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New English School - Kuwait City

Kuwait, Kuwait City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees KWD 1,733 - 4,430
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2205
Type Co-educational
Opened 1974
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Arabic, French, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form, Kindergarten
Introduction

New English School in Kuwait City delivers the British curriculum from Kindergarten through A level, with English as the language of instruction. It offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS, and Cambridge A Levels, while Early Years (KG and Reception) follow the England Early Years Curriculum and Years 1–2 follow the 2014 National Curriculum. Years 3–6 adapt the National Curriculum to suit the local community. Arabic, Islamics and Quran are taught, with support for pupils whose first language is not Arabic. Founded over 50 years ago by the late Mr. Tareq S. Rajab, NES was Kuwait's first private, co-educational day school to offer the British curriculum across the full age range. The purpose-built campus opened in 1974 and has been expanded to support a broad learning environment. Facilities include specialist teachers for Computer Science, Music and PE; a lending Infant Library; Chromebooks and interactive white boards. Extracurriculars include Gala Concerts, Model United Nations, local ISACK sports leagues, and charitable initiatives led by students.

2 1 St, Jabriya, Kuwait

The Essentials

New English School - Kuwait City has 2,205 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

The New English School is located in Hawalli, Kuwait. The address is P.O. Box 6156, 32036 Hawalli, Kuwait.

Stages

Kindergarten to A level. Primary (KG & Reception; Years 1-6) and Secondary (Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5) with a Sixth Form.

Type

Private, co-educational day school.

Country affiliation

United Kingdom

School day structure

The secondary day is divided into a registration period, five teaching periods, two breaks, and Co-Curricular Activities. 8.00–8.20am Registration; 8.20–9.30am Period 1; 9.30–10.35am Period 2; 10.35–10.55am First Break; 10.55–12.05pm Period 3; 12.05–1.10pm Period 4; 1.10–1.25pm Second Break; 1.25–2.30pm Period 5; 2.30–3.30pm Co-Curricular Activities. During Ramadan, the day is shortened in accordance with ministry requirements.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Day school

Governance and Ownership

The school is private. It was founded by the late Mr. Tareq S. Rajab.
Fees

Annual tuition at New English School - Kuwait City ranges from KWD 1,733 to KWD 4,430 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fees

- No separate, fixed application or registration fee amount is published in the school's published fee schedule. The fee schedule notes that any advance payment or re‑registration fees paid will be deducted from the first instalment.

Annual tuition — fees by year group (tuition only)

- KD 4,430 — Year 12 & Year 13 (A Level).
- KD 3,510 — Year 10 & Year 11.
- KD 3,510 — Year 7 to Year 9.
- KD 2,977 — Year 3 to Year 6.
- KD 2,678 — Reception to Year 2.
- KD 1,733 — Kindergarten.

Resources & Technology fees (charged in addition to the annual tuition)

- Year 10–13: KD 105 (class resources) + KD 75 (technology) = KD 180.
- Year 7–9: KD 35 (class resources) + KD 75 (technology) = KD 110.
- Year 3–6: KD 25 (class resources) + KD 75 (technology) = KD 100.
- Kindergarten – Year 2: KD 25 (class resources; technology fee not listed separately for these years).

Billing schedule and instalment amounts (payment deadlines and amounts charged per instalment)

- Instalment schedule: three instalments are specified.
- First instalment: due on or before the commencement of the new academic year. The first instalment figures shown include the first tuition instalment plus the Resources & Technology fee (where applicable).
- Year 12 & 13: KD 2,658 (tuition portion) + KD 180 (resources & technology) = KD 2,838 due as the first instalment.
- Year 10 & 11: KD 1,170 (tuition portion) + KD 180 (resources & technology) = KD 1,350 due as the first instalment.
- Year 7–9: KD 1,170 (tuition portion) + KD 110 (resources & technology) = KD 1,280 due as the first instalment.
- Year 3–6: KD 993 (tuition portion) + KD 100 (resources & technology) = KD 1,093 due as the first instalment.
- Reception – Year 2: KD 893 (tuition portion) + KD 25 (resources & technology) = KD 918 due as the first instalment.
- Kindergarten: KD 578 (tuition portion) + KD 25 (resources & technology) = KD 603 due as the first instalment.
- Second instalment: due on or before January 1. The published second‑instalment tuition amounts are: Year 12 & 13 KD 1,772; Year 7–11 KD 1,170; Year 3–6 KD 992; Reception–Year 2 KD 893; Kindergarten KD 578.
- Third instalment: due on or before April 1. The published third‑instalment tuition amounts are: Year 7–11 KD 1,170; Year 3–6 KD 992; Reception–Year 2 KD 892; Kindergarten KD 577. (Note: the instalment breakdowns are shown by year group in the published schedule.)

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The New English School operates as a day school; no boarding fee schedule is published.

Other costs and routine additional charges

- Extracurricular / co‑curricular activities: some clubs and activities may carry nominal additional charges (for materials, cooking/baking supplies, etc.). Parents will be notified when such charges apply.
- Uniforms: uniforms are provided via the school's uniform shop; uniform purchase costs are charged to parents directly through the uniform shop. The uniform shop contact is listed in the school's contact/finance information.
- Examination, external assessment or optional subject fees (when applicable): such charges are not itemised in the published annual tuition table and would be billed separately where relevant (for example, examination entry fees or specific course materials). Parents should expect separate billing for external exam entries when applicable.

Refunds, cancellations and sibling discounts

- The published fee schedule does not provide a detailed refund or cancellation policy in the fee table. The schedule states that fees are set by the Ministry of Education and are subject to revision upon Ministry approval; the school's finance office handles payments and related queries. There is no sibling discount indicated in the published fee schedule.

Fee payment options and how payments are accepted

- Payments can be made through the school's online fees/payment portal. The school's published fee schedule directs parents to the online payment portal for fee payments. For specific accepted payment methods (credit/debit card or bank transfer), parents should use the payment portal or contact the Finance Office directly (Finance Office contact details are published).

Practical notes for parents (administration of fees)

- The first instalment must be paid on or before the start of the academic year; later instalments carry fixed due dates (January 1 and April 1) as listed in the instalment schedule.
- Any advance payments or re‑registration fees already paid are deducted from the first instalment total.

(End of fee overview.)
Academics

New English School - Kuwait City teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum

Early Years (KG & Reception) follow the England Early Years Curriculum. Years 1 and 2 follow the 2014 National Curriculum of England. The Junior Department (Years 3–6) follows the English 2014 National Curriculum, adapted to suit the needs of the community. Arabic, Islamics and Quran are taught, with special provision for pupils whose first language is not Arabic; Kuwait Social Studies is taught in Years 5–6; English is the language of instruction.

Exam Results

The school celebrates excellent results from its students.

Higher Education Progression

Many Sixth Form alumni study at leading universities worldwide, including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), Bath, London School of Economics (LSE), King's College London, Stanford, Yale, Harvard, Princeton, MIT, Melbourne and McGill, among others.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

NES emphasizes social skills and student well-being as core to its education. The school encourages listening, respecting differences, and showing compassion within a supportive community. The NES code 'I am an NES student' underpins these values and guides behavior. Student-led initiatives and charitable works give students opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills. A robust balance of academics, life skills and well-being supports well-rounded graduates.

Mental Wellbeing

Student well-being is explicitly recognised as part of NES's philosophy. The school states a robust balance of strong academics, life skills and student well-being, and it promotes opportunities that support personal growth and resilience. Well-being is reinforced through a caring school culture, peer support and a focus on developing life skills alongside academic achievement. The 'I am an NES student' ethos and community initiatives contribute to a positive, inclusive environment.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a responsibility shared by everyone in the school. The safeguarding policy requires staff to complete training, understand their roles, and report concerns through the designated safeguarding lead. The policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and includes safer recruitment, reporting procedures and safeguarding systems within the school.
Parent Experience

History

Founded by the late chairman, Mr. Tareq S. Rajab, The New English School was the first private, co-educational day school in Kuwait to offer the British curriculum from Kindergarten to A level. Since its foundation, over 50 years ago, NES has nurtured students with a balance of strong academics, life skills and student well-being. The first NES classes opened in a villa in Shamiyah, starting at the Secondary level and very soon after extending backwards to Kindergarten. A purpose-built campus opened in 1974, and improvements and extensions continue to maintain an environment that allows students to thrive.

Community

Student-led Initiatives empower students to plan and execute projects and initiatives, developing leadership, teamwork, organisational and interpersonal skills, including events such as the Sixth-Form's Macmillan Charity Coffee Morning. Charitable Works are a core value, and the school supports Syria and Turkey in the wake of disasters. The performing arts are a long-standing strength, celebrated through gala concerts and a focus on music. The school also cultivates future leaders through student initiatives such as the NES Model UN.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

A purpose-built campus was opened in 1974, with ongoing improvements and extensions to maintain an environment that allows students to thrive. The New English School was the first private, co-educational day school in Kuwait to offer the British curriculum from Kindergarten to A level. The school supports performing arts, with Gala Concerts and a focus on music. Student-led initiatives and charitable works are a feature of NES.

Sports Facilities

The school benefits from well-equipped facilities and dedicated areas for various sports. Seasonal sports include football, basketball, swimming, table tennis, netball (girls only) and volleyball. Through ISACK collaborations, NES participates in weekly local fixtures as part of a wider league. NES is a member of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and competes in events such as the BSME Games and other interschool sports activities.

Academic Facilities

Primary students have specialist teachers for Computer Science, Music, PE, Arabic and Islamic Studies. In Years 1 and 2, each classroom contains a computer and an Interactive White Board, and pupils use Google Chromebooks to aid learning. Library lessons are part of the curriculum, with the Infant library described as a fully functioning lending library. Technology and digital literacy are supported through classroom ICT and access to devices in lessons.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extracurricular activities are broad and take place after school, typically lasting about an hour. Sign-ups require four preferred choices and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Some activities carry a nominal fee for materials such as baking or cooking supplies. The school also supports performing arts through Gala Concerts and leadership initiatives such as the NES Model UN.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The New English School offers the British curriculum from Kindergarten through A level with English as the medium of teaching. It emphasizes a robust balance of strong academics, life skills and student well-being. Leadership and global awareness are developed through student-led initiatives, including a Model United Nations programme and other opportunities. The school aims to prepare alumni to become leaders in their chosen field.

Arts & Creative

The school has a long history of supporting the performing arts, with events such as gala concerts and a focus on developing musical creativity. Outstanding musical expertise and opportunities are fostered by dedicated professionals. The program emphasizes students' creativity and performance as a core aspect of school life.

Cultural & Language

The Model United Nations programme provides a platform to develop critical thinking, diplomacy and public speaking; students engage in debates on global issues. English is the medium of teaching at NES. These activities help students engage with global issues and develop leadership and collaboration skills.

Social & Hobbies

NES offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, most of which take place after school and last about one hour. Sign ups require four preferences and operate on a first-come, first-served basis; some activities may have a nominal fee. Free transport is provided for off-site activities and for sporting fixtures away from school. Parents collect their children after activities, typically by 3:30 pm.

Community & Service

Charitable Works are a tradition at NES. Students participate in fundraising events during the school year and funds raised are allocated to a range of charities; donations typically total over KD 15,000 in a year. Beneficiaries include KACCH, Bayt Abdullah Children's Hospice, Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Hayatt Cancer Foundation, Movember, WaterAid, Macmillan Cancer Support, C.R.Y., and K'PATH.

Leadership & Professional

The school cultivates leadership through a broad set of opportunities and initiatives. The Model United Nations programme develops public speaking and diplomacy, while a student‑led mentoring programme connects tutors with peers in need of academic support. A Primary Department Student Council and a Student Leadership Team give students leadership responsibilities, and the International Award scheme offers Bronze, Silver and Gold levels with four sections (Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey) plus a Gold level 5‑day residential project.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Student well-being and life skills are integral to the NES approach. The school highlights a robust balance of strong academics, life skills and student well-being. After-school activities provide a broader, well-rounded experience and, where relevant, transport is provided to off-site activities.
Languages

Language Provision

English and Arabic are taught. The Junior department follows the English 2014 National Curriculum and English is taught alongside Arabic lessons. Arabic lessons are provided for all pupils, with special provision for those whose first language is not Arabic. Most pupils receive instruction in Quran and Islamic studies, with a separate programme for non-Muslim students during those lessons. An admissions policy notes that overseas students with little knowledge of English are supported to acquire the skills to study in English.

Bilingual Teaching

The New English School follows the English 2014 National Curriculum. English is taught by internationally qualified educators; Arabic lessons are provided for all pupils, with special provision for those whose first language is not Arabic. Most pupils receive instruction in Quran and Islamic studies, and a separate programme is available for non-Muslim students during those lessons. English is the medium of teaching at NES.
Reputation
Admissions

Admissions

1. Choose the correct application form based on year group and residency. Application forms are separated by department: Secondary Kuwait Resident, Secondary Overseas Applicant, Primary Kuwait Resident, Primary Overseas Applicant, KG Kuwait Resident, and KG Overseas Applicant. Fill the form for the year group your child would be joining, not the year they are currently in. If applying for more than one place, submit the relevant form for each child.

2. Read the Admission Policy & Fees. The policy sets prerequisites for joining NES and explains the assessment process. By submitting any application form, you agree to the policies, terms and conditions contained in the policy. There is a non-refundable assessment fee of KD 25 for all students.

3. Submit your application. NES receives a high volume of applications for a limited number of places, and completion of an application does not guarantee a place. Following submission, the administration team will be in touch with information about the next steps and interview dates.

4. Primary placement priorities. The school gives priority to siblings at NES, children of ex-NES parents, children from families new to Kuwait, and children from within Kuwait with an excellent current-school report (not applicable for KG). All applicants are assessed and interviewed before acceptance. The school does not admit students with specific learning or behavioural difficulties.

5. Primary assessment and eligibility notes. Applicants are assessed and interviewed before acceptance; ongoing eligibility is determined through the admission process. The school reserves the right to request additional documentation as part of the assessment. The policies outline the expectations and procedures for joining NES.

6. Secondary policy – Years 7–9. For Years 7–9, all applicants take a test in English and Mathematics to ascertain suitability for the courses. Overseas students with little knowledge of English receive support to acquire the skills necessary to study in English. Applicants must provide a copy of their previous school report, and if transferring from another school in Kuwait, the headteacher may be contacted for a reference regarding behaviour.

7. Secondary policy – Years 10–11. Students must meet the above requirements and their suitability for IGCSE courses will be ascertained, especially with regard to accelerated programmes.

8. Years 12–13 (Lower 6 & Upper 6). Students who have completed Year 11 in the British system must have achieved 5 passes at IGCSE with a minimum grade B in subjects they intend to pursue at AS and A level (exemptions possible in some circumstances). Where students come from a foreign education system, their results will be evaluated along with optional testing in AS/A level subjects if necessary.

9. Open Days. Open Days are planned for prospective families, with registration essential due to limited places. The form at the Open Day Registration page should be completed to secure a time slot, and a member of the Admissions team will contact you to confirm timings and provide further details. If you are unable to attend, contact the Admissions Registrar to arrange a visit.
School Events
The school has not added events