International Academy of Kuwait vs Kuwait National English School

	I International Academy of Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait	K Kuwait National English School Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 1,132 - 3,350	Fees / year KWD 1,494 - 4,862
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1½ - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, SEN focussed
Pupils	Pupils 2,000	Pupils 1,250
Typical class size	Typical class size 30	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Arabic	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1991
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Located in Hawally on Mousa Bin Nussair Street, Block 2, Hawally 32057. Postal address: PO Box 44273 Hawally, 32057. Phone: +965 2265 6904/5/6; Reception WhatsApp: +965 94048815.
Stages	Stages Early Years Foundation Stage (Foundation); Primary (KS1–KS2); Secondary (KS3–KS4); Key Stage 5 (Year 12).	Stages Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Special Needs. Age range 2 to 18.
School type	School type British international school following the National British Curriculum.	School type The school is a British International School.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 40+ nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Pastoral care with Head of Pastoral Care and a Social Worker.	Additional learning support Psychological and Assessment Unit; Social Work Unit; Speech Unit; Physiotherapy Unit; Occupational Therapy Unit; and on-site Nursing.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation British; follows the National Curriculum for England.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure School day runs from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekdays.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Bus transportation is arranged via Emushrif; details are available on the Transportation page.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application / registration fees - Re-registration / seat deposit: KWD 200 payable by January 15 to reserve a place for the next academic year; this deposit is applied against the pupil's tuition. - The registration fee is treated as part of the total school fees and is non‑refundable; students will not be registered for the new academic year until the registration requirement is paid. Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts in KWD) - Kindergarten 1 (KG1 / age 3): KWD 1,494. - EYFS payment pattern: two installments (dates shown below). - Reception (age 4): KWD 2,289. - EYFS payment pattern: two installments (dates shown below). - Years 1–2: KWD 2,446. - Standard payment split for Years 1 and above: deposit + 60% / 40% installments (see billing schedule). Example per-invoice instalments shown below. - Years 3–5: KWD 2,765. - Years 6–11: KWD 2,926. - Year 12 (Sixth Form year 1): KWD 4,630. - Year 13 (Sixth Form year 2 / A‑Level): KWD 4,862. Per-installment examples (how each annual fee is collected for Years 1 and above) Payment structure for Years 1 and above: a seat deposit (KWD 200) is paid in the re‑registration window; the first installment due on August 31 equals 60% of the annual tuition less the KWD 200 deposit already paid; the second installment due on December 31 is the remaining 40% of the annual tuition. (All figures in KWD.) - Years 1–2 (annual KWD 2,446): - First installment (Aug 31): KWD 1,267.60 (60% of 2,446 = KWD 1,467.60; less KWD 200 deposit = KWD 1,267.60). - Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 978.40 (remaining 40%). - Years 3–5 (annual KWD 2,765): - First installment (Aug 31): KWD 1,459.00 (60% = KWD 1,659.00; less KWD 200 deposit). - Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 1,106.00 (remaining 40%). - Years 6–11 (annual KWD 2,926): - First installment (Aug 31): KWD 1,555.60 (60% = KWD 1,755.60; less KWD 200 deposit). - Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 1,170.40 (remaining 40%). - Year 12 (annual KWD 4,630): - First installment (Aug 31): KWD 2,578.00 (60% = KWD 2,778.00; less KWD 200 deposit). - Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 1,852.00 (remaining 40%). - Year 13 (annual KWD 4,862): - First installment (Aug 31): KWD 2,717.20 (60% = KWD 2,917.20; less KWD 200 deposit). - Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 1,944.80 (remaining 40%). Early Years (KG & Reception) – per-term detail - Early Years (KG1 and Reception) tuition is payable in two installments: first payment due 1 September and second payment due 1 December. Example equal-split examples (school issues the official invoice/schedule at registration): - KG1 (annual KWD 1,494): two installments of KWD 747.00 and KWD 747.00 (due 1 Sep and 1 Dec). - Reception (annual KWD 2,289): two installments of KWD 1,144.50 and KWD 1,144.50 (due 1 Sep and 1 Dec). Billing schedule and payment terms - Re-registration / seat reservation: deposit KWD 200 due by January 15 (applied against tuition). - For Years 1 and above: first installment due August 31 (first-installment amount = 60% of annual tuition less the KWD 200 deposit already paid); second installment due December 31 (remaining balance). - For Early Years (KG & Reception): two installments due 1 September and 1 December. - Books, VLE access, school portal fees, uniforms and bus fees (if used) must be paid at the start of the academic year. - Students are not permitted to begin classes unless required advance payment/first installment has been received. - Fees must be fully settled by December for Early Years and by March for the other departments. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; the institution operates as a day school. Other costs and one-off charges - Books and course materials: charged at the start of the academic year (itemised separately from tuition). - VLE / School Portal access: charged at the start of the academic year. - Uniform: official school uniform must be purchased from the school uniform store; uniform charges payable at the start of the academic year. - School bus/transportation: bus enrolment is charged separately and parents must provide address/route details when applying; a seat reservation/deposit is required to secure bus enrolment (deposit timing follows the re‑registration schedule). - Examination and external assessment charges (IGCSE/A‑Level entries) and optional extracurricular activity fees may be billed in addition to tuition. Refunds and withdrawal - One term's notice in writing is required when withdrawing a pupil. If one term's notice is not given, the school is entitled to retain the term fees. - Paid term fees are not refundable for temporary absence, dismissal for non‑compliance with regulations, or if the pupil leaves without providing the required notice. - Pupil files and medical reports will not be released until outstanding tuition and any replacement/repair costs for books or materials are settled. Fee payment arrangements and common payment methods - All tuition and associated charges are administered by the school Accounts Department and must be paid in advance according to the published billing schedule. - Common payment channels used by schools in Kuwait include bank deposit / bank transfer (IBAN), K‑NET / local electronic payment gateways and in‑person card or cash payments; parents should use the Accounts Department to arrange the accepted method and obtain invoice details.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school operates as a day school.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school uniform must be worn correctly by students at school or on trips and is monitored by staff. The uniform can be purchased from the school uniform shop; if the correct size/item is unavailable, a temporary alternative can be worn. Summer Uniform: navy trousers, white polo shirt with IAK logo, black shoes with white socks; Summer PE kit is required. Winter Uniform: navy trousers, white polo shirt with IAK logo, navy sweater, black shoes with white socks; Winter PE kit includes a navy sweater (no logo) and trainers.	Uniform requirement Uniform is required for all pupils and must be purchased from the Uniform Shop. There are Summer and Winter uniforms with specific items; The Uniform Shop is open 8:30am–1:30pm daily except Friday; Years 12–13 wear the full uniform including the blazer.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school has a cafeteria where pupils may buy food or drinks during breaks.
House system	House system —	House system Pupils in Primary and Secondary are divided into Houses: Cambridge, Oxford, Durham and London. There are intra-house competitions, and House Points are awarded for achievement.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The owner is Mr. Abdulrahman Al Shayaa. The school follows the National British Curriculum.	Governance and ownership The Kuwait National English School is a private, co-educational non-profit making organisation. It is recognised by the Kuwait Ministry of Education and accredited by international bodies including BSO, BSME, CIS, NEASC and COBIS.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details British National Curriculum. Foundation Stage follows the English EYFS; Primary uses Oxford books for KS1–KS2 and Cambridge books for KS3–KS4 with English as the medium of instruction. The Arabic language and Islamic Studies curriculums follow Kuwait's Ministry of Education guidelines. Secondary follows the English National Curriculum and prepares students for IGCSE and Cambridge AS examinations; in KS4 (Year 10–11) four IGCSE subjects are studied each year (Maths core/extended, English, Arabic, Islamic and one additional IGCSE). In Year 12, students may study up to four AS subjects with Edexcel; Year 12 A2 is not offered. Cambridge, Edexcel and Oxford boards are used at high school.	Curriculum details Kuwait National English School is a British International School delivering the British National Curriculum alongside Ministry of Education curricular requirements. In Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3) learners follow an extensive curriculum including English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Art & Design, Computer Science, French, Geography, History, PSHE, Sciences, Kuwait Social Studies (Ministry requirement), Arabic (Ministry requirement), Islamic Studies (Ministry requirement) and Qur'an (Ministry requirement). In Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) the content is based on Cambridge Assessment International Education, Edexcel and Pearson requirements, with a compulsory core and six option blocks leading to IGCSE examinations. Years 7-9 provide a broad foundation before Year 10 when students select options for further study, leading to IGCSEs. In Years 12 and 13 students study for AS and A Levels (UK international). The Languages Taught are English, Arabic, French and Spanish, and English is the language of instruction.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio EYFS 12:1; Primary 25:1; Secondary 15:1.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results First Term Examination results are released on 9 January 2025 and are available on the school portal for parents and students.
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 The school develops the whole child and fosters intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth in every student. The pastoral system provides welfare support across Foundation, Primary, and Secondary, with staff responsible for the welfare of allocated groups. Teachers build positive relationships with students and target each student's individual needs. The school emphasizes building social, physical, and emotional skills to develop resilience and the ability to embrace challenges. The social worker collaborates with students, families, and staff to support wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning The school uses PSHE to teach mental health and emotional wellbeing in a safe and sensitive manner. Circle time approaches and SEAL resources support social and emotional development, including managing feelings and emotions. Targeted groups focus on mental health and wellbeing, with activities such as art, play, relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Staff monitor pupil wellbeing with monthly trackers and term reports to identify issues such as attendance, relationships, and changes in mood. The programme engages parents by sharing mental health topics learned in PSHE and offering guidance for home support.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) A carefully integrated system of pastoral care looks after the welfare of allocated groups and staff target each student's individual needs. The school relies on the social worker to assess behavior, learning, and social barriers in order to inform intervention plans. The social worker also collaborates with families to access resources that support students both in school and at home.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school follows the National Curriculum for England adapted to the local environment. The Department's goals are to provide an educational environment that helps students integrate into society and develop their abilities to take a positive role, supported by a qualified, experienced team including the Head of Department and specialists. Support services include a Psychological and Assessment Unit for counselling and testing, a Social Work Unit for counselling and social services, a Speech Unit for assessment and therapy, a Physiotherapy Unit, an Occupational Therapy Unit, and a Nurse. Extra-curricular Activities include Life Skills to promote independence, a well-stocked library, ICT facilities, Al Farabi Theatre, and a healthy cafeteria. In 1997 a SEN unit with full support services including Physio, Speech, Occupational therapy and Social Workers was established with a small integration unit; KNES continues to provide SEN support within the mainstream school.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Languages of Instruction are English. Languages taught include English, Arabic, French and Spanish.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care is central to student wellbeing, with the Head of Pastoral Care and the Social Worker supporting students, staff, and parents as required. A relaxed yet standards-based environment is maintained to foster a supportive atmosphere. The social worker provides mental health-related support and works with families to address barriers affecting learning and daily life.	Mental wellbeing The school uses PSHE guidance to teach mental health and emotional wellbeing in a safe and sensitive manner. Targeted support includes circle time activities and SEAL resources, managing feelings and emotions, and mental health and wellbeing groups, with therapeutic activities such as art, play, relaxation and mindfulness techniques. All staff monitor wellbeing using monthly wellbeing trackers and reports to identify warning signs such as attendance, relationships, mood, and health indicators. The school works with parents to keep them informed about emotional wellbeing topics and how to support positive mental health at home. Staff receive training on mental health and wellbeing policies during induction and through ongoing CPD, with resources shared to parents.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is embedded in the pastoral framework, with the Head of Pastoral Care and the Social Worker coordinating welfare and safeguarding needs across the school. The social worker conducts assessments of behavior, learning, and social barriers to inform intervention plans that protect and support students. Deputy Head and Head of Primary oversee safeguarding as part of overall welfare and conduct policies.	Safeguarding Kuwait National English School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The policy is read alongside Kuwait National Child Protection Policy and Procedures 2022 and the UK Keeping Children Safe in Education. The school has a designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr. Bernie Babkirk, Administration Director, who coordinates safeguarding and reports concerns. Staff receive safeguarding training during induction and at regular intervals, including Keeping Children Safe in Education Level 1 and Prevent Duty Training from the Home Office UK. Safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff, including administration and the Governing Body. If a safeguarding concern arises, staff members may request a Safeguarding Concern Form from the Designated Safeguarding Lead and record details accurately before sharing concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has sport facilities. The canteen is available on campus. Libraries and resources are provided for students. Science labs are part of the facilities. A bus service operates for student transportation. English is the medium of instruction at the school.	Facilities overview Three large playgrounds with covered areas, a large theatre and a canteen for pupils and staff called Gourmet Corner, and a well-resourced Media Centre. The Early Years Department includes Charlotte Preschool with a garden, a separate entrance and a covered safe playground. The campus features an Omar Science and Technology Centre that has been renovated and houses Performing Arts (Music and Art). WIFI connections exist in the learning environment, smartboards are in all classes and laboratories, and students and staff have access to a VLE.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The actual facilities include a full-size gymnasium, an Olympic-style indoor swimming pool and a covered international size basketball area.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school has four computer laboratories with 30 computers in each lab. It has an advanced IT infrastructure with hardware and software to support the curriculum. A dedicated broadband Internet connection is provided to help students access online resources. Labs are equipped with smart projectors for interactive learning, and CCTV cameras monitor the campus. The IT curriculum progresses from basic software in the Primary section to more advanced software in higher classes, including Scratch for programming.	Academic facilities The Omar Science and Technology Centre has been renovated as well as classes for Performing Arts (Music and Art). WIFI connections exist as well as smartboards in all classes throughout the school and all laboratories. Students and staff have access to VLE with a wide range of support for teaching and learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities. The activities are designed to create well-rounded students. Pastoral care and support staff assist students, staff and parents across the school.	Extra curricular facilities After-school clubs run daily with hour-long sessions in Sports, Spanish, and French, and Art and Enrichment clubs in English and Maths.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Kuwait National English School is a private, co-educational non-profit making organisation offering classes from Charlotte Pre-School and KG up to university entrance with IGCSE, GCSE, GCE and IAS and IAL. It follows the New National Curriculum from the UK and has been an approved Centre of Examination since 1996. KNES is an accredited member of the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and a British School Overseas (BSO) recognised by the UK Department for Education. It is fully accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and has completed a 10-year reaccreditation cycle. The school is recognised by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education and the Special Needs Department is approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Public Authority for the Disabled. KNES is a UNESCO Associated Schools Projects member.
Community	Community The school uses English as the medium of instruction and follows the National Curriculum of England. The school has an international and culturally diverse student body of around 2000 students aged 3 to 18. The Activity Calendar shows events such as Primary International Day 2025, Fun Day, Pyjama Day, Healthy Day and Character Day. The News section includes Foundation Open Day on February 3, 2024 and Ramadan Timing on February 18, 2025, and there are opportunities for parents to share in their child's education and visitors are welcome by appointment.	Community The KNES community is friendly with a family atmosphere and welcomes new students and parents. All students are members of an international community and learn to respect each other. The school hosts musical and cultural events as part of community life, including the EYFS/KS1 The Sound of Winter concert and the KS2 Shakespeare Rocks concert, with ongoing news and events informing families. Regular communications from the School Director and the KNES Gazette illustrate ongoing engagement within the school community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual A challenging, rigorous and aspirational program of study is based on the English National Curriculum. This provides internationally recognised qualifications that can lead to top universities worldwide. The school emphasizes academic success while developing well-rounded learners through a broad curriculum and an extensive extra-curricular program. Students are supported to become confident and independent lifelong learners.	Academic & intellectual KNES students participate in academic challenges and competitions. Science Fair, English quizzes, and mathematics challenges are organized with the University of Leeds and the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). Educational visits and Junior Achievement Award (Injaz) activities involve business and careers professionals to broaden students' horizons.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school offers literary activities as part of its extracurricular program. Creative expression is encouraged through events such as Pyjama Day and Character Day. International Day events foster storytelling, cultural appreciation and creative collaboration across the school.	Arts & creative Art and Design encourages creative thinking and participation in competitions, including the Environmental Event at the Movenpick, the Centrepoint Schools Art Competition, and an International ASSE poster competition. The Music Department offers after-school ensembles and a choir for events, with an annual musical production; Year 7 and 8 performed Cinderella Rockerfella. After Year 9, music is available as an IGCSE option, and the music room is equipped with keyboards, guitars and percussion.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language International Day events allow students to share and discuss information about different countries and cultures. Students participate in cultural sharing, dress-up and related activities that promote cultural awareness. The school fosters global awareness and understanding of differences as part of its culture.	Cultural & language Languages taught include English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. English is the language of instruction. In the secondary curriculum, French and Spanish are offered as foreign languages, while Arabic is taught as both a first and a foreign language.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Pupils have the opportunity to engage in a number of activities over the year, including football, basketball, handball, volleyball, table tennis and badminton. The department runs competitions during breaks and participates in external competitions around Kuwait. External leagues and clubs include the Alshaya Sports Academy (football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, taekwondo, karate) as well as paid and free clubs.	Social & hobbies The school offers Arabic/Islamic after-school options, Early Years Aftercare, and Primary & Secondary Afterschool Enrichment Clubs. These after-school clubs broaden social interactions and provide opportunities to pursue hobbies beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Annual fundraising events support Kuwait Red Crescent and Hope and Homes. Junior Achievement Award (Injaz) activities bring business and career professionals into student learning, expanding community-facing experiences.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school provides leadership opportunities for students. The principal's message emphasizes developing leadership and professional skills as part of growing into well-rounded individuals. Students are supported to become confident and independent lifelong learners who can contribute to their family, school and wider community in Kuwait and beyond.	Leadership & professional The KNES Student Council includes Head Boy, Head Girl and a School Prefect, with class representatives from Year 7 onward. The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award is available for Year 10, with Sixth-formers able to pursue Silver; awards recognize resilience, aspiration, respect and collaboration, and are presented at graduation.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and physical activity are a core part of life at IAK. The school offers football, basketball, handball, volleyball, table tennis and badminton. Competitions during breaks and external leagues support physical wellbeing and active lifestyles.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education is provided to all pupils and emphasizes social, emotional and cognitive development alongside physical skills. Sports are integral to school life, with local competitions through KFSAC and ISAC. Extra-curricular activities, including after-school clubs and performing arts, support overall wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Primary learning is delivered in English for core subjects, and French is also taught in Primary. Arabic language and Islamic Studies are taught per Kuwaiti Ministry of Education guidelines. In Secondary, textbooks are based on the National Curriculum of England. The school has a strong tradition of teaching in English.	Language provision Languages taught include English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. The language of instruction is English. The school serves students aged 2 to 18. It is described as a British International School.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Registration Procedures (KG-Year 2): An application form is completed by the parents/guardians at the reception area or online. The parent pays 20 KD as the interview/entrance test fee and is given a fixed date for the interview/entrance test. Foundation candidates are informed of the interview result immediately and are provided with a list of required documents to prepare and register within the required time period; otherwise the seat is lost. 2. Registration Procedures (Year 3-Year 12): An application form is completed by the parents/guardians at the reception area or online. Applicant students undertake an entrance exam to evaluate their academic level (Mathematics and English). Parents are informed of the results by phone; if the student achieves satisfactory results, they will be interviewed by the Head of Department. Parents should submit the official documents to the school within the required time period; otherwise the seat will be lost. Once the student is accepted, the parents are requested to pay the registration fees at the Accounting Department within the required time period, otherwise the seat will be lost. 3. Admission Department Letter: The Admission Department's main objective is to manage applications, entry evaluations and registration, withdrawals, communicating, and maintaining all students' information. Inquiries concerning admissions are encouraged and information about the admissions process is available. The school can be contacted during working hours (7:30 am-2:30 pm). 4. Waiting list: Due to high demand, passing Entrance Exam and the interview doesn't guarantee admission. When the capacity of each class is reached, students meeting the acceptance criteria but not admitted will be placed on a waiting list in case openings occur. The waiting list is used to fill seats as they become available. Parents are contacted when a seat becomes available. 5. Withdrawal and refunds: As per ministry regulations, withdrawal before the beginning of the school year results in non-refundable registration fees; withdrawal during the scholastic year makes all paid amounts non-refundable and non-transferable. Parents should notify the school in writing of withdrawal. The policy applies to all students. 6. Language and curriculum: The school has a strong tradition of teaching in English. English is the primary language of instruction across year groups. The school follows the National British Curriculum.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Omar Al Gharabally Scholarship (Presently Under Review). The Omar Al Gharabally Scholarship is named in memory of Omar Al Gharabally and aims to help the most able students achieve their full potential under the best possible conditions.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school uses a waiting list when a year level is full. Applicants who meet the acceptance criteria but are not admitted due to capacity are placed on a waiting list for openings. The waiting list is used to fill seats as they become available. Parents are contacted when a seat becomes available.	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →