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British School of Bahrain

Bahrain, Manama

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees BHD 3,216 - 8,649
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2900
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 11
Introduction

The British School of Bahrain (BSB) is a private English‑medium British curriculum school on a purpose‑built campus in Hamala, Manama, Bahrain. It follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales and serves children aged 3–18 (Nursery through Sixth Form), offering IGCSEs and A‑levels alongside BTEC programmes and an IB Diploma in Sixth Form. Instruction is English‑led and the school provides Arabic, French and Spanish tuition as part of a multilingual programme; the infant provision uses a Reggio Emilia approach. The campus includes specialist science laboratories, two libraries, music rooms and drama/dance spaces, multiple indoor multipurpose halls, a 4G astroturf football pitch, sports courts and two swimming pools; on‑site clinics and accessibility arrangements are also described. BSB is accredited by British Schools Overseas, rated Outstanding by Bahrain's BQA and is a member of the Inspired Schools Group; the school has published plans for a new senior campus (opening 2026/27) with additional science, sports and performing‑arts facilities.

Building 1080, Road 1425, Block 1014, Hamala, Bahrain

The Essentials

British School of Bahrain has 2,900 pupils, typical class sizes of 11, instruction in English.

Location

The British School of Bahrain is located in Hamala, Bahrain, on a single-site campus within the Manama area. The campus is purpose-built with modern facilities designed to support a British international curriculum. It has convenient access to transport links across Bahrain.

Stages

BSB serves students aged 3 to 18 and is organized into four academic stages: Kindergarten/Infant School (Nursery to Year 2), Elementary/Junior School (Years 3–6), Senior School (Years 7–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13).

Type

BSB is a co-educational, day school. It operates as a private international school and does not offer boarding.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The student body includes representation from more than 90 nationalities, indicating a highly international cohort. The most represented nationalities and the local-to-international ratio are not published publicly.

Additional learning support

BSB provides pastoral care and promotes inclusion for a diverse school community. Public information about formal SEN provisions at the school is not published; Bahrain's Ministry of Education supports inclusive education in mainstream schools.

Country affiliation

The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales and the school is a British overseas school accredited by the British Schools Overseas (BSO); it is part of Inspired Education.

Religious affiliation

There is no formal religious affiliation published for the school; the community is described as diverse and inclusive, with emphasis on mutual respect for different beliefs.

School day structure

The school day typically runs from around 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with variations by year group. Breaks and lunch arrangements are not published publicly; families should confirm exact timings with Admissions.

Bus service

BSB provides a school bus service with routes across Bahrain and to Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. Buses are operated by an experienced team of drivers and bus nannies, and are managed by the Transportation Team; contact transport@thebsbh.com for registration and route details.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

BSB's uniform is designed to be smart, comfortable and practical for Bahrain's climate. Uniforms are available for purchase at the BSB Uniform Shop near the main entrance, and clothing should be labelled with the student's name and class to aid return of items. The Uniform Shop is open from Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; Friday is closed.

Food Options

The school cafeteria offers well-balanced, nutritious meals daily with options to meet dietary requirements. Catering staff provide a diverse range of choices, and students may bring meals from home. BSB operates a nut-free environment and prohibits nuts or nut-based products on campus.

Governance and Ownership

BSB is part of Inspired Education, a global group of premium private schools. It identifies itself as an Inspired School, indicating governance within the Inspired network and access to its international community of schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at British School of Bahrain ranges from BHD 3,216 to BHD 8,649 for 2026/27.

Registration and application fees

- Registration Fee (non-refundable): BHD 100.000.
- Book / e-resources deposit (refundable): BHD 50.000.
- Application Fee: BHD 50.000.

Tuition fees (2025/26) — fees shown per term and per year

- Nursery (ages 3–4): BHD 1,072.000 per term — BHD 3,216.000 per year.
- Reception (ages 4–5): BHD 1,417.000 per term — BHD 4,251.000 per year.
- Year 1 (ages 5–6): BHD 1,417.000 per term — BHD 4,251.000 per year.
- Year 2 (ages 6–7): BHD 1,417.000 per term — BHD 4,251.000 per year.
- Year 3 (ages 7–8): BHD 1,612.000 per term — BHD 4,836.000 per year.
- Year 4 (ages 8–9): BHD 1,636.000 per term — BHD 4,908.000 per year.
- Year 5 (ages 9–10): BHD 1,697.000 per term — BHD 5,091.000 per year.
- Year 6 (ages 10–11): BHD 1,697.000 per term — BHD 5,091.000 per year.
- Year 7 (ages 11–12): BHD 2,023.000 per term — BHD 6,069.000 per year.
- Year 8 (ages 12–13): BHD 2,057.000 per term — BHD 6,171.000 per year.
- Year 9 (ages 13–14): BHD 2,152.000 per term — BHD 6,456.000 per year.
- Year 10 (ages 14–15): BHD 2,252.000 per term — BHD 6,756.000 per year.
- Year 11 (ages 15–16): BHD 2,252.000 per term — BHD 6,756.000 per year.
- Year 12 / Lower 6th (ages 16–17): BHD 2,855.000 per term — BHD 8,565.000 per year.
- Year 13 / Upper 6th (ages 17–18): BHD 2,883.000 per term — BHD 8,649.000 per year.

Educational technology fees

- AI fee: BHD 20.000.
- VR fee: BHD 20.000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition must be paid in full at the start of the academic year or according to the school's payment-plan instalment schedule.
- Instalment schedule (invoice date → due date):
- First instalment: Invoice date 18 May 2025 → Due date 17 June 2025.
- Second instalment: Invoice date 12 October 2025 → Due date 11 November 2025.
- Third instalment: Invoice date 18 January 2026 → Due date 17 February 2026.
- Enrolment for a new academic year carries the obligation to pay the full tuition for that year unless one full term's written notice of withdrawal is provided. If less than one term's notice is given, a full term's fees are payable in lieu of notice.

Boarding fees

- The school does not operate on‑campus boarding and no boarding fees are listed. Senior students are guaranteed entry to Inspired premium boarding schools if required.

Other costs and optional charges

- Uniforms are available for purchase at the BSB Uniform Shop (hours and contact details provided by the school); specific uniform prices are set by the uniform shop.
- Bus service is available across Bahrain and to Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia; bus-route coverage is published and bus fees are managed through the Transportation Team (contact details provided). Specific bus fees are not listed on the fee schedule.
- Some extracurricular clubs and activities incur no additional cost, while other activities and trips may carry separate charges; those charges are not detailed in the tuition schedule above.

Refund information and deposits

- The Registration Fee (BHD 100.000) is explicitly non‑refundable.
- The Book / e‑resources deposit (BHD 50.000) is refundable.
- Withdrawal rules: one full term's written notice is required to avoid payment of a full term's fees in lieu of notice.

Fee payment options and instructions

- Preferred payment methods: FAWATEER, bank transfer, payments via BFC, or cheque. Electronic transfers are accepted; parents are requested to quote the invoice number and student name and to submit the transaction receipt to the Accounts Department. Cash and cheques should not be directly deposited to the school's bank account. All tuition fees must be paid at the Accounts Office in accordance with the invoice due date.
Academics

British School of Bahrain teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The British School of Bahrain follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales, adapted for an international context and Bahrain, and is organized into Infant (EYFS Nursery–Reception; Key Stage 1 Year 1–2), Junior (Key Stage 2 Year 3–6), and Senior (Key Stages 3–5: KS3 Years 7–9, KS4 Years 10–11, KS5 Years 12–13). English is the language of instruction; Arabic is a core subject taught in sets, with French offered as a language option in the Primary School. At Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students may study GCSE, IGCSE, or BTEC qualifications. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), the school offers International A Levels, A Levels, and BTEC diplomas, with a wide range of subjects including International A Level offerings such as Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Computer Science. The curriculum is complemented by a broad co-curricular program, and Arabic language and Islamic Studies options are provided where applicable.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school supports Social and Emotional Learning through a Support 360 wellbeing programme led by the well-being team, with three dedicated school counsellors; Form Teachers act as the first point of contact for pastoral matters, and Heads and Deputy Heads provide additional support alongside counselling and academic staff, with collaboration from external agencies as needed.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The SENDA policy confirms inclusive education for all students aged 3–18, with provision for communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health difficulties, and sensory/physical needs; SENCOs are named for Senior, Junior, and Infant sections, and support is planned and reviewed using the graduated APDR cycle.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The English and Additional Language (EAL) Policy states that EAL students are entitled to the full BSB programmes, with all teachers responsible for enabling them to learn English alongside other subjects; language needs should be identified and planned for in curriculum planning, and EAL students have access to Learning Support and other programmes when appropriate.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported via Support 360, a holistic wellbeing service on the campus, delivered by the well-being team and including counselling services; it brings together counselling professionals, pastoral and academic staff, and external agencies to address emotional and social development.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and Child Protection are governed by the Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy, with Designated Safeguarding Leads for the Senior, Junior, and Infant schools and a Deputy DSL; staff training is mandatory, and clear procedures exist for reporting concerns and coordinating with external agencies.
Parent Experience

History

The British School of Bahrain began in the summer of 1994 when George Hawkins joined as consultant and headteacher to establish the school. The first term opened in January 1995 with seven classes, after preparations in December 1994 that included three founding students. By January 1995 the school exceeded its early target with about 90 students, and within seven months it had expanded to 14 classes serving more than 200 students from more than 40 countries. The school now operates on a single campus in Hamala and is part of Inspired Education Group, reflecting its integration into a global network of premium schools. Inspired Education Group is a large global network that includes BSB among its member schools.

Community

BSB describes itself as a family-first, inclusive, and diverse international community with a strong focus on wellbeing. English is the medium of instruction, with Arabic taught as a core subject, and the school emphasizes mutual respect for cultures and beliefs. Pastoral care is strong, with about 300 staff and three school counsellors, and a 360-degree well-being service that supports students. Community life includes charity work and cultural celebrations, such as the annual BSB International Family Fair, which in 2023 drew thousands of attendees and showcased dozens of countries.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Active parental involvement is encouraged through voluntary groups, including the British School of Bahrain Parent Community Ambassadors (PCA) and the Parent Advisory Group (PAG). These groups provide opportunities for engagement between parents and staff, reinforcing the school's family-oriented ethos. The on-site cafe supports parent activity and serves as a hub for engagement. The school's News & Events pages show PTA-led activity, including the annual BSB International Family Fair, which in 2023 drew almost 4,000 attendees and showcased cultures from many countries. Parents participate as volunteers and in workshops, with opportunities to attend meetings, tours and other school-life activities organized by PCA and PAG.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The British School of Bahrain is located on a purpose-built campus in Hamala and serves students aged 3 to 18. The school operates across two campuses: Hamala Campus and New Senior School. It has an international community with over 90 nationalities represented. It is accredited by the British Schools Overseas (BSO) and rated Outstanding by the Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA). The BSB Infant School uses the Reggio Emilia approach to learning.

Sports Facilities

The school offers an extensive sports programme. It includes 30 sports, 32 teams and around 100 fixtures. The programme supports broad participation and talent development across divisions. The school emphasises sports as a key part of holistic education. The sports provision is integrated across the campus.

Academic Facilities

The English-led curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum, with Arabic, French and Spanish language study. IB Diploma, BTEC and A Levels are offered. The academic stages are Kindergarten/Infant (Nursery–Year 2), Elementary/Junior (Years 3–6), Senior School (Years 7–11) and Sixth Form/IB Diploma (Years 12–13). The school maintains a 1:11 teacher-to-student ratio. There is on-campus university counselling to support university applications.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school runs summer camps and student exchange programmes. University counselling is available on campus to support applications. It is part of Inspired, a global education network spanning 24 countries. The school has more than 90 nationalities represented in its student body. Senior students have guaranteed entry to Inspired premium boarding schools worldwide.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) programme, Elements by BSB, delivers diverse opportunities for students to explore interests beyond the classroom. The programme includes sports, arts, music, drama, and clubs such as S.T.E.M. Lab, Robotics, Photography, Chess, and an Environmental & Sustainability Club. ECAs are led by specialist teachers and are available after school on campus; the majority are offered free of charge.

Arts & Creative

Drama, Dance, Music, and Art are offered as extracurricular activities. Drama lessons and music tuition are part of the enrichment options, and Fine Arts and Arabic Calligraphy are highlighted as visual-art opportunities.

Cultural & Language

English, French, Arabic, and Spanish books are available in the campus library. Language-related ECAs and clubs support language study, and debate team membership is part of enrichment activities.

Social & Hobbies

Sports offered include Basketball, Football, Taekwondo, Swimming, Gymnastics, and Tennis, with clubs such as Photography and Chess providing creative and recreational outlets.

Leadership & Professional

Elements by BSB is led by passionate coaches and teachers who are specialists in their fields, guiding students to gain confidence and develop skills. Debate team membership is available as part of enrichment.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The campus features a basketball court and an astroturf football pitch that support physical activity. Extracurricular activities run after school on campus, contributing to students' physical health and social development.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the medium of instruction. Arabic is a core subject taught in sets according to children's prior experience. French is taught as a language, and Spanish is offered as well. The curriculum is English-led and includes Arabic, French and Spanish tuition.
Reputation

Awards

A-level results in 2024 were Bahrain's highest for the fifth year in a row.

Accreditations

BSO accreditation; Bahrain Quality Assurance (BQA) Outstanding rating.
Admissions

Admissions

Registration: To register for a place, complete the online Application Form and submit it with the required documents: child's passport; child's CPR card (if available); copies of both parents' passports and CPR cards (if available); child's immunisation record; passport-sized photo of the child; child's school report; previous school transfer certificate (if available). An Application Fee of 50 BD is payable. Sixth Form applicants attending a non-British school must include certificates of alternative qualifications. Assessment: Infant School applicants are assessed on Readiness for School, which evaluates English language development, social skills and behaviour. Children applying to Year 1 and Year 2 sit assessments in Math and English and are evaluated on social skills, behaviour and ability to sustain a conversation. From Year 3 upwards, applicants sit an online entrance assessment under exam conditions; assessments comprise a mathematics section, an English section and a Non-Verbal Reasoning section followed by a written task. After the application is completed, each student must successfully complete age-appropriate assessments. Enrolment: To begin the enrolment process, successful applicants must sign the Parent-School Agreement (PSA); pay a non-refundable Registration Fee of 100 BD; pay a Book Deposit Fee of 50 BD. Please note that the school must receive all documentation and fees before finalising enrolment. Admission: Upon admission to the school, new students will be introduced to their class teacher and members of the Pastoral Team. The first term is probationary and students will be well supported during this time. Follow the links below to view the Ministry of Education's application requirements for relocating to Bahrain or transferring from schools within Bahrain.

Scholarships

BSB Scholars Programme recognises talent across disciplines and is open to exceptional learners ready to shine in academics, music, sports, arts, and drama. Scholarship categories: Academic, Music, Sports, Arts, Drama. Benefits include tuition fee remission for outstanding talent from Year 3 onwards and opportunities for advanced development, including enrichment activities, specialist coaching and personalised guidance; additional benefits apply according to scholarship type. Eligibility: scholarships are open to both current and prospective students from Year 3 onwards. DEADLINE: Applications close 30 December 2025. ANNOUNCEMENT: Selected Scholars announced in February 2026. How to apply: submit your application online to admissions@thebsbh.com, showcase talent via assessment, audition, or portfolio, attend an interview with our panel, and receive the scholarship and ongoing support.
School Events
The school has not added events