Shaikha Hessa Girls' School vs St Christopher's School

	S Shaikha Hessa Girls' School Manama, Bahrain	S St Christopher's School Manama, Bahrain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year BHD 1,955 - 3,968	Fees / year BHD 2,007 - 8,826
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Girls	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IGCSE Curriculum, A-Levels Curriculum, BTEC Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 2,300
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Arabic	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 1961
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Shaikha Hessa Girls' School is located in West Riffa, Bahrain, at 1525, Road 4226, West Riffa 942. The campus features a central dome connecting three wings: Administration, Elementary, and Middle/High School. A dedicated Kindergarten building is adjacent to the central building and serves the early years.	Location St Christopher's School Bahrain operates across two campuses in Bahrain: the Infant and Junior campus in Muqabah (Gate 790, Road 1322, Muqabah 513) and the Senior campus in Isa Town (Building 119, Road 4109, Isa Town 841). A new Senior School facility is planned for spring 2026 at a site in Al Raffa. The postal address is St Christopher's School, PO Box 32052, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Stages	Stages The school is structured into Primary/Elementary, Middle School, and High School sections, with a separate Kindergarten building for the early years.	Stages The Infant School and Junior School portion serves children from Nursery to Year 6 (ages approximately 3–11) on the Saar/Muqabah campus. The Senior School serves students from Year 7 to Year 13 (ages approximately 11–18) at Isa Town, with a Sixth Form component within the Senior School.
School type	School type Private, all-girls school. It operates as a day school; there are no boarding facilities.	School type Co-educational day school; it does not publish a boarding provision.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school has an international student body with representation from over twenty-four nationalities. The most commonly reported nationality is Bahraini, and public data suggest a local-to-international ratio around 98:2, though exact figures published by the school are not available.	Pupil nationality mix Approximately 70 nationalities are represented at the school; the most common nationality and the local-to-international ratio are not published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support An Academic Needs Assessment Form is part of the admissions process to identify any learning needs. The Bahraini Ministry of Education notes that mainstream schools provide support for students with special needs in a supportive environment.	Additional learning support The school maintains a Learning Support Department to assist students with learning challenges, aiming to contribute to the progress and inclusion of learners across the Senior School.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Bahrain. The school is recognized by the Bahraini Ministry of Education.	Country affiliation Kingdom of Bahrain
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; the school emphasizes Arabic and Islamic values within its culture.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; the school emphasises Education for a Shared Humanity and an inclusive environment.
School day structure	School day structure School starts at 7:55 a.m. Pre-School ends at 12:30 p.m.; Grades 1–12 finish at 2:35 p.m. Supervised care before and after school is available for about 30 minutes.	School day structure Nursery operates with a flexible option: register 07:45–08:00, with half-day finish at 12:15 or full-day finish at 14:25. Reception to Year 2 start at 07:45–08:00 and finish at 14:25. Junior School (Years 3–6) runs from about 07:40–08:10 start with a 14:25 finish. Senior School starts with 07:10–07:50 AM language options, registration 07:50–08:10, and a regular school day typically running from 08:10 to 14:00, with lunch 11:05–11:45 and periods continuing to 14:40 (Enrichment Day may finish at 14:40).
Bus service details	Bus service details There is no school-provided bus service. Transportation arrangements would need to be organized by families.	Bus service details A dedicated in-house bus service is not listed publicly. Public transport serves the area, with bus lines 15 and 19 stopping near Isa Town; nearest stops include Isa Town Terminal and Sacred Heart School/Isa Town.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and one‑time fees - Application / testing fee: BHD 20 (one‑time, new students). - Registration fee (new students): BHD 180 (one‑time). - Development fee (new students): BHD 200 (one‑time). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑installment amounts) - Nursery (Pre‑school / N): Total annual tuition BHD 1,955. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 500 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 700 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 755 (due Jan 30). - KG1 / KG2 (Early years): Total annual tuition BHD 2,415. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 600 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 860 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 955 (due Jan 30). - Grades 1–6 (Elementary): Total annual tuition BHD 2,829. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 740 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 975 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 1,114 (due Jan 30). - Grades 7–8 (Lower secondary): Total annual tuition BHD 3,416. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 860 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 1,200 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 1,356 (due Jan 30). - Grades 9–12 (Upper secondary / IGCSE & IB): Total annual tuition BHD 3,968. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 1,050 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 1,445 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 1,473 (due Jan 30). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in three instalments with the standard due dates: 1st instalment due April 30, 2nd instalment due September 30, and 3rd instalment due January 30 (dates shown with the fee schedule). On acceptance, registration/development fees and the first instalment are payable within the school's stated deadline. - All fees (application, registration, development and tuition) are non‑refundable and non‑transferable after the start of the academic year. Instalments must be paid on the published schedule; delayed payment may affect enrolment status. - Cheque return / dishonour charge: BHD 20 (cheque return fee is listed in school fee notes). Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school; boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and additional fees - Books and resource fees: to be announced; book and resource fees are charged separately and are due before the first day of class. - Stationery / book charges apply and are payable in the timelines stated for returning students. - Yearly locker rental (optional, for students in Grades 4–12): BHD 5 (annual) for students opting to use a locker. - Course‑specific costs: cost of graphic design software for students in Grades 9–12 who register for that course (student to pay/purchase). - External examination fees: - IGCSE examination fees are payable by Grade 10 students who register for external IGCSE exams. - IBDP examination fees are payable by Grade 12 students. - Ceremonies and events: Graduation ceremony fee for Grade 12 participants; Grade 5 and KG2 promotion ceremony fees for participating students. Refund information - Refunds for the first instalment only: if the 1st instalment of tuition for the next academic year is paid before April 30 and the student withdraws within one month of that payment, the full 1st instalment is refundable. After one month, BHD 500 is deducted and the balance refunded. No refund is applicable after the academic year has started (September). Application, registration, development and tuition fees are explicitly non‑refundable / non‑transferable after the academic year starts. Fee payment options and practical notes - The official fee documents require payment of the stated instalments and one‑time fees; the fee schedule and admissions notes indicate payments are managed by the school's finance/admissions office and that cheques are used (a cheque return charge is specified). Specific accepted payment channels (for example bank transfer, credit card, online portal) are not itemised in the published fee sheet; parents should follow the school's published enrolment instructions and finance office procedures for the available payment channels. Other practical points (fee‑related rules) - On acceptance, payment deadlines for registration, development fees and the first instalment are enforced to secure a place. Delayed payment can jeopardise the confirmed place. (Fees expressed in Bahraini Dinar — BHD.)	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Application fee (non-refundable): BD 100 per child. - Registration fee (one-off, non-refundable): BD 1,250 per child (payable if an offer of a place is made). Tuition fees (per term and per annum by year group) - Nursery (12:15 finish): BD 669 per term — BD 2,007 per year. - Nursery (14:25 finish): BD 1,032 per term — BD 3,096 per year. - Reception: BD 1,577 per term — BD 4,731 per year. - Year 1: BD 1,577 per term — BD 4,731 per year. - Year 2: BD 1,577 per term — BD 4,731 per year. - Year 3: BD 1,753 per term — BD 5,259 per year. - Year 4: BD 1,753 per term — BD 5,259 per year. - Year 5: BD 1,753 per term — BD 5,259 per year. - Year 6: BD 1,753 per term — BD 5,259 per year. - Year 7: BD 2,136 per term — BD 6,408 per year. - Year 8: BD 2,136 per term — BD 6,408 per year. - Year 9: BD 2,569 per term — BD 7,707 per year. - Year 10: BD 2,569 per term — BD 7,707 per year. - Year 11: BD 2,569 per term — BD 7,707 per year. - Year 12: BD 2,942 per term — BD 8,826 per year. - Year 13: BD 2,942 per term — BD 8,826 per year. Additional and optional fees - Examination fees (GCSE, A-Level, IB): charged in addition to tuition; typically amount to several hundred BD depending on subjects and exam entries. - Optional extras charged separately where applicable: instrumental tuition, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for specific students, out-of-hours lessons, and similar activity-based charges. - Uniform: official uniform must be purchased from the listed suppliers (Zaks Store Bahrain, Kukri online store, and Cafe 61 on campus); uniform costs are payable by parents and vary by item and year group. Boarding - St Christopher's operates as a day school; there are no full or weekly boarding places or associated boarding fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are charged termly or annually (termly is the standard billing cycle). - Fees must be paid by the last day of the preceding term. Late payment may result in temporary exclusion of the student until payment is made; persistent late payment may lead to cancellation of enrollment. - Bank charges are the responsibility of the payer. Refunds and withdrawal - If notice of withdrawal is given at least two weeks before the start of term, a full refund will be provided for the relevant fees. - No refunds are provided for absence due to sickness or other reasons, except in specific withdrawal circumstances as noted in the school's fees regulations. Fees are otherwise non-refundable. Fee payment methods and bank details - Accepted payment methods: bank transfer (National Bank of Bahrain/NBB), cheque, and cash (cheque and cash accepted at the Saar Campus Accounts Office). - Bank details provided for transfers: - Account name: ST CHRISTOPHERS SCHOOL. - IBAN: BH61NBOB00005000103453. - SWIFT: NBOBBHBM. - Make sure to include your parent reference on the transfer and send proof of payment to accounts@school.st-chris.net. Regulatory and other notes about fees - The school is not-for-profit and fee income is reinvested into school operations. Fees are approved by the Ministry of Education. (End of fees overview)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Boarding is not offered at St Christopher's School Bahrain. The school operates as a day school for pupils aged 3 to 18 across two campuses. An International Baccalaureate listing notes 'Boarding facilities: DAY', indicating there is no on-site boarding provision. Families relocating should arrange accommodation off campus.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement St Christopher's has a formal school uniform. Uniforms can be purchased at Zaks Store Bahrain in Nakeel Centre, Kukri via the Kukri website, or Cafe 61 on both campuses. The PE uniform is ordered separately from Kukri.
Food options	Food options The school has an on-site cafeteria.	Food options Cafe 61 operates on both Saar and Isa Town campuses, offering homemade, healthy snacks and drinks in line with the school's healthy eating policies. It provides a take-away option and encourages eco-friendly practices such as reusable cups. The Saar Campus cafe operates 07:00–16:00, Sunday to Thursday.
House system	House system —	House system The House System comprises four houses named after birds of prey: Falcon (red), Kestrel (blue), Merlin (green) and Osprey (yellow). Family members are placed in the same House as their siblings. Students wear their House colours at events such as Sports Days and Swimming Galas and can earn House Points for effort, achievement and good behaviour.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is privately owned and non-profit and is governed by a Board of Directors with Educational and Financial committees. The Chairman is Shaikh Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Khalifa, and other board members include Dr. Shaikha Hessa bint Ali Al Khalifa (President of the Financial Committee) and Shaikha Lulwa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa (President of the Educational Committee). The school is recognized by the Bahrain Ministry of Education and holds accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, is a member of the Council of International Schools, and is authorized for Edexcel International GCSE and the International Baccalaureate Organization.	Governance and ownership St Christopher's School Bahrain is governed by a Board of Governors consisting of representatives from the founder Companies and from the parent body. The Board also includes the Dean of St Christopher's Cathedral and may include co-opted members for specialist knowledge. The school identifies itself as a not-for-profit institution.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Shaikha Hessa Girls' School serves students from pre-school through Grade 12 and offers a bilingual Arabic-English education, with French taught as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8. The curriculum combines Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Secondary 1 in the early years, Edexcel IGCSE in the upper years, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the final two years. IGCSE subject offerings include English Language A, Mathematics A, a Science Double Award, and ICT, with Arabic First Language, and optional subjects such as History or Geography (Option A), Business Studies, Fine Art/Graphic Communication, and French (Option B). Non-IGCSE compulsory subjects include Physical Education, Arabic Social Studies, Civics (National Studies), and Islamic Studies. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year course (typical for Grades 11–12) with six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level) plus the core requirements of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. Shaikha Hessa Girls' School is ministry-recognized in Bahrain and holds accreditation from MSA-CESS and CIS, and is an IB World School since 2007.	Curriculum details St Christopher's Bahrain operates a Future Ready Curriculum across the Infant, Junior and Senior sections, designed to develop six competencies: Academic, Metacognition, Service, Enterprise, Digital, and Wellbeing. The Infant School uses the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework with a play-based approach that emphasises communication, language, physical development, and early literacy and numeracy, with specialist Arabic, PE, Music and swimming. From Year 7 to Year 9, the curriculum follows the English National Curriculum (adapted to the local context); Years 10–11 offer GCSEs with broad subject choices, and Post-16 provides either A-levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In the Sixth Form, students can study A-levels, the IB Diploma Programme, or BTEC courses (stand-alone or in combination with A Levels), with entry requirements and university guidance provided by the school. The Arabic department delivers Arabic, Islamic Studies and Bahrain Citizenship under the Bahraini MOE curriculum, with non-Arabic-speaking students able to study Arabic as a second language and GCSE Arabic as a Second Language where offered.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Shaikha Hessa Girls' School addresses SEL through a strategic focus on Students' Emotional and Social Wellbeing, aiming to improve academic achievement by fostering deeper understanding of self and others, strengthening relationships with family, peers and teachers, and promoting self-awareness and a sense of purpose.	Social & emotional learning St Christopher's Bahrain integrates wellbeing into everyday school life to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. The core values guiding this approach are Caring, Honesty, and Mutual Respect. A dedicated counselling team provides proactive support across all phases, addressing emotional, social, and behavioural challenges with tailored interventions. Wellbeing is embedded in the curriculum, co-curricular programmes, and school events, with staff across form groups and subject areas sharing responsibility for students' welfare. The Wellbeing Framework focuses on Balance, Resilience, Belonging, and Self-Regulation to promote healthy habits, resilience, and positive mental health.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school describes an inclusive environment and supports individual academic and personal needs through structured and inclusive practices and differentiated instruction; however, specific SEN provisions or specialist SEN status are not disclosed on the site.	Special educational needs (SEN) St Christopher's Bahrain offers Learning Support via a dedicated department staffed by specialist teachers and learning support assistants. The department provides targeted in-class support, small-group interventions (LS Clubs), and short one-to-one sessions, with withdrawal groups to help students access the curriculum with greater independence. Senior School also provides in-class support and targeted withdrawal sessions as needed to foster inclusion across the curriculum. The Learning Support team works in close partnership with families, the school counselling team, class teachers, and outside agencies to deliver an integrated service across the school. Specific categories of Special Educational Needs (SEN) supported are not itemised publicly on the site, and it is not described as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school provides bilingual education in Arabic and English from pre-school to Grade 12, with French taught as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8.	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction at St Christopher's Bahrain, as reflected in external programme profiles. EAL support is referenced in the Fees schedule as an optional extra for specific Infant students. Details about staffing or formal EAL programmes beyond this note are not publicly listed on the site.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through the Student Emotional and Social Wellbeing focus in SHGS's Strategic Plan, which includes aims to improve wellbeing by fostering self-understanding, strengthening relationships with family and peers, and promoting self-awareness, purpose, and emotional balance.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through a robust counselling provision and comprehensive wellbeing procedures. The counselling team offers specialised support across all phases and works proactively with students, families, and staff to address emotional, social, and behavioural challenges. Wellbeing is a cornerstone of the school's strategy, integrated into classroom practice, co-curricular activities, and school events. The Wellbeing Framework emphasises Balance, Resilience, Belonging, and Self-Regulation to help students develop healthy habits, cope with challenges, and engage confidently with the school community.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported by a safeguarding framework accessible from the Safeguarding section, including a Safeguarding Statement, Cybersafety, Health & Safety, Student Wellbeing, Behavior Guidelines, and Child Rights Protection.	Safeguarding St Christopher's Bahrain is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its care. The school follows safe recruitment practices, and appointments are subject to vetting including reference checks, identity verification, and criminal record checks. The safeguarding ethos is reinforced across the school's policies and staff practices, with explicit safeguarding statements appearing in the school's recruitment and employment materials. External indicators of safeguarding focus include regular inspections and accreditations that emphasize child protection and welfare.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Shaikha Hessa Girls' School is organized around a central dome that links the Administration, Elementary, and Middle/High wings. The Elementary building includes a Computer laboratory, a Science laboratory, a Home Economics laboratory, ten classrooms, an Arabic library, and the social counselor's office. A separate Administration building houses the Principal, Deputy Principal, Finance, Registration/Admissions, a Board Room, and a Professional Development room. Next to the central block is a Kindergarten building with a large activities hall, spacious classrooms, and its own playground. The campus also features a cafeteria, a Multi-Purpose Hall with Physical Education facilities and a professional stage with audio and light technology, and an adjacent shaded swimming pool. The High School expansion provides a two-story library, a Computer lab, Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories, and a Robotics lab.	Facilities overview St Christopher's School Bahrain operates across two campuses: the Primary campus (Infant and Junior) in Muqabah and the Senior School in Isa Town, with a new New Senior School campus planned to open in spring 2026. The New Senior School is designed to be state-of-the-art with modern technology and sustainable design. SPARTA provides a Sports and Arts Academy Programme with facilities including a FIFA-standard artificial grass football pitch, a fully shaded 7-a-side pitch, and a heated indoor pool. Libraries across campuses include an infant/junior library space in Saar, plus a Senior Library with digital resources and a Post-16 area, and Accelerated Reader with over 7,000 quizzable books. Drama and music are supported by a dedicated Drama Hall with lighting and sound, two smaller studios, and a large music program offering hundreds of one-to-one lessons and ensembles.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Multi-Purpose Hall provides integrated Physical Education facilities and a professional stage with curtain and audio/lighting technology. An adjacent shaded swimming pool supports swimming and water-based activities.	Sports facilities SPARTA facilities include a FIFA-standard artificial grass football pitch and a fully shaded 7-a-side pitch. The indoor pool is heated and air-conditioned, providing space for swimming lessons and the Sharks elite squad. SPARTA Athletics offers competitive leagues and obstacle-based events for younger and older students. SPARTA Dance provides classes with IDTA and RAD qualifications, from recreational to competitive levels, across age groups. SPARTA Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Gymnastics are available as part of the overall SPARTA programme.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Elementary building includes a Computer laboratory, a Science laboratory, and a Home Economics laboratory, with ten classrooms and an Arabic library. The High School building houses a Computer lab and Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories, as well as a two-story, state-of-the-art library. The Middle School building contains an MS/HS Art class space. A Robotics laboratory is provided in the High School to support STEM learning.	Academic facilities The Science Department operates twelve fully equipped laboratories with up-to-date data-logging equipment. The Drama Department uses a dedicated three-space setup: a fully equipped Drama Hall with theatre lighting and sound and two smaller studios. Design and Technology facilities include CAD/CAM capabilities and access to smart materials. Libraries across campuses support learning with a Primary library in Saar, a well-resourced Senior Library with digital resources and a Post-16 area, and an Accelerated Reader program that supports reading development with thousands of quizzable books.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Facilities support extracurricular life with the Kindergarten activities hall and playground, a cafeteria for meals and gatherings, and the Multi-Purpose Hall with a professional stage and audio-visual capabilities for performances and assemblies.	Extra curricular facilities The school's music program offers over 400 weekly one-to-one instrumental lessons, a full symphony orchestra, multiple ensembles, a large choral program, and music theory classes. A robust drama program features annual whole-school productions and KS3 performances, along with drama and dance clubs. SPARTA provides a broad range of sports and arts activities, including athletics, football, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, and dance. Cafe 61 and other campus facilities support community events and family engagement.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Shaikha Hessa Girls' School was established in 2001 as the first private, all-girls school in Bahrain. It operates as a private, non-profit national school with an international environment and a bilingual Arabic-English program. The school offers an international curriculum including IGCSE and the IB Diploma, and has grown to serve pre-school through Grade 12. It is recognized by the Ministry of Education, accredited in 2007 by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and has been a full member of the Council of International Schools since 2011; SHGS is noted as the first IB Diploma World School for Girls in Bahrain. The school teaches in English and Arabic, with French offered as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8.	History From modest beginnings in a villa in 1961, St Christopher's has grown into a large, not-for-profit, internationally renowned school at the heart of the community. It now educates over 2,300 students from more than 70 nations. The founders were the fourteen sponsor companies who took over management in 1975; the number later rose to eighteen in 1995, with the constitution requiring that between five and eight founder companies be represented on the Board of Governors. Current founder companies include ALBA, BAPCO, Bank ABC, British Airways, Gulf Air, HSBC, Investcorp, Unilever Bahrain and YBA Kanoo Holdings. The school operates across two Bahrain campuses—Infant and Junior on one site and Senior on Building 119 in Isa Town—with a New Senior School planned to open in spring 2026.
Community	Community SHGS gathers students from more than twenty-four nationalities, creating an international community anchored in Arabic and Islamic values and global citizenship. The school provides bilingual education in Arabic and English, with French taught as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8. Community life includes Think Pink Week for breast cancer awareness (2013) and student programs such as SHGS MUN conferences, Quran competitions, and Sports Day, with graduations attended by families. Graduations are held annually, and notable ceremonies have involved royal and government figures, such as the 16th graduation in 2023 attended by Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa and other officials.	Community The school has a diverse international community with students from more than 70 nations. The school hosts a range of community events that bring families together, including School Productions, the Performing Arts Festival, the Festive Fayre, and Young Musicians of the Gulf, as well as Iftar in the Park and various sports competitions. An active Alumni Programme is being developed to reconnect graduates and support the St Chris community. Parents participate through the Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) and related activities, fundraising, and volunteering opportunities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school identifies itself as a private, non-profit institution that emphasizes a home-school partnership and ongoing parent communication, rather than listing a formal PTA on its site. Parent engagement is described as part of daily school life, with the principal noting the importance of parent collaboration in a “home-joint school” model. Parents participate in major events such as graduations, which are publicly publicized and attended by families and officials (for example, the 2020 graduation and the 2023 graduation). The calendar includes community events and student programs such as SHGS MUN, Quran competitions, Think Pink weeks, and Sports Day, which often involve parent involvement and support. The school is governed by a Board of Directors; public details about a separate PTA are not listed on the site, and current PTA specifics can be obtained from the school administration.	Parent teacher association The school's Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) is the formal parent body that supports and strengthens St Christopher's School Bahrain's community life. Historically, the PTO has organized the Festive Fayre and many other community events, as well as in-school activities such as School Productions and Bahrain Day across the Primary and Senior Schools. A key focus of the PTO is fundraising, leveraging support from local businesses to extend school life beyond its normal scope. There are multiple ways for parents to get involved, including leadership roles, PTO Committee membership, or volunteering on projects, with involvement tailored to each family's availability. To participate, parents can submit the volunteer information form at stchris.online/PTOVolunteerInfo or contact pto.stchris@gmail.com. The PTO is fundamental to a cohesive and thriving school community and we hope that many of you will choose to join us.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers an international curriculum with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP). It is authorized by Edexcel for IGCSE and by the International Baccalaureate Organization to award the IB Diploma. It is recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain and is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA); it is a full member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). It has a Robotic Lab to support technology-based learning.	Academic & intellectual The school provides education from Nursery through Sixth Form, with an Infant School, a Junior School, a Senior School, and a Sixth Form. It offers a British curriculum with multiple pathways including BTEC, A Levels, and the IB Diploma Programme.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative An Art room is available for creative work. The IB Diploma Programme includes Visual Arts as a subject. The school's facilities support arts and creative learning.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school teaches in English. English, Arabic and French are taught. The school emphasizes Arabic and Islamic values within an international environment. The school has a multicultural community representing over twenty-four nationalities.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school emphasizes leadership development and professional skills as part of its education. It aims to prepare students for leadership roles and future careers through its programs. The focus on technology and cross-cultural understanding supports student growth and readiness for global contexts.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The facilities include a shaded swimming pool and a Multi-Purpose Hall with Physical Education facilities. A cafeteria serves students, and a professional stage with audio and lighting supports performances. The campus design centers on a dome connecting wings to foster a collaborative environment for wellbeing and community.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Arabic and English are the languages of instruction; French is offered as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8.	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction and follows the English National Curriculum in Years 7–9 and I/GCSEs in Years 10–11. Arabic is taught as a specialist subject in the Infant School from Reception and continues through the primary years. French is taught as a specialist subject in the Junior School. In the Sixth Form, French and Spanish are offered as International Baccalaureate subjects, including Ab Initio options.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual education in Arabic and English from pre-school to Grade 12.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards Top 100 Spear's; TES 2024 Curriculum Initiative of the Year; BSO Outstanding; BQA Outstanding
Accreditations	Accreditations The school was established in 2001 as the first private, all-girls school in Bahrain. The school provides an international curriculum with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It celebrated the successful graduation of its fifth cohort since 2008. The school is located at 1525, Road 4226, West Riffa 942, Kingdom of Bahrain. The contact details are +973 1775 6111, fax +973 17750700, admin@shgs.edu.bh.	Accreditations BSO Outstanding; BQA Outstanding in all categories; Spear's Top 100 Private Schools (global ranking); TES Award 2024 – Curriculum Initiative of the Year
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Shaikha Hessa Girls' School operates Pre-School through High School. It provides an international curriculum with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school was established in 2001 as the first private, all‑girls school in Bahrain, and it has celebrated the graduation of its fifth cohort since 2008. Admissions Procedures are published for Nursery to Grade 1, Grade 2 to 8, and High School, with each level providing a downloadable procedure. Entry Expectations are published per grade, and School Fees are published per level. Admission Forms are available for download. The school maintains state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including a central dome connecting Administration, Elementary, and Middle/High wings, with laboratories for Computer, Science, Home Economics, an Arabic library, and the office of the social counselor. The Middle/High and High School buildings include additional spaces such as a robotics lab, a two‑story library, a Multi‑Purpose Hall, a swimming pool, and a cafeteria.	Admissions 1. Enquiry and campus visit. The school offers British-style education for children aged 3–18 and has been rated Outstanding by the British Schools Overseas (BSO) and Bahrain Quality Assurance Authority (BQA) for four consecutive years. Prospective families visit the Saar Campus for Infant/Junior and the Isa Town Campus for Senior to experience facilities, with the Admissions Team guiding the process. 2. Application submission. Complete the online pre-registration form; an application fee of BD 100 per child applies. Submit required documents (passports, CPRs, recent school reports, vaccination records) with requirements varying by year group. 3. Assessment and offer. Applicants undergo age-appropriate assessments (play-based observations for younger children; formal tests for older students). An offer pack is issued by email, and the non-refundable registration fee of BD 1,250 must be paid with acceptance. 4. Age-specific admissions details. Nursery (Age 3) may offer half-day or full-day options, with SPARTA sessions for full day and on-site play-based assessments; Reception to Year 2 (Ages 4–7) use play-based assessments focusing on social, emotional, and early academic skills; Years 3–6 (Ages 7–11) assess English, Mathematics, and general ability with possible interview and review of previous reports; Years 7–13 (Ages 11–18) involve formal testing in core subjects and general ability with consideration of prior records and potential interviews. 5. Placement timing and contacts. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance of entry, and placement depends on assessment outcomes and available places.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships St Christopher's offers three scholarship categories: academic, sport, and music. Scholarships are awarded by the Scholarship Committee, which comprises three Board members, the Principal, and the Head of Senior School, to ensure transparency and fairness; families receiving fee reductions are not entitled to additional financial gain. Scholarships may be available to current students or to students from other schools, with renewal contingent on maintaining high standards. Fee reductions awarded range from 0% to 20% and may include waivers of some participation fees (e.g., music or sport). Information regarding opportunities for the 2026/27 academic year will be released in early 2026.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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