Kuwait English School vs Kuwait National English School

	K Kuwait English School Kuwait City, Kuwait	K Kuwait National English School Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 1,778 - 4,650	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	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, SEN focussed
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,250
Typical class size	Typical class size 28	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1978	Opened 1991
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Salwa, Area 11, Street 9, Salmiya 22057, Kuwait (P.O. Box 8640). It is in the Salmiya district along the Kuwait coastline.	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 (KG and Reception, 3–5 years); Primary School (Years 1–6, 5–11 years); Secondary School (Years 7–13, 11–18 years); Green Unit (Special Needs Education).	Stages Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Special Needs. Age range 2 to 18.
School type	School type KES provides a British-style education with English as the language of instruction. The English national curriculum is delivered with Kuwaiti ministry adaptations, and a Green Unit provides Special Needs Education.	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 Green Unit provides Special Needs Education.	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 United Kingdom	Country affiliation British; follows the National Curriculum for England.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Extensive school bus service with routes across Kuwait. Morning pickups may start as early as 6:15 am. The service is managed by the Transport Manager; buses have seat belts and are equipped with surveillance cameras; rules cover safety and conduct.	Bus service details Bus transportation is arranged via Emushrif; details are available on the Transportation page.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & enrolment fees - Registration / re-enrolment deposit: KD 100 (non-refundable; this amount is deducted from the tuition fees). - New-student evaluation fee: KD 50 (non-refundable). New-student re‑evaluation fee: KD 30 (non-refundable). Tuition fees (annual and per-term, by year group) - Early Years (KG): Annual tuition KD 1,778. Per-term (equal three instalments): KD 592.67 per term. - Early Years (Reception): Annual tuition KD 2,877. Per-term: KD 959.00 per term. - Primary Years (Years 1–2): Annual tuition KD 2,877. Per-term: KD 959.00 per term. - Primary Years (Years 3–6): Annual tuition KD 3,274. Per-term: KD 1,091.33 per term. - Secondary (Years 7–9): Annual tuition KD 3,670. Per-term: KD 1,223.33 per term. - Secondary (Years 10–11, AS/A-level): Annual tuition KD 3,670. Per-term: KD 1,223.33 per term. - Years 12–13: Annual tuition KD 4,800. Per-term: KD 1,600.00 per term. - Green Unit: Annual tuition KD 4,650. Per-term: KD 1,550.00 per term. Books & resources (annual, by year group) - Early Years (KG): KD 82; Early Years (Reception): KD 123; Primary Years (1–2): KD 123; Primary Years (3–6): KD 127; Secondary (7–9): KD 150; Secondary (10–11): KD 225; Years 12–13: KD 170; Green Unit: not listed. These are charged in addition to tuition. Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition is billed as an annual fee and payable in three equal instalments (one‑third of total tuition each instalment). Instalment structure: one third due each instalment. The stated instalment deadlines (school instalment schedule) are set as three instalment dates in the school financial policy. - The KD 100 registration / re‑enrolment deposit is deducted from the first instalment; parents are not entitled to a refund of the first instalment (the school may claim the first instalment if the student attends even one day). Payment by third parties requires an official employer letter confirming responsibility. Withdrawal and refund rules - Registration fee: non-refundable under any circumstances. - Withdrawal charge schedule (tuition payable including the registration fee): - Withdrawal from first school day to October 31: pay 33.33% of tuition. - Withdrawal from November 1 to December 31: pay 50% of tuition. - Withdrawal from January 1 to February 28: pay 66.66% of tuition. - Withdrawal after March 1: full tuition is due. - Transfer documents and clearance are withheld until due amounts are settled. Transport (school bus) fees and conditions - A school bus service is provided; transport fees are charged annually and may be paid in the same three-instalment schedule as tuition. A KD 50 reservation payment may be taken to reserve a transport seat; this KD 50 is part of the total transport fee and non-refundable. - Representative annual examples shown in the school financial policy: nearby-area round trip KD 400 (one way KD 320); remote-area round trip KD 420 (one way KD 320). Actual route pricing depends on the route and is subject to the transport schedule. Transport rules (boarding times, child safety, seat‑belt rules, adult collection at drop‑off) apply to all users. Boarding - No boarding provision applies; the school operates as a day school only. Uniforms and other compulsory costs - School uniform is compulsory. Uniform items are available for purchase from the school uniform shop on site (or via the school's uniform ordering service). Exact uniform prices are set by the school uniform shop. - Optional and extra charges (examples): individual music lessons, clubs and extracurricular activities may carry additional per‑term or per‑year charges as listed in the school financial policy. Transport and optional lunch services are charged separately. Fee payment options - In-person at the school Accounts Department: K‑net cards accepted; specific bank credit cards accepted (credit cards accepted only from National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) and Kuwait Finance House (KFH)); cash payments are not accepted. - Bank transfer to the school's account (IBAN provided by the school). - Online payments via the school's parent payment portal (Edunation / the school's online payment system). - Payment deadlines and the requirement to clear prior-year balances before re‑enrolment are enforced.	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 has a compulsory uniform and can be bought on site at the uniform shop or online. All items must be labeled with the child's name, jewellery, nail varnish, or football shoes with studs are not allowed. The uniform differs for winter and summer months.	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 school is owned by Sama Educational Company, which became the new owners in June 2022. The Head of School is Nicholas Gunn, and four Headteachers supervise four divisions: Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Green Unit. Sama also operates the American Creativity Academy (ACA) with four campuses and owns the Sylvan Learning Center.	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 The Kuwait English School provides Early Years, Primary and Secondary education within a British-based curriculum. In Early Years, the English National Curriculum is followed with seven areas of learning: Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design. In Primary, the department follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, with all subjects taught in English except Arabic and Islamic Studies, which follow the Ministry of Education's Arabic and Islamic programs. In Secondary, the language of instruction is English; Years 7-9 follow the English National Curriculum, Years 10-11 work toward Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel/Pearson GCSE, and Year 12-13 offer Advanced Subsidiary or Advanced Level courses with subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Literature, Geography, History, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, ICT, Design Technology, Art, Drama, Music, Spanish and French. Arabic and Islamic Studies follow MoE curricula.	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 Latest published external examination results (2023) show IGCSE: A-A 40%, A-C 76%, A-G 96%; IAS: A 29%, A-C 67%, A-E 90%; IAL: A-A 56%, A-C 91%, A*-G 100%.	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 100% of graduates gain entry into higher education institutions worldwide, including Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, New York University, Harvard University, Brown University, Georgetown University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Toronto and other well-recognised institutions.	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 Year 2 Mindfulness Club helps students explore their feelings and emotions and teaches mindfulness and relaxation techniques to support their wellbeing. Green Unit delivers PSHE and Citizenship with SEAL (Social Emotional Aspects of Learning) and EI (Emotional Intelligence) to develop social and emotional skills. The Green Unit fosters a holistic education with small class sizes and a mainstream curriculum differentiated to meet individual needs. It includes opportunities for Work Related Learning and community engagement, with externally accredited qualifications such as GCSE/IGCSE and AS/A Levels for eligible students. The school supports student wellbeing and social development through a Student Leadership Council that organises events and charitable activities and through wellbeing initiatives such as mindfulness and anti-bullying programs. edu.kw	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) Green Unit is Kuwait English School's Special Educational Needs department. It provides education for students who experience learning disabilities and difficulties. Infant & Junior Learning Support classes (ages 6 to 12) follow the Mainstream EYFS and Primary Curriculum modified to meet individual needs. Senior High School Learning Support classes (ages 12 to 21) follow a modified mainstream curriculum and work towards external examinations (IGCSE/GCSE) and the ASDAN Award. Year 12 is offered only to exceptionally gifted and talented students; they may attend mainstream classes in specific subjects and focus on the AS/A Level programme. edu.kw	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 KES provides mental wellbeing support through safeguarding and a dedicated Well-being framework, including a Director of Well-being/Designated Safeguarding Lead and a School Counsellor to support students. The safeguarding team includes a Head of School, Director of Teaching and Learning, and Departmental Safeguarding Leads across departments. Students can participate in wellbeing initiatives such as Year 2 Mindfulness Club and KES Wellbeing Ambassadors. The school also runs anti-bullying activities such as GU Anti-Bullying Week. edu.kw	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 KES is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. It provides a secure, welcoming environment where children are safe, respected and valued, and aims to help them achieve the best possible outcomes. All staff undergo safe recruitment procedures and are trained in Child Protection. Children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have concerns, and safeguarding follows Kuwaiti laws of Children's Rights and Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines. The safeguarding team includes the Director of Well-being/Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of School, Director of Teaching and Learning, Departmental Safeguarding Leads, and the School Counsellor. If you are worried about a student's safety, contact details are provided. edu.kw	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 Preparatory Department, housed in its own building, was upgraded to ensure diverse learning-through-play experiences – indoors and outdoors. In the main school building, a separate area is reserved for KS1 where they can safely play outdoors and benefit from classroom learning experiences. From Year 3 upwards, students access specialist science labs, drama studios, newly revamped ICT suites, libraries, an indoor gym area and an indoor swimming pool. Senior students taking A level courses (Years 12 and 13) have a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, The Millennium, and enjoy their own common room. The school also provides a specialist Music Centre and an Art & Design Technology Centre, and a Green Unit— a well-resourced learning centre for students with learning disabilities.	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 An indoor gym area supports physical education and sports activities. An indoor swimming pool provides swimming instruction and aquatic activities. The Preparatory Department offers indoor and outdoor play experiences to support physical development. A separate outdoor play area for KS1 allows younger children to engage in safe outdoor activity.	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 From Year 3 onwards, students use specialist science labs and drama studios, with newly revamped ICT suites, and libraries for study. A Sixth Form Centre, known as The Millennium, serves Years 12–13. The campus also includes a Music Centre and an Art & Design Technology Centre, along with a Green Unit for learners with learning disabilities.	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 A Music Centre supports musical activities, and an Art & Design Technology Centre supports arts and design. KES Robotics is offered as an extracurricular activity. Arts, Drama and Sports are available as extracurricular activities.	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 KES was founded in 1978 by Mr. Mohamed Jassim Al Saddah and Mrs. Rhoda Elizabeth Muhmood. KES was established in September 1979 with the motto "The Aim Makes Great The Life" and a vision to Inspire, Challenge and Encourage. KES serves students aged 3–19 and is divided into Early Years, Primary, Secondary and the Green Unit, totaling about 2,500 pupils. In 1991 the Green Unit for students with learning disabilities opened. In 2014 KES became a Google Reference School after pioneering the use of Google Chrome in classrooms, and in June 2022 Sama Educational Company became the new owner, with Sama operating ACA and partnering with Aldenham School (Aldenham opened a Riyadh campus in September 2022) and the Royal Grammar School Guildford opening in Muscat in September 2023.	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 KES offers a broad range of extra-curricular activities across the arts, drama, music, design technology and robotics, with opportunities during and after school. The school is known for its theatre productions and concerts. Clubs include Art/DT, Fashion, Animation, Mural and catch-up Art/DT, enriching student life beyond the classroom.	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 KES Robotics operates with Senior, Green Unit, and Junior teams. The Senior Team was founded in 2019 and competed as Team Kuwait at the First Global Challenge Dubai 2019, finishing 38th among 191 countries. The team represented Kuwait again at the First Global Challenge Geneva 2022, finishing 6th among 180 countries. The Green Unit's ROBOKES team won the Judges Award at the Istanbul VEX Robotics Competition in 2019, and the Junior Robotics Team qualified to represent Kuwait at the VEX Worlds in Dallas, Texas in 2023.	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 There is a strong tradition of Art at Kuwait English School. Art and Design is offered at IGCSE level (Fine Art or Textiles) and again at GCE A Level, with Design Technology taught from Year 7-9 and offered as external exams in Years 10-11 (IGCSE) and Years 12-13 (A Level). The Art & DT department enriches students' lives by offering the Art & Photography Committee club, Fashion club, Animation club, Mural club and catch-up Art/DT club. Students also participate in local and national art competitions (Ministry competitions, Radisson Blu Hotel competitions, the BSME Art competition and the Kuwait Times annual competition) and an annual Art and Design Technology Exhibition displays their work.	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 Model United Nations (MUN) is a formal program at KES, with KESMUN conferences hosted by the school and participation in Kuwait Model United Nations events. In KESMUN XII, 275 students from Kuwait-private schools participated and more than 30 awards were given, including Best New Delegate, Best Resolution, and Best Delegate. The school has hosted Kuwait's First Model United Nations Conference in the academic year and has continued to participate in MUN events since, earning recognition for its delegates.	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 KES House Competitions are an integral part of school life, with many non-sporting activities awarding points toward the House Cup. The Student Leadership Council organises events to raise funds for charity, including Mufti days, Red Nose Day, Moustache Day, MasterChef, arm wrestling, wet sponge throwing, Talent shows and more. The SLC also coordinates the charities the school supports, both local and international, such as Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society Kuwait, Bayt Abdullah Hospice Kuwait, Invisible Children, and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.	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 The School's Student Leadership Council leads charitable engagement, coordinating fundraising and volunteer activities throughout the year. Charities supported by the SLC include Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society Kuwait, Bayt Abdullah Hospice Kuwait, Invisible Children, and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, reflecting a broad commitment to community service and global welfare.	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 culture features Head Boy, Head Girl and Senior Prefects with a Senior Prefects team that leads younger pupils; Prefects supervise and support specific year groups. The Sixth Form Committee, led by the Head Girl and Head Boy, includes representatives from each Year 12 form group and drives whole-school initiatives. The Student Council, elected annually, meets weekly to discuss school improvements and charitable activities and has organised events such as Talent shows, musicals and charity drives.	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 Physical education is central to the program, with weekly PE for all students from KG through Year 13; PE is a GCSE subject in Years 10-11 and an A Level subject in Years 12-13. KES is a founder member of KFSAC and ISACK, coordinating inter-school competitions in football, unihoc, netball, benchball, cricket and swimming at junior levels, and basketball, volleyball, netball, football, table tennis and swimming at senior levels. Mindfulness and wellbeing initiatives are encouraged, including a Year 2 Mindfulness Club, together with wellbeing-focused events such as Anti-Bullying Week activities.	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 English is the language of instruction for most subjects; Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught in Arabic under the Ministry of Education Arabic and Islamic programme.	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 All subjects are taught in English. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught in Arabic by qualified Arabic staff under the Ministry of Education Arabic and Islamic programme.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Applications for places are accepted from January for the following September. Online registration is strongly recommended due to high demand. The Green Unit provides support for students with specific learning difficulties; mainstream entry testing applies. Students are tested before entry. 2. New registration and assessments: Newcomer parents submit the online registration form on the school website. After submission, the school contacts families with further instructions and schedules an interview assessment date. The entrance test assesses concentration, academic level, thought process and communication skills; a copy of the previous school report may be requested and discussed with parents. Entrance test fees are non-refundable. The Head Teacher's decision determines acceptance and no student is admitted unless they meet entry requirements. 3. If the student passes the assessment, an acceptance letter is issued. The acceptance letter, together with the required paperwork, is taken to the Accounts Department where a non-refundable deposit is paid to complete registration. All required paperwork must be provided before registration can be completed; this paperwork must be brought to the interview. 4. Students are placed into the correct class and year group; there is an age guideline for each year. Occasionally a student may be admitted into a year below chronological age if maturity or English level requires it. 5. Re-registration: Reminders of the re-registration deadline are issued mid Term 2, typically in the first week of April. If a parent fails to re-register by the deadline, the school cannot secure a place. Re-registration should be completed as early as possible to avoid losing a seat.	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 —	Waitlist —
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