Gulf English School vs The International British School

	G Gulf English School Kuwait City, Kuwait	T The International British School Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 1,692 - 3,893	Fees / year KWD 1,545 - 3,690
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 1,363	Pupils 2,026
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1980	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located in Salmiya, Kuwait, on Al Dimnah Street (Block 4). The postal address is P O Box 33106, Salmiya, Kuwait. The school can be reached by telephone at +965 2575 7022 or +965 2575 7952.	Location Block 9, Ibn Taimiya Street, Fahaheel, Kuwait. The school is located in the Fahaheel area and accessible via local roads. It is part of the Al Rayan Holding Co. Schools network.
Stages	Stages The school serves ages 3–18, from Kindergarten to Year 13.	Stages Early Years; Primary Years; Secondary Years
School type	School type The school is a private British international school.	School type British international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation UK/British	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Islam
School day structure	School day structure The school day runs Sunday to Thursday, from 7:10 AM to 2:30 PM.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Transportation by bus is provided. Fees are charged per term and depend on travel area: Up to Fintas (round trip 310; one-way 250); Far Area (Up to Masayil) (round trip 350; one-way 275). Installments: 1st Inst. 125/140; 2nd Inst. 125/140; 3rd Inst. 60/70. New joining: pay the full term's transport fee for the term joined.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Reservation fee - Reservation deposit: KWD 100 (paid to reserve a place). The KWD 100 deposit is non-refundable and secures the place until the first day of the school year. Tuition fees (2025 / 2026) — amounts per term and total per year by year group - Pre‑KG & KG1 - Reservation deposit: KWD 100. - 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 577. - 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 508. - 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 507. - Total annual tuition: KWD 1,692. - Reception – Year 2 - Reservation deposit: KWD 100. - 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 895. - 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 746. - 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 746. - Total annual tuition: KWD 2,487. - Years 3 – 6 - Reservation deposit: KWD 100. - 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 1,014. - 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 836. - 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 835. - Total annual tuition: KWD 2,785. - Years 7 – 11 - Reservation deposit: KWD 100. - 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 1,173. - 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 955. - 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 955. - Total annual tuition: KWD 3,183. - Supplementary fees for AS & A2 levels - Reservation deposit: KWD 100. - 1st instalment (due 01/09/2025): KWD 1,457. - 2nd instalment (due 01/01/2026): KWD 1,168. - 3rd instalment (due 01/04/2026): KWD 1,168. - Total annual tuition: KWD 3,893. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed in three term instalments. The published instalment dates are at the start of each term (first term due 1 September, second term due 1 January, third term due 1 April). The first instalment must be paid in full before the commencement of the new academic year. The KWD 100 deposit only secures the place until the first day of the school year. If a student attends during a term, the full term fee is payable for that term. Transfer certificates are issued only after all dues are settled and any school property on loan is returned. Application for withdrawal or cancellation during the school year must be made on the prescribed form at least 15 days before leaving. Boarding fees - Gulf English School operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees; there is no boarding provision in the published fee schedule. Other costs and charges - Books, uniforms, extra‑curricular activities, external examination fees and school trips are not included in the tuition figures above and are charged separately. Uniform items are available from the school uniform store; exchanges require a valid receipt and must be completed within 15 days. The school operates a uniform store with published opening times and an internal ecommerce/tutorial process for uniform purchase via the school's Skoolee system. Exact prices for uniforms, books, exams and extra‑curricular activities are charged in addition to tuition and vary by item/service. Refund and cancellation policy (fees) - The reservation deposit (KWD 100) is non‑refundable. If a student attends school during a term, the full term fee for that term is payable regardless of days attended. Withdrawals or cancellations during the school year require submission of the prescribed form at least 15 days before leaving; transfer documents and certificates are issued only after all outstanding fees and obligations are cleared. Fee payment instructions and contacts - Tuition is collected by term instalments according to the dates shown above and must be paid in full by the instalment due dates. The school uses the Skoolee parent/management system for parent services (including uniform purchases).	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Application (assessment) / process fee (non-refundable): KD 25. This amount is adjusted against the first tuition instalment once the student is selected and enrolled. - Registration advance payable at registration: KD 100 (adjusted against the first instalment after registration is completed). Tuition fees by year group (MOE / Annual (discounted) / Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3) — amounts in Kuwaiti Dinar (KD) - KG: MOE KD 1,545 • Annual (discounted) KD 1,379 • Term 1 KD 460 • Term 2 KD 460 • Term 3 KD 459. - Reception: MOE KD 1,559 • Annual (discounted) KD 1,489 • Term 1 KD 497 • Term 2 KD 496 • Term 3 KD 496. - Year 1: MOE KD 2,010 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,008 • Term 1 KD 670 • Term 2 KD 669 • Term 3 KD 669. - Year 2: MOE KD 2,160 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,109 • Term 1 KD 703 • Term 2 KD 703 • Term 3 KD 703. - Year 3: MOE KD 2,400 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,319 • Term 1 KD 773 • Term 2 KD 773 • Term 3 KD 773. - Year 4: MOE KD 2,460 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,319 • Term 1 KD 773 • Term 2 KD 773 • Term 3 KD 773. - Year 5: MOE KD 2,505 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,319 • Term 1 KD 773 • Term 2 KD 773 • Term 3 KD 773. - Year 6: MOE KD 2,565 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,389 • Term 1 KD 797 • Term 2 KD 796 • Term 3 KD 796. - Year 7: MOE KD 2,730 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,389 • Term 1 KD 797 • Term 2 KD 796 • Term 3 KD 796. - Year 8: MOE KD 2,850 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,509 • Term 1 KD 837 • Term 2 KD 836 • Term 3 KD 836. - Year 9: MOE KD 2,933 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,509 • Term 1 KD 837 • Term 2 KD 836 • Term 3 KD 836. - Year 10: MOE KD 3,195 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,629 • Term 1 KD 877 • Term 2 KD 876 • Term 3 KD 876. - Year 11: MOE KD 3,216 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,629 • Term 1 KD 877 • Term 2 KD 876 • Term 3 KD 876. - Year 12: MOE KD 3,690 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,749 • Term 1 KD 917 • Term 2 KD 916 • Term 3 KD 916. - Year 13: MOE KD 3,690 • Annual (discounted) KD 2,749 • Term 1 KD 917 • Term 2 KD 916 • Term 3 KD 916. (Annual (discounted) totals equal the three term instalments listed.) Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition is payable in full prior to commencement of the academic year, but the school permits payment in three instalments as shown above. Instalment due dates are shown for the academic year as: Term 1 due 1 September, Term 2 due 1 December, Term 3 due 1 April. - The KD 100 registration advance and the KD 25 application fee are payable at the time of registration; the KD 100 is credited against the first instalment and the KD 25 is non-refundable but adjusted if the student enrolls. Boarding fees - No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in the published fees schedule for the 2026/2027 academic year. The published fees cover day‑school tuition only and do not include transport, books or uniform. Other costs and typical additional charges - Books: not included in the tuition; charged separately. Uniform: purchased at the school shop; not included in the tuition. Transport: charged separately (transport fees listed separately from tuition). External examination or assessment charges, consumables and optional activities may be charged in addition to tuition. There is no refund for sold items such as uniforms or books. Refunds and withdrawal policy - Withdrawal during the first week of a term: parents pay KD 100 and no further tuition for that term is charged. - Withdrawal after the first week: parents are liable for the term tuition as invoiced (the policy assigns responsibility for the first term or remaining term fees once the initial week has passed). The school's policy states parents must pay the applicable term(s) according to the timing of withdrawal; sold items (uniforms, books) are not refundable. In case of dismissal, parents remain liable to pay fees for that term. Discounts, vouchers and concessions - Early-bird voucher: KD 75 voucher available for students enrolled or re-registered on or before 30 April 2026; voucher may be used for school inventory items (books & uniform) or toward the third-term tuition fee for the 2026/2027 year under the conditions published. - Sibling discount: 4% discount applies for the second child and beyond; the discount applies to the child(ren) with the lowest tuition fees and will be revoked if tuition is not paid by the due date. Fee payment options - Payments are processed through the school's parent online payment portal (Pay Online). The school issues invoices and the portal is the published channel for fee payments and parent account access. For billing or accounts enquiries use the school contact details (telephone and email shown on published materials).
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 The school uses a British-based curriculum aligned with the English National Curriculum across Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. Key Stage 3 provides a broad foundation across core subjects, humanities, languages, creative arts, technology and physical education, with literacy, numeracy and oracy reinforced across the curriculum. Key Stage 4 follows English National Curriculum expectations with GCSE/IGCSE pathways and a broad range of core and optional subjects, plus exam preparation, careers guidance and pastoral support for post-16 study. Key Stage 5 offers an aspirational and flexible curriculum aligned with English National Curriculum principles and internationally recognised A Level qualifications, supported by enrichment opportunities, leadership roles and comprehensive university and careers guidance. Assessment and reporting are designed to support progress, with formative and summative assessments and four reports per academic year.	Curriculum details The school follows the English National Curriculum. Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9) and Key Stage 4 are offered. Arabic (First Language and Second Language), Kuwait Social Studies and French are part of the curriculum, and Islam is compulsory for Muslim students. The school uses diverse teaching styles and has four newly equipped science labs and a computer suite, with annual trips in Kuwait and abroad. A range of option subjects is available, including physics, chemistry, biology, business studies, history, geography, art, ICT and French.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University and careers guidance is provided to prepare students for university and beyond.	Higher education progression British qualifications are internationally recognised and can open doors to study at reputable universities worldwide, including England.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The school challenges gifted and talented young minds and offers Masterclasses for Gifted and Talented students.
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. Submit the application form, available at the school and on the GES website. 2. Book an entrance test appointment. 3. After approval, you will receive an approval letter to submit to the previous school so that transferring documents can be obtained. 4. If there is no previous school, you will be directed to a governmental clinic to create a health file for the child. 5. Reserve a place by paying a 100 KD deposit, which is non‑refundable and secures the place until September 1. 6. Age requirements: Pre-KG must be 3 years old by September 15; KG must be 3 years 6 months by September 15; Reception must be 4 years 6 months by September 15; Year 1 to Year 12 registration is based on the student's reports and attendance certificates. 7. Required documents include 3 passport‑size photos, birth certificate, civil IDs for guardian/father/mother/student, nationality copy for Kuwaiti nationals, passports for all members, residency page for non‑Kuwaitis, last academic reports (Reception to Year 3) or three years of school reports (Year 4 to Year 12), a reference form and transfer certificate from the previous school (for Years 7–12), fees clearance, student's academic file, and a School Health card. For students coming from outside Kuwait, the last academic report and transfer certificate should be stamped by the Kuwaiti Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 8. An enrolment form is also available for completion as part of the process. The school emphasises a structured pathway from application to enrollment, with opportunities to complete steps in English or Arabic and clear guidance on documentation and health requirements.	Admissions 1. Parents and students may request a campus tour. Tours can be arranged by contacting Reception. When contacting the school, the age of the child and their interests are requested so that a relevant tour route can be planned. The Admissions Team will assist prospective parents throughout the application process. 2. The Registrar requires basic documentation, including the personal details page of the child's passport and a copy of their most recent school report. Have those papers ready for the entrance test. For Early-Years: The KG test includes a parent interview (about 30 minutes) and tests motor-skills and basic English; if a KG class is available, the child will join a lesson and interact with other children. For Reception: The test includes a parent interview (about 30 minutes); motor-skills, basic Mathematics and English are assessed; if a Reception class is available, the candidate will join a lesson. 3. After testing has been conducted and the results processed, prospective parents are contacted with a decision by the Head of Department. The Head of Department determines admission decisions. If a place is offered, the process proceeds to Step Four. If not offered, the applicant's file remains in consideration for future opportunities where spaces arise. 4. For students offered a place, parents meet with the Registrar to complete the initial data entry required for the registration form. The Registrar provides guidance and collects the necessary information. 5. The next step is to visit the Accounts department to pay a registration fee (100 KD) and any fee settlement required. The Accounts department provides payment details and receipts. 6. The sixth and final stage of the process is for the parent to return to the Registrar to complete the required data entry for the registration form and receive final confirmation of admission. The Registrar confirms the completion of registration and admission status. Parents may contact the Registrar for any clarifications. 7. The Registrar will liaise with the Head of Department to confirm a start date for the student. On the first day of school, the tutor/class teacher will receive the student and introduce him/her to their new tutor group.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist IBS uses a waiting list for entry to courses when places are not immediately available. Admission from the waiting list depends on meeting general requirements and achieving the required examination grades; admission occurs if spaces exist. For Year 12, a place may be reserved for students meeting general requirements and achieving the required mock grades; students on the waiting list may be admitted after final examinations if spaces exist, and if they continue to meet all general requirements.
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