–7 until 3:30pm. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details School transport is organized and run by the residential compounds in Riyadh. Families should register for transportation with their compound management; BIS does not operate a dedicated in-house bus fleet. | Bus service details King's College Riyadh does not publicly publish a dedicated school bus service on its materials. Riyadh has a city-wide Riyadh Bus network launched in 2023, with routes including King Saud University Station to the Diplomatic Quarter; public transport information and tickets are available via the Riyadh Bus system. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Tuition fees (per year and per term) - Foundation 1 (Foundation): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 42,691; VAT 15% SR 6,404; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 49,095; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 16,365. - Foundation 2 (Foundation): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 57,821; VAT 15% SR 8,673; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 66,494; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 22,165. - Key Stage 1 (Year 1 & 2): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 60,071; VAT 15% SR 9,011; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 69,082; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 23,027. - Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 66,200; VAT 15% SR 9,930; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 76,130; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 25,377. - Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 72,717; VAT 15% SR 10,908; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 83,625; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 27,875. - Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 88,186; VAT 15% SR 13,228; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 101,414; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 33,805. - Key Stage 5 (Years 12 & 13): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 93,855; VAT 15% SR 14,078; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 107,933; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 35,978. Application and one-off/ancillary fees - Application fee (new students at Al Hamra, Al Waha and Diplomatic Quarter campuses): non‑refundable SR 575 (inclusive of VAT). Not applicable to BAE schools. - Assessment fee: non‑refundable SR 1,150 (inclusive of VAT); payable by bank transfer. - Registration fee (new students): single non‑refundable fee SR 11,500 (inclusive of VAT). Re‑registration required (fee payable again) if a student has been away from school for three clear terms. - Capital Development Fee (one‑time, non‑refundable for new students at non‑BAE campuses and for students moving from BAE schools): SR 11,500 (inclusive of VAT). - Seat deposit: single refundable deposit SR 5,000 (no VAT). Refund conditions: refunded when the family no longer has a child at the school provided one month's written notice during term time is given to the Registrar and all issued school IDs (including those issued to family helpers/drivers) are returned. - Resource deposit: single refundable deposit SR 1,500 (no VAT) (applies to the eldest child only). Repaid less deductions for damaged or lost school resources when the family no longer has a child at the school. - Sibling discount: SR 1,000 per term discount for the third child; SR 1,500 per term for the fourth and any subsequent children. - External examination fees (GCSE, AS/A‑level etc.): candidates pay their own entry fees plus a fair share of administrative costs (invigilation, courier, moderation). Costs for approved access arrangements are shared equally among candidates. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition fees are invoiced per term in advance (invoices issued towards the end of the preceding term). Parents are required to pay the term tuition by the due date stated on the invoice. - As part of onboarding, a virtual account is allocated by the finance team and tuition fees should be transferred into that virtual account (bank transfer). Assessment fees are explicitly payable by bank transfer. Failure to pay fees or failure to return for the commencement of the new academic year will result in the student being deemed to have left the school; re‑entry requires completion of initial registration procedures. Boarding - No boarding provision applies; the school operates as an international day school. There are no boarding fees. Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniform: full school uniform is required. Uniform guidance is published and uniform is available to order online via the official supplier Zaks (costs are charged separately at point of purchase). - Transport: school bus services are organised and operated by residential compounds; families register for bus transport through their compound management office and associated transport charges apply through those providers. - After‑school activities and external enrichment: some activities are delivered by external providers and may carry additional fees payable to those providers. Refunds and non‑refundables (summary) - Non‑refundable: application fee, assessment fee, registration fee, capital development fee. - Refundable: seat deposit (SR 5,000) and resource deposit (SR 1,500) are refundable subject to the stated conditions and less any deductions for damaged or missing resources. VAT and exemptions - VAT is applied at 15% where indicated in the fee breakdown. Saudi nationals are eligible for VAT exemption where applicable; families who believe they are eligible should contact the school finance department for assistance. Payment methods accepted (summary) - Tuition and other charges are paid by bank transfer into the allocated virtual account established by the school finance team. Assessment fees are payable by bank transfer. Specific campus onboarding provides the virtual account details. No other payment methods are specified in the fee and admissions information provided. | Fee details Application, Assessment and Enrolment Fees - Application fee: SAR 550 (one-off, non-refundable). - Assessment fee: SAR 1,100 (one-off; refundable only if a place is not offered). - Registration (enrolment) fee: SAR 3,800 (one-off, non-refundable, payable after an offer is made). - Place deposit: 50% of the first term's fees (non-refundable; deducted from the first term's fees). Tuition fees by year group (amounts per term and annual totals) - Pre-School: - Term 1: SAR 18,360 - Term 2: SAR 18,360 - Term 3: SAR 9,179 - Annual fees (excl VAT): SAR 45,899 - Annual fees (inc VAT where applicable): SAR 52,784. - Reception: - Term 1: SAR 18,360 - Term 2: SAR 18,360 - Term 3: SAR 9,179 - Annual fees (excl VAT): SAR 45,899 - Annual fees (inc VAT where applicable): SAR 52,784. - Year 1: - Term 1: SAR 20,654 - Term 2: SAR 20,654 - Term 3: SAR 10,328 - Annual fees (excl VAT): SAR 51,636 - Annual fees (inc VAT where applicable): SAR 59,381. - Year 2: - Term 1: SAR 20,654 - Term 2: SAR 20,654 - Term 3: SAR 10,328 - Annual fees (excl VAT): SAR 51,636 - Annual fees (inc VAT where applicable): SAR 59,381. - Year 3: - Term 1: SAR 25,244 - Term 2: SAR 25,244 - Term 3: SAR 12,623 - Annual fees (excl VAT): SAR 63,111 - Annual fees (inc VAT where applicable): SAR 72,578. - Year 4: - Term 1: SAR 25,244 - Term 2: SAR 25,244 - Term 3: SAR 12,623 - Annual fees (excl VAT): SAR 63,111 - Annual fees (inc VAT where applicable): SAR 72,578. - Year 5: - Term 1: SAR 25,244 - Term 2: SAR 25,244 - Term 3: SAR 12,623 - Annual fees (excl VAT): SAR 63,111 - Annual fees (inc VAT where applicable): SAR 72,578. - Year 6: - Term 1: SAR 25,244 - Term 2: SAR 25,244 - Term 3: SAR 12,623 - Annual fees (excl VAT): SAR 63,111 - Annual fees (inc VAT where applicable): SAR 72,578. - Year 7: - Term 1: SAR 27,539 - Term 2: SAR 27,539 - Term 3: SAR 13,770 - Annual fees (excl VAT): SAR 68,848 - Annual fees (inc VAT where applicable): SAR 79,175. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments payable in advance of each term. All fees are payable in advance of the start of each term. - Indicative invoice/payment dates: Term 1 re-enrolment invoice issued 4 May (payment by 3 June); Term 1 balance payment by 8 July; Term 2 invoice issued 12 October (payment by 7 December); Term 3 invoice issued 8 February (payment by 8 March). - Re-enrolment fee for the next academic year: 20% of the annual tuition fee for the year group; deductible from the first term's fees and non-refundable. The child's place is not guaranteed until the re-enrolment fee is received. - Late payment charge: SAR 2,000 per month (or part thereof) for overdue fees. Post-dated cheques may be accepted by arrangement to avoid late fees. - Notice to withdraw: written notice must be given at least one full term in advance via the school's Leaver's Form; if no notice is given, the fees for the following term are payable. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school is operating for pupils from Pre-School through Year 7 and there is no boarding provision for these year groups. Other costs and additional charges - Tuition does not include school lunches, transportation, educational trips, or extracurricular activities provided by external providers; those items are charged separately. - Typical additional charges include: breakfast club, after-school care, late room, learning support, EAL support, private music lessons, holiday camps, academy activities and certain co-curricular programmes. - Educational trips: a minimum school bus charge applies (minimum SAR 50 per trip) plus any entrance or activity fees; residential trip charges are higher and communicated in advance. - Public and external examination fees (where applicable) are payable by parents; this includes music exams, LAMDA, IGCSE and other external exam charges plus related administrative/postage fees. - Uniform: all uniform items must be purchased through the school's approved uniform provider except items specifically noted as parents' responsibility on the uniform list. Specific uniform prices are communicated by the school/uniform supplier. Refunds and deposit policy - Deposits are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances. - If fees have been paid annually in full before the due date, a refund of remaining term(s) will be given provided one term's written notice of withdrawal is supplied in advance; the 5% annual payment discount will not be applied to any refund. - No refund is given for casual absence, sickness, holidays, periods of exclusion or other similar circumstances. Refunds are processed in accordance with Ministry of Education regulations and the school's fee policy. Fee payment options and conditions - Preferred method: online bank transfer (include invoice number and child's full name; provide remittance to the Finance Department). - Direct payment at the school is accepted by credit and debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Mada and American Express). - Post-dated cheques are accepted by arrangement with the Finance team. - Discount conditions: the 5% discount for full-year payment and the 5% sibling discount are only available when payment is made by bank transfer or cheque; cash and debit/credit card payments are not accepted for discounted fees. - For payment queries or to confirm payment details, contact the school's Finance or Admissions teams as listed on official communications. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement Students are required to wear full school uniform. Uniforms can be ordered online via Zaks and delivered anywhere in Saudi Arabia; there is also a BIS uniform shop at Al Hamra (to the right of the main gate) and a campus store at the Diplomatic Quarter, with an additional in-person option at Atyaf Mall. Opening hours for the Al Hamra store are 7:30–8:30 and 14:30–15:30, Sunday–Thursday. | Uniform requirement — |
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Food options
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Food options Primary students generally bring their own lunch. In Senior at Al Hamra and Al Waha there are two lunch options: Paul's (open to KS3, 4 and Sixth Form) and a pop-up canteen; at Diplomatic Quarter there is no onsite cafeteria but a preordered catering option is available; at Tabuk campus students may bring lunch or choose from the Al Fresco restaurant's school lunch menu (to be ordered and paid weekly in advance). | Food options — |
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House system
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House system BISR runs a four-house system: Blunt Scorpions, Doughty Falcons, Palgrave Leopards and Pitts Vipers. The house system provides formal leadership roles (House Captains and House Leaders) and regular inter-house events, with an emphasis on values such as fair play, teamwork, citizenship, self-discipline, initiative, perseverance and resilience. | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership BISR is a not-for-profit school administered by a Board of Governors. All revenue from school fees is reinvested into student learning, including staffing, resources and campus facilities, under the oversight of the Board and the Director of Schools. The school operates across seven campuses in Saudi Arabia and its governance focuses on safeguarding, finance, staffing and premises in line with regulatory requirements. | Governance and ownership — |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details British International School Riyadh (BISR) operates across two Riyadh campuses, Al Hamra (nearly 2,000 students) and Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) (about 850), serving ages 3–18. At Al Hamra, the youngest learners follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, Years 1–9 use an adapted English National Curriculum, Years 10–11 offer GCSEs, and Years 12–13 offer A-Levels. At the Diplomatic Quarter campus, the curriculum combines the English National Curriculum in early years, then IGCSE in Years 10–11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Years 12–13, with vocational pathways available post-16. In the Primary phase, the school uses a concept-based English National Curriculum framework with core subjects (English, Maths, Science, Computing), a Theme block (History/Geography/Global Citizenship), Physical Education, Art/Design Technology, Music, and Modern Foreign Languages (French and Arabic). The IB Diploma Programme has been offered at DQ since 2022, reflecting the school's international accreditation. | Curriculum details King's College Riyadh delivers a distinctive British education rooted in King's College UK, using the English National Curriculum adapted for Riyadh. The school serves Pre-School to Year 7 (ages 3–13) now, with growth planned to Year 13; Early Years to Prep follow the English National Curriculum with specialist teaching in Arabic, Music and PE from age 3, and from Year 5 all subjects are taught by specialist teachers. Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central to the programme. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio Small class sizes. |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results The school offers an outstanding British education from EYFS to Year 8, with Arabic language outcomes rated Very Good by ABT. |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning SEL is embedded through a whole-school Wellbeing Pillar and a weekly PSHE program in the Primary School. PSHE uses the PSHE Association Scheme of Work and develops resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, teamwork and critical thinking. The Zones of Regulation framework is used to help children identify and regulate their emotions. The pastoral team, including a Primary School Counsellor, provides additional wellbeing support. Counselling is offered as brief interventions aligned with safeguarding, and the school emphasizes wellbeing as part of learning. | Social & emotional learning — |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The school can support students with mild to moderate additional needs. Supported conditions include dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism. Support is delivered by Learning Support and EAL colleagues, with learning plans and regular parent communication. Places in the Student Services programme are limited by capacity. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution in its published materials. | Special educational needs (SEN) — |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language The school provides limited EAL support for students at an early stage of English. Enrollment requires age-appropriate fluency in English. EAL support is delivered in collaboration with Learning Support colleagues and involves partnership with parents. There is no dedicated full EAL program described; support is limited. EAL matters are addressed in partnership with parents through EAL and Support for Learning. | English as an additional language — |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is a core focus under the Wellbeing Pillar and PSHE. Zones of Regulation is used to help students identify and regulate emotions. The school maintains a strong pastoral team and a Primary School Counsellor to provide additional support. Wellbeing is integrated with learning, enrichment and wider life across BIS Riyadh. The Vision and Values emphasise happiness, healthy lifestyle and inclusive community as part of wellbeing. | Mental wellbeing — |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported by a dedicated Safeguarding Team and governance oversight. The Board includes a designated Safeguarding Governor and a Safeguarding Committee. Counselling works closely with the safeguarding team to provide brief, goal-centered interventions. Parent forums and workshops are used to communicate safeguarding matters to families. The Board of Governors is responsible for safeguarding and ensuring compliance with regulations. | Safeguarding — |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview British International School Riyadh operates across three Riyadh campuses: Al Hamra, Diplomatic Quarter, and the newly opened Al Waha campus. Al Waha provides expansive classrooms, dedicated music and drama spaces including a 750-seat auditorium, and state‑of‑the‑art laboratories. It also offers extensive aquatic and outdoor sport facilities, including an 8‑lane, 25‑metre swimming pool with a learner pool, and an all‑weather sport dome with a full‑size 11‑a‑side pitch plus four 7‑a‑side pitches. The Al Hamra campus features large flexible learning spaces, art rooms, a range of laboratories, a swimming pool, and a comprehensive PE programme with a fitness suite, dance studio, sports hall, gymnasium and astro turf pitch. The Diplomatic Quarter campus provides a library, laboratories, a swimming pool, medical rooms and computer labs to support learning across key stages. | Facilities overview King's College Riyadh has a purpose-built campus in Diriyah. The campus includes two indoor sports halls, a mixed-use outdoor sports pitch, a multi-use central atrium, science laboratories, a dedicated library, an IT lab, art and music studios, and specialist Early Years play areas. The school is a premium British International School, fully co-educational, delivering an all-round British curriculum. Arabic language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central components of the curriculum, and Arabic is offered from Pre-School and delivered by specialist teachers. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Across the Riyadh campuses, BISR offers extensive sports facilities. Al Waha features an all‑weather sports dome with full‑size pitches, four 7‑a‑side pitches, two sports halls, outdoor courts for tennis, volleyball and basketball, a dance studio, climbing walls and a gym, plus an 8‑lane, 25‑metre swimming pool and a learner pool. Al Hamra provides a fitness suite, a dance studio, a sports hall, a gym, and a multi‑purpose astro turf pitch, along with a swimming pool. The Diplomatic Quarter campus includes dedicated sports facilities as part of its modern complex. | Sports facilities The campus features two indoor sports halls and a mixed-use outdoor sports pitch for physical education and fixtures. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities Academic facilities across BISR include libraries and laboratories across campuses, with state‑of‑the‑art science, food technology, and art and design laboratories. The Al Waha campus offers expansive classrooms and dedicated laboratories to support science and technology work, while Al Hamra provides art rooms and laboratories and flexible learning spaces. The Diplomatic Quarter campus includes a library and computer labs to support digital and research skills. | Academic facilities The curriculum is rooted in the English National Curriculum in the Pre-Prep years. From Year 5 onwards, all subjects are led by specialist teachers, including Arabic, Music and Physical Education. Arabic language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central components of the curriculum. Arabic language is offered from Pre-School and delivered by specialist teachers. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities Musical and performing arts spaces are a core feature, with dedicated music rooms and a 750-seat auditorium at Al Waha and drama studios; arts spaces are supported by well‑equipped art rooms. A broad co‑curricular programme includes a strong PE and performing arts offering, with a gym, fitness suite and dance studio, and climbing facilities across campuses. | Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities run after school and include Gymnastics, Ballet and Art Club in Pre-Prep; in Prep, options include the World Scholar's Cup, Science Club and rehearsals for music and drama productions, along with additional sports fixtures. An After School Care programme is available. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History The British International School Riyadh opened in September 1979 as the Riyadh Continental School to provide a British education for expatriate families, with support from the British Embassy and local banks. In March 1981 it was incorporated into the Saudi Arabian International Schools and renamed the British International School Riyadh. The school moved to the Rawdah site in 1982 due to rising student numbers, and in September 1995 it relocated to a purpose-built campus adjacent to the Al Hamra Compound in northern Riyadah. GCSE provision began in 2002 (Year 10) with Year 11 following in 2003, and the Sixth Form opened in September 2004, inaugurated by Prince Charles (now King Charles). From 2020 the BIS network expanded with new campuses and joining affiliations, including Al Saqr and Al Sharq openings, culminating in a large relocation to the Al Waha campus in 2025 as part of alignment with Vision 2030. | History King's College Riyadh is part of the Cognita family of Schools and carries the King's College UK heritage, with over 140 years of educational tradition. It was the first British private school to open in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Diriyah campus serves boys and girls from Pre-School to Year 7 (ages 3–13) and is planned to grow year by year to Year 13. The King's approach blends British education with Saudi culture and traditions. |
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Community
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Community BISR is a not-for-profit, seven-campus, co-educational school in Saudi Arabia, serving around 3,000 students aged 3–18 from more than 90 nationalities and employing over 530 staff. The school supports a broad co-curricular programme that includes house events, student leadership, service learning and residential trips. The community is spread across seven campuses, united by a common mission and shared educational philosophy. Active parent involvement through campus PTAs also plays a key role in the school's community life. | Community The Diriyah campus supports a broad, inclusive school community with a focus on balanced development in academics, sport and the arts. The parent community, Friends of King's, organizes events, celebrations and initiatives that strengthen the community and create lasting connections, working closely with school leadership. The school's heritage is linked to the King's family of schools and to Cognita, reinforcing cross-school connections and shared values. Arabic language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central to the programme, helping students connect with Saudi culture while engaging with a global perspective. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association Each BISR campus has an active Parent Teacher Association that works to organise events and activities to reinforce the school community and provide extra opportunities for students. The PTA helps give parents a voice to offer fresh insight and contribute to continuous improvement, and it invites involvement from families at the campus level. Parents can contact their campus PTA to get involved, and the PTA pages outline visit and admissions-related information for families considering joining the school community. | Parent teacher association Friends of King's is the school's parent community at the heart of the school's culture. This group of parents meets regularly with the leadership team to plan activities that bring families together, support key projects and celebrate the shared spirit of the school. They organize events, celebrations and initiatives that strengthen connections and contribute to a warm, inclusive and supportive atmosphere for King's College Riyadh. Involvement by parents enriches their children's educational experience and helps sustain a collaborative school environment. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The Diplomatic Quarter campus offers English National Curriculum, IGCSE, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for students aged 3–18. The Early Years Foundation Stage is provided, with progression through primary and senior levels. GCSE, A-Level, and BTEC qualifications are available on other BIS campuses. | Academic & intellectual King's College Riyadh provides an extensive range of academic enrichment beyond classroom lessons. In the Prep School, students participate in Science Club and Art Club, and The World Scholar's Cup is part of the program. Early years include Gymnastics and Ballet to support physical development, while sports, music and drama accompany the core curriculum. These experiences are an essential part of the King's education. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative Al Hamra campus provides dedicated art spaces described as creative sanctuaries. The campus supports arts and creative pursuits through these facilities and related programmes. | Arts & creative Arts and creative pursuits are a core part of life beyond lessons. Students engage in music and drama, and Art Club provides ongoing opportunities for creative expression. The program emphasises collaboration, performance and visual arts as outlets for imagination and communication. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language English is the language of instruction across BIS campuses. The English National Curriculum is used on multiple BIS campuses. | Cultural & language — |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Journeys is the enrichment programme featuring outdoor learning and trips. The Outdoor Learning Team curates journeys within Saudi Arabia and internationally. | Social & hobbies Beyond the classroom, students engage in activities that foster energy, creativity and teamwork. A diverse range of sport, music, art and drama offers opportunities to grow in courage and leadership, while building friendships. These experiences help pupils develop social confidence and collaborative skills that support their overall growth. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Pastoral Care & Safeguarding provides wellbeing and safeguarding support. A dedicated Student Services team includes counsellors, EAL specialists, and learning-support staff. | Community & service Wellbeing and social responsibility are integral to school life. The Cognita Be Well Charter guides healthy choices and regular physical activity, and the Sparkle Foundation partnership enables giving and community involvement for students and families. Pastoral care supports emotional wellbeing and safeguarding, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional The Diplomatic Quarter campus is led by Principal Anna Power. A leadership team supports primary and senior sections across the campus. | Leadership & professional Leadership development is built into the co-curricular program. Each term offers opportunities to take on responsibilities, develop leadership, and collaborate with peers. The World Scholar's Cup and other activities provide platforms for teamwork, public speaking and enterprise. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care and safeguarding underpin student wellbeing. Enrichment activities are designed to support physical and mental health. | Lifestyle & wellbeing The Cognita Be Well Charter supports wellbeing with six pillars, including healthy eating and regular physical activity. Pastoral care focuses on happy, resilient learners and safeguarding ensures a safe environment. The Be Well framework aims to keep students active, socially connected and mentally balanced. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision The school teaches in English, following the English National Curriculum. World Languages offered include Arabic, French and Spanish, with language study introduced in primary and continued at secondary levels. In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Group 2 language options include Arabic B SL/HL, French B SL/HL, and Spanish ab initio SL or Spanish B SL/HL. A carousel of world languages is available in Years 5 and 6 to allow students to choose a language for secondary school. | Language provision The school follows a British curriculum based on the English National Curriculum. Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central components of the programme, and Arabic is taught from Pre‑School by subject specialist teachers. From Pre‑Prep, specialist teaching in Arabic, Islamic Studies, Music, PE and Swimming is provided. From Year 5, all subjects are taught by specialist teachers. English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports learners in accessing the curriculum, with progress monitored and Learning Support offers Individual Education Plans when needed. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching The school delivers a British curriculum with Arabic language alongside English and supports Arabic language through specialist teaching; Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central to the curriculum. |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions — | Admissions 1. Make an Enquiry. The Admissions Team provides a personalised and supportive admissions experience. Enquiries are submitted via the Enquiry Form or by contacting the team directly. Availability is limited in some year groups, so families are advised to begin the process early to secure a place. 2. Visit King's College Riyadh. Experience life at King's through a personalised campus tour. Tours are available throughout the week at convenient times. You can meet the Leadership Team during your visit. 3. Submit your application. Complete the online application form and upload the required documents. The Admissions Team will assist if needed and will help you prepare for next steps. Submission moves forward once the online form is submitted. 4. Assessment & Offer. An assessment is arranged to understand your child's learning needs and potential. For families applying from overseas, remote assessments can be organised. Assessment outcomes are shared within a few days, and successful applicants receive an offer of a place. 5. Secure your place. To confirm your child's place at King's College Riyadh, accept the offer, provide the requested documents and complete the enrolment fee within the given timeframe. The school looks forward to welcoming your family into the community. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships — | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist — | Waitlist — |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
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