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British International School Al Khobar

Saudi Arabia, Dammam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees SAR 41,260 - 85,732
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 950
Type Co-educational
Opened 1977
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages Arabic, Spanish, French
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

BISAK (British International School Al Khobar) was established in 1977 and moved to a new 20 million SAR state‑of‑the‑art campus in 2019 in the As Sadafah District of Al Khobar, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The school delivers the English National Curriculum with a three‑section structure: Preparatory School (Nursery to Year 6), Senior School (Year 7 to 11), and Sixth Form (Year 12 to 13). BISAK is accredited by major British‑international bodies and serves a diverse, international community drawn from around 50 nationalities. The campus includes sports facilities such as a gymnasium and other resources, and the school runs a broad after‑school activities programme. The language of instruction is English; Arabic and Spanish are taught as part of the curriculum, with French offered at senior levels. Tuition is published with separate transport costs; the Capitation and registration fees apply.

Al Sadafah, Al Khobar 34434, Saudi Arabia

The Essentials

British International School Al Khobar has 950 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
The British International School Al Khobar (BISAK) is located at 3909 As Sadafah District, Al Khobar, 34215, Saudi Arabia. The campus sits in the As Sadafah district of Al Khobar. The address is used for visitor access and transport coordination.

Stages
Preparatory School covers Nursery to Year 6. Senior School covers Year 7 to Year 11. Sixth Form covers Year 12 to Year 13. The school provides education From Nursery through Year 13.

Type
BISAK is a co-educational, not-for-profit school that follows the British curriculum.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school reports representation of 50 nationalities. The most common nationality and the local-to-international student ratio are not published publicly.

Additional learning support
The school provides Pastoral Support and safeguarding, with on-site nurses for medical needs. A dedicated SEN department or formal SEN policy is not published publicly.

Country affiliation
BISAK follows a British curriculum and is accredited by British and international bodies (AoBSO/OBSO, COBIS, BSME).

Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation stated. BISAK promotes British values and internationalism.

School day structure
Prep day timings run from about 7:20 to 14:00, with a first break from 9:25 to 10:10 and a second break around 11:40–12:00; lessons run through the morning with end-of-day at 2:00 for Prep, and 2:00 for Senior School and Sixth Form. After-school activities finish around 3:00, with Thursday arrangements varying.

Bus service
A BISAK-operated bus service is not publicly listed on BISAK's site. For transport options, contact BISAK reception at +966-13-8317300 or receptionist@bisak.org.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is compulsory for BISAK pupils. From June 2023, uniforms can be ordered online via BISAK's partner, Zaks, or purchased at their Amwaj Mall store in Al Khobar. Younger pupils wear Velcro-fastened shoes, sandals are not allowed. A BISAK sun hat is required outside. Jewellery should be minimal and hair accessories should be black or navy.

Food Options
Pupils bring snacks in a named lunchbox and a named water bottle; there is a nut-free policy. Years 3–6 may place canteen orders for cold options such as sandwiches and salads, with meals delivered to the classroom after Registration and before the first break.

House System
Pupils are assigned to a house on joining BISAK. The four houses are Blue Oryx, Green Falcons, Yellow Caracals, and Red Barracudas, providing a focus for healthy competition and BISAK Points. Pupils elect House Captains and Vice Captains (usually from Year 6) and the Registrar allocates pupils to houses to maintain balance.

Governance and Ownership
BISAK is an independent, not-for-profit school. It operates as a standalone school and is not part of a broader school group.
Fees

Annual tuition at British International School Al Khobar ranges from SAR 41,260 to SAR 85,732 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fees

- Capitation (registration) fee: SAR 16,000 per child, payable on enrolling into the school or on re-enrolling after 12 months.
- Second child onwards (registration): SAR 10,000 per child, payable on enrolling or if re-enrolling within 12 months.

Tuition fees by year group (per annum and per term) — Academic year 2025/26

- Nursery: Per annum SAR 41,260; VAT on fees per annum SAR 6,189; Total (inc. VAT) SAR 47,449. Per term: School fees SAR 13,753.33; VAT per term SAR 2,063; Total per term (inc. VAT) SAR 15,816.33.

- Reception: Per annum SAR 52,728; VAT SAR 7,909.20; Total inc. VAT SAR 60,637.20. Per term: SAR 17,576.00; VAT per term SAR 2,636.40; Total per term SAR 20,212.40.

- Year 1: Per annum SAR 53,785; VAT SAR 8,067.75; Total inc. VAT SAR 61,852.75. Per term: SAR 17,928.33; VAT per term SAR 2,689.25; Total per term SAR 20,617.58.

- Year 2: Per annum SAR 53,785; VAT SAR 8,067.75; Total inc. VAT SAR 61,852.75. Per term: SAR 17,928.33; VAT per term SAR 2,689.25; Total per term SAR 20,617.58.

- Year 3: Per annum SAR 58,400; VAT SAR 8,760; Total inc. VAT SAR 67,160. Per term: SAR 19,466.67; VAT per term SAR 2,920; Total per term SAR 22,386.67.

- Year 4: Per annum SAR 58,400; VAT SAR 8,760; Total inc. VAT SAR 67,160. Per term: SAR 19,466.67; VAT per term SAR 2,920; Total per term SAR 22,386.67.

- Year 5: Per annum SAR 58,400; VAT SAR 8,760; Total inc. VAT SAR 67,160. Per term: SAR 19,466.67; VAT per term SAR 2,920; Total per term SAR 22,386.67.

- Year 6: Per annum SAR 58,400; VAT SAR 8,760; Total inc. VAT SAR 67,160. Per term: SAR 19,466.67; VAT per term SAR 2,920; Total per term SAR 22,386.67.

- Year 7: Per annum SAR 60,600; VAT SAR 9,090; Total inc. VAT SAR 69,690. Per term: SAR 20,200.00; VAT per term SAR 3,030; Total per term SAR 23,230.00.

- Year 8: Per annum SAR 60,600; VAT SAR 9,090; Total inc. VAT SAR 69,690. Per term: SAR 20,200.00; VAT per term SAR 3,030; Total per term SAR 23,230.00.

- Year 9: Per annum SAR 60,600; VAT SAR 9,090; Total inc. VAT SAR 69,690. Per term: SAR 20,200.00; VAT per term SAR 3,030; Total per term SAR 23,230.00.

- Year 10: Per annum SAR 72,150; VAT SAR 10,822.50; Total inc. VAT SAR 82,972.50. Per term: SAR 24,050.00; VAT per term SAR 3,607.50; Total per term SAR 27,657.50.

- Year 11: Per annum SAR 72,150; VAT SAR 10,822.50; Total inc. VAT SAR 82,972.50. Per term: SAR 24,050.00; VAT per term SAR 3,607.50; Total per term SAR 27,657.50.

- Year 12: Per annum SAR 74,550; VAT SAR 11,182.50; Total inc. VAT SAR 85,732.50. Per term: SAR 24,850.00; VAT per term SAR 3,727.50; Total per term SAR 28,577.50.

- Year 13: Per annum SAR 74,550; VAT SAR 11,182.50; Total inc. VAT SAR 85,732.50. Per term: SAR 24,850.00; VAT per term SAR 3,727.50; Total per term SAR 28,577.50.

After-school Arabic tuition

- After-school Arabic fees: Per annum SAR 8,000; VAT SAR 1,200; Total inc. VAT SAR 9,200.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoices are issued for each term. Autumn term invoice dates: 4–11 June 2025. Spring term invoice dates: 1–5 December 2025. Summer term invoice dates: 2–6 March 2026. All invoices carry a strict 28-day payment due date.
- All tuition fees for Arabic and mainstream classes are payable annually in advance and are invoiced with a 28-day payment requirement; the Finance Office issues a schedule of payment dates. A pupil may be asked to stay away from school if fees are not paid by the due date following contact from the Bursar. Families who default or are consistently late may be moved to annual invoicing only.

Payment methods and administrative details

- Fees should, except in exceptional circumstances, be paid through the bank; cash is accepted in specific contexts. Refunds are made by bank transfer and parents meet any bank charges incurred. The Finance Office handles banking and fee questions; the Finance Office is open each school day from 7:30am to 2:45pm. Invoices are issued with a 28-day payment requirement.

Other costs and items not included in tuition

- The tuition fees do not include transport, uniform, trips or resources such as books. External examination fees are charged separately and are set by the relevant examination boards. Curriculum and library books are provided by the school; any damage to books will be billed to parents. The Capitation (registration) Fee is not part of the tuition fee and does not attract VAT.

Boarding fees

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

Refund policy and withdrawal deadlines

- Refunds of tuition fees (subject to the school's discretion) are available provided fees have been paid by the due date and the school receives written notification of withdrawal by the following deadlines:
- By 1st August for withdrawal before the Autumn Term.
- By close of business fourteen days prior to the last working day of the preceding term for withdrawal before the Spring or Summer Terms.
- No refunds for tuition fees are made if pupils are withdrawn part-way through a term. No refund of the capitation fee will be made if a child attends school and subsequently does not meet the required standard during the probationary period. A Leaving Certificate and Ministry of Education approval document will not be released until all outstanding fees have been paid in full. Refund payments are made by bank transfer (parents meet any bank charges).
Academics

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

Curriculum
British International School Al Khobar (BISAK) follows the English National Curriculum across all phases, from Nursery to Year 13, with English as the language of instruction and a structure comprising Preparatory School (Nursery–Year 6), Senior School (Year 7–11), and Sixth Form (Year 12–13). EYFS (Nursery and Reception) uses a play‑based Early Years framework with seven areas of learning, and Year 1–2 follow the National Curriculum with phonics, reading, and writing as part of the transition to more formal teaching. In Senior School, KS3 covers Years 7–9 and KS4 covers Years 10–11, with the English National Curriculum and school adaptations; Year 9 moves into iGCSE/GCSE options within a Core Curriculum (English Language and English Literature, Mathematics, and General PE) and optional subject choices. GCSE/IGCSE options include a Core Curriculum and an Optional Curriculum with subjects such as Arabic, Art & Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Double/Triple Science, Economics, French, Geography, History, ICT, Music, Physical Education, Psychology, Sociology, among others; the GCSE/IGCSE Information Booklet details six‑option blocks and the Edexcel/Cambridge boards. Sixth Form offers AS/A Level courses across a wide range of subjects (e.g., Arabic, Art, Biology, Chemistry, English Language/Literature, French, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology) with university applications support (UCAS/BridgeU), enrichment, and university visits as described in the Sixth Form Prospectus.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL at BISAK is primarily supported through its Pastoral Support service. Teachers refer pupils for confidential pastoral support provided by BISAK staff, with meetings kept confidential unless agreed with the pupil and parent. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is kept informed of pupils seen by pastoral care, ensuring welfare concerns are followed up. The pastoral program includes small-group sessions to help pupils explore and set goals about treating each other well, building trust and positive communication. The school also provides medical health resources through on-site nurses to support overall pupil wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
BISAK recognises that pupils with additional needs can face safeguarding challenges and provides special consideration for SEN/additional needs within its safeguarding framework. The safeguarding policy notes that some pupils have SEN or additional needs and should receive special consideration in equality, highlighting BISAK's awareness of SEN within safeguarding. The policy identifies designated safeguarding leads and staff responsibilities for safeguarding, but it does not publicly disclose a dedicated SEN department or detailed, school-wide SEN services beyond safeguarding considerations.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly disclose a standalone EAL programme or dedicated EAL staff on the BISAK site. The safeguarding policy, however, notes that pupils who have English as an additional language should receive special consideration in safeguarding, indicating awareness of EAL within safeguarding contexts.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported via BISAK's Pastoral Support and on-site medical facilities. The school's pastoral care service provides confidential support for nominated pupils, with group sessions aimed at fostering respectful, positive communication. Nursing staff operate from a well-equipped medical room to maintain pupil health and safety, supplemented by first-aid trained personnel. These provisions work together to support pupils' overall wellbeing and respond to welfare concerns as needed.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection are treated as a whole-school priority with aims to safeguard and promote welfare. All staff receive safeguarding guidance and annual training, and designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) are part of the Extended Leadership Team with deputies available to cover when needed. The DSLs are responsible for child protection and safeguarding, with safeguarding embedded in school ethos and Safer Recruitment procedures. The policy outlines clear roles for the ELT and Board to oversee safeguarding, and references reporting to appropriate authorities as required, including the UK Embassy and the Ministry of Education in KSA. The Saudi Child helpline 116 111 is available for safeguarding concerns, and online safety is addressed within the policy alongside procedures for reporting and record-keeping.
Parent Experience

History
BISAK was established in 1977 as a not-for-profit school serving the Al Khobar community. It is governed by a volunteer body of British parents elected by BISAK families to guide the school's development and ensure resources support pupils' learning. In 2019 BISAK relocated to a new state-of-the-art campus, a 20 million SAR project developed with the Al Musader Group, after which BISAK took responsibility for the campus' ongoing maintenance and operations. In February 2025 BISAK became the first British school in Saudi Arabia to receive an Outstanding rating in all areas from the UK Department for Education's British School Overseas program. The school maintains close ties with the British Embassy and its wider BISAK community, reflected in its motto and community ethos.

Community
BISAK describes itself as a community and family, guided by its motto Let there be peace on earth. The principal notes ongoing support from the wider BISAK community and the British Embassy. BISAK public materials show an active flow of information and events through BISAK News and Events and annual publications such as the Yearbook, which document school life across Preparatory, Senior School and Sixth Form. This emphasis on belonging, care and mutual respect shapes daily interactions within the school community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
BISAK is governed as a not-for-profit school by a volunteer body of British parents elected by BISAK families, and this parent group works in close partnership with the school leadership. The governing body operates with support from the British Embassy, reflecting BISAK's international ties and community backing. Public materials indicate active parental involvement in school life through BISAK News and Events and the annual Yearbook, which document community activities and milestones. BISAK's profile lists memberships in international networks such as BSO, AoBSO, COBIS and BSME, underscoring its broader community and standards. The school's community ethos centers on a collaborative relationship between families and staff, anchored in BISAK's guiding principle Let there be peace on earth.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school offers a British international education in Al Khobar, with a purpose-built campus and a community-focused environment. The Preparatory School serves Nursery to Year 6, the Senior School covers Years 7 to 11, and the Sixth Form includes Years 12 to 13.

Sports Facilities
The school provides a range of after-school activities and clubs across sports, arts, and other disciplines, with programs running after school hours.

Academic Facilities
The school follows the English National Curriculum from Nursery through Year 13, with structured progression from Preparatory School to Senior School and Sixth Form. In Key Stage 4, pupils study iGCSE/GCSE alongside compulsory subjects, and Sixth Form offers A-level-style options.

Extra Curricular Facilities
There is a broad offering of after-school activities across sports, music, art, language development, debate, and other areas, with clubs operating from 2:00pm to 3:00pm each term.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers an extensive after-school programme that extends learning beyond the classroom. Debating, computing, and maths challenge are core academic offerings. The programme is delivered by teaching staff and external providers, such as a LAMDA teacher. Senior School activities include Model United Nations and other subject-focused clubs to complement classroom study.

Arts & Creative
Instrumental Music Tuition Programme provides weekly 30-minute lessons in piano, clarinet, flute, saxophone, violin, viola, and voice, with music theory. Pupils may take ABRSM examinations in these instruments. The arts extend to ensembles and choirs, including BISAK Orchestra, Rock Choir, Year 9/10 Band, Junior Band, Rock Band, and Junior Choir. Art-related after-school activities include Art GCSE & A Level provision, painting club, craft club, and film-related projects.

Cultural & Language
Arabic Classes are held after school for Arabic speakers. French introductory and beginner courses are provided through Alliance Française for Year 3 to Year 6. The Hispanic World is a language/cultural club, and Latin for Beginners is offered (limited spaces).

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby clubs include The Hunger Games Sequel Book Club, Debate Club, Chess/Board Games, Library Club, Playground Games, Board and Card Games, Construction Club, and Young Entrepreneurs. There are sports clubs such as Running, Football, Netball, Basketball, and Tennis/Badminton, plus related teams and activities. Music and performance are supported by LAMDA and a range of bands and choirs. These activities foster teamwork, social engagement and broader interests.

Leadership & Professional
The House System places pupils into vertical houses that mix age groups and provide leadership opportunities. Pupils can earn BISAK Points for displaying the BISAK values of Belief, Internationalism, Success, Aspiration, and Knowledge. House Captains and Vice Captains are elected, with leadership roles available for pupils in Year 6 and above.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Pastoral support is available, with confidential meetings and safeguarding coordinated by designated staff. The school employs nurses to manage medical health within a well-equipped medical room. Safeguarding is prioritized, with ongoing welfare and welfare oversight. Food policies include healthy guidelines and nut restrictions. Pupils bring a named water bottle to school, and there are canteen provisions for meals and snacks.
Languages

Language Provision
The Preparatory School follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales, with Nursery and Reception following the English Early Years Framework. Core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science. Foundation subjects include History, Geography, Design and Technology, Art, Music, Physical Education, Computing and MFL, with Arabic and Spanish taught as foreign languages.
Reputation

Awards
The school has received external inspection accolades, including a February 2025 BSO inspection awarding an Outstanding rating in all areas.

Accreditations
The school is accredited and affiliated with multiple UK-based and international bodies, including the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO), British School Overseas (BSO), the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), and the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS).
Admissions

Admissions
1. BISAK accepts applications for Nursery (age 3) to Year 13 (age 18). The school operates an English National Curriculum and is a not-for-profit school. For placement, BISAK uses a priority system: British passport holders are given priority, followed by chronological order by date of registration. To begin the process, complete the Registration Form (via the form linked in Admissions) and BISAK will be in contact.

2. Availability is published by year group for each academic year. All children are added to a Waiting List and registration is not a guarantee of placement. For academic year 2025-2026, Pre-Preparatory (EYFS) Nursery has places available, Reception is on a waiting list, Year 2 has places available, Year 4 has places available, Year 6 has places available, Senior School Year 7 is on a waiting list, Year 8 has places available, Year 9 is on a waiting list, and higher year groups show some closed entries (e.g., Year 10-13 on lists). This provides current capacity information for planning.

3. If there is availability on the registration waiting list, complete the Registration Form and Pupil Medication Form. Registration documents and the capitation fee (16,000 SAR) are paid by appointment.

4. Registration is not a guaranteed place; families are kept on the Waiting List and BISAK will contact them if a place becomes available. This process emphasizes that entry depends on current availability and the waiting-list status.

5. You can learn more and engage with BISAK by attending Admissions – Open Day, which provides an overview of the school and its programs. Open Day information is accessible through Admissions, and is part of the formal process for prospective families.

Scholarships
Information on scholarships being offered is not published.

Waitlist
All applicants are placed on a Waiting List; registration does not guarantee placement. Availability by year group is published for each academic year, and some year groups show limited or no places at certain times. British passport holders are given priority when offers are made, followed by registration date, which influences progression from the waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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