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Gulf International School

Saudi Arabia, Al Khobar

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees SAR 21,000 - 25,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1000
Type Co-educational
Opened 2005
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Arabic
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

Gulf International School (GIS) is a co-educational private school in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2005. Licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Education and affiliated with the University of Cambridge, GIS serves over 1,000 students from KG through Grade 12. The school implements the British curriculum alongside the Ministry's Arabic and Islamic Studies programme, and is accredited by AdvancED NCA CASI. GIS fosters a nurturing, inclusive environment focused on emotional intelligence, creativity and critical thinking.

Nairyah Street, Al Hamra, Al Khobar 34628, Saudi Arabia

The Essentials

Gulf International School has 1,000 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Nairyah Street, Al Hamra, Al Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Also referenced in the Iskan district area.

Stages
Kindergarten (KG1-KG3, ages 3-5) through Grade 12 (age 18), covering early years, primary (Grades 1-6), middle school (Grades 7-9) and high school (Grades 10-12).

Type
Private, co-educational international day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Primarily expatriate students, with Saudi nationals also accepted. The school is MOE-approved for expatriate education.

Additional learning support
The school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment. Contact the school for details on specific learning support programmes.

Country affiliation
United Kingdom (Cambridge affiliated) and Saudi Arabia (Ministry Arabic and Islamic Studies curriculum).

Religious affiliation
Islamic Studies is taught as part of the Saudi Ministry curriculum for all students.

School day structure
Regular school day with structured lessons. English is the main language of instruction for international subjects, with Arabic and Islamic Studies provided as per Ministry requirements.

Bus service
Contact the school for information on transportation services.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
GIS is a day school only. No boarding facilities are available.

Uniform Requirement
Contact the school for information on uniform requirements.

Food Options
Contact the school for details on canteen and meal arrangements.

House System
Contact the school for details on house or pastoral systems.

Governance and Ownership
Privately owned school directed by Dr. Brenda Mathis. Licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Education. Founded in 2005 in Al Khobar's Eastern Province.
Fees

Annual tuition at Gulf International School ranges from SAR 21,000 to SAR 25,000 for 2026/27.

Annual tuition ranges from 21,000 SAR (KG) to 25,000 SAR (Grades 10-12), making GIS one of the more affordable international schools in Al Khobar.
Academics

Gulf International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
GIS implements a British curriculum affiliated with the University of Cambridge. The curriculum has been gradually upgraded over the years. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught as per the Saudi Ministry of Education requirements. Students prepare for Cambridge assessments and examinations.

Student Teacher Ratio
Contact the school for details on class sizes and student-teacher ratios. The school serves over 1,000 students.

Exam Results
Students prepare for Cambridge examinations. The school is accredited by AdvancED NCA CASI and affiliated with the University of Cambridge. Contact the school for examination results.

Higher Education Progression
Cambridge qualifications are internationally recognised for university entry. The school focuses on developing lifelong learning skills for higher education and beyond.

Gifted and Talented
The school promotes creativity and critical thinking as core educational outcomes.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school prioritises emotional intelligence development and effective communication as core outcomes.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school emphasises inclusivity. Contact the school for details on specific SEN provision.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English proficiency is required as the language of instruction. Entrance exams assess English ability. Contact the school for EAL support details.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides a nurturing, inclusive and safe environment for all students.

Safeguarding
The school maintains safety and hygiene standards as part of its commitment to a secure learning environment.
Parent Experience

History
Gulf International School was founded in 2005 in Al Khobar's Eastern Province. The school has gradually upgraded its British curriculum over the years and gained AdvancED accreditation, serving over 1,000 students.

Community
A community of over 1,000 students, primarily expatriate families with some Saudi nationals. Parents rate the school highly for staff dedication and Arabic/Islamic curriculum enrichment.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school maintains communication with parents. Contact the school for details on parent engagement activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school campus is located on Nairyah Street in Al Hamra, Al Khobar. The school provides teaching, learning and innovation spaces. Contact the school for details on specific facilities.

Sports Facilities
Contact the school for details on sports facilities.

Academic Facilities
Classroom and learning spaces designed to support the Cambridge curriculum. Contact the school for details on labs, library and technology.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers activities including sports and creative programmes. Contact the school for the current activity schedule.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Cambridge curriculum enrichment and academic development with a focus on critical thinking.

Arts & Creative
Creative activities and arts programmes as part of the broader curriculum.

Cultural & Language
Arabic language and Islamic Studies alongside English-medium international education. The school blends British and Saudi educational traditions.

Social & Hobbies
Various clubs and recreational activities. Contact the school for current offerings.

Community & Service
Community engagement and values-based activities as part of the school's inclusive ethos.

Leadership & Professional
Development of effective communication, emotional intelligence and leadership skills through the curriculum.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school fosters emotional intelligence and wellbeing in a safe, inclusive environment.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the main language of instruction. Arabic is taught as a core subject as per Ministry requirements.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the primary language of instruction for international subjects. Arabic is taught as required by the Saudi Ministry of Education.

Immersion Programs
No formal immersion programmes. The bilingual English-Arabic environment provides natural language exposure.
Reputation

Awards
Well-reviewed by parents with a 4.2/5 star rating for academic level, communication, facilities, safety and activities.

Accreditations
University of Cambridge affiliation (UK). AdvancED NCA CASI accreditation. Licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
Admissions

Admissions
GIS is a selective school. Students must take an entrance exam and participate in an interview, as the language of instruction is English. Admission to each grade is based on age following MOE guidelines. KG students must be toilet trained. The school accepts both expatriate and Saudi national students.

Scholarships
Contact the school for details on any scholarship or financial aid opportunities.

Waitlist
Contact the school for information on availability and waiting lists.
School Events
The school has not added events
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