Beacon Private School vs Shaikha Hessa Girls' School

	B Beacon Private School Manama, Bahrain	S Shaikha Hessa Girls' School Manama, Bahrain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year BHD 2,250 - 6,550	Fees / year BHD 1,955 - 3,968
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Girls
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 350	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Arabic
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2001
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Beacon Private School is located at Building 101, Avenue 14, Block 109, P.O. Box 52030, Hidd, Muharraq, Kingdom of Bahrain. The campus is in the Hidd area of Muharraq, Bahrain. The location sits on Muharraq Island and is accessible via the island's road network.	Location Shaikha Hessa Girls' School is located in West Riffa, Bahrain, at 1525, Road 4226, West Riffa 942. The campus features a central dome connecting three wings: Administration, Elementary, and Middle/High School. A dedicated Kindergarten building is adjacent to the central building and serves the early years.
Stages	Stages The school serves Early Years (Pre-Nursery to KG2), Primary School, Middle School, and High School (PS/PK-12).	Stages The school is structured into Primary/Elementary, Middle School, and High School sections, with a separate Kindergarten building for the early years.
School type	School type Co-educational day school; there are no boarding facilities offered.	School type Private, all-girls school. It operates as a day school; there are no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school has about 274 students representing 35 nationalities. The most common nationalities reported include Bahraini, Kuwaiti, Saudi, British, Canadian, and American. The local to international student ratio is approximately 50:50.	Pupil nationality mix The school has an international student body with representation from over twenty-four nationalities. The most commonly reported nationality is Bahraini, and public data suggest a local-to-international ratio around 98:2, though exact figures published by the school are not available.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Beacon provides learning support and inclusion; the Learning Support & Inclusion Policy confirms commitment to equal learning opportunities and appropriate support for all students. Admissions policy notes that learners undergo assessment before admission to determine needed support.	Additional learning support An Academic Needs Assessment Form is part of the admissions process to identify any learning needs. The Bahraini Ministry of Education notes that mainstream schools provide support for students with special needs in a supportive environment.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Beacon operates in Bahrain and does not have a formal country-specific affiliation with another country. Bahrain is the country of operation.	Country affiliation Bahrain. The school is recognized by the Bahraini Ministry of Education.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Beacon has no formal religious affiliation; the school states it accepts learners regardless of religion. The admissions policy notes non-discrimination in terms of religion.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; the school emphasizes Arabic and Islamic values within its culture.
School day structure	School day structure School start times and end times vary by grade. Typical timing places a start around 7:50 am and end times ranging from 12:45 pm for younger grades to 2:45 pm for older grades.	School day structure School starts at 7:55 a.m. Pre-School ends at 12:30 p.m.; Grades 1–12 finish at 2:35 p.m. Supervised care before and after school is available for about 30 minutes.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school does not offer a school bus service; transportation is the family's responsibility, with private providers available if needed.	Bus service details There is no school-provided bus service. Transportation arrangements would need to be organized by families.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Application Fee: BHD 30 (one-time, non-refundable). - Enrolment (reservation) Fee: BHD 150 (payable once a place is offered; non‑refundable). - Re‑enrolment Fee (for returning students): BHD 100 (deductible from the first instalment when paid). Tuition fees by year group (annual and four-instalment breakdown) - Pre‑Nursery: Annual tuition BHD 2,250; instalments: 1st BHD 560, 2nd BHD 565, 3rd BHD 560, 4th BHD 565. - Nursery: Annual tuition BHD 3,070; instalments: 1st BHD 765, 2nd BHD 770, 3rd BHD 765, 4th BHD 770. - KG1–KG2: Annual tuition BHD 3,700; instalments: four equal instalments of BHD 925. - Grade 1–2: Annual tuition BHD 4,000; instalments: four equal instalments of BHD 1,000. - Grade 3–4: Annual tuition BHD 4,250; instalments: 1st BHD 1,060, 2nd BHD 1,065, 3rd BHD 1,060, 4th BHD 1,065. - Grade 5–6: Annual tuition BHD 5,075; instalments: 1st BHD 1,265, 2nd BHD 1,270, 3rd BHD 1,270, 4th BHD 1,270. - Grade 7–8: Annual tuition BHD 5,560; instalments: four equal instalments of BHD 1,390. - Grade 9–10: Annual tuition BHD 6,125; instalments: 1st BHD 1,525, 2nd BHD 1,535, 3rd BHD 1,525, 4th BHD 1,540. - Grade 11–12: Annual tuition BHD 6,550; instalments: 1st BHD 1,635, 2nd BHD 1,640, 3rd BHD 1,635, 4th BHD 1,640. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is invoiced in four instalments for students joining in September. Instalment due windows are the first week of September, the first week of November, the first week of January, and the first week of March. All fees are billed in advance and must be paid by the due date on the invoice. - Cash payments and other currency notes are not accepted. Cheques from employers are accepted but parents remain responsible for timely payment. Late payment penalties and administrative actions are applied for overdue amounts, including suspension of access to school facilities and withholding transcripts or certificates. A late‑payment fine (and other consequences such as MOE notification and legal action) apply for persistent arrears. - Tuition instalments are non‑refundable if the student attends any classes in that term; in general, registration and enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Specific withdrawal penalties apply depending on the term of withdrawal (see Refund/Withdrawal rules below). Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as part of the school's fee schedule; no boarding fees are published in the school fee schedule. No separate boarding charge is included in the tuition table. Other costs and routine service fees - Learning / materials charges (to be paid in the first instalment): Nursery–KG2 BHD 100; Grades 1–5 BHD 135; Grades 6–10 BHD 150; Grades 11–12 BHD 250. These charges are subject to VAT where applicable. - After‑hours service (Pre‑Nursery to KG2): BHD 2.5 per day; invoiced at the end of each term if used. - Fines and additional service charges: VAT at 10% applies to non‑tuition services; penalties and other applicable charges (e.g., bouncing cheque fees) are applied as described in the school's financial terms. - Sibling discounts: 10% discount on tuition for the second sibling and 15% for the third (and subsequent) sibling(s). A 3% discount on full‑year tuition is available for a single payment received by the stated early‑payment deadline for that offer. Refund information and withdrawal rules - Registration and application fees are non‑refundable. Tuition fees are refundable only in exceptional cases at the discretion of school management. - Withdrawal charge rules: if a student withdraws on or after the first day of Term 1, the family is liable for the full Term 1 tuition, 50% of the service fee, and the full admission fees; withdrawal during Term 2 results in a charge of 100% of the annual tuition and 100% of the service fee plus admission fees. Written notice of permanent withdrawal must be provided one term in advance; failure to provide the notice makes the family liable for the following term's fees. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: Bank transfer, direct bank deposit, credit or debit card, and BenefitPay. For bank transfers and direct deposits, parents must send the deposit slip or transfer confirmation to the finance office together with the invoice number and student name to ensure correct allocation. - Bank transfer details provided for payments (use the school's finance contact when making a transfer): Beneficiary: Beacon Private School S.P.C; Bank: Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait; A/C No.: 100000410189; SWIFT: BBKUBHBMXXX; IBAN: BH97BBKU00100000410189. Parents are responsible for ensuring payment details are supplied to the accounts office so payments are correctly allocated. Terms and conditions (high‑level points relevant to fees) - All tuition fees are charged per student in BHD and tuition is VAT‑exempt; other services incur 10% VAT. Fees are reviewed annually and may change with Ministry approval. Students will not be re‑enrolled for a new academic year until all prior fees are cleared. Overdue accounts may result in suspension, MOE notification, and legal action. Finance contact - For invoice allocation and payment queries, the school's finance/accounts email is provided for parents to share deposit slips and payment references when using bank transfers or direct deposits.	Fee details Application and one‑time fees - Application / testing fee: BHD 20 (one‑time, new students). - Registration fee (new students): BHD 180 (one‑time). - Development fee (new students): BHD 200 (one‑time). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑installment amounts) - Nursery (Pre‑school / N): Total annual tuition BHD 1,955. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 500 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 700 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 755 (due Jan 30). - KG1 / KG2 (Early years): Total annual tuition BHD 2,415. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 600 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 860 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 955 (due Jan 30). - Grades 1–6 (Elementary): Total annual tuition BHD 2,829. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 740 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 975 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 1,114 (due Jan 30). - Grades 7–8 (Lower secondary): Total annual tuition BHD 3,416. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 860 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 1,200 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 1,356 (due Jan 30). - Grades 9–12 (Upper secondary / IGCSE & IB): Total annual tuition BHD 3,968. Instalments: - 1st instalment: BHD 1,050 (due April 30). - 2nd instalment: BHD 1,445 (due Sept 30). - 3rd instalment: BHD 1,473 (due Jan 30). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in three instalments with the standard due dates: 1st instalment due April 30, 2nd instalment due September 30, and 3rd instalment due January 30 (dates shown with the fee schedule). On acceptance, registration/development fees and the first instalment are payable within the school's stated deadline. - All fees (application, registration, development and tuition) are non‑refundable and non‑transferable after the start of the academic year. Instalments must be paid on the published schedule; delayed payment may affect enrolment status. - Cheque return / dishonour charge: BHD 20 (cheque return fee is listed in school fee notes). Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school; boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and additional fees - Books and resource fees: to be announced; book and resource fees are charged separately and are due before the first day of class. - Stationery / book charges apply and are payable in the timelines stated for returning students. - Yearly locker rental (optional, for students in Grades 4–12): BHD 5 (annual) for students opting to use a locker. - Course‑specific costs: cost of graphic design software for students in Grades 9–12 who register for that course (student to pay/purchase). - External examination fees: - IGCSE examination fees are payable by Grade 10 students who register for external IGCSE exams. - IBDP examination fees are payable by Grade 12 students. - Ceremonies and events: Graduation ceremony fee for Grade 12 participants; Grade 5 and KG2 promotion ceremony fees for participating students. Refund information - Refunds for the first instalment only: if the 1st instalment of tuition for the next academic year is paid before April 30 and the student withdraws within one month of that payment, the full 1st instalment is refundable. After one month, BHD 500 is deducted and the balance refunded. No refund is applicable after the academic year has started (September). Application, registration, development and tuition fees are explicitly non‑refundable / non‑transferable after the academic year starts. Fee payment options and practical notes - The official fee documents require payment of the stated instalments and one‑time fees; the fee schedule and admissions notes indicate payments are managed by the school's finance/admissions office and that cheques are used (a cheque return charge is specified). Specific accepted payment channels (for example bank transfer, credit card, online portal) are not itemised in the published fee sheet; parents should follow the school's published enrolment instructions and finance office procedures for the available payment channels. Other practical points (fee‑related rules) - On acceptance, payment deadlines for registration, development fees and the first instalment are enforced to secure a place. Delayed payment can jeopardise the confirmed place. (Fees expressed in Bahraini Dinar — BHD.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Beacon Private School is a day school and does not offer boarding. There is an after-hours care option for Pre-Nursery to KG2 learners from 13:30 to 14:35 on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, at a cost of BD 2.5 per day.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Beacon Private School uses a uniform policy. Early years wear yellow polo shirts with practical trousers or skirts, while elementary students wear a yellow polo with grey trousers or skirts; high school students wear grey polo with appropriate bottoms. A PE uniform is used for physical education and uniforms can be purchased at the on-campus uniform shop.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Learners are encouraged to bring healthy food from home for breaks and lunch, while an external catering service provides snacks and juices for the Secondary Learner Café until new facilities are ready. For dietary needs, parents should inform the school nurse in writing and provide snacks from home, and chewing gum or sweets are not allowed. Nursery to Grade 5 may bring food to share on special occasions.	Food options The school has an on-site cafeteria.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership SEK Education Group acts as the school management partner under Beacon's governance. The school maintains a Board of Directors and a Board of Trustees; Dinis Costa is listed as a member. The partnership with SEK and SEK's role in management are described in the Beacon handbook.	Governance and ownership The school is privately owned and non-profit and is governed by a Board of Directors with Educational and Financial committees. The Chairman is Shaikh Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Khalifa, and other board members include Dr. Shaikha Hessa bint Ali Al Khalifa (President of the Financial Committee) and Shaikha Lulwa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa (President of the Educational Committee). The school is recognized by the Bahrain Ministry of Education and holds accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, is a member of the Council of International Schools, and is authorized for Edexcel International GCSE and the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Beacon Private School in Bahrain offers an international curriculum that combines American standards from Pre-K to Grade 12 with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the upper grades; the school is pursuing full IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) candidacy and is NEASC-accredited since 2022. Learners can graduate with an American High School Diploma through NEASC accreditation, alongside the IB Diploma Programme for the final two years. The language of instruction is English and Arabic within a bilingual framework, with a third language offered from Grades 1–10; an Arabic B program is available for non-Arabic speakers under MOE guidelines. The Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12) includes the core components Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service, with examinations typically in May and a broad subject range across groups. The curriculum is supported by Common Ground Collaborative (CGC) inquiry-based modules across the lower years, and Beacon participates in SEK exchanges and other international opportunities to develop global perspectives.	Curriculum details Shaikha Hessa Girls' School serves students from pre-school through Grade 12 and offers a bilingual Arabic-English education, with French taught as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8. The curriculum combines Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Secondary 1 in the early years, Edexcel IGCSE in the upper years, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the final two years. IGCSE subject offerings include English Language A, Mathematics A, a Science Double Award, and ICT, with Arabic First Language, and optional subjects such as History or Geography (Option A), Business Studies, Fine Art/Graphic Communication, and French (Option B). Non-IGCSE compulsory subjects include Physical Education, Arabic Social Studies, Civics (National Studies), and Islamic Studies. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year course (typical for Grades 11–12) with six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level) plus the core requirements of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. Shaikha Hessa Girls' School is ministry-recognized in Bahrain and holds accreditation from MSA-CESS and CIS, and is an IB World School since 2007.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Beacon Private School supports social and emotional development through a vibrant, inclusive Student Life program that extends learning beyond the classroom. The campus life section describes activities designed to help students grow socially and personally, with a focus on belonging and well‑being. Health & Wellness and Safety and Well‑Being are highlighted as core aspects of daily student life, underscoring the integration of emotional health with physical safety. The school also runs the School Without Walls (SWW) program for secondary students, which extends learning into real‑world contexts to build academic, service, and interpersonal skills. The ExplorIt! enrichment program provides Grade 1–10 students with weekly activity choices in arts, sports, and STEM to support curiosity, collaboration, and self‑expression.	Social & emotional learning Shaikha Hessa Girls' School addresses SEL through a strategic focus on Students' Emotional and Social Wellbeing, aiming to improve academic achievement by fostering deeper understanding of self and others, strengthening relationships with family, peers and teachers, and promoting self-awareness and a sense of purpose.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Beacon Private School explicitly adopts inclusive education and provides a Learning Support & Inclusion Policy to ensure equal learning opportunities and appropriate support for all students. The Admissions Policy notes inclusive education and considers a learner's emotional and language development when placing students, indicating attention to individual SEN needs within a general IB framework. The main language of instruction is English, with Arabic, Spanish, and French classes offered, which may influence placement and support for diverse learners. The school does not publicly disclose a list of specific SEN categories it can support or whether it operates as a dedicated SEN specialist institution. The policies emphasize inclusion rather than a separate SEN specialist service.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school describes an inclusive environment and supports individual academic and personal needs through structured and inclusive practices and differentiated instruction; however, specific SEN provisions or specialist SEN status are not disclosed on the site.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The Language Policy states English is the primary language of instruction while mother tongue development is supported, indicating deliberate support for language learning within a bilingual setting. The IB language profile confirms English and Arabic as languages of instruction, reflecting a bilingual program. The school does not publish a separate, formal EAL program, and explicit EAL services are not detailed in publicly available policy documents. Nevertheless, the bilingual instructional approach and explicit language development emphasis suggest integrated language support within the IB framework.	English as an additional language The school provides bilingual education in Arabic and English from pre-school to Grade 12, with French taught as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through Beacon's Health & Wellness initiatives and a Health & Safety Team that ensures measures to respond to emergencies and promote safety in all aspects of school life. The Safety and Well‑Being section of Student Life highlights a focus on student safety and positive behavior as part of everyday school life. The SWW (School Without Walls) program supports personal and interpersonal growth by linking classroom learning to real‑world experiences, while ExplorIt! offers Grade 1–10 enrichment experiences that can foster resilience and social development. Diversity & Inclusion and a broad co‑curricular program further support students' social and emotional growth.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through the Student Emotional and Social Wellbeing focus in SHGS's Strategic Plan, which includes aims to improve wellbeing by fostering self-understanding, strengthening relationships with family and peers, and promoting self-awareness, purpose, and emotional balance.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Beacon Private School frames safeguarding and wellbeing within its policies and IB World School standards, emphasizing student welfare and high expectations for conduct. The Policies and Handbook section includes a Learning Support & Inclusion Policy and Academic Policies that establish a framework for safeguarding, equity, and appropriate student support. The Admissions Policy also references inclusive education and attention to emotional and language development as part of safeguarding student placement. A Health & Safety Team provides measures to respond to emergencies, reinforcing safeguarding in practice across school life.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported by a safeguarding framework accessible from the Safeguarding section, including a Safeguarding Statement, Cybersafety, Health & Safety, Student Wellbeing, Behavior Guidelines, and Child Rights Protection.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Beacon Private School's campus features state-of-the-art spaces designed to support holistic learning. The daily spaces include Early Childhood (EC) classrooms, Primary (PYP) classrooms, and Middle Years (MYP) classrooms, with a Library Media Center (LMC) serving as a learning hub. The facilities emphasize academic, creative, and physical development, with dedicated spaces for arts, technology, and collaborative work. The campus design promotes student engagement through modern classrooms, sports facilities, and creative spaces. The campus is located at Beacon Private School, Building 101, Avenue 14, Block 109, Hidd Muharraq, Kingdom of Bahrain.	Facilities overview Shaikha Hessa Girls' School is organized around a central dome that links the Administration, Elementary, and Middle/High wings. The Elementary building includes a Computer laboratory, a Science laboratory, a Home Economics laboratory, ten classrooms, an Arabic library, and the social counselor's office. A separate Administration building houses the Principal, Deputy Principal, Finance, Registration/Admissions, a Board Room, and a Professional Development room. Next to the central block is a Kindergarten building with a large activities hall, spacious classrooms, and its own playground. The campus also features a cafeteria, a Multi-Purpose Hall with Physical Education facilities and a professional stage with audio and light technology, and an adjacent shaded swimming pool. The High School expansion provides a two-story library, a Computer lab, Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories, and a Robotics lab.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sports facilities are part of Beacon's campus to support physical education and athletics. The facilities are integrated with the school's holistic approach to education. Students engage in sports activities as part of the broader co-curricular program. The Student Life pages indicate that sports are among the extracurricular offerings. The campus design supports health and wellness initiatives through dedicated athletic spaces.	Sports facilities The Multi-Purpose Hall provides integrated Physical Education facilities and a professional stage with curtain and audio/lighting technology. An adjacent shaded swimming pool supports swimming and water-based activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Beacon Private School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and is authorized, with Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) candidate status. The school follows American curriculum standards from Pre-K to Grade 12. Beacon holds NEASC accreditation, with the latest visit noted in 2022. Language of instruction includes English and Arabic, and a third language is offered from Grades 1–10. The school focuses on four languages: Arabic, English, Spanish, and French.	Academic facilities The Elementary building includes a Computer laboratory, a Science laboratory, and a Home Economics laboratory, with ten classrooms and an Arabic library. The High School building houses a Computer lab and Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories, as well as a two-story, state-of-the-art library. The Middle School building contains an MS/HS Art class space. A Robotics laboratory is provided in the High School to support STEM learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Beacon offers a wide array of extracurricular activities including arts, sports, music, and clubs. Field trips are a vital part of Beacon's curriculum and extend learning beyond the classroom. The ExplorIt! enrichment program provides Grade 1 to Grade 10 students with weekly activity options on Tuesdays. The school facilitates international trips and cultural exchanges to broaden students' global perspectives. Health and safety are prioritized, with a Health & Safety Team and wellness initiatives, and the School Without Walls program extends learning beyond the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities Facilities support extracurricular life with the Kindergarten activities hall and playground, a cafeteria for meals and gatherings, and the Multi-Purpose Hall with a professional stage and audio-visual capabilities for performances and assemblies.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Beacon Private School was founded in 2018 in Bahrain. It is owned by SAMA Educational Company and JEO Capital, with SEK Education Group managing the school. The school earned International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme authorization in 2021 and is pursuing Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme candidacy. NEASC accreditation was granted in 2022. In 2023 Beacon joined SEK Education Group and appointed a new Head of School to lead the school.	History Shaikha Hessa Girls' School was established in 2001 as the first private, all-girls school in Bahrain. It operates as a private, non-profit national school with an international environment and a bilingual Arabic-English program. The school offers an international curriculum including IGCSE and the IB Diploma, and has grown to serve pre-school through Grade 12. It is recognized by the Ministry of Education, accredited in 2007 by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and has been a full member of the Council of International Schools since 2011; SHGS is noted as the first IB Diploma World School for Girls in Bahrain. The school teaches in English and Arabic, with French offered as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8.
Community	Community Beacon describes itself as 'the heart of the community' and maintains an active events calendar. Key events include Character Day and Pink Day, with activities such as Tiger for a Day also featured on the events page. The school operates a bilingual Arabic-English program with additional language offerings (Spanish and French). Testimonials describe a supportive, globally minded community.	Community SHGS gathers students from more than twenty-four nationalities, creating an international community anchored in Arabic and Islamic values and global citizenship. The school provides bilingual education in Arabic and English, with French taught as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8. Community life includes Think Pink Week for breast cancer awareness (2013) and student programs such as SHGS MUN conferences, Quran competitions, and Sports Day, with graduations attended by families. Graduations are held annually, and notable ceremonies have involved royal and government figures, such as the 16th graduation in 2023 attended by Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa and other officials.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Beacon Private School describes its Parent Teacher Association (PTA) as a vibrant part of the school ecosystem. The PTA coordinates events such as school fairs, cultural celebrations, sports events, and charity drives. Parents are encouraged to participate in school events and to volunteer, reflecting a strong home–school partnership. The PTA supports community service projects and clubs, including regular events and news about the school community. The school notes that PTA involvement includes opportunities for parent participation in events and decision-making within the school community.	Parent teacher association The school identifies itself as a private, non-profit institution that emphasizes a home-school partnership and ongoing parent communication, rather than listing a formal PTA on its site. Parent engagement is described as part of daily school life, with the principal noting the importance of parent collaboration in a “home-joint school” model. Parents participate in major events such as graduations, which are publicly publicized and attended by families and officials (for example, the 2020 graduation and the 2023 graduation). The calendar includes community events and student programs such as SHGS MUN, Quran competitions, Think Pink weeks, and Sports Day, which often involve parent involvement and support. The school is governed by a Board of Directors; public details about a separate PTA are not listed on the site, and current PTA specifics can be obtained from the school administration.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Beacon offers international education pathways including the American curriculum standards from Pre-K to Grade 12 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school is NEASC-accredited, enabling graduates to receive an American High School Diploma. The school provides international opportunities through SEK school exchanges and Week Without Walls international trips. Beacon has been authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme since November 2021 and is a candidate school for the Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme.	Academic & intellectual The school offers an international curriculum with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP). It is authorized by Edexcel for IGCSE and by the International Baccalaureate Organization to award the IB Diploma. It is recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain and is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA); it is a full member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). It has a Robotic Lab to support technology-based learning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative An Art room is available for creative work. The IB Diploma Programme includes Visual Arts as a subject. The school's facilities support arts and creative learning.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Beacon provides a bilingual education in Arabic and English, with a third language offered from Grades 1–10. English is the primary language of instruction, with Arabic development supported. International opportunities include SEK exchanges and Week Without Walls trips.	Cultural & language The school teaches in English. English, Arabic and French are taught. The school emphasizes Arabic and Islamic values within an international environment. The school has a multicultural community representing over twenty-four nationalities.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The school emphasizes leadership development and professional skills as part of its education. It aims to prepare students for leadership roles and future careers through its programs. The focus on technology and cross-cultural understanding supports student growth and readiness for global contexts.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The facilities include a shaded swimming pool and a Multi-Purpose Hall with Physical Education facilities. A cafeteria serves students, and a professional stage with audio and lighting supports performances. The campus design centers on a dome connecting wings to foster a collaborative environment for wellbeing and community.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches four languages: Arabic, English, French, and Spanish. Students learn three languages, chosen from Arabic, English, French, and Spanish. Grade levels span Early Years through High School.	Language provision Arabic and English are the languages of instruction; French is offered as a foreign language from Grade 4 to Grade 8.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Beacon Private School is described as a bilingual school. The languages include Arabic, English, Spanish, and French.	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual education in Arabic and English from pre-school to Grade 12.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations Beacon Private School is NEASC-accredited and has IB DP authorization with PYP/MYP candidate status.	Accreditations The school was established in 2001 as the first private, all-girls school in Bahrain. The school provides an international curriculum with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It celebrated the successful graduation of its fifth cohort since 2008. The school is located at 1525, Road 4226, West Riffa 942, Kingdom of Bahrain. The contact details are +973 1775 6111, fax +973 17750700, admin@shgs.edu.bh.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions AY 2025-2026 admissions are open. Applications are submitted online via the Apply Now link. Grade placement is guided by an age-appropriate framework that places students in Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, or High School. The campus is Beacon Private School, Building 101, Avenue 14, Block 109, PO Box 52030, Hidd Muharraq, Kingdom of Bahrain. Contact information: +973 66000088 and [email protected].	Admissions Shaikha Hessa Girls' School operates Pre-School through High School. It provides an international curriculum with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school was established in 2001 as the first private, all‑girls school in Bahrain, and it has celebrated the graduation of its fifth cohort since 2008. Admissions Procedures are published for Nursery to Grade 1, Grade 2 to 8, and High School, with each level providing a downloadable procedure. Entry Expectations are published per grade, and School Fees are published per level. Admission Forms are available for download. The school maintains state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including a central dome connecting Administration, Elementary, and Middle/High wings, with laboratories for Computer, Science, Home Economics, an Arabic library, and the office of the social counselor. The Middle/High and High School buildings include additional spaces such as a robotics lab, a two‑story library, a Multi‑Purpose Hall, a swimming pool, and a cafeteria.
Scholarships	Scholarships Beacon Private School offers tuition-related incentives. Sibling discounts: 10% for the second sibling, and 15% for the third or more siblings. A 3% discount is available for paying the full year's tuition in advance if payment is received by June 30, 2025. The Fees Policy lists a BD 30 application fee, a BD 150 enrolment fee, and a BD 100 re-enrolment deposit. Tuition is charged by grade with four instalments per year; learning materials and other services incur 10% VAT. After-hours care is available for Pre-Nursery to KG2 at BD 2.5 per day. The school states it offers a lifetime scholarships program. The school focuses on multilingual education and describes three languages from Arabic, English, French, or Spanish. Beacon Private School also identifies itself as a bilingual school. Translation of a staff Arabic testimonial: “We focus on four languages: Arabic, English, Spanish, and French. I wanted to join a school that focuses on the Arabic language to this extent because the Arabic language requirement is equal to the English language requirement.”	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →