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Kuwait National English School

Kuwait, Kuwait City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees KWD 1,494 - 4,862
Ages 1½ - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1250
Type Co-educational
Opened 1991
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, SEN focussed
Taught languages English, Arabic, French, Spanish
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

Kuwait National English School (KNES) is a private, co‑educational British international school in Kuwait offering the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A Levels, with Cambridge IGCSE, Edexcel IGCSE and a SEN‑focused programme. The school serves ages 2 to 18 and uses English as the language of instruction, with Arabic, French and Spanish taught as additional languages. In Years 7–9 (Key Stage 3) students study core subjects—English, Mathematics, Sciences—plus Geography, History, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Qur'an and Kuwait Social Studies to meet Ministry requirements; Years 10–11 follow Cambridge/Edexcel/Pearson IGCSE routes with a compulsory core and option blocks; Years 12–13 prepare for AS and A Levels. KNES features the Omar Science and Technology Centre, a theatre, a Media Centre and ICT facilities, including WIFI and a Virtual Learning Environment. The school is accredited by CIS and NEASC, with BSME and BSO recognition, and is UNESCO Associated Schools Projects member.

1 Mousa Bin Nussair St, Hawally 44273, Kuwait

The Essentials

Kuwait National English School has 1,250 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Hawally on Mousa Bin Nussair Street, Block 2, Hawally 32057. Postal address: PO Box 44273 Hawally, 32057. Phone: +965 2265 6904/5/6; Reception WhatsApp: +965 94048815.

Stages
Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Special Needs. Age range 2 to 18.

Type
The school is a British International School.

Pupil Nationality Mix
40+ nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Psychological and Assessment Unit; Social Work Unit; Speech Unit; Physiotherapy Unit; Occupational Therapy Unit; and on-site Nursing.

Country affiliation
British; follows the National Curriculum for England.

Bus service
Bus transportation is arranged via Emushrif; details are available on the Transportation page.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school operates as a day school.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required for all pupils and must be purchased from the Uniform Shop. There are Summer and Winter uniforms with specific items; The Uniform Shop is open 8:30am–1:30pm daily except Friday; Years 12–13 wear the full uniform including the blazer.

Food Options
The school has a cafeteria where pupils may buy food or drinks during breaks.

House System
Pupils in Primary and Secondary are divided into Houses: Cambridge, Oxford, Durham and London. There are intra-house competitions, and House Points are awarded for achievement.

Governance and Ownership
The Kuwait National English School is a private, co-educational non-profit making organisation. It is recognised by the Kuwait Ministry of Education and accredited by international bodies including BSO, BSME, CIS, NEASC and COBIS.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kuwait National English School ranges from KWD 1,494 to KWD 4,862 for 2026/27.

Application / registration fees

- Re-registration / seat deposit: KWD 200 payable by January 15 to reserve a place for the next academic year; this deposit is applied against the pupil's tuition.
- The registration fee is treated as part of the total school fees and is non‑refundable; students will not be registered for the new academic year until the registration requirement is paid.

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts in KWD)

- Kindergarten 1 (KG1 / age 3): KWD 1,494.
- EYFS payment pattern: two installments (dates shown below).
- Reception (age 4): KWD 2,289.
- EYFS payment pattern: two installments (dates shown below).
- Years 1–2: KWD 2,446.
- Standard payment split for Years 1 and above: deposit + 60% / 40% installments (see billing schedule). Example per-invoice instalments shown below.
- Years 3–5: KWD 2,765.
- Years 6–11: KWD 2,926.
- Year 12 (Sixth Form year 1): KWD 4,630.
- Year 13 (Sixth Form year 2 / A‑Level): KWD 4,862.

Per-installment examples (how each annual fee is collected for Years 1 and above)

Payment structure for Years 1 and above: a seat deposit (KWD 200) is paid in the re‑registration window; the first installment due on August 31 equals 60% of the annual tuition less the KWD 200 deposit already paid; the second installment due on December 31 is the remaining 40% of the annual tuition. (All figures in KWD.)

- Years 1–2 (annual KWD 2,446):
- First installment (Aug 31): KWD 1,267.60 (60% of 2,446 = KWD 1,467.60; less KWD 200 deposit = KWD 1,267.60).
- Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 978.40 (remaining 40%).
- Years 3–5 (annual KWD 2,765):
- First installment (Aug 31): KWD 1,459.00 (60% = KWD 1,659.00; less KWD 200 deposit).
- Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 1,106.00 (remaining 40%).
- Years 6–11 (annual KWD 2,926):
- First installment (Aug 31): KWD 1,555.60 (60% = KWD 1,755.60; less KWD 200 deposit).
- Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 1,170.40 (remaining 40%).
- Year 12 (annual KWD 4,630):
- First installment (Aug 31): KWD 2,578.00 (60% = KWD 2,778.00; less KWD 200 deposit).
- Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 1,852.00 (remaining 40%).
- Year 13 (annual KWD 4,862):
- First installment (Aug 31): KWD 2,717.20 (60% = KWD 2,917.20; less KWD 200 deposit).
- Second installment (Dec 31): KWD 1,944.80 (remaining 40%).

Early Years (KG & Reception) – per-term detail

- Early Years (KG1 and Reception) tuition is payable in two installments: first payment due 1 September and second payment due 1 December. Example equal-split examples (school issues the official invoice/schedule at registration):
- KG1 (annual KWD 1,494): two installments of KWD 747.00 and KWD 747.00 (due 1 Sep and 1 Dec).
- Reception (annual KWD 2,289): two installments of KWD 1,144.50 and KWD 1,144.50 (due 1 Sep and 1 Dec).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Re-registration / seat reservation: deposit KWD 200 due by January 15 (applied against tuition).
- For Years 1 and above: first installment due August 31 (first-installment amount = 60% of annual tuition less the KWD 200 deposit already paid); second installment due December 31 (remaining balance).
- For Early Years (KG & Reception): two installments due 1 September and 1 December.
- Books, VLE access, school portal fees, uniforms and bus fees (if used) must be paid at the start of the academic year.
- Students are not permitted to begin classes unless required advance payment/first installment has been received.
- Fees must be fully settled by December for Early Years and by March for the other departments.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable; the institution operates as a day school.

Other costs and one-off charges

- Books and course materials: charged at the start of the academic year (itemised separately from tuition).
- VLE / School Portal access: charged at the start of the academic year.
- Uniform: official school uniform must be purchased from the school uniform store; uniform charges payable at the start of the academic year.
- School bus/transportation: bus enrolment is charged separately and parents must provide address/route details when applying; a seat reservation/deposit is required to secure bus enrolment (deposit timing follows the re‑registration schedule).
- Examination and external assessment charges (IGCSE/A‑Level entries) and optional extracurricular activity fees may be billed in addition to tuition.

Refunds and withdrawal

- One term's notice in writing is required when withdrawing a pupil. If one term's notice is not given, the school is entitled to retain the term fees.
- Paid term fees are not refundable for temporary absence, dismissal for non‑compliance with regulations, or if the pupil leaves without providing the required notice.
- Pupil files and medical reports will not be released until outstanding tuition and any replacement/repair costs for books or materials are settled.

Fee payment arrangements and common payment methods

- All tuition and associated charges are administered by the school Accounts Department and must be paid in advance according to the published billing schedule.
- Common payment channels used by schools in Kuwait include bank deposit / bank transfer (IBAN), K‑NET / local electronic payment gateways and in‑person card or cash payments; parents should use the Accounts Department to arrange the accepted method and obtain invoice details.
Academics

Kuwait National English School teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, SEN focussed for students aged 1.5 to 18.

Curriculum
Kuwait National English School is a British International School delivering the British National Curriculum alongside Ministry of Education curricular requirements. In Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3) learners follow an extensive curriculum including English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Art & Design, Computer Science, French, Geography, History, PSHE, Sciences, Kuwait Social Studies (Ministry requirement), Arabic (Ministry requirement), Islamic Studies (Ministry requirement) and Qur'an (Ministry requirement). In Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) the content is based on Cambridge Assessment International Education, Edexcel and Pearson requirements, with a compulsory core and six option blocks leading to IGCSE examinations. Years 7-9 provide a broad foundation before Year 10 when students select options for further study, leading to IGCSEs. In Years 12 and 13 students study for AS and A Levels (UK international). The Languages Taught are English, Arabic, French and Spanish, and English is the language of instruction.

Student Teacher Ratio
EYFS 12:1; Primary 25:1; Secondary 15:1.

Exam Results
First Term Examination results are released on 9 January 2025 and are available on the school portal for parents and students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school uses PSHE to teach mental health and emotional wellbeing in a safe and sensitive manner. Circle time approaches and SEAL resources support social and emotional development, including managing feelings and emotions. Targeted groups focus on mental health and wellbeing, with activities such as art, play, relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Staff monitor pupil wellbeing with monthly trackers and term reports to identify issues such as attendance, relationships, and changes in mood. The programme engages parents by sharing mental health topics learned in PSHE and offering guidance for home support.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school follows the National Curriculum for England adapted to the local environment. The Department's goals are to provide an educational environment that helps students integrate into society and develop their abilities to take a positive role, supported by a qualified, experienced team including the Head of Department and specialists. Support services include a Psychological and Assessment Unit for counselling and testing, a Social Work Unit for counselling and social services, a Speech Unit for assessment and therapy, a Physiotherapy Unit, an Occupational Therapy Unit, and a Nurse. Extra-curricular Activities include Life Skills to promote independence, a well-stocked library, ICT facilities, Al Farabi Theatre, and a healthy cafeteria. In 1997 a SEN unit with full support services including Physio, Speech, Occupational therapy and Social Workers was established with a small integration unit; KNES continues to provide SEN support within the mainstream school.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Languages of Instruction are English. Languages taught include English, Arabic, French and Spanish.

Mental Wellbeing
The school uses PSHE guidance to teach mental health and emotional wellbeing in a safe and sensitive manner. Targeted support includes circle time activities and SEAL resources, managing feelings and emotions, and mental health and wellbeing groups, with therapeutic activities such as art, play, relaxation and mindfulness techniques. All staff monitor wellbeing using monthly wellbeing trackers and reports to identify warning signs such as attendance, relationships, mood, and health indicators. The school works with parents to keep them informed about emotional wellbeing topics and how to support positive mental health at home. Staff receive training on mental health and wellbeing policies during induction and through ongoing CPD, with resources shared to parents.

Safeguarding
Kuwait National English School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The policy is read alongside Kuwait National Child Protection Policy and Procedures 2022 and the UK Keeping Children Safe in Education. The school has a designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr. Bernie Babkirk, Administration Director, who coordinates safeguarding and reports concerns. Staff receive safeguarding training during induction and at regular intervals, including Keeping Children Safe in Education Level 1 and Prevent Duty Training from the Home Office UK. Safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff, including administration and the Governing Body. If a safeguarding concern arises, staff members may request a Safeguarding Concern Form from the Designated Safeguarding Lead and record details accurately before sharing concerns.
Parent Experience

History
Kuwait National English School is a private, co-educational non-profit making organisation offering classes from Charlotte Pre-School and KG up to university entrance with IGCSE, GCSE, GCE and IAS and IAL. It follows the New National Curriculum from the UK and has been an approved Centre of Examination since 1996. KNES is an accredited member of the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and a British School Overseas (BSO) recognised by the UK Department for Education. It is fully accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and has completed a 10-year reaccreditation cycle. The school is recognised by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education and the Special Needs Department is approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Public Authority for the Disabled. KNES is a UNESCO Associated Schools Projects member.

Community
The KNES community is friendly with a family atmosphere and welcomes new students and parents. All students are members of an international community and learn to respect each other. The school hosts musical and cultural events as part of community life, including the EYFS/KS1 The Sound of Winter concert and the KS2 Shakespeare Rocks concert, with ongoing news and events informing families. Regular communications from the School Director and the KNES Gazette illustrate ongoing engagement within the school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Three large playgrounds with covered areas, a large theatre and a canteen for pupils and staff called Gourmet Corner, and a well-resourced Media Centre. The Early Years Department includes Charlotte Preschool with a garden, a separate entrance and a covered safe playground. The campus features an Omar Science and Technology Centre that has been renovated and houses Performing Arts (Music and Art). WIFI connections exist in the learning environment, smartboards are in all classes and laboratories, and students and staff have access to a VLE.

Sports Facilities
The actual facilities include a full-size gymnasium, an Olympic-style indoor swimming pool and a covered international size basketball area.

Academic Facilities
The Omar Science and Technology Centre has been renovated as well as classes for Performing Arts (Music and Art). WIFI connections exist as well as smartboards in all classes throughout the school and all laboratories. Students and staff have access to VLE with a wide range of support for teaching and learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school clubs run daily with hour-long sessions in Sports, Spanish, and French, and Art and Enrichment clubs in English and Maths.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
KNES students participate in academic challenges and competitions. Science Fair, English quizzes, and mathematics challenges are organized with the University of Leeds and the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). Educational visits and Junior Achievement Award (Injaz) activities involve business and careers professionals to broaden students' horizons.

Arts & Creative
Art and Design encourages creative thinking and participation in competitions, including the Environmental Event at the Movenpick, the Centrepoint Schools Art Competition, and an International ASSE poster competition. The Music Department offers after-school ensembles and a choir for events, with an annual musical production; Year 7 and 8 performed Cinderella Rockerfella. After Year 9, music is available as an IGCSE option, and the music room is equipped with keyboards, guitars and percussion.

Cultural & Language
Languages taught include English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. English is the language of instruction. In the secondary curriculum, French and Spanish are offered as foreign languages, while Arabic is taught as both a first and a foreign language.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers Arabic/Islamic after-school options, Early Years Aftercare, and Primary & Secondary Afterschool Enrichment Clubs. These after-school clubs broaden social interactions and provide opportunities to pursue hobbies beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
Annual fundraising events support Kuwait Red Crescent and Hope and Homes. Junior Achievement Award (Injaz) activities bring business and career professionals into student learning, expanding community-facing experiences.

Leadership & Professional
The KNES Student Council includes Head Boy, Head Girl and a School Prefect, with class representatives from Year 7 onward. The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award is available for Year 10, with Sixth-formers able to pursue Silver; awards recognize resilience, aspiration, respect and collaboration, and are presented at graduation.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical Education is provided to all pupils and emphasizes social, emotional and cognitive development alongside physical skills. Sports are integral to school life, with local competitions through KFSAC and ISAC. Extra-curricular activities, including after-school clubs and performing arts, support overall wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. The language of instruction is English. The school serves students aged 2 to 18. It is described as a British International School.
Admissions

Scholarships
Omar Al Gharabally Scholarship (Presently Under Review). The Omar Al Gharabally Scholarship is named in memory of Omar Al Gharabally and aims to help the most able students achieve their full potential under the best possible conditions.
School Events
The school has not added events
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