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Curriculum British Curriculum, American Curriculum
Taught languages Arabic
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Ellesmere College Riyadh operates on two Riyadh campuses, Al Hamra and Salwa, to serve pupils aged 3 to 18. The school delivers a broad international education, combining the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–12, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19, alongside Cambridge IGCSE, the American Diploma, and Cambridge A Levels. It is a Candidate IB World School for the PYP and DP, and uses the High Performance Learning framework, a philosophy it has accredited since 2021. Facilities include extensive classrooms, a Knowledge Hub library, labs for science and STEM, art and music rooms, an auditorium seating 300, and comprehensive sports facilities including a swimming pool, gym, and multi-purpose halls. The school emphasises enquiry, independent research, and service through its co-curricular programme, with Sixth Form studies focused on rigorous IB and IGCSE preparation for university and future careers.
Khoufafa Al Tamimi, Alhamra District, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
The Essentials
Ellesmere College Riyadh has instruction in English.
Location
Ellesmere College Riyadh operates on two campuses in Riyadh: the Al Hamra campus at 6591, Khoufafa Al Tamimi Street, Alhamra District, Riyadh 11211, and the Salwa campus at 13454, Al Rimal, Riyadh. The Al Hamra address is listed by the British Council as Khoufafa Al Tamimi, Alhamra District, Riyadh 11211. Both campuses are situated in central Riyadh and are accessible by the city's major roads.
Stages
The school serves pupils aged 3–18. It offers Early Years (Pre-nursery, Nursery, and Reception), Primary Years (Years 3–12) under the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years (Years 11–16) under the Middle Years Programme, and Diploma-level study (Diploma Programme, American Diploma, and IGCSE Programme) for ages 16–19.
Type
The school is co-educational and operates as part of the Ellesmere College international network. Boarding facilities are not publicly described for the Riyadh campuses.
Additional learning support
Pupil wellbeing is a stated priority and safeguarding is in place. Specific provisions for Additional Learning Needs/SEN are not publicly disclosed for the Riyadh campuses.
Country affiliation
Affiliation with the United Kingdom; Ellesmere College Riyadh is part of a British international school network offering British-style curricula.
Religious affiliation
No explicit religious affiliation is stated for Ellesmere College Riyadh.
School day structure
Exact start and end times for the school day are not publicly published. The school does publish term dates and admissions information relevant to day-to-day planning.
Bus service
No in-house bus service for the Riyadh campuses is publicly listed. Families typically arrange private transport or may inquire about transport options via admissions.
Fees
Annual tuition at Ellesmere College Riyadh ranges from SAR 48,000 to SAR 68,000 for 2026/27.
Overview of published fees (academic year 2024/2025)
- Pre‑KG (annual): SAR 50,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 16,666.67 per installment (50,000 ÷ 3).
- KG 1–3 (annual): SAR 48,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to SAR 16,000.
- Grade 1–6 (annual): SAR 55,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 18,333.33 per installment (55,000 ÷ 3).
- Grade 7–9 (annual): SAR 61,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 20,333.33 per installment (61,000 ÷ 3).
- Grade 10–12 (annual): SAR 68,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 22,666.67 per installment (68,000 ÷ 3).
Application / seat reservation fee
- A seat reservation fee of SAR 5,000 is required; this amount is deducted from the total tuition fee. The seat reservation fee is refundable if enrollment is withdrawn at least two weeks before the start of the academic year.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school publishes an option to pay tuition in three installments; the first installment is due at the start of the academic year. The school also offers the option to pay the full tuition amount up front.
- A 5% discount applies for full payment of tuition in advance. Sibling discounts are published as 0% for the first child, 10% for the second child and 15% for the third child; a 15% partner referral discount for certain corporate/embassy partners is also published. The maximum combined discount that may be applied is 20%. Tuition fees are stated as exclusive of VAT.
- Consequences for late payment are published: if payment is not made within two weeks of the start of any term (or a student's file remains incomplete), the school reserves the right to revoke the student's admission; outstanding payments must then be settled immediately. Discounts may be rescinded after 15 days past the scheduled payment date.
Boarding fees
- No boarding fees are published. The school's published fee pages and admissions materials list day tuition by year group and do not publish any boarding provision or boarding rates.
Other costs and additional charges
- Tuition is described as covering the standard educational programme; additional costs explicitly excluded from tuition include textbooks, uniforms, extracurricular activities, field trips and specialised learning materials. Uniforms are required by policy, though the school's public materials do not publish uniform price lists.
- Some items or programmes (for example, special programmes or optional activities) may be charged separately and may be non‑refundable.
Refund and withdrawal policy (published schedule)
- Withdrawal and refund rules are published on a term‑by‑term timetable. The school's stated schedule is: withdrawal during the first week of the term incurs payment of 30% of that term's tuition; withdrawal during the second week incurs 40% of that term's tuition; withdrawal during the third week incurs 75% of that term's tuition; withdrawal in the fourth week or later requires payment of the full term's tuition. Certain fees (for special programmes) are stated as non‑refundable regardless of timing.
Fee payment options and notes on methods
- The school publishes two core payment structures: full payment of tuition upfront (eligible for the 5% advance payment discount) and a three‑installment plan. Details on any other payment mechanisms (for example, which card types, online payment gateway, or bank transfer details) are not published in the fee schedule or admissions policy made available with the tuition figures.
Key published notes
- Tuition figures above are the school's published annual fees for the 2024/2025 academic year and are stated as exclusive of VAT. The school indicates a detailed schedule of fees and further financial information is maintained by the admissions/finance office.
Academics
Ellesmere College Riyadh teaches British Curriculum, American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
Ellesmere College Riyadh offers an IB continuum across its divisions, with Primary Years (grade 1–5) pursuing the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years (grade 6–10) the Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma Programme (ages 16–19) alongside alternative senior qualifications. In Primary Years, the curriculum is inquiry-based under the PYP, with English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities taught inhomerooms; Arabic and Spanish are offered at Language & Literature and Language Acquisition levels, with Arabic Social Studies (Saudi History) and Islamic Values, plus specialist PHE, drama, STEM, and the arts. In Middle Years, students follow the MYP with balanced subjects including English, Mathematics, Sciences, PHE, drama, STEM, and arts; Arabic/Spanish are available at Language & Literature and Language Acquisition levels, alongside Arabic Social Studies (Saudi History) and Islamic Values. For the senior phase, the Diploma Programme includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay, and CAS, with six subject groups spanning Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts or Electives. Also available are the American Diploma (AD) for grades 11–12, described as a pre-university programme with cross-curricular research and a service-learning portfolio, and the IGCSE Diploma for grades 11–12, described as an IGCSE-based curriculum.
Higher Education Progression
Higher education progression is supported through IB DP and AD offerings, both described as pre-university or university-preparatory tracks designed to prepare students for higher education and future careers. The DP emphasizes university readiness via TOK, Extended Essay, and CAS, while the AD program positions students for higher education and professional pathways. The IGCSE Diploma serves as another pathway in the senior years. These tracks align with Ellesmere College Riyadh's stated aim of preparing students for higher education globally.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) provision, staff, or initiatives; however, campus life emphasizes a supportive, inclusive, and safe environment and a broad co-curricular programme that supports personal growth.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, staff, or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by a campus described as supportive, inclusive, and safe, which fosters student well‑being.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a top priority; the campus has security measures, staff trained in safeguarding protocols, and safeguarding professionals on hand.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Initial Application Review. Submit the online admission form with all required documents. The admissions team reviews the submission to ensure the application is complete and meets basic entry requirements. This step confirms that the applicant and family meet the school's initial criteria for movement to assessment. It signals readiness to proceed to the evaluation stage.
2. Admissions Exam. All applicants complete an entrance examination designed to assess academic ability in key subject areas. The exam results help determine whether the student is eligible for unconditional acceptance or will require conditional acceptance. If results indicate the student does not pass or achieve a low score, the school may offer conditional acceptance and develop an educational plan. Parents are expected to follow the plan and may need to arrange additional tutoring.
3. Interviews. Following the assessment, students and parents may be invited to an interview with the admissions team and, in some cases, with key academic staff. The interview provides an opportunity for the school to learn more about the student's interests, goals, and fit with the school community. The process may be used to confirm information gathered during the exam and review the student's readiness for the programme.
4. Conditional Admission. Based on assessment and interview, admission may be offered conditionally. Conditions may include attending additional support classes or engaging in enrichment activities to address identified needs. Parents are responsible for meeting the conditions and for arranging any recommended tutoring or supports. The school will communicate the conditions and the educational plan.
5. Finalization of Admission. Finalization occurs once all conditions have been met and financial obligations have been satisfied. This includes official registration in the school system and the creation of a comprehensive student file. The process formalizes the student's entry into Ellesmere College Riyadh.
6. Formal Registration within the School System. Formal registration within the school's system is completed. This step confirms the student's enrollment in the school database. All necessary documentation and approvals are stored in the student's file.
7. Ministry Authorization and Certificates. The school requires authorization from the Ministry of Education and submission of the required sequence of certificates. This step ensures compliance with national education requirements. The family provides the necessary certificates as part of enrollment.
8. Noor System Printout. A printout from the Noor system of the student's previous school is obtained. The Noor record is necessary for transferring student records.
9. Financial Obligations and Policies. Fulfillment of all financial responsibilities and adherence to the school's policies. The policy covers seat reservation, tuition, payment plans, and refunds. A seat reservation fee of SAR 5,000 is required and is deducted from tuition; payments can be made in 3 installments; there are refunds schedules and VAT applies. Scholarships are available for eligible applicants.
Scholarships
Scholarship Programs: Ellesmere College Riyadh offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships and financial aid packages based on need and merit. Scholarships recognize exceptional academic, artistic, or athletic talents and contribute to the student's education. Details and eligibility are outlined in a separate document available from the admissions office.
FAQs
Where are Ellesmere College Riyadh's campuses and what ages does it serve?
Ellesmere College Riyadh operates across two Riyadh campuses: Al Hamra and Salwa. It serves students from age 3 in Early Years through age 18 in the Sixth Form.
What curricula does the school offer and which age groups align with each program?
The school offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–12 (PYP candidate), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19 (IB candidate), along with an American Diploma and IGCSE options.
What is the seat reservation fee and is it refundable?
The seat reservation fee is SAR 5,000, paid at enrolment and credited toward tuition. It is refundable if enrolment is withdrawn at least two weeks before the start of the academic year.
What are the tuition costs by year group, and what payment options and discounts exist?
Annual tuition ranges from SAR 50,000 for Pre-KG to SAR 68,000 for Grade 10–12. Payment options include paying the full annual tuition in advance or using a three-installment plan, with a 5% discount for full upfront payment and additional discounts capped at 20% in total. VAT may apply for certain non-Saudi payers.
What IB and other programs does Ellesmere College Riyadh offer and what is the status of IB candidacy?
The school offers PYP, MYP, DP, American Diploma, and IGCSE options. It is an IB Candidate School for the PYP and the DP.
What are some core DP components and how is the Sixth Form structured?
The DP includes Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service, with six subject groups. The Sixth Form focuses on academic priorities and offers IGCSE and the international Baccalaureate as options.
What learning facilities are available, including library, labs, and auditorium?
The school features classrooms across two campuses, a Knowledge Hub Library with books and digital resources, STEM and science laboratories, and an Art and Music suite. The on-site Auditorium seats around 300 for performances and presentations.
What sports and athletic facilities does the campus have?
Ellesmere College Riyadh has a swimming pool, gym, multi-purpose sport halls, a dedicated gymnastics area, and paddle courts. The facilities support PE, competitive events, and a healthy active lifestyle.
What does the Extra-Curricular Programme include?
The programme offers a wide range of activities beyond academics, including sports, music and arts, clubs, and community service. Leadership opportunities are available through team sports, the Combined Cadet Force, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Are there arts facilities and how do they support DP or overall learning?
Yes, there are Art and Music Rooms that provide spaces for creative work. These facilities support creative expression and align with the DP's arts options and broader learning.
How does the school support wellbeing and address SEN?
The school places wellbeing at the center of learning, with mental health support, mindfulness, and counseling. It is not designed to cater for students with special educational needs, and some SEN cases may require transferring to another school; however, the school aims for inclusivity and appropriate support where possible.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
Safeguarding is a top priority with secure campus measures and staff trained in child protection and safety procedures. Qualified safeguarding professionals provide guidance and support.
Is the school a day school or boarding school, and what is the uniform policy?
Ellesmere College Riyadh operates as a day school with no published boarding provision. A mandatory official uniform applies for daily wear, including a PE kit; uniforms should be clean and properly worn.
What accreditation or recognition does the school hold?
The school holds High Performance Learning World Class School accreditation for 2021, recognizing its adoption of the High Performance Learning framework in teaching.
Are there any notable awards listed?
No awards are listed in the provided information; the notable recognition is the HPL World Class School accreditation (2021).
What languages are taught and how are language courses structured in the IB framework?
Group 1 covers Language and Literature, and Group 2 covers Language Acquisition; students choose six subjects from six groups, with three studied at standard level and three at higher level. These arrangements align with the DP language groups and requirements.
Is there a bilingual or immersion language program?
There is no information indicating a bilingual or immersion program; the data describes standard Language and Acquisition courses within the DP framework.
What community and leadership programs exist beyond academics?
Beyond academics, students participate in community service and leadership activities through the DP CAS, as well as team sports, the Combined Cadet Force, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
What is the school's history and its alignment with High Performance Learning?
The school follows the High Performance Learning philosophy and framework and was accredited as a High Performance Learning World Class School in 2021.
What should families know about admissions timing, waitlists, and scholarships?
The school offers a limited number of scholarships and financial aid based on need and merit. The admissions process includes an online form, required documents, an entrance assessment, interviews, and registration steps; waitlist status is not provided in the information.
