Ellesmere College Riyadh - Al Hamra Campus vs King’s College Riyadh - Sedra Campus

	E Ellesmere College Riyadh - Al Hamra Campus Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	K King’s College Riyadh - Sedra Campus Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SAR 48,000 - 68,000	Fees / year SAR 58,363 - 108,675
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, American Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), BTEC Qualification
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2027
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Ellesmere College Riyadh operates on two campuses in Riyadh: the Al Hamra campus at 6591, Khoufafa Al Tamimi Street, Alhamra District, Riyadh 11211, and the Salwa campus at 13454, Al Rimal, Riyadh. The Al Hamra address is listed by the British Council as Khoufafa Al Tamimi, Alhamra District, Riyadh 11211. Both campuses are situated in central Riyadh and are accessible by the city's major roads.	Location The Sedra Campus is located in the Sedra area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It opens in August 2027 as a through school from Pre-School to Year 13, initially offering Pre-School to Year 9 and expanding year by year to Year 13. For current King's families, the Diriyah campus will continue as a primary school, while Sedra supports students through all stages of education. The campus is part of King's College Riyadh, which is part of the Cognita family of schools and partnered with King's College UK.
Stages	Stages The school serves pupils aged 3–18. It offers Early Years (Pre-nursery, Nursery, and Reception), Primary Years (Years 3–12) under the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years (Years 11–16) under the Middle Years Programme, and Diploma-level study (Diploma Programme, American Diploma, and IGCSE Programme) for ages 16–19.	Stages Pre-School to Year 13; initially Pre-School to Year 9, opening August 2027, with expansion to Year 13 planned year by year.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and operates as part of the Ellesmere College international network. Boarding facilities are not publicly described for the Riyadh campuses.	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Pupil wellbeing is a stated priority and safeguarding is in place. Specific provisions for Additional Learning Needs/SEN are not publicly disclosed for the Riyadh campuses.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliation with the United Kingdom; Ellesmere College Riyadh is part of a British international school network offering British-style curricula.	Country affiliation UK affiliation through a partnership with King's College UK and Cognita.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation is stated for Ellesmere College Riyadh.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Exact start and end times for the school day are not publicly published. The school does publish term dates and admissions information relevant to day-to-day planning.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details No in-house bus service for the Riyadh campuses is publicly listed. Families typically arrange private transport or may inquire about transport options via admissions.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Overview of published fees (academic year 2024/2025) - Pre‑KG (annual): SAR 50,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 16,666.67 per installment (50,000 ÷ 3). - KG 1–3 (annual): SAR 48,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to SAR 16,000. - Grade 1–6 (annual): SAR 55,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 18,333.33 per installment (55,000 ÷ 3). - Grade 7–9 (annual): SAR 61,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 20,333.33 per installment (61,000 ÷ 3). - Grade 10–12 (annual): SAR 68,000. Based on the school's three‑installment payment option, this equates to approximately SAR 22,666.67 per installment (68,000 ÷ 3). Application / seat reservation fee - A seat reservation fee of SAR 5,000 is required; this amount is deducted from the total tuition fee. The seat reservation fee is refundable if enrollment is withdrawn at least two weeks before the start of the academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school publishes an option to pay tuition in three installments; the first installment is due at the start of the academic year. The school also offers the option to pay the full tuition amount up front. - A 5% discount applies for full payment of tuition in advance. Sibling discounts are published as 0% for the first child, 10% for the second child and 15% for the third child; a 15% partner referral discount for certain corporate/embassy partners is also published. The maximum combined discount that may be applied is 20%. Tuition fees are stated as exclusive of VAT. - Consequences for late payment are published: if payment is not made within two weeks of the start of any term (or a student's file remains incomplete), the school reserves the right to revoke the student's admission; outstanding payments must then be settled immediately. Discounts may be rescinded after 15 days past the scheduled payment date. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are published. The school's published fee pages and admissions materials list day tuition by year group and do not publish any boarding provision or boarding rates. Other costs and additional charges - Tuition is described as covering the standard educational programme; additional costs explicitly excluded from tuition include textbooks, uniforms, extracurricular activities, field trips and specialised learning materials. Uniforms are required by policy, though the school's public materials do not publish uniform price lists. - Some items or programmes (for example, special programmes or optional activities) may be charged separately and may be non‑refundable. Refund and withdrawal policy (published schedule) - Withdrawal and refund rules are published on a term‑by‑term timetable. The school's stated schedule is: withdrawal during the first week of the term incurs payment of 30% of that term's tuition; withdrawal during the second week incurs 40% of that term's tuition; withdrawal during the third week incurs 75% of that term's tuition; withdrawal in the fourth week or later requires payment of the full term's tuition. Certain fees (for special programmes) are stated as non‑refundable regardless of timing. Fee payment options and notes on methods - The school publishes two core payment structures: full payment of tuition upfront (eligible for the 5% advance payment discount) and a three‑installment plan. Details on any other payment mechanisms (for example, which card types, online payment gateway, or bank transfer details) are not published in the fee schedule or admissions policy made available with the tuition figures. Key published notes - Tuition figures above are the school's published annual fees for the 2024/2025 academic year and are stated as exclusive of VAT. The school indicates a detailed schedule of fees and further financial information is maintained by the admissions/finance office.	Fee details Application, Assessment and Deposit - Application fee (one-off, non-refundable): SAR 550. - Professional evaluation fee: SAR 1,100 per applicant (refundable only if a place is not offered). - Enrolment administration fee (one-off, non-refundable) due on accepting an offer: SAR 3,800. - Place-holding deposit to secure a place: 50% of the first term's fees, payable within 7 days of the offer and deducted from the first term's fees. Failure to pay within the timeframe may result in the offer being withdrawn. Deposits are non-refundable except in exceptional cases. Sedra Campus — Founding Family Tuition Fees (amounts shown in Saudi Riyal, SAR) - These founding-family figures apply to the Sedra campus during its initial years: - Pre-School & Reception: Term 1 SAR 20,300; Term 2 SAR 20,300; Term 3 SAR 10,150; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 50,750; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 58,363. - Years 1 & 2: Term 1 SAR 22,500; Term 2 SAR 22,500; Term 3 SAR 11,250; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 56,250; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 64,688. - Years 3 & 4: Term 1 SAR 26,400; Term 2 SAR 26,400; Term 3 SAR 13,200; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 66,000; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 75,900. - Years 5 & 6: Term 1 SAR 26,800; Term 2 SAR 26,800; Term 3 SAR 13,400; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 67,000; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 77,050. - Years 7–9: Term 1 SAR 28,600; Term 2 SAR 28,600; Term 3 SAR 14,300; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 71,500; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 82,225. - Years 10 & 11: Term 1 SAR 30,400; Term 2 SAR 30,400; Term 3 SAR 15,200; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 76,000; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 87,400. - Years 12 & 13: Term 1 SAR 32,100; Term 2 SAR 32,100; Term 3 SAR 16,050; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 80,250; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 92,288. Sedra Campus — Standard Tuition Fees (regular fee structure shown for future years, amounts in SAR) - These standard rates apply following the founding period: - Pre-School & Reception: Term 1 SAR 23,940; Term 2 SAR 23,940; Term 3 SAR 11,970; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 59,850; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 68,828. - Years 1 & 2: Term 1 SAR 26,460; Term 2 SAR 26,460; Term 3 SAR 13,230; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 66,150; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 76,073. - Years 3 & 4: Term 1 SAR 31,080; Term 2 SAR 31,080; Term 3 SAR 15,540; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 77,700; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 89,355. - Years 5 & 6: Term 1 SAR 31,500; Term 2 SAR 31,500; Term 3 SAR 15,750; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 78,750; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 90,563. - Years 7–9: Term 1 SAR 33,600; Term 2 SAR 33,600; Term 3 SAR 16,800; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 84,000; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 96,600. - Years 10 & 11: Term 1 SAR 35,700; Term 2 SAR 35,700; Term 3 SAR 17,850; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 89,250; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 102,638. - Years 12 & 13: Term 1 SAR 37,800; Term 2 SAR 37,800; Term 3 SAR 18,900; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 94,500; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 108,675. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments: 40% due for Term 1, 30% for Term 2, and 30% for Term 3. Instalment payments are payable in advance of each term. - A 5% tuition discount is available for families who pay the full year's fees in a single payment at the time of acceptance (discount applies only when payment is made via bank transfer, cheque, or cash). - A 5% sibling discount is available for the third and subsequent child; this sibling discount is only applicable if payment is made by bank transfer, cheque, or cash. - For pupils joining mid-term, tuition is calculated pro rata for remaining days, with a minimum charge equal to 50% of the first term's fees. - No capital fee is charged. All fees are charged in SAR. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable to the Sedra campus; no boarding fees are listed. Other costs and exclusions - Tuition fees do not include school lunches, transportation, educational trips, or extracurricular activities provided by external providers; these are charged separately. Uniform costs, specialist equipment, and optional activity fees are additional and charged as applicable. Refund information - Refunds are processed in accordance with Ministry of Education regulations. Deposits are non-refundable except in exceptional cases. The professional evaluation fee (SAR 1,100) is refundable only if a place is not offered. The enrolment administration fee (SAR 3,800) and the application fee (SAR 550) are non-refundable. Fee payment options - Payment methods explicitly referenced for discounts and sibling discounts: bank transfer, cheque, or cash. A single full-year payment made by one of these methods qualifies for the 5% payment discount. Other payment methods are not specified in the fee schedule. Tax and regulatory notes - A 15% VAT is charged on admissions fees for non-Saudi (expatriate) families in line with ZATCA requirements; Saudi nationals are exempt. All fees are subject to Ministry of Education approval and annual review.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Ellesmere College Riyadh offers an IB continuum across its divisions, with Primary Years (grade 1–5) pursuing the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years (grade 6–10) the Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma Programme (ages 16–19) alongside alternative senior qualifications. In Primary Years, the curriculum is inquiry-based under the PYP, with English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities taught inhomerooms; Arabic and Spanish are offered at Language & Literature and Language Acquisition levels, with Arabic Social Studies (Saudi History) and Islamic Values, plus specialist PHE, drama, STEM, and the arts. In Middle Years, students follow the MYP with balanced subjects including English, Mathematics, Sciences, PHE, drama, STEM, and arts; Arabic/Spanish are available at Language & Literature and Language Acquisition levels, alongside Arabic Social Studies (Saudi History) and Islamic Values. For the senior phase, the Diploma Programme includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay, and CAS, with six subject groups spanning Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts or Electives. Also available are the American Diploma (AD) for grades 11–12, described as a pre-university programme with cross-curricular research and a service-learning portfolio, and the IGCSE Diploma for grades 11–12, described as an IGCSE-based curriculum.	Curriculum details The school delivers a British education rooted in King's College UK, combining the English National Curriculum with the King's ethos. Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central to the programme. Early Years covers Pre-School and Reception (ages 3 to 5); Pre-Prep covers Years 1 and 2 (ages 5 to 7); Prep School covers Years 3 to 8 (ages 7 to 13), with specialist teaching from Year 5. The curriculum emphasizes strong academic foundations alongside character development, leadership and creativity, with a broad co-curricular programme that extends learning beyond the classroom. From August 2027, Sedra Campus will operate as a through school from Pre-School to Year 13, initially admitting Pre-School to Year 9 and expanding to Year 13 over time.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Academic Outcomes describe an outstanding British education from EYFS to Year 8. Early Years Excellence shows strong holistic development and performance above international norms. Arabic language outcomes are rated Very Good by ABT, a leading benchmarking body in the Middle East. Curriculum progression through Pre-Prep, Prep, and Senior School continues to develop academic strengths, personal values and global citizenship.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Higher education progression is supported through IB DP and AD offerings, both described as pre-university or university-preparatory tracks designed to prepare students for higher education and future careers. The DP emphasizes university readiness via TOK, Extended Essay, and CAS, while the AD program positions students for higher education and professional pathways. The IGCSE Diploma serves as another pathway in the senior years. These tracks align with Ellesmere College Riyadh's stated aim of preparing students for higher education globally.	Higher education progression From Pre-School through Senior School, students progress toward Year 13 and onto a world-class university.
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 —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial Application Review. Submit the online admission form with all required documents. The admissions team reviews the submission to ensure the application is complete and meets basic entry requirements. This step confirms that the applicant and family meet the school's initial criteria for movement to assessment. It signals readiness to proceed to the evaluation stage. 2. Admissions Exam. All applicants complete an entrance examination designed to assess academic ability in key subject areas. The exam results help determine whether the student is eligible for unconditional acceptance or will require conditional acceptance. If results indicate the student does not pass or achieve a low score, the school may offer conditional acceptance and develop an educational plan. Parents are expected to follow the plan and may need to arrange additional tutoring. 3. Interviews. Following the assessment, students and parents may be invited to an interview with the admissions team and, in some cases, with key academic staff. The interview provides an opportunity for the school to learn more about the student's interests, goals, and fit with the school community. The process may be used to confirm information gathered during the exam and review the student's readiness for the programme. 4. Conditional Admission. Based on assessment and interview, admission may be offered conditionally. Conditions may include attending additional support classes or engaging in enrichment activities to address identified needs. Parents are responsible for meeting the conditions and for arranging any recommended tutoring or supports. The school will communicate the conditions and the educational plan. 5. Finalization of Admission. Finalization occurs once all conditions have been met and financial obligations have been satisfied. This includes official registration in the school system and the creation of a comprehensive student file. The process formalizes the student's entry into Ellesmere College Riyadh. 6. Formal Registration within the School System. Formal registration within the school's system is completed. This step confirms the student's enrollment in the school database. All necessary documentation and approvals are stored in the student's file. 7. Ministry Authorization and Certificates. The school requires authorization from the Ministry of Education and submission of the required sequence of certificates. This step ensures compliance with national education requirements. The family provides the necessary certificates as part of enrollment. 8. Noor System Printout. A printout from the Noor system of the student's previous school is obtained. The Noor record is necessary for transferring student records. 9. Financial Obligations and Policies. Fulfillment of all financial responsibilities and adherence to the school's policies. The policy covers seat reservation, tuition, payment plans, and refunds. A seat reservation fee of SAR 5,000 is required and is deducted from tuition; payments can be made in 3 installments; there are refunds schedules and VAT applies. Scholarships are available for eligible applicants.	Admissions 1. Make an Enquiry. The Admissions Team provides a personalised and supportive onboarding experience and takes the time to understand the child's needs. They guide families through the next steps toward joining King's College Riyadh. With limited availability in some year groups, families are encouraged to begin the process early. Admissions for the SEDRA Campus are open now, and priority consideration is given to existing King's College Riyadh families. 2. Visit King's College Riyadh. A personalised campus tour helps families experience life at King's, with tours available throughout the week. Visitors see the school's facilities and can meet the Leadership Team during the visit. Tours provide a sense of the school community and learning environment. Tours are available throughout the week at convenient times. 3. Submit your application. Complete the online application form and upload the required documents. The Admissions Team is on hand to assist if needed. After submission, the school reviews the application and prepares for the next step. 4. Assessment & Offer. An assessment is arranged to understand the child's learning needs and potential; remote assessments can be arranged for families outside the country. Assessment outcomes are shared within a few days, and offers are issued to successful applicants. If additional information is required, the Admissions Team will contact the family. 5. Secure your place. To confirm the place, accept the offer, provide the requested documents, and pay the enrolment fee within the specified timeframe. The Admissions Team will provide next steps and due dates for documentation and payment. Once confirmed, families receive enrolment reminders and information about start dates.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarship Programs: Ellesmere College Riyadh offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships and financial aid packages based on need and merit. Scholarships recognize exceptional academic, artistic, or athletic talents and contribute to the student's education. Details and eligibility are outlined in a separate document available from the admissions office.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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