Britus International School vs Shaikha Hessa Girls' School

	B Britus International School Manama, Bahrain	S Shaikha Hessa Girls' School Manama, Bahrain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year BHD 1,350 - 2,950	Fees / year BHD 1,955 - 3,968
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Girls
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 2,400	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 Britus International School – Bahrain (BISBH) is located in Salmabad, Manama, Bahrain. The campus address is Building 208, Road 408, Block 704, Salmabad. It sits in northern Manama with straightforward road access to nearby residential and commercial areas. The school operates a bus service via Plus Transport with multiple routes and pickup points.	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 students aged 3 to 18 and is arranged into four divisions: Pre-school (Nursery–KG2), Elementary (Grade 1–6), Middle School (Grade 7–12), and High School (Grade 10–12). Middle and High School are grouped together as Grades 7–12.	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 Britus International School is a co-educational day school.	School type Private, all-girls school. It operates as a day school; there are no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Publicly published nationality data is not provided. BISBH describes its community as multicultural and international, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. Estimated student population figures vary in external listings (roughly 1,460–2,000), but a precise nationalities breakdown is not published.	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 Britus International School provides support for identified learners and aims to help all students progress; however, it currently cannot offer places to students with high-level special educational needs. Parents needing high-level SEN support are advised to engage with Britus Education Special Education (BISSE) for appropriate pathways.	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 The school is Bahrain-based and does not list a formal country-specific affiliation.	Country affiliation Bahrain. The school is recognized by the Bahraini Ministry of Education.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated; BISBH presents itself as an international school with diverse curricula.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; the school emphasizes Arabic and Islamic values within its culture.
School day structure	School day structure Shape of the Day shows separate timetables by division: Nursery–KG begin at about 7:30 a.m. and finish around 1:15 p.m.; Elementary begins around 7:15 a.m. and ends around 1:30 p.m.; Middle/High School starts about 7:00 a.m. and ends about 1:45 p.m. The day includes scheduled breaks and activity periods.	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 Yes. BISBH's transportation is outsourced to Plus Transport, with multiple routes from various pickup points. Families should contact Plus Transport to register and arrange service (Transport@plusrental.net; +973 17 83 82 82 / 3833 4112).	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 registration fees - Application & assessment fee: BD 25 (non‑refundable). - Registration fee: BD 125 (non‑refundable). Compulsory additional annual fees - Books: Nursery BD 75 per year; KG1–KG2 BD 100 per year; Grades 1–12 BD 120 per year. - Activity fee: BD 60 per year (equivalent to BD 20 per term as shown). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - Pre‑School (Nursery – KG2): BD 1,350 per year. Term 1 BD 450; Term 2 BD 450; Term 3 BD 450. - Elementary School (Grade 1 – Grade 6): BD 1,440 per year. Term 1 BD 480; Term 2 BD 480; Term 3 BD 480. - Middle School: - Grade 7: BD 1,900 per year. Term 1 BD 634; Term 2 BD 634; Term 3 BD 632. - Grade 8: BD 2,000 per year. Term 1 BD 667; Term 2 BD 667; Term 3 BD 666. - Grade 9: BD 2,200 per year. Term 1 BD 734; Term 2 BD 734; Term 3 BD 732. - High School (Grade 10 – Grade 12): BD 2,950 per year. Term 1 BD 984; Term 2 BD 984; Term 3 BD 982. Billing schedule and payment terms - Term instalment due dates: Term 1 due 30 June; Term 2 due 10 November; Term 3 due 10 February. - Re‑enrolment fees are scheduled for 30 April. - Discounts are conditional on payment within the due dates; if payment is not received by the due dates, any discounts will be reversed and full fees will be payable. - All fees are approved by the Ministry of Education and are subject to change. Boarding fees (if applicable) - No boarding fees are listed. The school does not publish a boarding fee schedule. Transport and related charges - School transportation is outsourced to Plus Transport; routes and costs are managed by that provider and must be arranged through Plus Transport directly (contact details provided by the school). Transport charges are not listed in the school tuition schedule. Uniform and other optional costs - School uniform is compulsory. The published school pages describe the uniform requirement but do not list a uniform price. - Additional optional costs such as IGCSE exam fees, trips, yearbook, enrichment activities or transport are payable separately; some of these services can be paid through the school's online payment options but specific amounts for these items are not published in the tuition schedule. Refund information - The application & assessment fee (BD 25) and the registration fee (BD 125) are defined as non‑refundable. No other explicit refund policy or refundable fee schedule is published on the tuition pages. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: online payment portal, cash, direct deposit / wire transfer, cheques (including post‑dated cheques), debit card and credit card. - The school partners with a third‑party provider (Zenda) to provide flexible payment plans that allow termly or monthly payments and to accept payments for school services (yearbook, IGCSE, trips, transport, etc.). Brief note on omitted items - The published tuition schedule lists the fees above but does not specify: boarding fees (no boarding schedule published), uniform prices, or detailed transport fares. For transport and any itemised optional charges, those amounts are handled by third‑party suppliers and are not included in the tuition table.	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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory. The school requires two types of uniform: the regular daily school uniform and the P.E. kit, which is worn only on P.E. class days. Clothing and belongings should be clearly labelled with the student's full name and grade.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options There is a campus cafe on site. Sliders cafe provides a range of hot and cold snacks and drinks available throughout the day for school staff, students, and parents.	Food options The school has an on-site cafeteria.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Britus International School Bahrain is owned and managed by Britus Education. The school is governed by a Board of Directors and is part of the Britus Education network of international schools.	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 Britus International School Bahrain serves students aged 3 to 18 (PS/PK–12) and offers American, Cambridge/IGCSE, and IB Diploma pathways. The US Curriculum follows the California Common Core State Standards across grade levels. The Cambridge pathway comprises Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary leading to Cambridge IGCSE (ages roughly 14–16) and Cambridge Advanced leading to AS and A Levels. The IB Diploma Programme is provided as a two-year pre-university course. Arabic-medium subjects align with the Bahrain Ministry of Education curricula, with instruction delivered in English and Arabic.	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 Graduates typically progress to universities worldwide via the IB Diploma, Cambridge AS/A Levels, or the US high school diploma pathways.	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 There is a dedicated counselling provision listed under Academics, indicating formal pastoral support for students. The site states 'We are there to support our students', signaling a pastoral approach to wellbeing. The Enrichment program emphasises developing core SEL-related competencies, including self-awareness and management, social awareness, communication and collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Enrichment activities such as Model United Nations and the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities to practice teamwork and cultural sensitivity. The Enrichment and activity calendars include World Mental Health Day, demonstrating a focus on mental wellbeing as part of the student experience.	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) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. A Counselling option is listed under Academics, indicating some pastoral support is available. Britus Education describes general skills development but does not specify SEN-specific strategies. The school is re-accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) in 2025, which includes safeguarding and well-being standards. CIS's Child Protection & Well-being framework suggests inclusion practices but explicit SEN information remains publicly undisclosed.	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 site does not publicly disclose any specific EAL provision. Language of instruction is English, according to external school directories. Britus Education materials describe multiple curricula and a global focus but do not specify EAL support. CIS accreditation in 2025 indicates alignment with international inclusion standards, which may include language support. Explicit EAL programs or staff details are not publicly disclosed.	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 Counselling services are listed under Academics, indicating formal support for student mental wellbeing. World Mental Health Day is included in the activity calendar. The enrichment program emphasises positive attributes like self-confidence, resilience and cultural sensitivity, which support wellbeing. Enrichment activities are designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and foster personal growth. The school communicates pastoral support through its 'Counselling' option and student wellbeing messaging.	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 Britus International School is re-accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) in 2025. CIS's safeguarding framework includes 'Child Protection & Well-being' as a priority area for member schools. CIS accreditation signals adherence to international safeguarding standards for international schools. Publicly disclosed BIS safeguarding policies are not available on the BIS site. CIS's reaccreditation status confirms BIS's ongoing commitment to safeguarding practices.	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 Britus International School – Bahrain is set on a large open campus that blends extensive outdoor sports facilities with purpose-built teaching spaces. The main building houses pre-school, KG and elementary areas, with classrooms equipped with digital projectors and high-speed wifi for online resources. Middle and high school spaces include dedicated ICT, art and science facilities, plus an iMac Lab for design-focused work. The campus features two dedicated libraries, one in each main teaching building, along with an art classroom and science laboratories. Outdoor facilities include two 3G football pitches, a 200m synthetic running track, basketball and volleyball courts, and an indoor Multi-purpose hall that doubles as a sports venue and events space. A KG play area and the Sliders Cafe add practical conveniences for daily life.	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 Outdoor facilities include two 3G football pitches, a 200m synthetic running track, and basketball and volleyball courts. Indoor sports are accommodated in the Multi-purpose Hall (MPH), which can host indoor sports and also serves as a large events venue.	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 Dedicated libraries are located in both main teaching buildings, stocked with phase-appropriate books and resources, with qualified librarians available to assist students and teachers. Middle school and high school spaces include specialized teaching areas for ICT, Art and Science, and an iMac Lab supports design and marketing work with Mac computers. Science laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics enable hands-on learning.	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 Art Classroom supports creative projects with materials for 2D and 3D work. The Multi-purpose Hall serves as a performance space for events and indoor activities, and the KG Play Area provides a dedicated covered space for early-years activities. Sliders Cafe offers snacks and beverages for students, staff and visitors throughout the day.	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 The school began as AMA International School Bahrain. In October 2021, after MOE approvals, AMA International School Bahrain rebranded as Britus International School and joined Britus Education, the portfolio managed by GFH Financial Group. Britus Education is the education investment platform managed by GFH Financial Group. The school is located in Manama, Bahrain. In 2025, CIS reaccredited Britus International School (on 23 July 2025), and NEASC conducted a visit that year.	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 Britus International School Bahrain has a diverse, multicultural student body and is a UNESCO Associated School. The school offers an enrichment program and maintains a calendar of community events that extend learning beyond the classroom. Community events include International Education Day, career fairs, and Bahrain National Sports Day, and the City Change Makers program was hosted in January 2025. Open days are held to engage families, including an Open Day on February 4, 2025.	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 Britus International School Bahrain has a Parent Council that engages families in their children's education and coordinates a calendar of social and school events. The council includes parent representatives for Preschool and each school level, along with teachers and school leaders. Current representatives and council contact details are published for family engagement, including pcpre@britus.edu.bh and pc12@britus.edu.bh. Parents can participate by contacting the council and contributing to its activities calendar. This Parent Council model is used across the Britus brand, including BIS Al Olaya in Saudi Arabia, which describes a similar structure.	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 Enrichment at Britus International School extends academic learning beyond the classroom. The program includes Model United Nations and the World Robot Olympiad, with participation in the World Scholars Cup and other competitions. Extracurricular and co-curricular activities are developed with local and international partners to broaden opportunities and talents. These activities reinforce classroom concepts through sports, clubs, field trips, and global events, helping students develop teamwork, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.	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 The school provides an Art Classroom with materials for 2D and 3D art projects. The campus includes an iMac Lab designed to support marketing and design learning. These facilities support creative expression and design-related learning as part of the enrichment program.	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 Enrichment activities engage students in global programs and events, including Model United Nations and the World Scholars Cup, promoting cross-cultural understanding. The World Robot Olympiad and international field trips are part of the program, expanding awareness of global issues. Students participate in collaborations with local and international partners to build cultural sensitivity.	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 The enrichment program includes after-school programs, sports, and clubs, along with local and international trips. Students participate in sports, competitions, and a range of clubs that foster social interaction and teamwork. Editorial board and the Scout Team are among student-led activities that support collaboration and personal interests.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Enrichment activities are designed to develop leadership and professional skills. The program provides opportunities such as Student Council and an editorial board to build governance and communications capabilities. It emphasizes entrepreneurship, social reform, and the use of technology to support innovation and excellence. These experiences prepare students for further study and future careers.	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 The campus has extensive outdoor sports facilities including two 3G football pitches and a 200m synthetic running track, as well as basketball and volleyball courts. The indoor space includes a Multi-Purpose Hall for indoor sports and events. The KG play area provides a dedicated outdoor area for younger children, supporting physical activity and well-being.	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 delivers programs of study in English, with Arabic medium subjects following the Ministry of Education curricula for Arabic and Islamic studies. The California State Standards are used for PK-12 in the US curriculum. English language development support is provided to assist non-native English speakers. The school offers diversified curricula including American, British (IGCSE), and IB pathways.	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 The school uses English as the language of instruction for most programs, with core Arabic and Islamic subjects taught in Arabic.	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 —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations Council of International Schools (CIS) membership; International Accreditation Organisation (IAO) accreditation; NEASC candidacy.	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 1. Start the admissions process by submitting an inquiry using the Inquiry Form or by applying online with the Apply Now option. Admissions are open for 2024-2025 and seats are limited. A campus visit can be booked to view facilities. For inquiries, contact the on-site number +973 1759 8444 or use the inquiry form. 2. Access admissions resources through the Admissions section, which includes the Admission Team, Registration Admissions, Acceptance Criteria, Tuition Fees, How to Apply, and Book a Visit. These resources guide the steps from first contact to application submission. 3. Review the Acceptance Criteria and related admission steps. The site provides an Acceptance Criteria page to outline eligibility as part of the admissions process, and the Admission Team handles applications. 4. Review tuition and fee information and understand payment terms. The Tuition Fees page lists the non-refundable application/assessment fee (BD 25), registration (BD 125), books by level, and annual/term tuition by grade. All fees are approved by the Ministry of Education and subject to change. Term instalment due dates are 30 June, 10 November, and 10 February. Payment methods include online, cash, direct deposit, cheques, and debit/credit cards. 5. Complete registration and enrollment. Registration admissions are a defined part of the process and can be accompanied by a visit to finalize arrangements. Fees are payable according to the published schedule, and term-by-term payment options are available. 6. Contact and location details for planning a visit or sending inquiries. The school is located in Manama, Bahrain (P.O. Box 1841, Building 2208, Road 408, Block 704, Salmabad) with telephone numbers listed for admissions assistance.	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 —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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