Over the past few decades, Saudi Arabia has undergone a profound transformation in many sectors, including its education system. Once rooted in traditional models, the Kingdom’s approach to education has expanded dramatically, embracing new technologies, modern teaching methods, and a global outlook. From the introduction of co-ed higher education institutions to an increased focus on science, technology, and critical thinking, Saudi Arabia is reimagining what it means to educate its future generations. This shift not only reflects the country’s vision for progress but also highlights the delicate balance between honoring cultural heritage, forging a path toward modernization, and serving the needs of expat families being attracted by Saudi’s career opportunities.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 marks a pivotal shift in the nation’s educational landscape, with far-reaching reforms aimed at ensuring that young Saudis and expatriate children receive world-class education, starting from elementary school through to high school. The goal is to develop a globally competitive generation equipped with 21st-century skills, while also fostering cultural values and personal development. Never before have expat parents and Saudi parents alike had the plethora of options their children’s education in the Kingdom.
The main driver of expanding the international education market is The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) which launched the School Attraction Program as part of its broader initiative to position Riyadh as one of the top global cities. The program’s primary goal is to bring world-renowned international schools to Riyadh, offering expatriate families and citizens access to high-quality education that aligns with global standards. The School Attraction Program also serves to enhance the city’s overall livability by ensuring that families have access to top-tier educational institutions that prepare the younger generation for a rapidly changing global landscape. This initiative ensures that expatriate and Saudi families have access to high-quality education that mirrors the standards of their home countries. Schools are selected based on criteria such as academic excellence, innovation programs, and their global reputation.
For parents of school-aged children, the most significant change lies in the diversification of educational options. Saudi Arabia has partnered with some of the world’s top international school brands, such as Ellesmere College, King’s College, and Downe House, to introduce a variety of curricula that meet global standards. Schools under the program offer internationally recognized programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British National Curriculum, and American Diploma, giving parents a wider range of choices to suit their children’s educational needs and future aspirations.
Additionally, Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of early childhood education and holistic child development, aiming to provide every child with access to high-quality education from a young age. Reforms in elementary and middle school focus on integrating technology into the classroom and encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among students. By the time students reach high school, the curriculum is designed to prepare them not only for university but for the future workforce, with an emphasis on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and innovation.
Now that the education landscape has officially shifted to one of high competitiveness, the market has forced schools to make monumental efforts to provide not only increasingly high-quality staff and modern instructional methodologies and programs, but also enrichment, co-curricular and athletic experiences to attract families. This competitiveness has and will continue to lead to more and more gains that positively benefit the student.
Another deeply positive move by the educational reforms has been the decision to extend Saudi Arabia’s school year to a 38-week instructional calendar which represents a critical step forward in enhancing the Kingdom’s educational outcomes. A longer school year allows for a more balanced and comprehensive approach to learning, reducing the pressure on students and teachers to cover material in a condensed period. Most critically, the extended school year aligns with global educational standards, positioning Saudi students to be more competitive in the international arena as students around the globe average 38-40 instructional weeks annually. The student in Saudi Arabian schools under the previous academic calendar would graduate with close to two years less schooling than their international counterpart but still compete for the same seat in higher education in high-demand universities in Europe and North America. By allowing more time for co-curricular activities, critical thinking, and the development of 21st-century skills, the longer calendar ensures students are better prepared for higher education and the evolving workforce by ensuring the system is at international standard. While the change has been marked with resistance from Saudi parents, the objectives of the move will certainly ensure the students are best prepared for this increasingly competitive world.
As a solid move to support and lead the charge on the myriad of reforms in education within the Kingdom, the Crown Prince’s own Misk Schools was established in 2016. Underpinning what is driving the reform across the country, the Crown Prince believes, “Our country is rich in its national resources but our real wealth lies in the ambition of our people and the potential for our younger generation. They are our nation’s pride and the architects of our future.” An innovative and holistic educational option serving aspirational young Saudis as well as talented international students, the school takes pride in “setting trends for a nation on the move”. The school prides itself on producing enterprising learners and delivering a highly personalized and holistic education intrinsically linked to the country’s vision.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents a transformative shift in the nation’s education system, creating a foundation that nurtures innovation and fosters global competitiveness. By expanding educational options, introducing prestigious international schools, and extending the academic year, the Kingdom is ensuring that students are better equipped to face the demands of the modern world. It is a bold but crucial step toward securing a brighter future for the Kingdom’s next generation.
Check out the following schools offering the best of international education in Riyadh now:
Misk Schools
Website: www.miskschools.edu.sa
Admissions contact: +966118210900
Location: Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, Irqah
American International School
AIS-R was founded in 1963, and celebrates more than half a century of excellence in education on a beautiful, purpose-built campus in North Riyadh. An IB accredited school, AIS-R boasts a student body of over 1,400 with more than 50 nationalities represented.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday-Thursday
Website: www.aisr.org
Admissions contact:
+966114597500 ext. 305 or 306
Location: Prince Saud Ibn Abdullah Ibn Jalawi, Al Aarid
British International School
With more than 1,600 students holding more than 60 different passports, BISR is one of the most diverse student bodies in the Kingdom. The school follows the English curriculum, greatly enriched by the local and international context. Learning is holistic, supported by a broad co-curricular programme, encompassing extra-curricular activities, house events, student leadership, service learning and residential trips. Strong pastoral care supports student well-being.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday-Thursday
Website: www.bisr.com.sa
Admissions contact:
Main Campus 9200 33963
Diplomatic Quarter campus +966115209050
Locations:
Main Campus: 2786 Ibrahim Mubarak Said Ad Dusari
Diplomatic Quarter: 3586 Alradaef Street, Al Safarat
Ellesmere College
Ellesmere’s educational philosophy is that we all learn differently. Ellesmere knows that students develop at different rates and at different times. The support for each individual student is tailored so they can confidently embark on the journey and become ‘Life Ready’, offering students the very best in education today and are now an accredited ‘High Performance Learning World Class School’.
Website: www.ellesmerecollegeriyadh.com
Admissions contact: +966591625643
Location: Khoufafa Al Tamimi, Alhamra District
Aldenham Prep School
The school offers an array of co-curricular offerings including sports, languages, arts, STEM and more. With more than 425 years of educational history, Aldenham is an exciting addition to the Riyadh landscape.
Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday-Thursday
Website: www.aldenhamprepriyadh.com
Admissions contact:
info@aldenhamprepriyadh.com
Location: An Nourah, As Sahafah
One World International School
Offering the American curriculum, OWIS is seeking authorization from the International Baccalaureate and is committed to experiential learning believing that children learn from what they do and build a lifelong habit of curiosity. OWIS Riyadh is part of the Global Schools Foundation which educates 28,000 students from more than 70 different countries spread over 25 campuses around the world from Japan to the United Kingdom and now Saudi Arabia.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday-Thursday
Website: https://riyadh.owis.org/
Admissions contact: +966506373159
Location: Maan Street, Al Muruj
SEK International School
SEK has over 40 years’ experience of offering IB programs, with an excellent record of IB diploma results and university entrance. Their aim at SEK International Schools is to provide a high-quality international education through the development of our students’ abilities to the highest level of their potential.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday-Thursday
Website: www.sek.sa
Admissions contact: +966530633295
Location: Alrabie District near Kingdom Hospital
King’s College
Children who join King’s Riyadh will leave as well-rounded young adults, having fulfilled their potential having had the opportunity to experience and explore a wide range of interests. The school aims to be a leader in education in Riyadh promoting genuine personal inquiry and intellectual appetite from the youngest of ages.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday-Thursday
Website: www.kingscollegeriyadh.com
Admissions contact: +966115088022
Location: Al Khalidiyah, Ad Diriyah
Beech Hall School
This year, Beech Hall accepts students from KG up to Grade 5 for boys and up to Grade 7 for girls. In 2023-2024, they will be opening their senior school to both boys and girls. The school prides itself on nurturing our diverse, inclusive and global school community whilst at the same time ensuring your child will learn at the right pace, at the right time, for them as an individual.
Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday-Thursday
Website: www.beechhallschoolriyadh.com
Admissions contact: +966550492708
Location: 7490 Al Baldah, Al Khuzama
Downe House Riyadh
For over 100 years, Downe House has nurtured girls from young children, through their teenage years and into adulthood. Their new school in Riyadh harnesses that heritage by offering a tailored education that combines the best of British with the tradition of, and respect for, the culture and language of Saudi Arabia.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday-Thursday
Website: www.downehouseriyadh.com
Admissions contact: +966114666749
Location: Abi Alhasan Alhsry, Alaqiq
