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Kuwait English School

Kuwait, Kuwait City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees KWD 1,778 - 4,650
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1978
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Arabic, French, Spanish
Typical class size 28
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

KES delivers a British-based education in English for students aged 3–19. Early Years follows the English National Curriculum; Primary follows the England and Wales curriculum, with Arabic and Islamic Studies aligned to MoE programs. In Secondary, Years 7–9 follow the English National Curriculum, Years 10–11 work toward Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel GCSE, and Years 12–13 offer A-levels in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Literature, Geography, History, Design Technology, Art, Drama, Music, and Languages such as Spanish and French. The Green Unit provides specialist support for learners with learning disabilities. Facilities include science labs, drama studios, ICT suites, libraries, an indoor gym and swimming pool, plus a Sixth Form Centre known as The Millennium, a Music Centre and an Art & Design Technology Centre. KES became a Google Reference School in 2014. In 2022 Sama Educational Company acquired KES and partners with Aldenham School and Royal Grammar School Guildford. Robotics and Model United Nations are extracurriculars.

Street 9, 22057, Kuwait

The Essentials

Kuwait English School has typical class sizes of 28, instruction in English.

Location
Salwa, Area 11, Street 9, Salmiya 22057, Kuwait (P.O. Box 8640). It is in the Salmiya district along the Kuwait coastline.

Stages
Early Years (KG and Reception, 3–5 years); Primary School (Years 1–6, 5–11 years); Secondary School (Years 7–13, 11–18 years); Green Unit (Special Needs Education).

Type
KES provides a British-style education with English as the language of instruction. The English national curriculum is delivered with Kuwaiti ministry adaptations, and a Green Unit provides Special Needs Education.

Additional learning support
Green Unit provides Special Needs Education.

Country affiliation
United Kingdom

Bus service
Extensive school bus service with routes across Kuwait. Morning pickups may start as early as 6:15 am. The service is managed by the Transport Manager; buses have seat belts and are equipped with surveillance cameras; rules cover safety and conduct.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a compulsory uniform and can be bought on site at the uniform shop or online. All items must be labeled with the child's name, jewellery, nail varnish, or football shoes with studs are not allowed. The uniform differs for winter and summer months.

Governance and Ownership
The school is owned by Sama Educational Company, which became the new owners in June 2022. The Head of School is Nicholas Gunn, and four Headteachers supervise four divisions: Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Green Unit. Sama also operates the American Creativity Academy (ACA) with four campuses and owns the Sylvan Learning Center.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kuwait English School ranges from KWD 1,778 to KWD 4,650 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees
- Registration / re-enrolment deposit: KD 100 (non-refundable; this amount is deducted from the tuition fees).
- New-student evaluation fee: KD 50 (non-refundable). New-student re‑evaluation fee: KD 30 (non-refundable).

Tuition fees (annual and per-term, by year group)
- Early Years (KG): Annual tuition KD 1,778. Per-term (equal three instalments): KD 592.67 per term.
- Early Years (Reception): Annual tuition KD 2,877. Per-term: KD 959.00 per term.
- Primary Years (Years 1–2): Annual tuition KD 2,877. Per-term: KD 959.00 per term.
- Primary Years (Years 3–6): Annual tuition KD 3,274. Per-term: KD 1,091.33 per term.
- Secondary (Years 7–9): Annual tuition KD 3,670. Per-term: KD 1,223.33 per term.
- Secondary (Years 10–11, AS/A-level): Annual tuition KD 3,670. Per-term: KD 1,223.33 per term.
- Years 12–13: Annual tuition KD 4,800. Per-term: KD 1,600.00 per term.
- Green Unit: Annual tuition KD 4,650. Per-term: KD 1,550.00 per term.

Books & resources (annual, by year group)
- Early Years (KG): KD 82; Early Years (Reception): KD 123; Primary Years (1–2): KD 123; Primary Years (3–6): KD 127; Secondary (7–9): KD 150; Secondary (10–11): KD 225; Years 12–13: KD 170; Green Unit: not listed. These are charged in addition to tuition.

Billing schedule & payment terms
- Tuition is billed as an annual fee and payable in three equal instalments (one‑third of total tuition each instalment). Instalment structure: one third due each instalment. The stated instalment deadlines (school instalment schedule) are set as three instalment dates in the school financial policy.
- The KD 100 registration / re‑enrolment deposit is deducted from the first instalment; parents are not entitled to a refund of the first instalment (the school may claim the first instalment if the student attends even one day). Payment by third parties requires an official employer letter confirming responsibility.

Withdrawal and refund rules
- Registration fee: non-refundable under any circumstances.
- Withdrawal charge schedule (tuition payable including the registration fee):
- Withdrawal from first school day to October 31: pay 33.33% of tuition.
- Withdrawal from November 1 to December 31: pay 50% of tuition.
- Withdrawal from January 1 to February 28: pay 66.66% of tuition.
- Withdrawal after March 1: full tuition is due.
- Transfer documents and clearance are withheld until due amounts are settled.

Transport (school bus) fees and conditions
- A school bus service is provided; transport fees are charged annually and may be paid in the same three-instalment schedule as tuition. A KD 50 reservation payment may be taken to reserve a transport seat; this KD 50 is part of the total transport fee and non-refundable.
- Representative annual examples shown in the school financial policy: nearby-area round trip KD 400 (one way KD 320); remote-area round trip KD 420 (one way KD 320). Actual route pricing depends on the route and is subject to the transport schedule. Transport rules (boarding times, child safety, seat‑belt rules, adult collection at drop‑off) apply to all users.

Boarding
- No boarding provision applies; the school operates as a day school only.

Uniforms and other compulsory costs
- School uniform is compulsory. Uniform items are available for purchase from the school uniform shop on site (or via the school's uniform ordering service). Exact uniform prices are set by the school uniform shop.
- Optional and extra charges (examples): individual music lessons, clubs and extracurricular activities may carry additional per‑term or per‑year charges as listed in the school financial policy. Transport and optional lunch services are charged separately.

Fee payment options
- In-person at the school Accounts Department: K‑net cards accepted; specific bank credit cards accepted (credit cards accepted only from National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) and Kuwait Finance House (KFH)); cash payments are not accepted.
- Bank transfer to the school's account (IBAN provided by the school).
- Online payments via the school's parent payment portal (Edunation / the school's online payment system).
- Payment deadlines and the requirement to clear prior-year balances before re‑enrolment are enforced.
Academics

Kuwait English School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The Kuwait English School provides Early Years, Primary and Secondary education within a British-based curriculum. In Early Years, the English National Curriculum is followed with seven areas of learning: Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design. In Primary, the department follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, with all subjects taught in English except Arabic and Islamic Studies, which follow the Ministry of Education's Arabic and Islamic programs. In Secondary, the language of instruction is English; Years 7-9 follow the English National Curriculum, Years 10-11 work toward Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel/Pearson GCSE, and Year 12-13 offer Advanced Subsidiary or Advanced Level courses with subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Literature, Geography, History, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, ICT, Design Technology, Art, Drama, Music, Spanish and French. Arabic and Islamic Studies follow MoE curricula.

Exam Results
Latest published external examination results (2023) show IGCSE: A*-A 40%, A-C 76%, A*-G 96%; IAS: A 29%, A-C 67%, A*-E 90%; IAL: A*-A 56%, A-C 91%, A*-G 100%.

Higher Education Progression
100% of graduates gain entry into higher education institutions worldwide, including Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, New York University, Harvard University, Brown University, Georgetown University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Toronto and other well-recognised institutions.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Year 2 Mindfulness Club helps students explore their feelings and emotions and teaches mindfulness and relaxation techniques to support their wellbeing. Green Unit delivers PSHE and Citizenship with SEAL (Social Emotional Aspects of Learning) and EI (Emotional Intelligence) to develop social and emotional skills. The Green Unit fosters a holistic education with small class sizes and a mainstream curriculum differentiated to meet individual needs. It includes opportunities for Work Related Learning and community engagement, with externally accredited qualifications such as GCSE/IGCSE and AS/A Levels for eligible students. The school supports student wellbeing and social development through a Student Leadership Council that organises events and charitable activities and through wellbeing initiatives such as mindfulness and anti-bullying programs. edu.kw

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Green Unit is Kuwait English School's Special Educational Needs department. It provides education for students who experience learning disabilities and difficulties. Infant & Junior Learning Support classes (ages 6 to 12) follow the Mainstream EYFS and Primary Curriculum modified to meet individual needs. Senior High School Learning Support classes (ages 12 to 21) follow a modified mainstream curriculum and work towards external examinations (IGCSE/GCSE) and the ASDAN Award. Year 12 is offered only to exceptionally gifted and talented students; they may attend mainstream classes in specific subjects and focus on the AS/A Level programme. edu.kw

Mental Wellbeing
KES provides mental wellbeing support through safeguarding and a dedicated Well-being framework, including a Director of Well-being/Designated Safeguarding Lead and a School Counsellor to support students. The safeguarding team includes a Head of School, Director of Teaching and Learning, and Departmental Safeguarding Leads across departments. Students can participate in wellbeing initiatives such as Year 2 Mindfulness Club and KES Wellbeing Ambassadors. The school also runs anti-bullying activities such as GU Anti-Bullying Week. edu.kw

Safeguarding
KES is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. It provides a secure, welcoming environment where children are safe, respected and valued, and aims to help them achieve the best possible outcomes. All staff undergo safe recruitment procedures and are trained in Child Protection. Children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have concerns, and safeguarding follows Kuwaiti laws of Children's Rights and Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines. The safeguarding team includes the Director of Well-being/Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of School, Director of Teaching and Learning, Departmental Safeguarding Leads, and the School Counsellor. If you are worried about a student's safety, contact details are provided. edu.kw
Parent Experience

History
KES was founded in 1978 by Mr. Mohamed Jassim Al Saddah and Mrs. Rhoda Elizabeth Muhmood. KES was established in September 1979 with the motto "The Aim Makes Great The Life" and a vision to Inspire, Challenge and Encourage. KES serves students aged 3–19 and is divided into Early Years, Primary, Secondary and the Green Unit, totaling about 2,500 pupils. In 1991 the Green Unit for students with learning disabilities opened. In 2014 KES became a Google Reference School after pioneering the use of Google Chrome in classrooms, and in June 2022 Sama Educational Company became the new owner, with Sama operating ACA and partnering with Aldenham School (Aldenham opened a Riyadh campus in September 2022) and the Royal Grammar School Guildford opening in Muscat in September 2023.

Community
KES offers a broad range of extra-curricular activities across the arts, drama, music, design technology and robotics, with opportunities during and after school. The school is known for its theatre productions and concerts. Clubs include Art/DT, Fashion, Animation, Mural and catch-up Art/DT, enriching student life beyond the classroom.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Preparatory Department, housed in its own building, was upgraded to ensure diverse learning-through-play experiences – indoors and outdoors. In the main school building, a separate area is reserved for KS1 where they can safely play outdoors and benefit from classroom learning experiences. From Year 3 upwards, students access specialist science labs, drama studios, newly revamped ICT suites, libraries, an indoor gym area and an indoor swimming pool. Senior students taking A level courses (Years 12 and 13) have a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, The Millennium, and enjoy their own common room. The school also provides a specialist Music Centre and an Art & Design Technology Centre, and a Green Unit— a well-resourced learning centre for students with learning disabilities.

Sports Facilities
An indoor gym area supports physical education and sports activities. An indoor swimming pool provides swimming instruction and aquatic activities. The Preparatory Department offers indoor and outdoor play experiences to support physical development. A separate outdoor play area for KS1 allows younger children to engage in safe outdoor activity.

Academic Facilities
From Year 3 onwards, students use specialist science labs and drama studios, with newly revamped ICT suites, and libraries for study. A Sixth Form Centre, known as The Millennium, serves Years 12–13. The campus also includes a Music Centre and an Art & Design Technology Centre, along with a Green Unit for learners with learning disabilities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A Music Centre supports musical activities, and an Art & Design Technology Centre supports arts and design. KES Robotics is offered as an extracurricular activity. Arts, Drama and Sports are available as extracurricular activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
KES Robotics operates with Senior, Green Unit, and Junior teams. The Senior Team was founded in 2019 and competed as Team Kuwait at the First Global Challenge Dubai 2019, finishing 38th among 191 countries. The team represented Kuwait again at the First Global Challenge Geneva 2022, finishing 6th among 180 countries. The Green Unit's ROBOKES team won the Judges Award at the Istanbul VEX Robotics Competition in 2019, and the Junior Robotics Team qualified to represent Kuwait at the VEX Worlds in Dallas, Texas in 2023.

Arts & Creative
There is a strong tradition of Art at Kuwait English School. Art and Design is offered at IGCSE level (Fine Art or Textiles) and again at GCE A Level, with Design Technology taught from Year 7-9 and offered as external exams in Years 10-11 (IGCSE) and Years 12-13 (A Level). The Art & DT department enriches students' lives by offering the Art & Photography Committee club, Fashion club, Animation club, Mural club and catch-up Art/DT club. Students also participate in local and national art competitions (Ministry competitions, Radisson Blu Hotel competitions, the BSME Art competition and the Kuwait Times annual competition) and an annual Art and Design Technology Exhibition displays their work.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations (MUN) is a formal program at KES, with KESMUN conferences hosted by the school and participation in Kuwait Model United Nations events. In KESMUN XII, 275 students from Kuwait-private schools participated and more than 30 awards were given, including Best New Delegate, Best Resolution, and Best Delegate. The school has hosted Kuwait's First Model United Nations Conference in the academic year and has continued to participate in MUN events since, earning recognition for its delegates.

Social & Hobbies
KES House Competitions are an integral part of school life, with many non-sporting activities awarding points toward the House Cup. The Student Leadership Council organises events to raise funds for charity, including Mufti days, Red Nose Day, Moustache Day, MasterChef, arm wrestling, wet sponge throwing, Talent shows and more. The SLC also coordinates the charities the school supports, both local and international, such as Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society Kuwait, Bayt Abdullah Hospice Kuwait, Invisible Children, and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.

Community & Service
The School's Student Leadership Council leads charitable engagement, coordinating fundraising and volunteer activities throughout the year. Charities supported by the SLC include Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society Kuwait, Bayt Abdullah Hospice Kuwait, Invisible Children, and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, reflecting a broad commitment to community service and global welfare.

Leadership & Professional
The school culture features Head Boy, Head Girl and Senior Prefects with a Senior Prefects team that leads younger pupils; Prefects supervise and support specific year groups. The Sixth Form Committee, led by the Head Girl and Head Boy, includes representatives from each Year 12 form group and drives whole-school initiatives. The Student Council, elected annually, meets weekly to discuss school improvements and charitable activities and has organised events such as Talent shows, musicals and charity drives.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical education is central to the program, with weekly PE for all students from KG through Year 13; PE is a GCSE subject in Years 10-11 and an A Level subject in Years 12-13. KES is a founder member of KFSAC and ISACK, coordinating inter-school competitions in football, unihoc, netball, benchball, cricket and swimming at junior levels, and basketball, volleyball, netball, football, table tennis and swimming at senior levels. Mindfulness and wellbeing initiatives are encouraged, including a Year 2 Mindfulness Club, together with wellbeing-focused events such as Anti-Bullying Week activities.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for most subjects; Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught in Arabic under the Ministry of Education Arabic and Islamic programme.

Bilingual Teaching
All subjects are taught in English. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught in Arabic by qualified Arabic staff under the Ministry of Education Arabic and Islamic programme.
Reputation
Admissions

Admissions
1. Applications for places are accepted from January for the following September. Online registration is strongly recommended due to high demand. The Green Unit provides support for students with specific learning difficulties; mainstream entry testing applies. Students are tested before entry.

2. New registration and assessments: Newcomer parents submit the online registration form on the school website. After submission, the school contacts families with further instructions and schedules an interview assessment date. The entrance test assesses concentration, academic level, thought process and communication skills; a copy of the previous school report may be requested and discussed with parents. Entrance test fees are non-refundable. The Head Teacher's decision determines acceptance and no student is admitted unless they meet entry requirements.

3. If the student passes the assessment, an acceptance letter is issued. The acceptance letter, together with the required paperwork, is taken to the Accounts Department where a non-refundable deposit is paid to complete registration. All required paperwork must be provided before registration can be completed; this paperwork must be brought to the interview.

4. Students are placed into the correct class and year group; there is an age guideline for each year. Occasionally a student may be admitted into a year below chronological age if maturity or English level requires it.

5. Re-registration: Reminders of the re-registration deadline are issued mid Term 2, typically in the first week of April. If a parent fails to re-register by the deadline, the school cannot secure a place. Re-registration should be completed as early as possible to avoid losing a seat.
School Events
The school has not added events
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