International Academy of Kuwait vs The International British School

	I International Academy of Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait	T The International British School Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 1,132 - 3,350	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 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, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 2,000	Pupils 2,026
Typical class size	Typical class size 30	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Arabic	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	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 Early Years Foundation Stage (Foundation); Primary (KS1–KS2); Secondary (KS3–KS4); Key Stage 5 (Year 12).	Stages Early Years; Primary Years; Secondary Years
School type	School type British international school following the National British Curriculum.	School type British international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Pastoral care with Head of Pastoral Care and a Social Worker.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Islam
School day structure	School day structure School day runs from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekdays.	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 —	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 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 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 —	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. 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. 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 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.	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.
	View full profile →	View full profile →