British International School Riyadh vs Misk Schools

	B British International School Riyadh Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	M Misk Schools Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SAR 49,095 - 107,933	Fees / year SAR 85,000 - 125,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,052	Pupils 1,020
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Arabic
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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 campus is located in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in the Irqah district of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The site covers about 21 hectares and comprises nine school buildings for both male and female students aged 4 to 18. This campus is the central Misk Schools site within the city's nonprofit campus development.
Stages	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 From Kindergarten (KG1–KG3, ages 3–6) through Grade 12, the school is organised into five bands: Kindergarten, Lower Primary (Grades 1–3), Upper Primary (Grades 4–6), Middle Schools (Grades 7–8), and Senior Schools (Grades 9–12). Each band uses gender arrangements with mixed KG and separate Boys' and Girls' schools at the other levels.
School type	School type The school is co-educational (mixed-gender) and operates as a day school. Boarding is not offered.	School type The school operates as a day school. Kindergarten is mixed for boys and girls, while Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Middle, and Senior years are offered in separate Boys' and Girls' campuses.
Pupil nationality mix	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 information about the exact number of nationalities is not disclosed. The school's profile indicates a predominantly Saudi student body, with Saudi nationals making up about 98% of the local student population and Saudi as the most common nationality.
Additional learning support	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 Safeguarding and well-being are prioritized, with a Safeguarding Pledge and a designated safeguarding lead and safeguarding team. Well-being services and High Performance Learning (HPL) approaches are part of the student support framework.
Country affiliation	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 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the campus is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation stated for the school.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not stated in MISK's official materials. External sources note that Islamic Studies are part of the Saudi identity curriculum for Saudi students.
School day structure	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 The school week runs Sunday to Thursday, with working hours from 08:00 to 17:00.
Bus service details	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 No publicly published information about a school bus service is available from MISK's official materials; inquiries about transport should be directed to Admissions or General Enquiries.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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 fee - A non‑refundable/ refundable application payment of SAR 10,000 is required with each application; this amount is deductible from tuition if the student is accepted and refundable if the student is not accepted. Annual tuition fees (by year group) - PreK and KG: SAR 85,000 per school year. - Grades 1–5: SAR 105,000 per school year. - Grade 6 and above (Grades 6–12): SAR 125,000 per school year. Term fees (calculation based on the school operating a three‑term academic year) - The academic year is split into three terms; the per‑term amounts below are the annual fees divided by three (this is a calculated per‑term figure, based on the school's three‑term calendar). - PreK and KG: SAR 28,333.33 per term (SAR 85,000 ÷ 3). - Grades 1–5: SAR 35,000.00 per term (SAR 105,000 ÷ 3). - Grade 6+: SAR 41,666.67 per term (SAR 125,000 ÷ 3). What the fees cover (items explicitly stated as included) - Tuition. - Books and stationery. - A laptop computer (personal use while enrolled). - Uniform. - Daily lunch and healthy snacks. - Regular co‑curricular and after‑school activities (on and off campus). - Sports uniform and equipment. - Instruments for musicians (where applicable). - Field trips and excursions within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fee payment is to be completed before the school year starts. Specific invoice due dates are set in the invoices issued after acceptance; invoices follow acceptance. The school's academic calendar is divided into three terms. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are published on the school's admissions or fees pages. The published fee statements present tuition as an "all‑inclusive" day‑school style charge with the items listed above included; there is no published boarding fee schedule on the school's admissions, tuition, or FAQ pages. Other costs or fees - Uniform costs are included in the annual/all‑inclusive fee. - The school describes the published tuition as fully inclusive of the items listed above; no separate mandatory uniform, laptop, instrument, lunch, or co‑curricular charge is listed as an additional compulsory fee for those items. - The school does not publish a separate transport/transportation fee, external examination fees, or detailed lists of optional extras on the publicly available fee pages; those items are not identified as separately charged in the published fees. Refunds and cancellations - The SAR 10,000 application payment is refundable if the applicant is not accepted; when the applicant is accepted the application payment is deductible from the tuition invoice. - No separate, detailed tuition‑refund or withdrawal refund schedule (for example pro‑rata refunds when a student leaves after term start) is published on the school's public fees or FAQ pages. Fee payment options - The publicly published admissions, fees and FAQ pages do not specify accepted payment methods (for example, credit card, bank transfer, direct debit) or a specific payment portal. The school uses an online application portal (OpenApply) for admissions and a parent portal is indicated for enrolled families, but explicit, published payment methods and payment instructions are not listed on the public fees pages. Summary of items not published on the public fee pages - The school publishes clear annual fees and the items included, and it publishes that the academic year is in three terms and fees are due before the school year starts. However, the school does not publish a separate per‑term invoice schedule (the per‑term figures above are calculated by dividing the annual fee by three), nor does it publish a detailed tuition‑refund policy, a specific list of accepted payment methods, or a separate boarding fee schedule. If you require these missing operational details (explicit per‑term invoicing from the school, formal tuition refund rules, or the school's accepted payment methods and bank/payment account details), those items are not shown on the school's published admissions and fees pages and are not included in the material used here.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	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 Uniform is required for all students. Uniform is included in the annual fees.
Food options	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 Food is provided on site through catering partners who offer well-balanced snacks and lunches. Lunch is served daily in the dining hall, and teaching staff join students for lunch to model healthy eating. Daily lunch and healthy snacks are included in the school fees.
House system	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 Students are assigned to one of three Houses: Safa, Marwa and Arafat. Houses earn points for positive behaviour and participate in a range of House competitions.
Governance and ownership	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 Governance is carried out by a Board of Directors that provides strategic direction and policy oversight, and the board includes members such as HE Dr Mohammad Al Hayaza (Chair). Misk Schools is part of the Misk Foundation, a nonprofit foundation established by Mohammed bin Salman.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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 The curriculum at Misk Schools is Cambridge International-based from Kindergarten through Senior School, with Cambridge accreditation guiding learning at each stage; Grade 10 students sit IGCSEs, followed by an A‑level or BTEC pathway in Grades 11–12, and AP remains available for US university applications. The Misk Schools Diploma is a four-component curriculum—Academic, Internship, National Identity, and Leadership—delivered under the High Performance Learning framework. Lower Primary (Grades 1–3) is Cambridge International-accredited and offers English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Islamic Studies, Music, Art and Design, Computing, Chinese, and Physical Education. Upper Primary (Grades 4–6) covers core subjects (English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science) plus National Identity subjects (Islamic Studies and Social Studies) and specialist subjects including Computing, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, and Chinese. Senior School (Grades 9–12) includes IGCSEs in Grade 10, three A‑levels or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Grades 11–12, with EPQ and CMI Level 4 options, and an optional AP pathway; National Identity subjects remain part of the curriculum and English is the language of instruction. Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel examination-centre status is held, and the school supports university admissions testing including SATs and IELTS as part of its broader higher-education readiness framework.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
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 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 Misk Schools supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through its Well-being Programme, developed in the context of Vision 2030's values-based education. The programme emphasises social and emotional care and aims to develop character, empathy, teamwork and leadership. The Homeroom Teacher or Tutor is the first point of contact for wellbeing issues, with clearly defined escalation layers to ensure timely support. The Well-being Programme includes a positive behaviour policy that aligns with the Ministry of Education's Code of School Discipline to guide conduct both inside and outside the classroom. The Houses system (Safa, Marwa, and Arafat) fosters belonging, identity, teamwork, leadership and personal responsibility within the student community.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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) The school publicly discloses a Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Policy and an Identifying and Fostering gifted, distinguished students policy. However, explicit details about a dedicated SEN department or specific SEND provision are not published. Public materials do not specify the kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support or any specialist SEN staff beyond inclusion policies. The policies indicate an inclusive approach and recognition of gifted students within that framework. Consequently, there is no publicly disclosed, comprehensive SEN program described.
English as an additional language	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 Misk Schools provides English as a Second Language (ESL) support through staff roles. Virginia Sutton, Junior Schools Principal, is described as an English as a Second Language (ESL) in the Mainstream Trainer, indicating ESL training for mainstream teaching. Nada Alhegali is described as Learning Support Teacher specializing in English as a second language, indicating a dedicated ESL learning support role. These postings show that EAL support is integrated into the school's leadership and learning-support structure. There is no separate EAL department page published, but ESL roles are evident in staff profiles.
Mental wellbeing	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 Mental wellbeing is a core component of the Well-being framework at Misk Schools. Well-being is defined as supporting students' physical, emotional and mental health by promoting healthy habits, providing personalised support and development services, and fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. The Well-being Programme is positioned within Vision 2030's values-based educational approach to character development. The programme emphasizes healthy lifestyle and individualized support as part of daily school life. The Homeroom Teacher or Tutor serves as the first point of contact for wellbeing concerns, with escalation processes for more complex needs.
Safeguarding	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 Safeguarding is a core duty of care at Misk Schools, with a Designated Safeguarding Lead overseeing safeguarding and child protection and a team of ten Safeguarding Officers. The school partners with The Safeguarding Alliance to undertake regular audits ensuring safeguarding systems and processes are effective. A Safeguarding Pledge outlines staff, children and family responsibilities to protect from maltreatment and to promote safe, healthy outcomes. Safeguarding measures are implemented through policies, procedures, staff training and awareness-raising, as described in the safeguarding and wellbeing materials.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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 Misk Schools sits on a 21-hectare campus in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, comprising nine school buildings for students aged 4 to 18. The campus is designed around High Performance Learning, with spaces for science, technology and engineering, design and creativity, performance and leadership, and a broad portfolio of sporting facilities. The environment blends traditional classrooms with flexible indoor/outdoor spaces and a pervasive technology infrastructure to support personalised learning. The facilities include extensive athletic spaces and outdoor areas, as well as a kitchen to support the farm-to-table dining program. The campus emphasizes calm, welcoming spaces and the ability to adapt learning spaces to different teaching approaches.
Sports facilities	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 Facilities include Olympic-standard swimming pools (25m and 50m) with a learn-to-swim pool, a 12-court sports hall, and a gymnastics hall. There are three tennis courts, two FIFA-standard synthetic grass pitches, and a shaded MUGA (multi-use games area). The campus also supports a broad range of sports including combat sports spaces, and dedicated fitness spaces for training and development. These provisions align with the campus' aim to offer extensive sporting options alongside traditional academics.
Academic facilities	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 Academic spaces include traditional classrooms and blended learning spaces designed to adapt to different teaching approaches. Each school features a library, art and design studios, science and food technology labs, Arabic culture hubs, an IT suite, and a music room, with a kitchen to support the farm-to-table program.
Extra curricular facilities	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 The Co-curricular Activities Programme (CCAP) offers over 100 activities across categories such as sports, STEM, art and design, performance, language, leadership, and national identity. Activities run after school for up to two hours a day, with ongoing opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and various subject skills.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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 Misk Schools was founded in 2016 by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is one of the entities established within the Misk Foundation, a Saudi non-profit focused on youth development and innovation. A purpose-built campus development in Riyadh began in 2020 and was completed by 2024, located in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City. The school delivers a High Performance Learning framework through the Misk Schools Diploma, developed in partnership with High Performance Learning experts. By 2024, Misk Schools had grown into a prominent private K-12 institution and had earned recognition for its rapid progress.
Community	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 Misk Schools emphasizes active parental involvement through a formal Parent Partnership program. The program includes a dedicated Head of Parental Outreach and a toolkit designed to deepen engagement with families, aligning with Vision 2030's goal of greater parental participation in education. The Co-Curricular Activities Programme offers over 100 activities after school across sports, STEM, arts, leadership, and study skills, with termly updates for students and parents. Annually, the school hosts Learning Exhibitions and Student Led Conferences, inviting parents and extended families to engage with students' learning; KG Graduation and End of Year celebrations mark community milestones.
Parent teacher association	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 Misk Schools operates a Parent Partnership program that functions as the school's PTA, designed to deepen family involvement in school life. It is led by a dedicated Head of Parental Outreach, who is always available to discuss ideas or concerns in person and to build relationships with the parent body. The program emphasizes two-way communication, including regular progress updates, events, and opportunities for parents to contribute ideas, in line with Vision 2030. Annual activities include Learning Exhibitions and Student Led Conferences, KG Graduation, End of Year celebrations, and regular Parent-Teacher conferences. Parent events are intended to extend learning beyond the classroom and strengthen the school–family partnership.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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 The Co-Curricular Activities Programme (CCAP) offers more than 100 activities after school, up to two hours per day, spanning sports, STEM, art, design, performance, language, leadership, national identity, service and business, and academic study skills. Talent Identification and Gifted and Talented models are used to place students in environments that match their strengths. The CCAP partners with organisations such as SDAIA and the Chartered Management Institute to deliver activities.
Arts & creative	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 Art and Design and Music are specialist subjects within the school's curriculum. The CCAP includes opportunities in Art, Design, Performance and Language as part of its broad offering. Leadership and life-skills development, including creative thinking and teamwork, are emphasised across CCAP activities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction across BIS campuses. The English National Curriculum is used on multiple BIS campuses.	Cultural & language Kindergarten teaches English for communication and literacy, alongside Arabic and Islamic studies, with Chinese included as part of the world knowledge. Lower Primary offers English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Islamic Studies, Music, Art and Design, Computing and Chinese as a specialist subject. Upper Primary provides core subjects (English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science) plus National Identity Subjects (Islamic Studies and Social Studies) and Specialist Subjects (Computing, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, Chinese). The Middle Schools follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework for English instruction and include Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies as national identity subjects, with IGCSE option choices available later.
Social & hobbies	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 CCAP offers activities across Sports, STEM, Art, Design, Performance and Language, with more than 100 options available. After-school activities are designed to develop physical and social skills, as well as academic study strategies, through a structured schedule. The programme emphasises leadership, teamwork and time management as part of its learning approach.
Community & service	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 The CCAP categories include Leadership, National Identity, Service and Business, reflecting a focus on community engagement and real-world skills. Students participate in activities designed to build social responsibility and collaborative capacity. The campus design and high-performance learning philosophy support these aims through an environment that encourages leadership and community contribution.
Leadership & professional	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 Misk Schools Academy is an on-site professional development centre offering a range of Cambridge PDQs in English and Arabic, leadership development programmes, and partnerships with organisations such as Dale Carnegie Training and the Chartered Management Institute. The school also runs a Leadership and Management pathway in Senior School, including Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) for Grade 9-10 and EPQ plus CMI Level 4 for Grade 11-12, with A-level or BTEC options and AP for US university applications. The approach is anchored in the High Performance Learning philosophy and provides time allocated for teacher development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care and safeguarding underpin student wellbeing. Enrichment activities are designed to support physical and mental health.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus is designed around the High Performance Learning (HPL) philosophy and supports wellbeing through Well-being and HPL programmes, Well-being Windows and Healthy Lifestyle initiatives. The 21-hectare campus comprises nine school buildings for male and female students aged 4 to 18, with world-class spaces for science, technology, design, performance and leadership, plus extensive sports facilities. Daily routines and CCAP are scheduled to balance academics with physical, social and emotional development.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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 Languages taught include English, Arabic and Chinese. English is used for Cambridge Lower Secondary instruction and English Language IGCSE is offered in Senior School. Arabic is taught as National Identity Subjects and Arabic Language; Arabic Language IGCSE is offered in Senior School. Chinese is taught in Lower Primary as a language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English is used for instruction in Cambridge Lower Secondary subjects. Arabic is taught as National Identity Subjects, including Arabic Language. Chinese is offered in Lower Primary as part of the Knowledge of the World. In Senior School, students study IGCSE English Language and IGCSE Arabic Language, with A-level or BTEC pathways in Grades 11-12.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The school has Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel accreditation and is an examination centre for both Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel. It prepares students for IGCSEs and offers AP, A-level, or BTEC pathways, and supports UCAS and US university admissions processes (SATs, IELTS).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions Applications are submitted online by clicking Apply Now, which redirects to the application form where you enter basic information. After submission, you receive a digital checklist in the portal that includes Parents Information, scanned copies of all previous school reports (required for Grade 1 and above; if available for KG), a letter of recommendation from the student's teacher, and a letter of recommendation from the previous school's principal/head/counsellor. After completing the required checklist items, a Misk Schools Admissions representative will contact you to schedule an in-person interview.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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