International Academy of Kuwait vs New English School - Kuwait City

	I International Academy of Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait	N New English School - Kuwait City Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 1,132 - 3,350	Fees / year KWD 1,733 - 4,430
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 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, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 2,000	Pupils 2,205
Typical class size	Typical class size 30	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Arabic	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1974
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location The New English School is located in Hawalli, Kuwait. The address is P.O. Box 6156, 32036 Hawalli, Kuwait.
Stages	Stages Early Years Foundation Stage (Foundation); Primary (KS1–KS2); Secondary (KS3–KS4); Key Stage 5 (Year 12).	Stages Kindergarten to A level. Primary (KG & Reception; Years 1-6) and Secondary (Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5) with a Sixth Form.
School type	School type British international school following the National British Curriculum.	School type Private, co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Pastoral care with Head of Pastoral Care and a Social Worker.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation United Kingdom
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 The secondary day is divided into a registration period, five teaching periods, two breaks, and Co-Curricular Activities. 8.00–8.20am Registration; 8.20–9.30am Period 1; 9.30–10.35am Period 2; 10.35–10.55am First Break; 10.55–12.05pm Period 3; 12.05–1.10pm Period 4; 1.10–1.25pm Second Break; 1.25–2.30pm Period 5; 2.30–3.30pm Co-Curricular Activities. During Ramadan, the day is shortened in accordance with ministry requirements.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application / Registration fees - No separate, fixed application or registration fee amount is published in the school's published fee schedule. The fee schedule notes that any advance payment or re‑registration fees paid will be deducted from the first instalment. Annual tuition — fees by year group (tuition only) - KD 4,430 — Year 12 & Year 13 (A Level). - KD 3,510 — Year 10 & Year 11. - KD 3,510 — Year 7 to Year 9. - KD 2,977 — Year 3 to Year 6. - KD 2,678 — Reception to Year 2. - KD 1,733 — Kindergarten. Resources & Technology fees (charged in addition to the annual tuition) - Year 10–13: KD 105 (class resources) + KD 75 (technology) = KD 180. - Year 7–9: KD 35 (class resources) + KD 75 (technology) = KD 110. - Year 3–6: KD 25 (class resources) + KD 75 (technology) = KD 100. - Kindergarten – Year 2: KD 25 (class resources; technology fee not listed separately for these years). Billing schedule and instalment amounts (payment deadlines and amounts charged per instalment) - Instalment schedule: three instalments are specified. - First instalment: due on or before the commencement of the new academic year. The first instalment figures shown include the first tuition instalment plus the Resources & Technology fee (where applicable). - Year 12 & 13: KD 2,658 (tuition portion) + KD 180 (resources & technology) = KD 2,838 due as the first instalment. - Year 10 & 11: KD 1,170 (tuition portion) + KD 180 (resources & technology) = KD 1,350 due as the first instalment. - Year 7–9: KD 1,170 (tuition portion) + KD 110 (resources & technology) = KD 1,280 due as the first instalment. - Year 3–6: KD 993 (tuition portion) + KD 100 (resources & technology) = KD 1,093 due as the first instalment. - Reception – Year 2: KD 893 (tuition portion) + KD 25 (resources & technology) = KD 918 due as the first instalment. - Kindergarten: KD 578 (tuition portion) + KD 25 (resources & technology) = KD 603 due as the first instalment. - Second instalment: due on or before January 1. The published second‑instalment tuition amounts are: Year 12 & 13 KD 1,772; Year 7–11 KD 1,170; Year 3–6 KD 992; Reception–Year 2 KD 893; Kindergarten KD 578. - Third instalment: due on or before April 1. The published third‑instalment tuition amounts are: Year 7–11 KD 1,170; Year 3–6 KD 992; Reception–Year 2 KD 892; Kindergarten KD 577. (Note: the instalment breakdowns are shown by year group in the published schedule.) Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The New English School operates as a day school; no boarding fee schedule is published. Other costs and routine additional charges - Extracurricular / co‑curricular activities: some clubs and activities may carry nominal additional charges (for materials, cooking/baking supplies, etc.). Parents will be notified when such charges apply. - Uniforms: uniforms are provided via the school's uniform shop; uniform purchase costs are charged to parents directly through the uniform shop. The uniform shop contact is listed in the school's contact/finance information. - Examination, external assessment or optional subject fees (when applicable): such charges are not itemised in the published annual tuition table and would be billed separately where relevant (for example, examination entry fees or specific course materials). Parents should expect separate billing for external exam entries when applicable. Refunds, cancellations and sibling discounts - The published fee schedule does not provide a detailed refund or cancellation policy in the fee table. The schedule states that fees are set by the Ministry of Education and are subject to revision upon Ministry approval; the school's finance office handles payments and related queries. There is no sibling discount indicated in the published fee schedule. Fee payment options and how payments are accepted - Payments can be made through the school's online fees/payment portal. The school's published fee schedule directs parents to the online payment portal for fee payments. For specific accepted payment methods (credit/debit card or bank transfer), parents should use the payment portal or contact the Finance Office directly (Finance Office contact details are published). Practical notes for parents (administration of fees) - The first instalment must be paid on or before the start of the academic year; later instalments carry fixed due dates (January 1 and April 1) as listed in the instalment schedule. - Any advance payments or re‑registration fees already paid are deducted from the first instalment total. (End of fee overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements 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 —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The owner is Mr. Abdulrahman Al Shayaa. The school follows the National British Curriculum.	Governance and ownership The school is private. It was founded by the late Mr. Tareq S. Rajab.
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 Early Years (KG & Reception) follow the England Early Years Curriculum. Years 1 and 2 follow the 2014 National Curriculum of England. The Junior Department (Years 3–6) follows the English 2014 National Curriculum, adapted to suit the needs of the community. Arabic, Islamics and Quran are taught, with special provision for pupils whose first language is not Arabic; Kuwait Social Studies is taught in Years 5–6; English is the language of instruction.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results The school celebrates excellent results from its students.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Many Sixth Form alumni study at leading universities worldwide, including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), Bath, London School of Economics (LSE), King's College London, Stanford, Yale, Harvard, Princeton, MIT, Melbourne and McGill, among others.
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 NES emphasizes social skills and student well-being as core to its education. The school encourages listening, respecting differences, and showing compassion within a supportive community. The NES code 'I am an NES student' underpins these values and guides behavior. Student-led initiatives and charitable works give students opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills. A robust balance of academics, life skills and well-being supports well-rounded graduates.
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) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
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 Student well-being is explicitly recognised as part of NES's philosophy. The school states a robust balance of strong academics, life skills and student well-being, and it promotes opportunities that support personal growth and resilience. Well-being is reinforced through a caring school culture, peer support and a focus on developing life skills alongside academic achievement. The 'I am an NES student' ethos and community initiatives contribute to a positive, inclusive environment.
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 Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a responsibility shared by everyone in the school. The safeguarding policy requires staff to complete training, understand their roles, and report concerns through the designated safeguarding lead. The policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and includes safer recruitment, reporting procedures and safeguarding systems within the school.
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 A purpose-built campus was opened in 1974, with ongoing improvements and extensions to maintain an environment that allows students to thrive. The New English School was the first private, co-educational day school in Kuwait to offer the British curriculum from Kindergarten to A level. The school supports performing arts, with Gala Concerts and a focus on music. Student-led initiatives and charitable works are a feature of NES.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school benefits from well-equipped facilities and dedicated areas for various sports. Seasonal sports include football, basketball, swimming, table tennis, netball (girls only) and volleyball. Through ISACK collaborations, NES participates in weekly local fixtures as part of a wider league. NES is a member of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and competes in events such as the BSME Games and other interschool sports activities.
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 Primary students have specialist teachers for Computer Science, Music, PE, Arabic and Islamic Studies. In Years 1 and 2, each classroom contains a computer and an Interactive White Board, and pupils use Google Chromebooks to aid learning. Library lessons are part of the curriculum, with the Infant library described as a fully functioning lending library. Technology and digital literacy are supported through classroom ICT and access to devices in lessons.
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 Extracurricular activities are broad and take place after school, typically lasting about an hour. Sign-ups require four preferred choices and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Some activities carry a nominal fee for materials such as baking or cooking supplies. The school also supports performing arts through Gala Concerts and leadership initiatives such as the NES Model UN.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Founded by the late chairman, Mr. Tareq S. Rajab, The New English School was the first private, co-educational day school in Kuwait to offer the British curriculum from Kindergarten to A level. Since its foundation, over 50 years ago, NES has nurtured students with a balance of strong academics, life skills and student well-being. The first NES classes opened in a villa in Shamiyah, starting at the Secondary level and very soon after extending backwards to Kindergarten. A purpose-built campus opened in 1974, and improvements and extensions continue to maintain an environment that allows students to thrive.
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 Student-led Initiatives empower students to plan and execute projects and initiatives, developing leadership, teamwork, organisational and interpersonal skills, including events such as the Sixth-Form's Macmillan Charity Coffee Morning. Charitable Works are a core value, and the school supports Syria and Turkey in the wake of disasters. The performing arts are a long-standing strength, celebrated through gala concerts and a focus on music. The school also cultivates future leaders through student initiatives such as the NES Model UN.
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 The New English School offers the British curriculum from Kindergarten through A level with English as the medium of teaching. It emphasizes a robust balance of strong academics, life skills and student well-being. Leadership and global awareness are developed through student-led initiatives, including a Model United Nations programme and other opportunities. The school aims to prepare alumni to become leaders in their chosen field.
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 The school has a long history of supporting the performing arts, with events such as gala concerts and a focus on developing musical creativity. Outstanding musical expertise and opportunities are fostered by dedicated professionals. The program emphasizes students' creativity and performance as a core aspect of school life.
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 The Model United Nations programme provides a platform to develop critical thinking, diplomacy and public speaking; students engage in debates on global issues. English is the medium of teaching at NES. These activities help students engage with global issues and develop leadership and collaboration skills.
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 NES offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, most of which take place after school and last about one hour. Sign ups require four preferences and operate on a first-come, first-served basis; some activities may have a nominal fee. Free transport is provided for off-site activities and for sporting fixtures away from school. Parents collect their children after activities, typically by 3:30 pm.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Charitable Works are a tradition at NES. Students participate in fundraising events during the school year and funds raised are allocated to a range of charities; donations typically total over KD 15,000 in a year. Beneficiaries include KACCH, Bayt Abdullah Children's Hospice, Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Hayatt Cancer Foundation, Movember, WaterAid, Macmillan Cancer Support, C.R.Y., and K'PATH.
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 school cultivates leadership through a broad set of opportunities and initiatives. The Model United Nations programme develops public speaking and diplomacy, while a student‑led mentoring programme connects tutors with peers in need of academic support. A Primary Department Student Council and a Student Leadership Team give students leadership responsibilities, and the International Award scheme offers Bronze, Silver and Gold levels with four sections (Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey) plus a Gold level 5‑day residential project.
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 Student well-being and life skills are integral to the NES approach. The school highlights a robust balance of strong academics, life skills and student well-being. After-school activities provide a broader, well-rounded experience and, where relevant, transport is provided to off-site activities.
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 English and Arabic are taught. The Junior department follows the English 2014 National Curriculum and English is taught alongside Arabic lessons. Arabic lessons are provided for all pupils, with special provision for those whose first language is not Arabic. Most pupils receive instruction in Quran and Islamic studies, with a separate programme for non-Muslim students during those lessons. An admissions policy notes that overseas students with little knowledge of English are supported to acquire the skills to study in English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The New English School follows the English 2014 National Curriculum. English is taught by internationally qualified educators; Arabic lessons are provided for all pupils, with special provision for those whose first language is not Arabic. Most pupils receive instruction in Quran and Islamic studies, and a separate programme is available for non-Muslim students during those lessons. English is the medium of teaching at NES.
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 1. Choose the correct application form based on year group and residency. Application forms are separated by department: Secondary Kuwait Resident, Secondary Overseas Applicant, Primary Kuwait Resident, Primary Overseas Applicant, KG Kuwait Resident, and KG Overseas Applicant. Fill the form for the year group your child would be joining, not the year they are currently in. If applying for more than one place, submit the relevant form for each child. 2. Read the Admission Policy & Fees. The policy sets prerequisites for joining NES and explains the assessment process. By submitting any application form, you agree to the policies, terms and conditions contained in the policy. There is a non-refundable assessment fee of KD 25 for all students. 3. Submit your application. NES receives a high volume of applications for a limited number of places, and completion of an application does not guarantee a place. Following submission, the administration team will be in touch with information about the next steps and interview dates. 4. Primary placement priorities. The school gives priority to siblings at NES, children of ex-NES parents, children from families new to Kuwait, and children from within Kuwait with an excellent current-school report (not applicable for KG). All applicants are assessed and interviewed before acceptance. The school does not admit students with specific learning or behavioural difficulties. 5. Primary assessment and eligibility notes. Applicants are assessed and interviewed before acceptance; ongoing eligibility is determined through the admission process. The school reserves the right to request additional documentation as part of the assessment. The policies outline the expectations and procedures for joining NES. 6. Secondary policy – Years 7–9. For Years 7–9, all applicants take a test in English and Mathematics to ascertain suitability for the courses. Overseas students with little knowledge of English receive support to acquire the skills necessary to study in English. Applicants must provide a copy of their previous school report, and if transferring from another school in Kuwait, the headteacher may be contacted for a reference regarding behaviour. 7. Secondary policy – Years 10–11. Students must meet the above requirements and their suitability for IGCSE courses will be ascertained, especially with regard to accelerated programmes. 8. Years 12–13 (Lower 6 & Upper 6). Students who have completed Year 11 in the British system must have achieved 5 passes at IGCSE with a minimum grade B in subjects they intend to pursue at AS and A level (exemptions possible in some circumstances). Where students come from a foreign education system, their results will be evaluated along with optional testing in AS/A level subjects if necessary. 9. Open Days. Open Days are planned for prospective families, with registration essential due to limited places. The form at the Open Day Registration page should be completed to secure a time slot, and a member of the Admissions team will contact you to confirm timings and provide further details. If you are unable to attend, contact the Admissions Registrar to arrange a visit.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
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 —
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