International Academy of Kuwait vs The International British School

	I International Academy of Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait	T The International British School Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 1,132 - 3,350	Fees / year KWD 1,545 - 3,690
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 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, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 2,000	Pupils 2,026
Typical class size	Typical class size 30	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Arabic	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Block 9, Ibn Taimiya Street, Fahaheel, Kuwait. The school is located in the Fahaheel area and accessible via local roads. It is part of the Al Rayan Holding Co. Schools network.
Stages	Stages Early Years Foundation Stage (Foundation); Primary (KS1–KS2); Secondary (KS3–KS4); Key Stage 5 (Year 12).	Stages Early Years; Primary Years; Secondary Years
School type	School type British international school following the National British Curriculum.	School type British international 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 —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Islam
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 Transportation by bus is provided. Fees are charged per term and depend on travel area: Up to Fintas (round trip 310; one-way 250); Far Area (Up to Masayil) (round trip 350; one-way 275). Installments: 1st Inst. 125/140; 2nd Inst. 125/140; 3rd Inst. 60/70. New joining: pay the full term's transport fee for the term joined.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Application (assessment) / process fee (non-refundable): KD 25. This amount is adjusted against the first tuition instalment once the student is selected and enrolled. - Registration advance payable at registration: KD 100 (adjusted against the first instalment after registration is completed). Tuition fees by year group (MOE / Annual (discounted) / Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3) — amounts in Kuwaiti Dinar (KD) - KG: MOE KD 1,545 • Annual (discounted) KD 1,379 • Term 1 KD 460 • Term 2 KD 460 • Term 3 KD 459. - Reception: MOE KD 1,559 • Annual (discounted) KD 1,489 • Term 1 KD 497 • Term 2 KD 496 • Term 3 KD 496. - Year 1: MOE KD 2,010 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,008 • Term 1 KD 670 • Term 2 KD 669 • Term 3 KD 669. - Year 2: MOE KD 2,160 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,109 • Term 1 KD 703 • Term 2 KD 703 • Term 3 KD 703. - Year 3: MOE KD 2,400 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,319 • Term 1 KD 773 • Term 2 KD 773 • Term 3 KD 773. - Year 4: MOE KD 2,460 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,319 • Term 1 KD 773 • Term 2 KD 773 • Term 3 KD 773. - Year 5: MOE KD 2,505 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,319 • Term 1 KD 773 • Term 2 KD 773 • Term 3 KD 773. - Year 6: MOE KD 2,565 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,389 • Term 1 KD 797 • Term 2 KD 796 • Term 3 KD 796. - Year 7: MOE KD 2,730 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,389 • Term 1 KD 797 • Term 2 KD 796 • Term 3 KD 796. - Year 8: MOE KD 2,850 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,509 • Term 1 KD 837 • Term 2 KD 836 • Term 3 KD 836. - Year 9: MOE KD 2,933 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,509 • Term 1 KD 837 • Term 2 KD 836 • Term 3 KD 836. - Year 10: MOE KD 3,195 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,629 • Term 1 KD 877 • Term 2 KD 876 • Term 3 KD 876. - Year 11: MOE KD 3,216 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,629 • Term 1 KD 877 • Term 2 KD 876 • Term 3 KD 876. - Year 12: MOE KD 3,690 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,749 • Term 1 KD 917 • Term 2 KD 916 • Term 3 KD 916. - Year 13: MOE KD 3,690 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,749 • Term 1 KD 917 • Term 2 KD 916 • Term 3 KD 916. (Annual (discounted) totals equal the three term instalments listed.) Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition is payable in full prior to commencement of the academic year, but the school permits payment in three instalments as shown above. Instalment due dates are shown for the academic year as: Term 1 due 1 September, Term 2 due 1 December, Term 3 due 1 April. - The KD 100 registration advance and the KD 25 application fee are payable at the time of registration; the KD 100 is credited against the first instalment and the KD 25 is non-refundable but adjusted if the student enrolls. Boarding fees - No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in the published fees schedule for the 2026/2027 academic year. The published fees cover day‑school tuition only and do not include transport, books or uniform. Other costs and typical additional charges - Books: not included in the tuition; charged separately. Uniform: purchased at the school shop; not included in the tuition. Transport: charged separately (transport fees listed separately from tuition). External examination or assessment charges, consumables and optional activities may be charged in addition to tuition. There is no refund for sold items such as uniforms or books. Refunds and withdrawal policy - Withdrawal during the first week of a term: parents pay KD 100 and no further tuition for that term is charged. - Withdrawal after the first week: parents are liable for the term tuition as invoiced (the policy assigns responsibility for the first term or remaining term fees once the initial week has passed). The school's policy states parents must pay the applicable term(s) according to the timing of withdrawal; sold items (uniforms, books) are not refundable. In case of dismissal, parents remain liable to pay fees for that term. Discounts, vouchers and concessions - Early-bird voucher: KD 75 voucher available for students enrolled or re-registered on or before 30 April 2026; voucher may be used for school inventory items (books & uniform) or toward the third-term tuition fee for the 2026/2027 year under the conditions published. - Sibling discount: 4% discount applies for the second child and beyond; the discount applies to the child(ren) with the lowest tuition fees and will be revoked if tuition is not paid by the due date. Fee payment options - Payments are processed through the school's parent online payment portal (Pay Online). The school issues invoices and the portal is the published channel for fee payments and parent account access. For billing or accounts enquiries use the school contact details (telephone and email shown on published materials).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
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 The school has a compulsory uniform. Uniform is available at the school shop from Sunday to Thursday during school hours, and all items must be labeled with the child's name. There are different uniform options for Early Years, Primary Years and Secondary Years.
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system The school runs a House system. All students are allocated a House and a House Tutor. House points are awarded in Primary Years and Merits in Secondary Years, and house colour ties are available at the uniform shop and should be worn.
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 part of Al Rayan Holding Co. Schools.
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 The school follows the English National Curriculum. Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9) and Key Stage 4 are offered. Arabic (First Language and Second Language), Kuwait Social Studies and French are part of the curriculum, and Islam is compulsory for Muslim students. The school uses diverse teaching styles and has four newly equipped science labs and a computer suite, with annual trips in Kuwait and abroad. A range of option subjects is available, including physics, chemistry, biology, business studies, history, geography, art, ICT and French.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression British qualifications are internationally recognised and can open doors to study at reputable universities worldwide, including England.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The school challenges gifted and talented young minds and offers Masterclasses for Gifted and Talented students.
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 SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) is used to develop students' social, emotional, and mental health skills. The SEAL curriculum is delivered with direct form tutor contact twice daily and dedicated SEAL time: two hours per week for secondary and one hour per week for primary. The wellbeing framework promotes positive mental health for all students and staff, celebrating achievements, fostering belonging, and encouraging student voice in decision making. The school offers a counselling service with Ms. Zainab, a wellbeing team, peer mentors, and a wellbeing week as part of a whole‑school approach to mental health. Staff receive regular training in child mental health to recognise and respond to concerns and to support well‑being across the school.
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 has a SEND Policy. The safeguarding policy notes that children with SEN can face additional safeguarding challenges, and IBS diligently monitors SEN students and may provide targeted extra pastoral support. The SEND policy defines SEND and includes involvement of parents and other relevant professionals in providing support. The policy also references English as an Additional Language (EAL) alongside SEND and outlines collaboration with parents and professionals in the support process.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school provides English as an Additional Language support and has developed teaching and learning strategies to support those with English as a second language. English as a Second Language is listed as a Cambridge IGCSE option (English as 2nd Language, Cambridge). Admission tests in English are used to assess language proficiency and placement. The SEND Policy defines EAL and supports language development as part of inclusive education. The school communicates ongoing language support strategies as part of its policy framework.
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 is committed to supporting mental health and wellbeing for students and staff; the policy states that positive mental health is everybody's responsibility. SEAL, wellbeing time, and dedicated counselling support are used to promote mental health and resilience. A counselling service, wellbeing team, peer mentors, wellbeing week, and SEAL program provide structured support and skill-building. Staff receive training in child mental health to recognise warning signs and respond appropriately. The school also signspost to external support where needed and implements a whole‑school approach to mental health, including classroom and community strategies.
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 The school has a Saf safeguarding Policy with a designated safeguarding lead and a safeguarding officer to cover absence, and all staff receive safeguarding training. The policy outlines reporting procedures for concerns, including steps to take if a child discloses abuse, and the involvement of Al Rayan Head Office and local authorities as needed. It details access to DBS/Police checks for new staff and annual safeguarding training updates, plus clear lines of escalation for allegations against staff. It provides safeguarding information for parents and emphasizes communicating with parents about safeguarding policies. The policy recognises that safeguarding considerations include students with SEND and contextual safeguarding beyond the school site.
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 Facilities support learning across all educational stages with safe, age-appropriate spaces. A dedicated area ensures safe play for younger children. The school offers Step and Learn, ICT classes, science labs, a swimming pool, music classes, EY classrooms, a library, a canteen, a theatre, soft play areas and four outdoor playgrounds.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school has a swimming pool for aquatic activities and four outdoor playgrounds (Playground-1 to Playground-4) for outdoor play and physical education.
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 Science labs enable hands-on experiments across science subjects. ICT classes support digital literacy and technology-enabled learning. EY classrooms and Step and Learn facilities provide foundational learning for the youngest pupils. The library serves as a study and research hub for students.
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 Music classes are offered, and there is a theatre program for performances.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History The International British School is part of Al Rayan Holding Co. Schools. It is approved by the Kuwait Ministry of Private Education. The curriculum is based on the UK National Curriculum and adapted for the 21st-century Middle East, with Arabic for Arabs & non-Arabs, Islamic Studies, and Kuwait Social Studies. IBS offers IGCSE and A Levels through Edexcel and Cambridge International Examinations; in March 2019 the UK Government Inspectorate approved IBS to inspect British international schools; it is a member of the British Schools of the Middle East and a partner school with the British Council.
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 school has students from over 30 countries and an international community. It supports the values and beliefs of Islam. Facilities include a large swimming pool, a theatre, well-equipped science labs, and a robotics suite, with a broad range of extracurricular activities. The International British School is part of Al Rayan Holding Co. Schools and publishes a School Calendar for 2025-2026.
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
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 —
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 —
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 The school follows the English National Curriculum. Arabic is taught as first language and second language in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, and French is offered as a language option in Key Stage 4. English language support is provided for students with English as a second language in Early Years.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Arabic is taught as both a first language and a second language in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. French is offered as a language option in Key Stage 4. The program sits within the English National Curriculum framework.
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. Parents and students may request a campus tour. Tours can be arranged by contacting Reception. When contacting the school, the age of the child and their interests are requested so that a relevant tour route can be planned. The Admissions Team will assist prospective parents throughout the application process. 2. The Registrar requires basic documentation, including the personal details page of the child's passport and a copy of their most recent school report. Have those papers ready for the entrance test. For Early-Years: The KG test includes a parent interview (about 30 minutes) and tests motor-skills and basic English; if a KG class is available, the child will join a lesson and interact with other children. For Reception: The test includes a parent interview (about 30 minutes); motor-skills, basic Mathematics and English are assessed; if a Reception class is available, the candidate will join a lesson. 3. After testing has been conducted and the results processed, prospective parents are contacted with a decision by the Head of Department. The Head of Department determines admission decisions. If a place is offered, the process proceeds to Step Four. If not offered, the applicant's file remains in consideration for future opportunities where spaces arise. 4. For students offered a place, parents meet with the Registrar to complete the initial data entry required for the registration form. The Registrar provides guidance and collects the necessary information. 5. The next step is to visit the Accounts department to pay a registration fee (100 KD) and any fee settlement required. The Accounts department provides payment details and receipts. 6. The sixth and final stage of the process is for the parent to return to the Registrar to complete the required data entry for the registration form and receive final confirmation of admission. The Registrar confirms the completion of registration and admission status. Parents may contact the Registrar for any clarifications. 7. The Registrar will liaise with the Head of Department to confirm a start date for the student. On the first day of school, the tutor/class teacher will receive the student and introduce him/her to their new tutor group.
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 IBS uses a waiting list for entry to courses when places are not immediately available. Admission from the waiting list depends on meeting general requirements and achieving the required examination grades; admission occurs if spaces exist. For Year 12, a place may be reserved for students meeting general requirements and achieving the required mock grades; students on the waiting list may be admitted after final examinations if spaces exist, and if they continue to meet all general requirements.
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