In many ways, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is immersed in its own personal Renaissance moment. Look around you and you can see a developing appreciation for the arts, a wide array of entertainment options, and a rapidly changing education sector that is making enormous strides to nurture and grow the next generation of internationally competitive and globally minded students. No longer is education a concern for expat parents as the educational landscape of Saudi transitions to a diverse, competitive and, most importantly, high quality sector.
The world of education in the Kingdom has been on a blazing path in the last few years and is only accelerating. Parents have a plethora of choices in everything from quality, curriculum, culture, language, examinations, co-curricular options, and student life. What was once a very small pool of choice for expats mainly based on nationality has since become a diverse and motley sector of international brands.
In order to achieve the ambitions behind Vision 2030, the Royal Commission of Riyadh City in partnership with the Ministry of Investment has pursued attractive names and options for expat parents in Riyadh who have long desired education that mirrors the standard of their home countries. Riyadh is finally answering that call. Under the banner of making Riyadh one of the most livable cities in the world, the RCRC has established partnerships with some of the best global international school brands.
Besides livability, the school attraction program strives to ensure that young Saudis and expatriate children have access to the opportunities that lead to global competitiveness. “As part of our city’s strategy to enhance the education sector, our partnership with the Ministry of Education along with the Ministry of Investment reflects commitment to providing education and learning opportunities for Saudi and foreign students. Also, this step comes in line with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, and RCRC’s strategy to build on Riyadh’s position as the regional economic powerhouse in becoming one of the world’s top ten cities, and one of the most prominent in quality of life, tourism, and services by 2030,” said HE Mr. Fahd Bin Abdulmohsen Bin Saleh Al-Rasheed, RCRC CEO.
Schools coming to the Kingdom were selected based on a number of selective criteria including global reputation, a focus on 21st century skills, innovation programs, academic results, notable alumni, and academic results.
One of the most prestigious names in UK education, King’s College, was the first to open under the commission’s support in historic Diriyah. King’s graduates are amongst some of the most accomplished in the world including world leaders, Nobel laureates, Olympians, and global changemakers. With more than 140 years of experience, King’s has a host of values including the spirit of self-respect, partnership, and the importance of contributing. King’s has a holistic approach they call the “King’s Way” to support each student in their journey to achieve their full potential. The school is driven by its values including curiosity, care for others, respect and tolerance, endeavor, and leadership and enterprise.
Singapore’s One World School has set the benchmark for education in Singapore and now has a campus in Riyadh serving preschool until Grade 4 with the same values-centric approach as their brand has come to be known for teaching with kindness at its core. The school features an innovative approach that combines inquiry-based learning with an emphasis on sports and co-curricular activities in a world-class campus. The school is future-focused with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation to ensure children are prepared for this fast-changing world of digital and smart technologies from a young age. Students are also taught to be compassionate global citizens of tomorrow who care for people and the planet.
Aldenham Prep Riyadh is part of the Aldenham Education Group and is integrated closely with Aldenham School in the UK. In 1596, Queen Elizabeth I gave royal assent for the founding of a school to Richard Platt, a nobleman and philanthropist. Aldenham School was established and the foundation stone was laid in 1597; this centuries old institution is now in Riyadh. Boys and girls have the opportunity for a smooth transition of education from 3-18 years, focusing on developing the whole child. They boast an excellent all-around education. With a forward-thinking culture embedded in their operation, Aldenham’s tradition sets them apart from their peers in this growing field. Aldenham boasts alumni such as supreme court justices, television personalities, professional sports players, and even kings.
Established in 1892, SEK International Schools are places where innovation and pedagogical leadership are combined with nearly 130 years of tradition and history to offer educational programs of the highest quality. Like other SEK International Schools, SEK-Riyadh embraces the SEK Future Learning Model, which stems from a natural evolution of their innovative Intelligent classroom method and focuses on student learning and staff professional development. The proprietary learning model drives flexible, personalized, and collaborative learning, with methodologies and tools adapted to physical and virtual environments. The students participate actively in their own learning process. It encourages critical thinking, real problem solving and entrepreneurship. It caters to the current and future needs of students.
Beech Hall School Riyadh is a brand new, ground-breaking and exciting international school in Al Khuzama, Riyadh. They are a fully inclusive school and have a non-selective admissions process which means your child or children do not have to sit an entrance exam or assessment to join their school community. Beech Hall has developed their own curriculum overlay, The Beech Hall School Riyadh Tapestry, which is entirely bespoke and ensures that all our pupils are ready not just for external exams but their future. The Tapestry is made up of a series of six strands and provides a learning framework that ensures our children are fully prepared to embrace all that the 21st century has to offer, with a keen focus on digital technology, mindset, health and wellbeing, global citizenship, sustainability, and entrepreneurialism.
One of the most established international schools in Riyadh with more than a 60-year presence in the Kingdom, the American International School-Riyadh (AIS-R) is an independent, non-profit, co-educational school offering an enriched American curriculum with an international perspective for students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. AIS-R is a proud mission-driven community of learners and leaders, immersed in an ethos of shared beliefs, values, and celebration. Since 1963, AIS-R has earned a solid reputation for rigorous academic pursuits, high student achievement, innovative practices, and exceptional programming. As a modern learning organization, AIS-R is dedicated to nurturing responsive, adaptive, and motivated global citizens through a dynamic, strengths-based, and wellbeing educational program fortified through their bespoke honor code.
Last, but far from least, the British International School is also one of Riyadh’s international school originals. With two campuses in Riyadh and three additional campuses in the Kingdom, this non-profit school has been established for more than 40 years and serves children from early years through high school. BISR provides a holistic educational experience for our students. Academic studies are enhanced by provision of a broad enrichment programme, including a comprehensive range of after school activities, inter-house competitions, service learning experiences, day trips and residential trips. These are further enhanced through sporting competitions and inter-school events, taking advantage of local, national and international opportunities.
There is no doubt that with the drive through the Ministry of Investment and the RCRC to attract international corporate headquarters to Riyadh, we will continue to witness the speedy expansion of even more options in education as the competitive market keeps schools with their eye firmly on quality. As the Renaissance man DaVinci once said, “Learning never exhausts the mind,” and Saudi is embracing their time in their own enlightenment by investing in their human capital paying valuable dividends for the future of Saudi Arabia.
Check out the menu of school options below and a brief bio of some of the exciting options for parents right now:
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 (Sun-Thurs)
Website: www.aisr.org
Contact: +966 11 459 7500 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 (Sun-Thurs)
Website: www.bisr.com.sa
Admissions contact:
Main Campus – 9200 33963
Diplomatic Quarter campus – +966 11 520 9050
Location: 2786 Ibrahim Mubarak Said Ad Dusari Diplomatic Quarter: 3586 Alradaef Street, Al Safarat
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 (Sun-Thurs)
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 (Sun-Thurs)
Website: https://riyadh.owis.org/
Admissions contact: +966 506373159
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 their students’ abilities to the highest level of their potential.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sun-Thurs)
Website: www.sek.sa
Admissions contact: +966 53 063 3295
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 (Sun-Thurs)
Website: www.kingscollegeriyadh.com
Admissions contact: +966 11 508 8022
Location: Al Khalidiyah, Ad Diriyah
Beech Hall School
Beech Hall School, Riyadh is a premium, non-selective, all-inclusive mainstream school for students aged 3-18 that places students at the center of what we do. They are located in the heart of Al Khuzama district, in a state of the art, high-tech building. Their learning spaces have been designed by the award winning Space Zero and are perfect for students to realise their limitless potential. Class sizes are capped and our curriculum is designed to allow students to pursue internationally recognized pathways. They are currently accepting ongoing admissions for grades 1-6 (girls and boys) in the primary section and up to grade 9 girls and grade 7 boys from September 2023. Beech Hall School, Riyadh is reimagining education as part of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Sun-Thurs)
Website: www.beechhallschoolriyadh.com
Admissions contact: +966 55 049 2708
Location: 7490 Al Baldah, Al Khuzama
