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Gulf British Academy

Kuwait, Kuwait City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees KWD 1,900 - 3,400
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 1098
Type Co-educational
Opened 2005
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum
Taught languages English, Arabic, French
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Gulf British Academy is an independent co-educational school in Kuwait delivering the National Curriculum for England. The Early Years Foundation Stage is used for Pre-KG to Reception, with Years 1–11 following the English curriculum. Instruction is in English, with Arabic and Islamic Studies provided under Kuwait MOE requirements. The curriculum supports a cross-curricular, creative approach to foster lifelong learning, independence, problem solving and high expectations. Pupil progress is tracked through ongoing assessment and standardised testing, with parent–teacher conferences and progress reports. Opened in 2005 for Pre-KG to Year 10, the school expanded with Year 7 in 2020 and Year 12 in 2021, with IGCSE and A-Levels anticipated in fullness of time. The campus is a building with an Art Room, a Cinema, a Library, rooftop sport pitches and a pool, a theatre and science labs. The motto Grow, Build, Achieve reflects a vision of oracy at its heart and a Student Leadership Programme.

Saba St, Salmiya, Kuwait

The Essentials

Gulf British Academy has 1,098 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location

Gulf British Academy is located on Saba Street, Block 10, Salmiya, Kuwait. The campus sits in Salmiya, Kuwait, and the school day runs from 06:55 to 14:30, Sunday to Thursday.

Stages

Foundation to Year 12

Type

Independent co-educational school

Additional learning support

The school does not provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. It does not discriminate against pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and may refer pupils with established or perceived additional needs to the School Counsellor for assessment.

Country affiliation

Kuwait

Religious affiliation

Islamic culture and values are embraced within the school.

School day structure

School days run Sunday to Thursday, 06:55–14:30; Friday and Saturday are closed.

Bus service

Transport is provided for the 2025-2026 academic year; registration for transport is via an online form.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required for all pupils. Summer uniform is a GBA t-shirt with navy shorts, white socks and plain black shoes or trainers; Winter uniform is a GBA t-shirt with navy trousers, a GBA jacket, white socks and plain black shoes or trainers, with a coat allowed over the jacket if required. Uniforms are available from the uniform shop. The policy covers hair, hijab, jewellery and electronics for pupils.

Food Options

Food and drink are part of school policies. Pupils have two designated snack times and may drink water from their bottles whenever appropriate; parents receive information about packed lunches; fresh drinking water is available at all times.

House System

The House System, introduced in 2017, comprises four Royal Houses: Stuart (Blue), Tudor (Red), Windsor (Green) and York (Yellow). Each House has a Captain and Representatives; pupils earn House Points across EYFS/KS1 and KS2/Secondary, with a House Cup awarded; annual inter-house competitions and activities.

Governance and Ownership

GBA is owned by Muhammad AlAli. The CEO/Chief Executive Operator is Muhammad AlAli and the School Director is Mariam AlAli.
Fees

Annual tuition at Gulf British Academy ranges from KWD 1,900 to KWD 3,400 for 2026/27.

School fees (academic year 2026/2027)

Overview and currency
- All amounts are quoted in Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD). The fee schedule below applies to the 2026/2027 academic year.

Application / Registration fee
- Registration deposit: KWD 100 payable to reserve a place. The registration deposit is deducted from the school fees. The registration deposit is non-refundable.

Tuition fees by year group (annual fee and three instalments)
- KG — Annual tuition: KWD 2,000. Instalments: 1st KWD 720; 2nd KWD 590; 3rd KWD 590.
- Reception (REC) — Annual tuition: KWD 2,200. Instalments: 1st KWD 800; 2nd KWD 650; 3rd KWD 650.
- Year 1 — Annual tuition: KWD 2,600. Instalments: 1st KWD 960; 2nd KWD 770; 3rd KWD 770.
- Year 2 — Annual tuition: KWD 2,600. Instalments: 1st KWD 960; 2nd KWD 770; 3rd KWD 770.
- Year 3 — Annual tuition: KWD 2,800. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,040; 2nd KWD 830; 3rd KWD 830.
- Year 4 — Annual tuition: KWD 2,800. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,040; 2nd KWD 830; 3rd KWD 830.
- Year 5 — Annual tuition: KWD 3,000. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,120; 2nd KWD 890; 3rd KWD 890.
- Year 6 — Annual tuition: KWD 3,000. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,120; 2nd KWD 890; 3rd KWD 890.
- Year 7 — Annual tuition: KWD 3,200. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,200; 2nd KWD 950; 3rd KWD 950.
- Year 8 — Annual tuition: KWD 3,200. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,200; 2nd KWD 950; 3rd KWD 950.
- Year 9 — Annual tuition: KWD 3,200. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,200; 2nd KWD 950; 3rd KWD 950.
- Year 10 — Annual tuition: KWD 3,300. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,270; 2nd KWD 965; 3rd KWD 965.
- Year 11 — Annual tuition: KWD 3,300. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,270; 2nd KWD 965; 3rd KWD 965.
- Year 12 — Annual tuition: KWD 3,500. Instalments: 1st KWD 1,370; 2nd KWD 1,015; 3rd KWD 1,015.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition is payable in three instalments as shown above (1st, 2nd and 3rd instalments). The KWD 100 registration deposit is deducted from the school fees when a place is accepted.
- The registration deposit and the first instalment are treated as non-refundable under the school's terms; the school may claim the first instalment if the pupil attended even for one day.
- Parents can pay instalments using the school's online instalments payment portal (current-parents / pay instalments online facility).

Boarding
- Gulf British Academy operates as a day school; there are no boarding fees because boarding is not offered.

Other costs and optional/additional charges
- Uniforms: uniform policy and arrangements are managed by the school; uniform items are charged separately and the school's uniform information is published by the school. Specific uniform pricing is not included in the tuition amounts above.
- Transport: a school transport service is provided and is charged separately; parents must register for transport and pay the transport fee in addition to tuition. Transport fees are not included in the annual tuition figures above.
- Other possible additional charges that are commonly charged separately (and are not included in the annual tuition figures) include: examination fees (IGCSE/A-Level when applicable), optional extracurricular activities, school trips, lost/damaged textbooks or library items, photographs and certain consumables. (These items are normally invoiced in addition to tuition where applicable.)

Refund and cancellation
- The registration deposit (KWD 100) is non-refundable. The first instalment is not refundable if the pupil has attended the school; the school reserves the right to claim the first instalment even if a pupil attended for only one day. For formal withdrawal, parents are required to complete the school's leaving/notification form.

Fee payment options
- The school provides an online instalments payment portal for paying fees. Parents should use the school's payment facilities or contact the school accounts office to arrange payment. Specific merchant/payment methods accepted by the portal (card, bank transfer or other) are processed through the school's payments system.
Academics

Gulf British Academy teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum.

Curriculum

The Gulf British Academy follows the National Curriculum for England throughout the school. The EYFS framework is used for Pre-KG, KG and Reception; Years 1–11 follow the updated National Curriculum in England. All subjects are taught in English, with Arabic and Islamic Studies provided under Kuwait's Ministry of Education requirements. The curriculum emphasises a creative, cross-curricular approach to foster lifelong learning, independence, problem solving and high expectations. Pupil progress is continually assessed through ongoing assessment and standardised testing, with regular parent–teacher conferences and progress reports.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) is central to Gulf British Academy's Early Years provision, with a nurturing environment where children learn through warm, supportive relationships and play. Pupils are encouraged to understand their own feelings and those of others, building social skills, resilience and empathy. The curriculum promotes trust, respect and collaboration among pupils, staff and families as part of daily learning. The Ethos and Values emphasise that the development of academic, physical and emotional needs sits at the heart of teaching so pupils become independent, thoughtful members of society. The Primary curriculum also includes Personal, Social Health Education (PSHE) and Philosophy for Children (P4C) to support thinking, communication and wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Gulf British Academy is an inclusive school and does not discriminate against pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and/or disabilities provided that the school can appropriately support a child's development. During admissions, parents of children with SEN or disabilities should inform the school in advance so that appropriate measures may be taken in the assessment procedures, in line with the Equality & Equal Opportunities policy. The Equality & Equal Opportunities policy outlines seven principles, including that all learners have equal value, diversity is a strength, and the school works to raise standards for the most vulnerable. The school identifies and supports different groups, differentiates planning and teaching to meet diverse needs, and monitors progress to close gaps.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Admissions and Registration Policy states that the school does not provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) Support; places will only be offered to children who are good English speakers.

Mental Wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing is a focus of Gulf British Academy's ethos and curriculum. The Ethos and Values emphasise addressing pupils' emotional needs to help them become independent, thoughtful members of society, while the Primary curriculum includes PSHE to support health, wellbeing and social development. In Early Years, Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) is a core part of the EYFS, helping children form secure attachments and understand emotions. PSHE and related approaches are integrated to promote wellbeing across Key Stages 1–2.

Safeguarding

Gulf British Academy maintains a safeguarding and child protection policy for all permanent staff. The policy establishes a Designated Senior Child Protection Officer and a Designated Child Protection Officer, with clear procedures for reporting concerns, recording information, and escalation. Staff training, risk assessment, and safe working practices are outlined, including IT safety and safeguarding of online activity. Appendices cover the Prevent duty and the Channel process, as well as guidance on safeguarding records, transfer of records, and related procedures.
Parent Experience

History

Gulf British Academy opened in September 2005 as an independent co-educational school for Pre-KG to Year 10. It is owned by Muhammad AlAli. The motto is Grow, Build, Achieve. The vision is to be a school with oracy at its heart, where learners speak confidently, think critically, and write meaningfully. The mission is to provide a quality experience in all aspects of school life, enabling pupils to be happy, successful and keen to learn, and to develop into independent members of the international community. Growth continued with Year 7 joining in September 2020, Year 12 added in September 2021, with further year levels planned each year and IGCSE and A-Level examinations anticipated in the fullness of time.

Community

GBA describes itself as a friendly school where all children are valued as individuals and parents are partners in their child's education. It fosters a family atmosphere and embraces an inspiring, independent and creative approach to teaching to cultivate a love of learning. The school promotes four core values—Trust, Respect, Empathy, and Passion—that guide relationships and learning. It believes tomorrow's world is in today's classroom and focuses on developing pupils' academic, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual development. News and events include field trips and enrichment activities such as Year 10 IGCSE Geography Trip, a plastic recycling initiative, and a Years 9-10 Business Bonanza with INJAZ.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Gulf British Academy is housed in a brand-new building with modern facilities and materials that support learning for all pupils. The school offers specialist spaces and flexible learning areas, including an Art Room, a Cinema and light, airy Classrooms equipped with interactive smart boards. A Library provides reading and topic support, while Playground/Quad Areas offer supervised break-time spaces. Rooftop Sport Pitches and Courts, Science Labs, a 25-metre, five-lane Swimming Pool, and a large Theatre make up the facilities for sport, science, arts and events.

Sports Facilities

Rooftop Sport Pitches and Courts include a rooftop artificial turf pitch and hard courts for volleyball and basketball, equipped with floodlighting, high fences and drinking-water points. These spaces support in-school and after-school sporting activities and inter-house competitions. The school also has a 25-metre, five-lane Swimming Pool with separate changing rooms and private showers, used for swimming lessons and inter-house events.

Academic Facilities

The campus features purpose-built science labs for KS2 and Secondary that are modern, well-ventilated and updated at regular intervals, providing environments for hands-on experiments with digital measuring instruments, microscopes, kits and models. Classrooms are light and airy, well-equipped, and include interactive smart boards, a teacher terminal and ample storage. The Library is supported by staff who provide reading and topic support and teach pupils how to use the library effectively.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The Theatre seats up to 400 attendees and hosts annual theatre productions and award ceremonies; it is also used for conferences, displays, theme-week presentations and workshops for staff, pupils and parents, with an AV room and stage lighting/sound controls. Inter-house competitions and other school events are regularly held in the rooftop spaces, supporting a range of extra-curricular activities across the year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

At Gulf British Academy, a range of extracurricular and curriculum-based enrichment activities extend learning beyond the classroom. Field trips are arranged for every year level and are often linked to the curriculum, visiting places of local interest in Kuwait such as museums, historical buildings and parks, and occasionally engaging with community services. The trips deepen understanding of Kuwait's history and development and broaden pupils' awareness of the world around them. Science and Maths fairs and other events, including Spelling Bees and Year Group Productions, are part of school life.

Arts & Creative

After-school clubs include Art and Crafts, Music, Drama and Dance, giving pupils opportunities to develop artistic and creative talents. These clubs run after school for about an hour and provide chances to perform or display work. Additional clubs cover Football, Cookery, ICT and French, complementing creative pursuits with other interests.

Cultural & Language

French is offered as an after-school club. Arabic and Islamic Studies follow the Kuwait MOE curriculum, with English as the language of instruction across subjects.

Social & Hobbies

Students participate in a wide range of after-school clubs, including football, art and crafts, music, dance, drama and ICT. The clubs run for one hour after school, three or four days per week. Events such as Sports Days, Spelling Bees, Year Group Productions, Dress-up days, Book weeks, Science and Maths fairs, topic-based assemblies and guest speakers accompany the school year.

Community & Service

The Student Leadership Programme gives pupils opportunities to have a voice, lead projects and give back to the GBA community. The programme includes the Head Girl, the Head Boy, the House system and the Committee system. Examples of activities include Movie and Pizza Nights, Plastic Recycling Drives and Charity fundraisers.

Leadership & Professional

The Student Leadership Programme provides leadership development and opportunities for pupils to lead and coordinate initiatives. It includes the Head Girl and Head Boy, the House system and four Committees (Social, Environmental, Student Support and Causes). A Head of Student Leadership coordinates activities and mentors pupil leaders.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Gulf British Academy offers sports and well-being activities through after-school clubs, including Football and Dance (Zumba). Sports Days and House activities promote teamwork and physical well-being, supporting an active, healthy school lifestyle.
Languages

Language Provision

All subjects are taught in English except for the Arabic and Islamic programme. Arabic provision includes Arabic for Arabs and Arabic for non-Arabs. Islamic Studies is provided for Muslim students with Arabic as a first language or as an additional language, and Quranic Studies for Muslim Kuwaiti students (optional for non-Kuwaiti Muslims). Social Studies of Kuwait is also included as part of the Arabic and Islamic provision.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Start the process by registering your child for the 2026-2027 academic year. Complete and submit the online registration form, upload all required documents, and book an entrance test/interview for your child. To begin, select the correct year entry: Year 3 to Year 9 for those entering in 2026, or KG to Year 2 for younger entrants. Read the form's instructions carefully before submitting.

2. Review the Terms and Conditions for Registration and Re-enrolment. The Terms and Conditions govern the registration and re-enrolment processes. A Terms and Conditions document is provided for applicants. A Parent Handbook is available for reference as part of the school's policies.

3. Fees and payments are described for the 2026/2027 academic year. The fees for 2026/2027 are listed. Instalments online are available for families whose children have been fully accepted. A Current Parents portal is used for paying instalments. A cancellation form is available if a family wishes to leave Gulf British Academy.
School Events
The school has not added events