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Gulf English School

Kuwait, Kuwait City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees KWD 1,692 - 3,893
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1363
Type Co-educational
Opened 1980
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Arabic
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

Gulf English School is a private British international school in Kuwait City serving students aged 3 to 18. Opened in 1980, it delivers a British-based curriculum aligned with the English National Curriculum across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, with EYFS, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. The school is accredited by BSME and British School Overseas (BSO) and is a member of ECIS and AoBSO, with participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. Its campus features science and computer laboratories, a library, a sports complex, a mosque and a 25‑metre indoor heated swimming pool. Classrooms have interactive panels; there are three ICT suites, three music rooms and a drama studio, plus a large hall for productions, and indoor/outdoor basketball courts and a gym. Co-curricular activities include the Model United Nations, Robotics Club, and the Young Shakespeare Company, with Active Citizenship and leadership opportunities shaping character and global awareness.

Al Dimanah, Kuwait City 22106, Kuwait

The Essentials

Gulf English School has 1,363 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location

The school is located in Salmiya, Kuwait, on Al Dimnah Street (Block 4). The postal address is P O Box 33106, Salmiya, Kuwait. The school can be reached by telephone at +965 2575 7022 or +965 2575 7952.

Stages

The school serves ages 3–18, from Kindergarten to Year 13.

Type

The school is a private British international school.

Country affiliation

UK/British

School day structure

The school day runs Sunday to Thursday, from 7:10 AM to 2:30 PM.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

The school requires all students to wear the official Gulf English School uniform; the uniform is available in the school uniform shop; a school jacket is the only outerwear permitted to wear to and from school.

House System

GES has a House System with four houses: London Lions, Edinburgh Eagles, Cardiff Cheetahs and Belfast Bears. Students earn house points in lessons and activities toward a House Champion.

Governance and Ownership

GES is part of A'Tafawuq for Educational Services (TES). The Governing Board provides strategic oversight and is composed of senior members of the holding company and representatives of the proprietor family, including Ms. Farah Al Wazzan, Mr. Fahad Al Wazzan, and Dia. TES centralizes key functions such as HR, finance, marketing, IT, procurement and legal to ensure consistency and regulatory compliance.
Fees

Annual tuition at Gulf English School ranges from KWD 1,692 to KWD 3,893 for 2026/27.

Application / Reservation fee

- Reservation deposit: KWD 100 (paid to reserve a place). The KWD 100 deposit is non-refundable and secures the place until the first day of the school year.

Tuition fees (2025 / 2026) — amounts per term and total per year by year group

- Pre‑KG & KG1
- Reservation deposit: KWD 100.
- 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 577.
- 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 508.
- 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 507.
- Total annual tuition: KWD 1,692.

- Reception – Year 2
- Reservation deposit: KWD 100.
- 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 895.
- 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 746.
- 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 746.
- Total annual tuition: KWD 2,487.

- Years 3 – 6
- Reservation deposit: KWD 100.
- 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 1,014.
- 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 836.
- 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 835.
- Total annual tuition: KWD 2,785.

- Years 7 – 11
- Reservation deposit: KWD 100.
- 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 1,173.
- 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 955.
- 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 955.
- Total annual tuition: KWD 3,183.

- Supplementary fees for AS & A2 levels
- Reservation deposit: KWD 100.
- 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 1,457.
- 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 1,168.
- 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 1,168.
- Total annual tuition: KWD 3,893.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are billed in three term instalments. The published instalment dates are at the start of each term (first term due 1 September, second term due 1 January, third term due 1 April). The first instalment must be paid in full before the commencement of the new academic year. The KWD 100 deposit only secures the place until the first day of the school year. If a student attends during a term, the full term fee is payable for that term. Transfer certificates are issued only after all dues are settled and any school property on loan is returned. Application for withdrawal or cancellation during the school year must be made on the prescribed form at least 15 days before leaving.

Boarding fees

- Gulf English School operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees; there is no boarding provision in the published fee schedule.

Other costs and charges

- Books, uniforms, extra‑curricular activities, external examination fees and school trips are not included in the tuition figures above and are charged separately. Uniform items are available from the school uniform store; exchanges require a valid receipt and must be completed within 15 days. The school operates a uniform store with published opening times and an internal ecommerce/tutorial process for uniform purchase via the school's Skoolee system. Exact prices for uniforms, books, exams and extra‑curricular activities are charged in addition to tuition and vary by item/service.

Refund and cancellation policy (fees)

- The reservation deposit (KWD 100) is non‑refundable. If a student attends school during a term, the full term fee for that term is payable regardless of days attended. Withdrawals or cancellations during the school year require submission of the prescribed form at least 15 days before leaving; transfer documents and certificates are issued only after all outstanding fees and obligations are cleared.

Fee payment instructions and contacts

- Tuition is collected by term instalments according to the dates shown above and must be paid in full by the instalment due dates. The school uses the Skoolee parent/management system for parent services (including uniform purchases).
Academics

Gulf English School teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The school uses a British-based curriculum aligned with the English National Curriculum across Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. Key Stage 3 provides a broad foundation across core subjects, humanities, languages, creative arts, technology and physical education, with literacy, numeracy and oracy reinforced across the curriculum. Key Stage 4 follows English National Curriculum expectations with GCSE/IGCSE pathways and a broad range of core and optional subjects, plus exam preparation, careers guidance and pastoral support for post-16 study. Key Stage 5 offers an aspirational and flexible curriculum aligned with English National Curriculum principles and internationally recognised A Level qualifications, supported by enrichment opportunities, leadership roles and comprehensive university and careers guidance. Assessment and reporting are designed to support progress, with formative and summative assessments and four reports per academic year.

Higher Education Progression

University and careers guidance is provided to prepare students for university and beyond.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The PSHE Programme empowers students with essential life skills, knowledge and values to navigate challenges, make informed decisions and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The PSHE Programme supports social and emotional development through guidance on wellbeing and personal growth. The Counselling and Safeguarding service provides confidential guidance and coping strategies through a team of qualified staff. The School Clinic offers health education and care, supporting students' wellbeing in collaboration with qualified healthcare professionals. The School Representative Committee gives elected student representatives a platform to express ideas and lead initiatives, promoting belonging and student engagement. Wellbeing and safety come first at GES, reflected in our nurturing staff and policies.

Mental Wellbeing

Counselling and safeguarding services address social, emotional, and mental health concerns with confidential support from qualified professionals. The PSHE Programme includes mental health awareness and coping strategies for students. The school prioritizes well-being through a supportive environment and safeguarding measures to protect students. The School Clinic provides health checks and health-related education, coordinating with the Ministry of Health for vaccinations and checks. The School Representative Committee fosters student leadership and belonging, contributing to students' mental wellbeing.

Safeguarding

GES is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children. Counselling and safeguarding services provide supportive guidance and address social, emotional, and mental health concerns, with confidential support from qualified staff. Robust safeguarding measures ensure the physical and emotional safety of all students. The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (including an Arabic version) guides practice, and the policy is listed on the School Policies page. The school coordinates with health authorities and maintains policies to protect students' safety.
Parent Experience

History

Gulf English School opened in 1980 in Kuwait and is located in Kuwait City. It provides a comprehensive British National Curriculum and emphasizes a student-centred approach with a focus on academic excellence and character development. The school features modern facilities including science and computer laboratories, a library, a sports complex, a mosque and a 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool, supporting wide-ranging learning. It is accredited by BSME and British School Overseas (BSO), and is a member of ECIS and AoBSO, with participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and Best Practice Network.

Community

GES fosters a safe, caring and happy community where staff promote mutual respect and high attendance. Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education is integral to school life and is supported by open communication between the school and parents. Community life includes events such as GESMUN and a House System with four houses: London Lions, Edinburgh Eagles, Cardiff Cheetahs and Belfast Bears, as well as Career Talks with Parents. This year the school marked its 45th anniversary of delivering UK education to its school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Gulf English School has a spacious building equipped to support the National Curriculum. It includes interactive panels in classrooms, three ICT suites, three music rooms, a drama studio, indoor and outdoor basketball courts with a gymnasium, and a 25-meter indoor heated swimming pool. The campus also features breakout areas for practical learning, a school canteen, a mosque, a school clinic and a large hall for productions and assemblies, plus dedicated EYFS outdoor spaces.

Sports Facilities

Indoor and outdoor basketball courts and a gymnasium, plus an indoor 25-meter heated swimming pool.

Academic Facilities

Interactive panels in all classrooms, three fully furnished ICT suites, and breakout areas for practical learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

EYFS extra-curricular programme designed to enhance learning and support children's wider development in a fun and engaging way, offering activities that support academic and physical development, building confidence, coordination and early learning skills beyond the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Model United Nations (MUN) club develops leadership, diplomacy, and public speaking, with participation extending to international events such as Italy Model United Nations 2025. The Robotics Club nurtures innovation and problem-solving, with students competing at national and international levels. The curriculum is enriched by school trips that broaden learning beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative

The drama studio and three music rooms support a wide range of musical and dramatic activities. The Young Shakespeare Company brings Shakespeare to life, alongside poetry recitals and writing competitions. School productions and assemblies take place in the large school hall throughout the year.

Cultural & Language

Model United Nations fosters international awareness, diplomacy, and collaboration on global issues. Cultural and literary enrichment includes poetry recitals and writing competitions. Language and literature are celebrated through performances and events tied to the school's arts and cultural programs.

Social & Hobbies

A broad programme of sporting fixtures locally and nationally promotes teamwork, resilience, and collaboration. The Duke of Edinburgh Award will be introduced to expand leadership and personal growth opportunities beyond the classroom. Students participate in school productions, poetry readings, and other artistic events as part of social and cultural engagement.

Community & Service

Active Citizenship provides community service projects, volunteer initiatives, and campaigns that address local and global issues. These activities foster empathy and social responsibility among students. Participation in service projects helps students connect with their communities beyond the classroom.

Leadership & Professional

Model United Nations develops leadership, diplomacy and public speaking, with opportunities to engage in international events. The planned introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh Award will strengthen leadership opportunities and personal growth. Participation in these activities demonstrates the school's commitment to developing future leaders.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Indoor basketball courts, a gymnasium, and a heated 25-meter swimming pool support physical health and wellbeing. A broad programme of sporting fixtures promotes teamwork, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Music, drama, and other creative activities contribute to wellbeing through opportunities for expression and collaboration.
Languages

Language Provision

The school provides British Education within an Arabic culture and international environment. Admissions tests determine a student's level in mathematics, English language and reading.
Reputation

Accreditations

BSME formed in 1982; British School Overseas (BSO) accreditation; ECIS member; AoBSO member; Cambridge Assessment International Education partner; Pearson Edexcel examiner partner.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Submit the application form, available at the school and on the GES website.

2. Book an entrance test appointment.

3. After approval, you will receive an approval letter to submit to the previous school so that transferring documents can be obtained.

4. If there is no previous school, you will be directed to a governmental clinic to create a health file for the child.

5. Reserve a place by paying a 100 KD deposit, which is non‑refundable and secures the place until September 1.

6. Age requirements: Pre-KG must be 3 years old by September 15; KG must be 3 years 6 months by September 15; Reception must be 4 years 6 months by September 15; Year 1 to Year 12 registration is based on the student's reports and attendance certificates.

7. Required documents include 3 passport‑size photos, birth certificate, civil IDs for guardian/father/mother/student, nationality copy for Kuwaiti nationals, passports for all members, residency page for non‑Kuwaitis, last academic reports (Reception to Year 3) or three years of school reports (Year 4 to Year 12), a reference form and transfer certificate from the previous school (for Years 7–12), fees clearance, student's academic file, and a School Health card. For students coming from outside Kuwait, the last academic report and transfer certificate should be stamped by the Kuwaiti Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

8. An enrolment form is also available for completion as part of the process. The school emphasises a structured pathway from application to enrollment, with opportunities to complete steps in English or Arabic and clear guidance on documentation and health requirements.
School Events
The school has not added events