Kuwait International English School vs Kuwait National English School

	K Kuwait International English School Kuwait City, Kuwait	K Kuwait National English School Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 1,389 - 2,909	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, Pearson Edexcel 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 600	Pupils 1,250
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1991
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Block 10, Al Hassan Al Bassry Street, Hawally, Kuwait. Kuwait International English School is a private day school serving international and local students from pre-school through to university entrance preparation. The school provides a two-way bus service through a contracted transport company. Contact: +965 22219228.	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); Primary Years (Years 1–6); Secondary Years (Years 7–13).	Stages Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Special Needs. Age range 2 to 18.
School type	School type Private day school; part of Al Rayan Schools.	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 —	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 Affiliation with the United Kingdom through the British National Curriculum.	Country affiliation British; follows the National Curriculum for England.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The school day starts at 7:00 am. KG and Reception finish at 12:00 pm; Primary and Secondary finish at 2:00 pm. Students should arrive no earlier than 6:45 am.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Buses are available to most districts; a two-way bus service is provided via the school's contracted transport company.	Bus service details Bus transportation is arranged via Emushrif; details are available on the Transportation page.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & registration fees - Application / entrance test fee: KD 25 (non-refundable). - Registration advance: KD 100 payable at registration; this amount is adjusted against the first tuition instalment after registration is completed. Tuition fees by year group (annual and term instalments) - KG (Kindergarten) - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 1,389. - Instalments: 1st term KD 463 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 463 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 463 (due 1 Apr). - Reception - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 1,559. - Instalments: 1st term KD 520 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 520 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 519 (due 1 Apr). - Year 1 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,299. - Instalments: 1st term KD 767 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 767 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 765 (due 1 Apr). - Year 2 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,369. - Instalments: 1st term KD 790 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 790 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 789 (due 1 Apr). - Year 3 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,569. - Instalments: 1st term KD 857 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 857 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 855 (due 1 Apr). - Year 4 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,569. - Instalments: 1st term KD 857 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 857 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 855 (due 1 Apr). - Year 5 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,569. - Instalments: 1st term KD 857 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 857 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 855 (due 1 Apr). - Year 6 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,619. - Instalments: 1st term KD 873 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 873 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 873 (due 1 Apr). - Year 7 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,689. - Instalments: 1st term KD 897 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 897 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 895 (due 1 Apr). - Year 8 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,749. - Instalments: 1st term KD 917 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 917 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 915 (due 1 Apr). - Year 9 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,879. - Instalments: 1st term KD 960 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 960 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 959 (due 1 Apr). - Year 10 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,879. - Instalments: 1st term KD 960 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 960 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 959 (due 1 Apr). - Year 11 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,879. - Instalments: 1st term KD 960 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 960 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 959 (due 1 Apr). - Year 12 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,909. - Instalments: 1st term KD 970 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 970 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 969 (due 1 Apr). - Year 13 - Annual tuition (discounted): KD 2,909. - Instalments: 1st term KD 970 (due 1 Sep), 2nd term KD 970 (due 1 Dec), 3rd term KD 969 (due 1 Apr). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is payable in full prior to the commencement of the academic year, or parents may pay in three instalments as scheduled (1st instalment due early September, 2nd instalment due early December, 3rd instalment due early April). - The annual tuition does not include Books, Uniform or Transport fees; these are billed separately. - An early-bird voucher of KD 75 and a sibling discount (7% applied to the child with the lowest tuition) are available under the school's enrolment/registration offers; sibling discount conditions require timely payment. Boarding fees - The school operates as a private day school; there are no boarding facilities and no boarding fees. Transport (school bus) fees and schedule - Transport is charged separately and is payable termly. Sample charges (round-trip and one-way) are set by area and split into three instalments; examples published for parents include: - Round-trip Area 1 (Hawally): KD 330 (instalments KD 130, KD 130, KD 70). - Round-trip Area 2 (Maidan, Hawally, Salmiya, Jabriya, Surra, Shaab): KD 350 (instalments KD 140, KD 140, KD 70). - Round-trip Area 3 (other areas): KD 370 (instalments KD 150, KD 150, KD 70). - One-way Area 1: KD 265 (instalments KD 105, KD 105, KD 55); Area 2 one-way KD 275; Area 3 one-way KD 285 (instalment splits as above). - Transport fees must be paid by the first day of pupil travel on school transport; the full termly fee is required regardless of joining date within the term. Other costs / additional fees - Books and school inventory are charged separately and are not included in tuition. A school inventory voucher (early-bird voucher) may be applied to books and uniform or to the third term. - Uniform is sold at the school uniform shop during school opening hours; uniform items and PE kit are charged separately (prices vary by item). - IGCSE / examination and subject-specific fees: accelerated IGCSE subjects are charged (example: KD 150 per subject for the One-Year Accelerated IGCSE programme); formal examination entry fees are charged separately and vary by subject. - Late collection charge: KD 5 per hour (or part thereof) for supervised care after designated collection time; an optional supervised ‘Late Club' is available at KD 15 per week per child. Refunds and withdrawal charges - Application/entrance fee (KD 25) is non-refundable. The application fee is adjusted against the first instalment if the student is enrolled. Registration advance (KD 100) is adjusted against the first instalment. - Withdrawal and tuition liability: - If withdrawal occurs during the first week of the first term: parents pay KD 100 and no further tuition for that term is charged. - If withdrawal occurs after the first week of the first term: the parent must pay the full first-term tuition. - If a student leaves at any time during the second term: parents must pay inclusively the full first- and second-term fees. - If a student leaves at any time during the third term: parents must pay fees for the complete year (all three terms). Fee payment options - Online payment portal (Parents Online) is provided for parents to pay fees electronically. - Cash / payments at the school cashier are used for application, registration and other in-person transactions. Notes - Fees listed above are stated in Kuwaiti Dinars (KD).	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 No boarding; private day school.	Boarding arrangements The school operates as a day school.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school requires all students to wear a uniform at all times. Uniforms can be purchased at the school shop from Sunday to Thursday during school opening hours. All items should be clearly labeled with the student's name.	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 The SCHOOL HOUSE SYSTEM: KIES runs a pastoral house system designed to give students a sense of belonging, promote personal development and encourage healthy competition. House Points can be earned for academic and sporting achievement; secondary pupils wear house colour ties as part of the uniform.	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 Kuwait International English School is one of Al Rayan Schools and is part of Al Rayan Holding.	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 KIES follows and delivers lessons based on the British National Curriculum. The curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum and adapted to fit the international environment and the requirements of individual examination boards. Teaching and learning of the national curriculum is enquiry-based, with a focus on problem solving and aims to build pupils' abilities as learners. Class sizes are arranged to provide greater personal attention, and all children are taught in mixed-ability classes. A range of activities deliver the Curriculum, including practical problem solving, online interactive learning and book-based learning, with textbooks being one of the resources used to deliver the curriculum. National Curriculum Plans for Primary and Secondary are provided and adapted to fit the requirements of different exam boards and the needs of learners.	Curriculum details Kuwait National English School is a British International School delivering the British National Curriculum alongside Ministry of Education curricular requirements. In Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3) learners follow an extensive curriculum including English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Art & Design, Computer Science, French, Geography, History, PSHE, Sciences, Kuwait Social Studies (Ministry requirement), Arabic (Ministry requirement), Islamic Studies (Ministry requirement) and Qur'an (Ministry requirement). In Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) the content is based on Cambridge Assessment International Education, Edexcel and Pearson requirements, with a compulsory core and six option blocks leading to IGCSE examinations. Years 7-9 provide a broad foundation before Year 10 when students select options for further study, leading to IGCSEs. In Years 12 and 13 students study for AS and A Levels (UK international). The Languages Taught are English, Arabic, French and Spanish, and English is the language of instruction.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio EYFS 12:1; Primary 25:1; Secondary 15:1.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results First Term Examination results are released on 9 January 2025 and are available on the school portal for parents and students.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University entrance preparation is provided.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school fosters a supportive climate of mutual respect and enthusiasm for learning. It promotes international and multicultural awareness and fosters a sense of ethical and social responsibility. Pastoral care is provided across the school to support students' social and emotional development. Pupils are taught Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) and PSHE as part of safeguarding and wellbeing education. A school counsellor is available to support students with emotional, social and wellbeing needs.	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) The school recognises that pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may face additional safeguarding challenges. Disabilities or specific additional needs are acknowledged in safeguarding and welfare procedures. Staff are trained to identify and support pupils with SEND as part of safeguarding. A designated safeguarding lead and safeguarding officers oversee safeguarding for all departments. Senior School designated safeguarding lead and officer monitor and implement safeguarding strategies.	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 The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and has been adapted to fit the needs of learners in an ambitious 21st century Middle East. In addition, teaching and learning strategies support those with English as a second language, based on best international practices.	English as an additional language Languages of Instruction are English. Languages taught include English, Arabic, French and Spanish.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing KIES has a Healthy Food, Healthy Mind Policy that promotes nutrition education, hydration and overall wellbeing. Nutrition education and wellbeing are integrated into the curriculum through science, PSHE and health modules. The school offers workshops and campaigns for students and parents on balanced eating. Staff model healthy eating behaviours and parents are encouraged to reinforce healthy habits. The policy aligns with national health standards and Kuwait's regulatory guidance for school nutrition and wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing The school uses PSHE guidance to teach mental health and emotional wellbeing in a safe and sensitive manner. Targeted support includes circle time activities and SEAL resources, managing feelings and emotions, and mental health and wellbeing groups, with therapeutic activities such as art, play, relaxation and mindfulness techniques. All staff monitor wellbeing using monthly wellbeing trackers and reports to identify warning signs such as attendance, relationships, mood, and health indicators. The school works with parents to keep them informed about emotional wellbeing topics and how to support positive mental health at home. Staff receive training on mental health and wellbeing policies during induction and through ongoing CPD, with resources shared to parents.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding children is the school's highest priority and the policy provides clear direction on safeguarding and child protection. The policy outlines four categories of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect. Staff receive safeguarding training, including annual online training, and the school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead and safeguarding officers to coordinate protection across departments. Senior School designated safeguarding lead and officer monitor and implement safeguarding strategies. Safeguarding links to Behaviour, Pastoral, Health and Safety, Anti-bullying and E-safety, and the school provides clear reporting lines for concerns.	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 KIES organizes facilities into age-specific areas with dedicated spaces for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary students. The Early Years area provides safe indoor and outdoor play and a complete learning experience. Primary and Secondary spaces include specialist science labs, drama studios, smart ICT suites, a library, a specialist music department, and an Art and Design Technology Centre. Additional spaces include an indoor sports hall, squash courts, a swimming pool, and areas such as KG and Rec Class Rooms, Main School Yard, Back School Yard, Shops, Uniform Store, and a Drama Gallery.	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 sports hall, squash courts, and an indoor swimming pool support PE lessons and after-school clubs. The squash area and gym provide space for racquet sports and fitness training. Outdoor spaces such as the Main School Yard and Back School Yard enable outdoor games and physical activities. These facilities support a broad physical education program and after-school sports.	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 Specialist science labs support experiments and inquiry in science subjects. A drama studio and Drama Gallery provide spaces for performing arts. Smart ICT suites enable modern computing and digital learning. A library supports reading and research across the curriculum. An Art and Design Technology Centre houses art, design, and technology workspaces. Additional facilities include a Graphic Design studio and Lab, and dedicated Science Labs.	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 Drama Gallery, Music Classes, and Art Classes support arts-based clubs and performances after school. The Graphic Design Studio and Graphic Design Lab support design and digital creativity clubs. ICT Labs enable programming and technology clubs. Indoor sports facilities support after-school sports such as basketball and swimming. Outdoor spaces like the Main School Yard and Back School Yard accommodate outdoor clubs and games.	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 Kuwait International English School (KIES) is a private day school offering student-centered learning from pre-school through to university entrance preparation. It operates as one of Al Rayan Schools. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and prepares students for IGCSE, AS Level and A Level examinations, with IGCSE and A Level assessments conducted through Edexcel and Cambridge boards. The school is licensed by the Private Education Department of Kuwait, and a UK-inspection framework is in place with ISI compliance; the last inspection occurred in March 2019. KIES is a member of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME).	History Kuwait National English School is a private, co-educational non-profit making organisation offering classes from Charlotte Pre-School and KG up to university entrance with IGCSE, GCSE, GCE and IAS and IAL. It follows the New National Curriculum from the UK and has been an approved Centre of Examination since 1996. KNES is an accredited member of the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and a British School Overseas (BSO) recognised by the UK Department for Education. It is fully accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and has completed a 10-year reaccreditation cycle. The school is recognised by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education and the Special Needs Department is approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Public Authority for the Disabled. KNES is a UNESCO Associated Schools Projects member.
Community	Community The school publishes a School Calendar 2025-2026 detailing term dates, holidays and culturally significant days. The calendar includes religious and national holiday observances such as Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr and Kuwait National Day. The school is located at Block 10, Al Hassan Al Bassry Street, Hawally, Kuwait. The school maintains active social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and provides online enrollment and media galleries as part of its community presence.	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 Kuwait International English School is a private day school offering student-centered learning to international and local students from pre-school through to university entrance preparation. The school encourages individual and group achievement and academic excellence in a supportive climate of mutual respect and enthusiasm for learning, enabling every child to reach their full potential. The school follows the British National Curriculum and offers IGCSE options and an acceleration program to support diverse pathways to higher education. Kuwait International English School is part of Al Rayan Schools.	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 —	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 The school promotes international and multicultural awareness and fosters ethical and social responsibility.	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 —	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 fosters ethical and social responsibility as part of its ethos.	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 —	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 The facilities provide a stimulating and safe learning environment appropriate for the age and educational needs of each pupil, and the school cultivates a supportive climate of mutual respect and enthusiasm for learning.	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 taught as a First Language and as a Second Language at IGCSE. Arabic is taught as a First Language and as a Second Language at IGCSE. French is offered at IGCSE level (French Edexcel 0520).	Language provision Languages taught include English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. The language of instruction is English. The school serves students aged 2 to 18. It is described as a British International School.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1. Prepare and submit documents for new enrollment. Documents required for New enrollment include two recent photographs; civil ID copies (both sides) of the student, mother and father; copies of the student's passport and the parents' passports; birth certificate; vaccination record; transfer certificate from the previous school; last school report; a clearance letter; and a medical file from the previous school. These documents must be brought to the interview. The entrance test fee is 25 KWD and the registration fee is 100 KWD, both payable as part of the enrollment process. Step 2. Enter the entrance assessment and interviews. Students are tested before they enter the school; the registration test assesses the student's academic level and suitability for admission. A brief interview may be held with the parents if required, and the student may be interviewed by the school counsellor if needed. Step 3. Admission decision. It is the Head of Department's decision whether a student is accepted. No student will be allowed admission unless they meet the entry requirements. Any serious discipline concerns are grounds for non-acceptance. The decision is final. Step 4. Registration completion after passing the assessment. If the student has passed the assessment test, the paperwork and forms are submitted to the accounts department, and a 100 KD deposit is paid to complete the registration process. This deposit must be paid to complete registration. It is not possible to register a student without all the necessary paperwork, which must be brought into the school at the time of the interview. Step 5. Age requirements. Minimum age on the first day of the new academic year is 3 years 6 months for Kindergarten and 16 years 6 months for Year 12. The age bands for intermediate years are: Reception 4 years 6 months; Year 1 5 years 6 months; Year 2 6 years 6 months; Year 3 7 years 6 months; Year 4 8 years 6 months; Year 5 9 years 6 months; Year 6 10 years 6 months; Year 7 11 years 6 months; Year 8 12 years 6 months; Year 9 13 years 6 months; Year 10 14 years 6 months; Year 11 15 years 6 months. These ages align with the year level applied for. Step 6. Documents for Students from outside Kuwait. For Students from outside Kuwait, documents required include a complete registration form and two recent photographs. Civil IDs for the student, mother and father are required, or an entry visa if a Civil ID is not yet issued. A copy of residency/entry visa, birth certificate, vaccination record, and the last school report authenticated by the home country's Ministry of Education and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also required.	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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