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SEK International School Riyadh

Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees SAR 35,190 - 82,225
Ages 2 - 17 years
Pupil numbers 320
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Typical class size 18
Introduction

SEK International School Riyadh is a private international day school located in the Al Rabie / Ar Rabi district of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Al Toq Street). The school delivers the International Baccalaureate curriculum: it is authorised for the PYP and MYP and is a candidate school for the IB Diploma Programme. It serves early years through upper secondary stages (ages 2 to 17). The main language of instruction is English, while Arabic and Spanish are taught across programmes and the school describes itself as multilingual. Facilities and services highlighted on the school website include technology-rich ‘‘Smart Classrooms'' with iPads, robotics and smart boards, a cafeteria and planned bus transport, together with a programme of extracurricular activities in sports, arts, technology and community service. SEK-Riyadh is part of the SEK Education Group, follows the group's Future Learning Model and SEK Profile, and has begun external quality processes including NEASC accreditation work.

Al Toq Street Ar Rabie, Riyadh 13315, Saudi Arabia

The Essentials

SEK International School Riyadh has 320 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location

SEK International School Riyadh is located at Al Toq Street, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315, Saudi Arabia. The campus sits in central Riyadh in the Al Rabie district, close to the Kingdom Hospital. It has strong road connections via the King Salman and King Fahad highways. SEK Riyadh is part of SEK Education Group, a Spanish organization with a long history in international education.

Stages

The school currently welcomes students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 11 (ages 3 to 16). It plans to offer the International Baccalaureate continuum, with PYP and MYP authorized and DP in candidate status. The curriculum includes Early Childhood (age 3-6) and Primary (age 6-11) as foundational segments.

Type

SEK Riyadh is a private international school. It operates as a co-educational environment up to Grade 6, with mixed-gender classrooms reported for that range; details for later years are not explicitly defined in public materials.

Pupil Nationality Mix

SEK Riyadh sits within SEK Education Group, which serves more than 80 nationalities across its international schools. The Riyadh campus-specific nationality breakdown is not published separately.

Additional learning support

SEK Riyadh has an Inclusion Policy that supports students with Special Educational Needs and uses Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) where appropriate. The school provides English Language Acquisition (ELA) support and other counseling/coordination through its Counseling Department to assist diverse learners.

Country affiliation

SEK Riyadh is part of the SEK Education Group, a Spanish organization established in Madrid, Spain.

Religious affiliation

There is no religious affiliation stated for SEK Riyadh. The curriculum meets Saudi requirements, including Arabic and Islamic Studies, taught by Saudi-qualified teachers.

School day structure

The school day runs from 7:30 am to 2:15 pm on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Breaks and lunch arrangements are managed within this timetable.

Bus service

Transport options include a plan to offer bus transportation for students from different locations across Riyadh. Specific providers, routes and schedules are not published publicly at this time.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

SEK International School Riyadh operates as a day school with no boarding facilities. There are no full, weekly, or flexi-boarding options offered. Students attend during the day and return home after classes. The school's IB-related information confirms there are no on-site boarding arrangements.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are compulsory. A PDF lists the uniform items and requirements, and the official supplier is Zak Store. Purchases are arranged through Zak Store's Riyadh site, with Tala Mall in Riyadh listed as a purchasing location.

Food Options

Families have two lunch options: students can bring their own lunch or use the cafeteria service with advance ordering. The cafeteria meals are supervised by staff and meals are monitored for healthy options.

Governance and Ownership

SEK International School Riyadh is part of SEK Education Group (Institución Educativa SEK). SEK Education Group was founded in 1892 and operates a global network of SEK International Schools, including Riyadh. The Riyadh campus is presented as part of this international group of schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at SEK International School Riyadh ranges from SAR 35,190 to SAR 82,225 for 2026/27.

Application / Reservation Fee

- A non-refundable Reservation (application) Fee of SAR 7,500 is payable to confirm an offered place. For non‑Saudi nationals the Reservation Fee including VAT is SAR 8,625. The Reservation Fee is deducted from the first tuition payment. Families have five natural days to pay the Reservation Fee after an offer is made.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)

- Nursery (0–1): Annual SAR 30,600 / Per term SAR 10,200. Annual (VAT included) SAR 35,190 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 11,730.
- Pre‑K1 (PYP 1): Annual SAR 43,500 / Per term SAR 14,500. Annual (VAT included) SAR 50,025 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 16,675.
- Pre‑K2 (PYP 2): Annual SAR 45,500 / Per term SAR 15,167. Annual (VAT included) SAR 52,325 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 17,442.
- KG (PYP 3): Annual SAR 49,000 / Per term SAR 16,333. Annual (VAT included) SAR 56,350 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 18,783.
- Grade 1 (PYP 4): Annual SAR 52,000 / Per term SAR 17,333. Annual (VAT included) SAR 59,800 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 19,993.
- Grade 2 (PYP 5): Annual SAR 60,000 / Per term SAR 20,000. Annual (VAT included) SAR 69,000 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 23,000.
- Grade 3 (PYP 6): Annual SAR 62,000 / Per term SAR 20,667. Annual (VAT included) SAR 71,300 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 23,767.
- Grade 4 (PYP 7): Annual SAR 63,000 / Per term SAR 21,000. Annual (VAT included) SAR 72,450 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 24,150.
- Grade 5 (PYP 8): Annual SAR 64,500 / Per term SAR 21,500. Annual (VAT included) SAR 74,175 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 24,725.
- Grade 6 (MYP 1): Annual SAR 65,500 / Per term SAR 21,833. Annual (VAT included) SAR 75,325 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 25,108.
- Grade 7 (MYP 2): Annual SAR 67,500 / Per term SAR 22,500. Annual (VAT included) SAR 77,625 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 25,875.
- Grade 8 (MYP 3): Annual SAR 70,500 / Per term SAR 23,500. Annual (VAT included) SAR 81,075 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 27,025.
- Grade 9 (MYP 4): Annual SAR 71,000 / Per term SAR 23,667. Annual (VAT included) SAR 81,650 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 27,217.
- Grade 10 (MYP 5): Annual SAR 71,000 / Per term SAR 23,667. Annual (VAT included) SAR 81,650 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 27,217.
- Grade 11 (DP 1): Annual SAR 71,500 / Per term SAR 23,833. Annual (VAT included) SAR 82,225 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 27,408.
- Grade 12 (DP 2): Annual SAR 71,500 / Per term SAR 23,833. Annual (VAT included) SAR 82,225 / Per term (VAT included) SAR 27,408.

(All tuition figures above are shown as the published annual amount and the equal third‑term installment. VAT treatment is shown where the document provides VAT‑inclusive figures.)

Discounts and additional tuition‑related charges

- A 5% discount on tuition is available where the full year's fees are paid in a single instalment before the first day of school in August.
- A 7.5% sibling discount applies to the third child and a 10% discount for subsequent children; the discount applies to the youngest students.
- VAT at 15% is added to tuition fees except where regulatory exemptions apply; the published VAT‑inclusive figures are shown in the fee schedule.
- English Language Acquisition (ELA) support, when required, is charged SAR 3,800 per period (charged in two time frames: September–January and February–June) and is compulsory when identified at admission.
- Extra‑curricular activities, school field trips and certain other services are charged separately and are not included in the tuition figures. Field trips incur additional fees.
- After‑school care (for Nursery students and older) is available from 14:00 to 15:00 on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at SAR 900 per month per child; late pickup that is consistent may incur this fee.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is invoiced as three equal instalments billed in advance and payable before the start of each term. For the 2025–2026 academic year the invoice issue dates and deadlines are:
- First instalment issued September 1, 2025 — due September 15, 2025.
- Second instalment issued December 1, 2025 — due December 15, 2025.
- Third instalment issued March 1, 2026 — due March 15, 2026.
- The Reservation Fee must be paid within five natural days of the place offer to secure the place.
- A re‑enrollment (returning student) non‑refundable deposit of SAR 5,000 is due before February 1 each year to secure a seat for the next academic year; for non‑Saudi nationals the amount including VAT is SAR 5,750. The re‑enrollment deposit is deducted from the first tuition payment of the following year.
- Tuition fees are billed in advance and must be paid by the published due dates; outstanding balances may jeopardize continued enrollment and reports/transfer documents will not be released until fees are settled. Term fees are not prorated and full‑term fees apply for students joining late in a term. Notice of withdrawal must be provided in writing at least two weeks before the end of the current term; otherwise term fees remain payable.

Boarding

- Boarding is not listed as a provision or charge in the school's fees policy or school information. No boarding fees apply.

Uniforms and other ancillary costs

- Uniforms are required and the school publishes a uniform list and directs families to the school section on the Zak Store supplier for purchase. Uniform costs are payable to the supplier. Extra costs to budget for include extra‑curricular activity fees, field trips, ELA where applicable, and after‑school care.

Refund information and related conditions

- The Reservation Fee is non‑refundable.
- The re‑enrollment deposit is non‑refundable.
- Term fees are not prorated; full‑term fees apply for late joiners and fees covering any approved temporary withdrawal period must be fully paid. If withdrawal notice is not provided in writing at least two weeks before the end of the current term, term fees are applicable. The school may revoke enrollment for non‑payment of fees. School reports and transfer documents are withheld until all outstanding fees are settled.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Payment methods accepted: Direct bank deposit, bank transfer and Electronic Mada Card. For bank transfers or deposits a copy of the deposit slip or transfer confirmation should be sent to the Finance Office or emailed with the invoice number and student name.
- Published bank details for transfers: Bank Name — Banque Saudi Fransi; Company Name — Education Management Corporation Arabia for Education; Account Number — 81519600153; IBAN — SA5655000000081519600153; SWIFT Code — BSFRSARI. (Bank address is given as King Abdul Aziz Street, Riyadh.)
Academics

SEK International School Riyadh teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 17.

Curriculum

SEK International School Riyadh offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum for students aged 3 to 18, integrating a local Saudi context within SEK's international framework. The school is authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is a candidate for the Diploma Programme (DP); current enrollment runs from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 11 (ages 3 to 16). English is the main language of instruction, with opportunities to develop fluency in English, Arabic, and Spanish within a bilingual-oriented approach. SEK's learning model emphasizes inquiry-based, student-centred learning, the SEK Profile and international-mindedness, and includes features such as the SEK Portfolio, Be Challenge and Be Well initiatives. The curriculum is designed to align with international accreditation standards, including NEASC, and supports pathways for higher education abroad.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEK International School Riyadh supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a Be Well Centre that focuses on the community's emotional, mental, physical, and personal well-being. The school implements the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI) and the RULER SEL program to promote the recognition, expression, and self-regulation of emotions. The Be Well initiative is complemented by mindfulness and socio-emotional skills training delivered in partnership with Camilo José Cela University, as part of SEK's wellbeing framework and the Healthy Schools initiative. The school also promotes well-being as part of its 21st-century learning approach, including Empowerment Hubs that give students time to explore interests during the school day. Overall, SEL is embedded in the curriculum as part of SEK's holistic education model to support students' well-being and social-emotional development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

SEK-Riyadh follows an inclusive education approach and will admit students whose academic and personal needs can be met by the program and student support services available at the time of admission. The school may admit students requiring support up to a determined threshold, depending on available resources. The school provides English as a second or foreign language (ELA) support as a paid service for non-native speakers. The admissions policy notes that assessments relating to Additional Educational Support Needs (e.g., Educational Psychologist reports, Speech and Language Therapy) may be considered when planning support. SEK-Riyadh is described as inclusive rather than a specialist SEN institution, relying on its program and supports to meet diverse needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the language of instruction, with Arabic and Spanish taught as additional languages. The school provides ELA support to non-native English speakers as a paid service, and admissions decisions consider whether adequate English language support resources are available. Arabic and Spanish are embedded in the curriculum as Language Acquisition subjects. In the IB programmes, Arabic and Spanish are offered within the language offerings, reflecting SEK's multilingual context.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is a central component of SEK-Riyadh's wellbeing strategy. The Be Well Centre provides emotional, mental, physical, and personal balance support, with the aim of training and supporting the SEK community in mindfulness and socio-emotional skills, and aligning with the Healthy Schools initiative. The wellness framework includes the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI) and the RULER program to promote recognition, expression, and regulation of emotions. Mindfulness and socio-emotional training are delivered in collaboration with Camilo José Cela University. Empowerment Hubs and the broader 21st-century learning approach further integrate well-being into daily learning and student development.

Safeguarding

SEK-Riyadh emphasizes safeguarding through its international accreditation and safety commitments. SEK International Schools are accredited by the National Child Safety Association, reflecting a formal safeguarding framework across SEK schools. The Admissions Policy outlines inclusive education and the consideration of non-native English learners, including access to English language support and related assessments for Additional Educational Support Needs. The policy requires documentation of any special assessments (e.g., psychologist reports, speech and language therapy) when applicable. Together, these elements indicate a structured approach to safeguarding and student welfare within SEK-Riyadh's governance and policies.
Parent Experience

History

The SEK Education Group began in 1892 in the historic centre of Madrid, Spain. It was officially recognized in 1902, and in 1935 the Segovia family took over the running of the school and its development, three generations later yielding a network of SEK International Schools and one university. Camilo José Cela University in Madrid was founded in 2000, marking a milestone in SEK's educational process and its commitment to teaching, research and innovation. SEK Education Group was born of a hundred-year family tradition of freedom and autonomy, free from religious, political or financial ties. SEK International School Riyadh welcomed its inaugural students in September 2021 and, as part of the SEK Education Group, is authorized to offer the IB PYP and MYP and is pursuing DP authorization, with NEASC accreditation started.

Community

SEK Riyadh operates within a multilingual, multicultural community with English as the main language of instruction, while Arabic and Spanish are taught to all students. The Learning Outside-In project, developed in partnership with Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, involves teachers, families, and the local community in designing learning paths. The IB continuum is central to the school's programme, with PYP and MYP authorized and DP in candidate status. Cultural outings and trips are part of the programme to enrich students' experiences.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

SEK Riyadh promotes active parent involvement through its school community and invites family participation in learning. Open Day provides a structured opportunity for families to tour the campus and meet teachers. SEK Day is an annual event that recognises teachers and professionals and engages the broader school community. SEK also offers webinars on Global Citizenship and Mindfulness that invite family participation. The Head of School invites families to actively participate in the community and supports ongoing family involvement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The SEK-Riyadh campus is a state-of-the-art learning environment developed by leading designers, architects and academics to enhance learning. Sports, Arts, Technology and Activities are an essential aspect of the holistic educational model and support students' health and wellbeing. The campus includes two large indoor multi-purpose halls for sports, arts events and other major school events. It also includes two Learning Hubs for research and inquiry, two Creativity Hubs for visual and performing arts, and two Maker Spaces for exploring technology and entrepreneurship. There are two multi-purpose atriums, extensive shaded outdoor games and play areas, and dedicated specialist spaces for Early Years, Sciences, and Languages & Culture with a focus on Arabic Language and Culture.

Sports Facilities

The SEK-Riyadh campus includes two large indoor multi-purpose halls for sports, arts events and other major school events. These spaces support physical education and athletic activities as part of SEK's holistic education model. The campus also features extensive shaded outdoor games and play areas. The design integrates these facilities with Arts and Technology spaces to support a broad extracurricular program.

Academic Facilities

There are dedicated specialist learning spaces for Early Years, Sciences, and Languages & Culture (with a focus on Arabic Language and Culture). The campus includes two Learning Hubs for research and inquiry. There are two Maker Spaces for exploring technology and entrepreneurship. General classroom spaces support instruction.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Sports, Arts, Technology and Activities are an essential aspect of the holistic educational model at SEK International Schools. The campus provides two Learning Hubs, two Creativity Hubs for visual and performing arts, and two Maker Spaces to support extracurricular engagement. There are extensive shaded outdoor play areas for recreation and physical activity. The facilities support a broad range of co-curricular experiences alongside academics.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

SEK-Riyadh plans to offer the International Baccalaureate continuum for students from 3 to 18 years old. The school is a PYP and MYP authorized IB World School and a candidate for the Diploma Programme. The IB framework emphasizes inquiry-based learning and action, with Grade 8 Community Project and Grade 10 Personal Project, connecting learning to real-world contexts. SEK Tech Labs provide co-curricular courses in programming, information management and robotics, and the SEK Portfolio documents evidence of learning across curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

Arts & Creative

The campus includes two Creativity Hubs for visual and performing arts, and two large indoor multi-purpose halls for arts events. The IB curriculum integrates arts as a subject group within the Diploma Programme, and the MYP includes Arts (Music and Visual Arts) as part of its eight subject areas. Be Challenge and the Be Well Centre support creative exploration and wellbeing through empowerment activities.

Cultural & Language

The main language of instruction is English, and students have the opportunity to develop fluency and mastery of English, Arabic, Spanish and other languages. Languages & Culture spaces focus on Arabic Language and Culture as a special emphasis. SEK-Riyadh offers Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) with CEFR-aligned levels and Curricular Plan guidelines, including detailed course content and assessment. SEK also maintains a bilingual, dual-language and international curriculum approach across programmes.

Social & Hobbies

The school offers Model United Nations speaking and debate events (SEKMUN, THIMUN) and on-campus media (press, radio and television), robotics, maker spaces, exchanges, and social action activities. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is available to students to foster leadership, autonomy, collaboration, and problem-solving through experiential challenges.

Community & Service

In the MYP, students engage in Service as Action, and in Grade 8 complete the Community Project to implement service in the community. The DP core includes Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and an extended essay, emphasizing community involvement. The SEK Portfolio documents the all-round learning process, including evidence from curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership, adventure and expedition experience are highlighted as part of the SEK Profile, guiding students to take on responsibility and leadership. The school features opportunities for leadership development through Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh's Award and other empowerment initiatives. SEK emphasizes professional learning for staff to support student leadership and project-based learning across disciplines.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sports, the Arts, Technology and Activities are central to the holistic model and support student health and wellbeing, with two large indoor halls and extensive outdoor spaces. A Be Well Centre supports emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, including the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and the RULER program. The campus also includes Be Challenge and other wellness initiatives to promote balanced, healthy living.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the main language of instruction. Arabic and Spanish are taught as additional languages, with Arabic and Spanish delivered through Language Acquisition and other IB language strands. In the IB framework at SEK-Riyadh, students study at least two languages in the Middle Years Programme, and there are language offerings including English, Arabic and Spanish, with ELE Spanish available.

Bilingual Teaching

The main language of instruction is English; Arabic and Spanish are taught as additional languages.
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1: Applications are submitted through the OpenApply online application system. OpenApply provides information about deadlines and relevant details. For first-time applicants, select Application Form; for renewals or returning applicants, select Applicant & Family Login and use the same email. To schedule a school tour, select Schedule Tour. If problems occur or the password is forgotten, contact the Admissions team via the OpenApply system.

Step 2: Read the Admission Policy (PDF) and Fee Policy (PDF) before submitting the online application. These documents explain the requirements and the fee structure. Additional details about the application process are available in OpenApply.

Step 3: Admissions contact is Julie Anne Alonso, Counselor and Admissions Officer. The school is located at Al Toq Street, Ar Rabia, Riyadh 13315; other contact numbers include School Telf: +966 050 999 7328 and Admissions Tel: +966 53 063 3295.
School Events
The school has not added events