International Academy of Kuwait vs New English School - Kuwait City
International Academy of Kuwait and New English School - Kuwait City are both in Kuwait City, about 2 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes, and International Academy of Kuwait also offers Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are KWD 1,132 - 3,350 at International Academy of Kuwait and KWD 1,733 - 4,430 at New English School - Kuwait City, which puts New English School - Kuwait City roughly 38% higher. International Academy of Kuwait takes pupils from 3 to 18, and New English School - Kuwait City from 4 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 2,000 and 2,205 pupils.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
2,000
Pupils
2,205
Typical class size
Typical class size
30
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Arabic
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
1974
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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Location
The New English School is located in Hawalli, Kuwait. The address is P.O. Box 6156, 32036 Hawalli, Kuwait.
Stages
Stages
Early Years Foundation Stage (Foundation); Primary (KS1–KS2); Secondary (KS3–KS4); Key Stage 5 (Year 12).
Stages
Kindergarten to A level. Primary (KG & Reception; Years 1-6) and Secondary (Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5) with a Sixth Form.
School type
School type
British international school following the National British Curriculum.
School type
Private, co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Pastoral care with Head of Pastoral Care and a Social Worker.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
United Kingdom
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
School day runs from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekdays.
School day structure
The secondary day is divided into a registration period, five teaching periods, two breaks, and Co-Curricular Activities. 8.00–8.20am Registration; 8.20–9.30am Period 1; 9.30–10.35am Period 2; 10.35–10.55am First Break; 10.55–12.05pm Period 3; 12.05–1.10pm Period 4; 1.10–1.25pm Second Break; 1.25–2.30pm Period 5; 2.30–3.30pm Co-Curricular Activities. During Ramadan, the day is shortened in accordance with ministry requirements.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
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Fee details
Application / Registration fees
- No separate, fixed application or registration fee amount is published in the school's published fee schedule. The fee schedule notes that any advance payment or re‑registration fees paid will be deducted from the first instalment.
Annual tuition — fees by year group (tuition only)
- KD 4,430 — Year 12 & Year 13 (A Level). - KD 3,510 — Year 10 & Year 11. - KD 3,510 — Year 7 to Year 9. - KD 2,977 — Year 3 to Year 6. - KD 2,678 — Reception to Year 2. - KD 1,733 — Kindergarten.
Resources & Technology fees (charged in addition to the annual tuition)
- Year 10–13: KD 105 (class resources) + KD 75 (technology) = KD 180. - Year 7–9: KD 35 (class resources) + KD 75 (technology) = KD 110. - Year 3–6: KD 25 (class resources) + KD 75 (technology) = KD 100. - Kindergarten – Year 2: KD 25 (class resources; technology fee not listed separately for these years).
Billing schedule and instalment amounts (payment deadlines and amounts charged per instalment)
- Instalment schedule: three instalments are specified. - First instalment: due on or before the commencement of the new academic year. The first instalment figures shown include the first tuition instalment plus the Resources & Technology fee (where applicable). - Year 12 & 13: KD 2,658 (tuition portion) + KD 180 (resources & technology) = KD 2,838 due as the first instalment. - Year 10 & 11: KD 1,170 (tuition portion) + KD 180 (resources & technology) = KD 1,350 due as the first instalment. - Year 7–9: KD 1,170 (tuition portion) + KD 110 (resources & technology) = KD 1,280 due as the first instalment. - Year 3–6: KD 993 (tuition portion) + KD 100 (resources & technology) = KD 1,093 due as the first instalment. - Reception – Year 2: KD 893 (tuition portion) + KD 25 (resources & technology) = KD 918 due as the first instalment. - Kindergarten: KD 578 (tuition portion) + KD 25 (resources & technology) = KD 603 due as the first instalment. - Second instalment: due on or before January 1. The published second‑instalment tuition amounts are: Year 12 & 13 KD 1,772; Year 7–11 KD 1,170; Year 3–6 KD 992; Reception–Year 2 KD 893; Kindergarten KD 578. - Third instalment: due on or before April 1. The published third‑instalment tuition amounts are: Year 7–11 KD 1,170; Year 3–6 KD 992; Reception–Year 2 KD 892; Kindergarten KD 577. (Note: the instalment breakdowns are shown by year group in the published schedule.)
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The New English School operates as a day school; no boarding fee schedule is published.
Other costs and routine additional charges
- Extracurricular / co‑curricular activities: some clubs and activities may carry nominal additional charges (for materials, cooking/baking supplies, etc.). Parents will be notified when such charges apply. - Uniforms: uniforms are provided via the school's uniform shop; uniform purchase costs are charged to parents directly through the uniform shop. The uniform shop contact is listed in the school's contact/finance information. - Examination, external assessment or optional subject fees (when applicable): such charges are not itemised in the published annual tuition table and would be billed separately where relevant (for example, examination entry fees or specific course materials). Parents should expect separate billing for external exam entries when applicable.
Refunds, cancellations and sibling discounts
- The published fee schedule does not provide a detailed refund or cancellation policy in the fee table. The schedule states that fees are set by the Ministry of Education and are subject to revision upon Ministry approval; the school's finance office handles payments and related queries. There is no sibling discount indicated in the published fee schedule.
Fee payment options and how payments are accepted
- Payments can be made through the school's online fees/payment portal. The school's published fee schedule directs parents to the online payment portal for fee payments. For specific accepted payment methods (credit/debit card or bank transfer), parents should use the payment portal or contact the Finance Office directly (Finance Office contact details are published).
Practical notes for parents (administration of fees)
- The first instalment must be paid on or before the start of the academic year; later instalments carry fixed due dates (January 1 and April 1) as listed in the instalment schedule. - Any advance payments or re‑registration fees already paid are deducted from the first instalment total.
(End of fee overview.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
British National Curriculum. Foundation Stage follows the English EYFS; Primary uses Oxford books for KS1–KS2 and Cambridge books for KS3–KS4 with English as the medium of instruction. The Arabic language and Islamic Studies curriculums follow Kuwait's Ministry of Education guidelines. Secondary follows the English National Curriculum and prepares students for IGCSE and Cambridge AS examinations; in KS4 (Year 10–11) four IGCSE subjects are studied each year (Maths core/extended, English, Arabic, Islamic and one additional IGCSE). In Year 12, students may study up to four AS subjects with Edexcel; Year 12 A2 is not offered. Cambridge, Edexcel and Oxford boards are used at high school.
Curriculum details
Early Years (KG & Reception) follow the England Early Years Curriculum. Years 1 and 2 follow the 2014 National Curriculum of England. The Junior Department (Years 3–6) follows the English 2014 National Curriculum, adapted to suit the needs of the community. Arabic, Islamics and Quran are taught, with special provision for pupils whose first language is not Arabic; Kuwait Social Studies is taught in Years 5–6; English is the language of instruction.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
The school celebrates excellent results from its students.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Many Sixth Form alumni study at leading universities worldwide, including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), Bath, London School of Economics (LSE), King's College London, Stanford, Yale, Harvard, Princeton, MIT, Melbourne and McGill, among others.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
—
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
—
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Registration Procedures (KG-Year 2): An application form is completed by the parents/guardians at the reception area or online. The parent pays 20 KD as the interview/entrance test fee and is given a fixed date for the interview/entrance test. Foundation candidates are informed of the interview result immediately and are provided with a list of required documents to prepare and register within the required time period; otherwise the seat is lost.
2. Registration Procedures (Year 3-Year 12): An application form is completed by the parents/guardians at the reception area or online. Applicant students undertake an entrance exam to evaluate their academic level (Mathematics and English). Parents are informed of the results by phone; if the student achieves satisfactory results, they will be interviewed by the Head of Department. Parents should submit the official documents to the school within the required time period; otherwise the seat will be lost. Once the student is accepted, the parents are requested to pay the registration fees at the Accounting Department within the required time period, otherwise the seat will be lost.
3. Admission Department Letter: The Admission Department's main objective is to manage applications, entry evaluations and registration, withdrawals, communicating, and maintaining all students' information. Inquiries concerning admissions are encouraged and information about the admissions process is available. The school can be contacted during working hours (7:30 am-2:30 pm).
4. Waiting list: Due to high demand, passing Entrance Exam and the interview doesn't guarantee admission. When the capacity of each class is reached, students meeting the acceptance criteria but not admitted will be placed on a waiting list in case openings occur. The waiting list is used to fill seats as they become available. Parents are contacted when a seat becomes available.
5. Withdrawal and refunds: As per ministry regulations, withdrawal before the beginning of the school year results in non-refundable registration fees; withdrawal during the scholastic year makes all paid amounts non-refundable and non-transferable. Parents should notify the school in writing of withdrawal. The policy applies to all students.
6. Language and curriculum: The school has a strong tradition of teaching in English. English is the primary language of instruction across year groups. The school follows the National British Curriculum.
Admissions
1. Choose the correct application form based on year group and residency. Application forms are separated by department: Secondary Kuwait Resident, Secondary Overseas Applicant, Primary Kuwait Resident, Primary Overseas Applicant, KG Kuwait Resident, and KG Overseas Applicant. Fill the form for the year group your child would be joining, not the year they are currently in. If applying for more than one place, submit the relevant form for each child.
2. Read the Admission Policy & Fees. The policy sets prerequisites for joining NES and explains the assessment process. By submitting any application form, you agree to the policies, terms and conditions contained in the policy. There is a non-refundable assessment fee of KD 25 for all students.
3. Submit your application. NES receives a high volume of applications for a limited number of places, and completion of an application does not guarantee a place. Following submission, the administration team will be in touch with information about the next steps and interview dates.
4. Primary placement priorities. The school gives priority to siblings at NES, children of ex-NES parents, children from families new to Kuwait, and children from within Kuwait with an excellent current-school report (not applicable for KG). All applicants are assessed and interviewed before acceptance. The school does not admit students with specific learning or behavioural difficulties.
5. Primary assessment and eligibility notes. Applicants are assessed and interviewed before acceptance; ongoing eligibility is determined through the admission process. The school reserves the right to request additional documentation as part of the assessment. The policies outline the expectations and procedures for joining NES.
6. Secondary policy – Years 7–9. For Years 7–9, all applicants take a test in English and Mathematics to ascertain suitability for the courses. Overseas students with little knowledge of English receive support to acquire the skills necessary to study in English. Applicants must provide a copy of their previous school report, and if transferring from another school in Kuwait, the headteacher may be contacted for a reference regarding behaviour.
7. Secondary policy – Years 10–11. Students must meet the above requirements and their suitability for IGCSE courses will be ascertained, especially with regard to accelerated programmes.
8. Years 12–13 (Lower 6 & Upper 6). Students who have completed Year 11 in the British system must have achieved 5 passes at IGCSE with a minimum grade B in subjects they intend to pursue at AS and A level (exemptions possible in some circumstances). Where students come from a foreign education system, their results will be evaluated along with optional testing in AS/A level subjects if necessary.
9. Open Days. Open Days are planned for prospective families, with registration essential due to limited places. The form at the Open Day Registration page should be completed to secure a time slot, and a member of the Admissions team will contact you to confirm timings and provide further details. If you are unable to attend, contact the Admissions Registrar to arrange a visit.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
The school uses a waiting list when a year level is full. Applicants who meet the acceptance criteria but are not admitted due to capacity are placed on a waiting list for openings. The waiting list is used to fill seats as they become available. Parents are contacted when a seat becomes available.