British International School Riyadh vs SEK International School Riyadh

	B British International School Riyadh Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	S SEK International School Riyadh Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SAR 49,095 - 107,933	Fees / year SAR 35,190 - 82,225
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 17 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 2,052	Pupils 320
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location British International School Riyadh operates across seven campuses in Saudi Arabia, including three in Riyadh: Al Hamra, Diplomatic Quarter, and Al Waha. In Riyadh, Al Hamra is located at 2786 Ibrahim Mubarak Said Ad Dusari in the Gharnatah District; the Diplomatic Quarter campus is at 3586 Alradaef Street, Al Safarat District; and Al Waha sits at 2822 Muhammad Ali Janah Street in the Gharnatah District. These campuses are part of one not-for-profit British international school network and offer cross-campus collaboration for families living in and around Riyadh.	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	Stages BISR is an all-through school for ages 3–18, with nurseries through Year 12 on its Riyadh campuses. The Diplomatic Quarter campus offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the 16–18 age group, while other campuses follow the English National Curriculum with GCSE and A‑Level pathways.	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.
School type	School type The school is co-educational (mixed-gender) and operates as a day school. Boarding is not offered.	School 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	Pupil nationality mix The student body comprises students from over 90 nationalities. The most common nationality is not published, and exact local-to-international ratios are not publicly disclosed; the school presents a highly diverse international mix.	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	Additional learning support Limited support for Additional Learning Needs (SEN). The school runs a Student Services programme with capacity for mild to moderate needs (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism) and offers limited EAL support.	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	Country affiliation BISR is a British international school overseas and is accredited as a British School Overseas (BSO) and by the Council of International Schools (CIS).	Country affiliation SEK Riyadh is part of the SEK Education Group, a Spanish organization established in Madrid, Spain.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation stated for the school.	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	School day structure Most campuses run a day that starts around 07:45 and finishes around 16:00, with breaks and a lunch period. At the Diplomatic Quarter campus, students may bring lunch or use catering options where available.	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 details	Bus service details School transport is organized and run by the residential compounds in Riyadh. Families should register for transportation with their compound management; BIS does not operate a dedicated in-house bus fleet.	Bus service details 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.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition fees (per year and per term) - Foundation 1 (Foundation): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 42,691; VAT 15% SR 6,404; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 49,095; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 16,365. - Foundation 2 (Foundation): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 57,821; VAT 15% SR 8,673; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 66,494; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 22,165. - Key Stage 1 (Year 1 & 2): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 60,071; VAT 15% SR 9,011; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 69,082; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 23,027. - Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 66,200; VAT 15% SR 9,930; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 76,130; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 25,377. - Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 72,717; VAT 15% SR 10,908; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 83,625; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 27,875. - Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 88,186; VAT 15% SR 13,228; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 101,414; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 33,805. - Key Stage 5 (Years 12 & 13): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 93,855; VAT 15% SR 14,078; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 107,933; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 35,978. Application and one-off/ancillary fees - Application fee (new students at Al Hamra, Al Waha and Diplomatic Quarter campuses): non‑refundable SR 575 (inclusive of VAT). Not applicable to BAE schools. - Assessment fee: non‑refundable SR 1,150 (inclusive of VAT); payable by bank transfer. - Registration fee (new students): single non‑refundable fee SR 11,500 (inclusive of VAT). Re‑registration required (fee payable again) if a student has been away from school for three clear terms. - Capital Development Fee (one‑time, non‑refundable for new students at non‑BAE campuses and for students moving from BAE schools): SR 11,500 (inclusive of VAT). - Seat deposit: single refundable deposit SR 5,000 (no VAT). Refund conditions: refunded when the family no longer has a child at the school provided one month's written notice during term time is given to the Registrar and all issued school IDs (including those issued to family helpers/drivers) are returned. - Resource deposit: single refundable deposit SR 1,500 (no VAT) (applies to the eldest child only). Repaid less deductions for damaged or lost school resources when the family no longer has a child at the school. - Sibling discount: SR 1,000 per term discount for the third child; SR 1,500 per term for the fourth and any subsequent children. - External examination fees (GCSE, AS/A‑level etc.): candidates pay their own entry fees plus a fair share of administrative costs (invigilation, courier, moderation). Costs for approved access arrangements are shared equally among candidates. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition fees are invoiced per term in advance (invoices issued towards the end of the preceding term). Parents are required to pay the term tuition by the due date stated on the invoice. - As part of onboarding, a virtual account is allocated by the finance team and tuition fees should be transferred into that virtual account (bank transfer). Assessment fees are explicitly payable by bank transfer. Failure to pay fees or failure to return for the commencement of the new academic year will result in the student being deemed to have left the school; re‑entry requires completion of initial registration procedures. Boarding - No boarding provision applies; the school operates as an international day school. There are no boarding fees. Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniform: full school uniform is required. Uniform guidance is published and uniform is available to order online via the official supplier Zaks (costs are charged separately at point of purchase). - Transport: school bus services are organised and operated by residential compounds; families register for bus transport through their compound management office and associated transport charges apply through those providers. - After‑school activities and external enrichment: some activities are delivered by external providers and may carry additional fees payable to those providers. Refunds and non‑refundables (summary) - Non‑refundable: application fee, assessment fee, registration fee, capital development fee. - Refundable: seat deposit (SR 5,000) and resource deposit (SR 1,500) are refundable subject to the stated conditions and less any deductions for damaged or missing resources. VAT and exemptions - VAT is applied at 15% where indicated in the fee breakdown. Saudi nationals are eligible for VAT exemption where applicable; families who believe they are eligible should contact the school finance department for assistance. Payment methods accepted (summary) - Tuition and other charges are paid by bank transfer into the allocated virtual account established by the school finance team. Assessment fees are payable by bank transfer. Specific campus onboarding provides the virtual account details. No other payment methods are specified in the fee and admissions information provided.	Fee details 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.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	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	Uniform requirement Students are required to wear full school uniform. Uniforms can be ordered online via Zaks and delivered anywhere in Saudi Arabia; there is also a BIS uniform shop at Al Hamra (to the right of the main gate) and a campus store at the Diplomatic Quarter, with an additional in-person option at Atyaf Mall. Opening hours for the Al Hamra store are 7:30–8:30 and 14:30–15:30, Sunday–Thursday.	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	Food options Primary students generally bring their own lunch. In Senior at Al Hamra and Al Waha there are two lunch options: Paul's (open to KS3, 4 and Sixth Form) and a pop-up canteen; at Diplomatic Quarter there is no onsite cafeteria but a preordered catering option is available; at Tabuk campus students may bring lunch or choose from the Al Fresco restaurant's school lunch menu (to be ordered and paid weekly in advance).	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.
House system	House system BISR runs a four-house system: Blunt Scorpions, Doughty Falcons, Palgrave Leopards and Pitts Vipers. The house system provides formal leadership roles (House Captains and House Leaders) and regular inter-house events, with an emphasis on values such as fair play, teamwork, citizenship, self-discipline, initiative, perseverance and resilience.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership BISR is a not-for-profit school administered by a Board of Governors. All revenue from school fees is reinvested into student learning, including staffing, resources and campus facilities, under the oversight of the Board and the Director of Schools. The school operates across seven campuses in Saudi Arabia and its governance focuses on safeguarding, finance, staffing and premises in line with regulatory requirements.	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.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details British International School Riyadh (BISR) operates across two Riyadh campuses, Al Hamra (nearly 2,000 students) and Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) (about 850), serving ages 3–18. At Al Hamra, the youngest learners follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, Years 1–9 use an adapted English National Curriculum, Years 10–11 offer GCSEs, and Years 12–13 offer A-Levels. At the Diplomatic Quarter campus, the curriculum combines the English National Curriculum in early years, then IGCSE in Years 10–11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Years 12–13, with vocational pathways available post-16. In the Primary phase, the school uses a concept-based English National Curriculum framework with core subjects (English, Maths, Science, Computing), a Theme block (History/Geography/Global Citizenship), Physical Education, Art/Design Technology, Music, and Modern Foreign Languages (French and Arabic). The IB Diploma Programme has been offered at DQ since 2022, reflecting the school's international accreditation.	Curriculum details 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.
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 SEL is embedded through a whole-school Wellbeing Pillar and a weekly PSHE program in the Primary School. PSHE uses the PSHE Association Scheme of Work and develops resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, teamwork and critical thinking. The Zones of Regulation framework is used to help children identify and regulate their emotions. The pastoral team, including a Primary School Counsellor, provides additional wellbeing support. Counselling is offered as brief interventions aligned with safeguarding, and the school emphasizes wellbeing as part of learning.	Social & emotional learning 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)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school can support students with mild to moderate additional needs. Supported conditions include dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism. Support is delivered by Learning Support and EAL colleagues, with learning plans and regular parent communication. Places in the Student Services programme are limited by capacity. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution in its published materials.	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	English as an additional language The school provides limited EAL support for students at an early stage of English. Enrollment requires age-appropriate fluency in English. EAL support is delivered in collaboration with Learning Support colleagues and involves partnership with parents. There is no dedicated full EAL program described; support is limited. EAL matters are addressed in partnership with parents through EAL and Support for Learning.	English as an additional language 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 Mental wellbeing is a core focus under the Wellbeing Pillar and PSHE. Zones of Regulation is used to help students identify and regulate emotions. The school maintains a strong pastoral team and a Primary School Counsellor to provide additional support. Wellbeing is integrated with learning, enrichment and wider life across BIS Riyadh. The Vision and Values emphasise happiness, healthy lifestyle and inclusive community as part of wellbeing.	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	Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported by a dedicated Safeguarding Team and governance oversight. The Board includes a designated Safeguarding Governor and a Safeguarding Committee. Counselling works closely with the safeguarding team to provide brief, goal-centered interventions. Parent forums and workshops are used to communicate safeguarding matters to families. The Board of Governors is responsible for safeguarding and ensuring compliance with regulations.	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.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview British International School Riyadh operates across three Riyadh campuses: Al Hamra, Diplomatic Quarter, and the newly opened Al Waha campus. Al Waha provides expansive classrooms, dedicated music and drama spaces including a 750-seat auditorium, and state‑of‑the‑art laboratories. It also offers extensive aquatic and outdoor sport facilities, including an 8‑lane, 25‑metre swimming pool with a learner pool, and an all‑weather sport dome with a full‑size 11‑a‑side pitch plus four 7‑a‑side pitches. The Al Hamra campus features large flexible learning spaces, art rooms, a range of laboratories, a swimming pool, and a comprehensive PE programme with a fitness suite, dance studio, sports hall, gymnasium and astro turf pitch. The Diplomatic Quarter campus provides a library, laboratories, a swimming pool, medical rooms and computer labs to support learning across key stages.	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	Sports facilities Across the Riyadh campuses, BISR offers extensive sports facilities. Al Waha features an all‑weather sports dome with full‑size pitches, four 7‑a‑side pitches, two sports halls, outdoor courts for tennis, volleyball and basketball, a dance studio, climbing walls and a gym, plus an 8‑lane, 25‑metre swimming pool and a learner pool. Al Hamra provides a fitness suite, a dance studio, a sports hall, a gym, and a multi‑purpose astro turf pitch, along with a swimming pool. The Diplomatic Quarter campus includes dedicated sports facilities as part of its modern complex.	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	Academic facilities Academic facilities across BISR include libraries and laboratories across campuses, with state‑of‑the‑art science, food technology, and art and design laboratories. The Al Waha campus offers expansive classrooms and dedicated laboratories to support science and technology work, while Al Hamra provides art rooms and laboratories and flexible learning spaces. The Diplomatic Quarter campus includes a library and computer labs to support digital and research skills.	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	Extra curricular facilities Musical and performing arts spaces are a core feature, with dedicated music rooms and a 750-seat auditorium at Al Waha and drama studios; arts spaces are supported by well‑equipped art rooms. A broad co‑curricular programme includes a strong PE and performing arts offering, with a gym, fitness suite and dance studio, and climbing facilities across campuses.	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.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The British International School Riyadh opened in September 1979 as the Riyadh Continental School to provide a British education for expatriate families, with support from the British Embassy and local banks. In March 1981 it was incorporated into the Saudi Arabian International Schools and renamed the British International School Riyadh. The school moved to the Rawdah site in 1982 due to rising student numbers, and in September 1995 it relocated to a purpose-built campus adjacent to the Al Hamra Compound in northern Riyadah. GCSE provision began in 2002 (Year 10) with Year 11 following in 2003, and the Sixth Form opened in September 2004, inaugurated by Prince Charles (now King Charles). From 2020 the BIS network expanded with new campuses and joining affiliations, including Al Saqr and Al Sharq openings, culminating in a large relocation to the Al Waha campus in 2025 as part of alignment with Vision 2030.	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	Community BISR is a not-for-profit, seven-campus, co-educational school in Saudi Arabia, serving around 3,000 students aged 3–18 from more than 90 nationalities and employing over 530 staff. The school supports a broad co-curricular programme that includes house events, student leadership, service learning and residential trips. The community is spread across seven campuses, united by a common mission and shared educational philosophy. Active parent involvement through campus PTAs also plays a key role in the school's community life.	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	Parent teacher association Each BISR campus has an active Parent Teacher Association that works to organise events and activities to reinforce the school community and provide extra opportunities for students. The PTA helps give parents a voice to offer fresh insight and contribute to continuous improvement, and it invites involvement from families at the campus level. Parents can contact their campus PTA to get involved, and the PTA pages outline visit and admissions-related information for families considering joining the school community.	Parent teacher association 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.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Diplomatic Quarter campus offers English National Curriculum, IGCSE, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for students aged 3–18. The Early Years Foundation Stage is provided, with progression through primary and senior levels. GCSE, A-Level, and BTEC qualifications are available on other BIS campuses.	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	Arts & creative Al Hamra campus provides dedicated art spaces described as creative sanctuaries. The campus supports arts and creative pursuits through these facilities and related programmes.	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	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction across BIS campuses. The English National Curriculum is used on multiple BIS campuses.	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	Social & hobbies Journeys is the enrichment programme featuring outdoor learning and trips. The Outdoor Learning Team curates journeys within Saudi Arabia and internationally.	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	Community & service Pastoral Care & Safeguarding provides wellbeing and safeguarding support. A dedicated Student Services team includes counsellors, EAL specialists, and learning-support staff.	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 & professional The Diplomatic Quarter campus is led by Principal Anna Power. A leadership team supports primary and senior sections across the campus.	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	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care and safeguarding underpin student wellbeing. Enrichment activities are designed to support physical and mental health.	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.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches in English, following the English National Curriculum. World Languages offered include Arabic, French and Spanish, with language study introduced in primary and continued at secondary levels. In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Group 2 language options include Arabic B SL/HL, French B SL/HL, and Spanish ab initio SL or Spanish B SL/HL. A carousel of world languages is available in Years 5 and 6 to allow students to choose a language for secondary school.	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	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The main language of instruction is English; Arabic and Spanish are taught as additional languages.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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