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Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Arabic
Strengths Cambridge affiliated, AdvancED accredited, Affordable international fees
Clubs Arabic and Islamic Studies, Sports, Creative Activities
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, High School
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.
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.
Fees
Annual tuition at Gulf International School ranges from SAR 5,600 to SAR 6,667 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 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.
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.
FAQs
What curriculum does GIS follow?
GIS follows the British curriculum affiliated with the University of Cambridge, alongside the Saudi Ministry's Arabic and Islamic Studies programme.
What age range does the school accept?
KG1 (age 3) through Grade 12 (age 18).
How many students attend GIS?
Over 1,000 students ranging from ages 3 to 18.
What are the annual fees?
Annual tuition ranges from 21,000 SAR for KG to 25,000 SAR for Grades 10-12.
Is there an entrance exam?
Yes. GIS is a selective school requiring an entrance exam and interview, as instruction is in English.
Is GIS accredited?
Yes. GIS is accredited by AdvancED NCA CASI and affiliated with the University of Cambridge.
Does the school teach Arabic?
Yes. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught as part of the Saudi Ministry of Education requirements.
Can Saudi nationals attend?
Yes. The school is MOE-approved for expatriate education and also accepts Saudi national students.
Is the school co-educational?
Yes. GIS is fully co-educational from KG through Grade 12.
When was GIS founded?
GIS was founded in 2005 in Al Khobar, Eastern Province.
Who is the school director?
Dr. Brenda Mathis is the Director of Gulf International School.
Do KG students need to be toilet trained?
Yes. KG students must be toilet trained to attend the school.
