Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
Early Years Foundation Stage (Foundation); Primary (KS1–KS2); Secondary (KS3–KS4); Key Stage 5 (Year 12).
British international school following the National British Curriculum.
Pastoral care with Head of Pastoral Care and a Social Worker.
School day runs from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekdays.
The school uniform must be worn correctly by students at school or on trips and is monitored by staff. The uniform can be purchased from the school uniform shop; if the correct size/item is unavailable, a temporary alternative can be worn. Summer Uniform: navy trousers, white polo shirt with IAK logo, black shoes with white socks; Summer PE kit is required. Winter Uniform: navy trousers, white polo shirt with IAK logo, navy sweater, black shoes with white socks; Winter PE kit includes a navy sweater (no logo) and trainers.
The owner is Mr. Abdulrahman Al Shayaa. The school follows the National British Curriculum.
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.
The school develops the whole child and fosters intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth in every student. The pastoral system provides welfare support across Foundation, Primary, and Secondary, with staff responsible for the welfare of allocated groups. Teachers build positive relationships with students and target each student's individual needs. The school emphasizes building social, physical, and emotional skills to develop resilience and the ability to embrace challenges. The social worker collaborates with students, families, and staff to support wellbeing.
A carefully integrated system of pastoral care looks after the welfare of allocated groups and staff target each student's individual needs. The school relies on the social worker to assess behavior, learning, and social barriers in order to inform intervention plans. The social worker also collaborates with families to access resources that support students both in school and at home.
Pastoral care is central to student wellbeing, with the Head of Pastoral Care and the Social Worker supporting students, staff, and parents as required. A relaxed yet standards-based environment is maintained to foster a supportive atmosphere. The social worker provides mental health-related support and works with families to address barriers affecting learning and daily life.
Safeguarding is embedded in the pastoral framework, with the Head of Pastoral Care and the Social Worker coordinating welfare and safeguarding needs across the school. The social worker conducts assessments of behavior, learning, and social barriers to inform intervention plans that protect and support students. Deputy Head and Head of Primary oversee safeguarding as part of overall welfare and conduct policies.
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.
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.
The English School is on Mousaed Al-Azmi Street, Block 12, Salmiya, Kuwait. It is located in the Salmiya district of Kuwait. Transportation is provided via a TES-supported bus service operated in partnership with Delta Star, serving most areas in Kuwait. Buses are CCTV monitored and include a female chaperone, with real-time tracking via BatOnRoute.
Pre Prep (KG – Year 2); Prep (Years 3-8); Upper School (Years 9-11)
Not-for-profit
Approximately 30% of pupils are British, and over 60% come from native English-speaking countries.
United Kingdom
The school day begins at 7:25 am with gates opening at 7:10 am. Breaks are from 9:30–10:00 am and 11:30–12:00 pm. The KG day finishes at 12:15 pm and the regular school day ends at 2:30 pm (ECAs run until 3:30 pm).
Bus services are run by an independent company. The English School partners with Delta Star bus services to provide a comprehensive bus service for TES families. Buses serve most areas in Kuwait and are available for pupils from KG to Year 9. All buses have CCTV and a chaperone; BatOnRoute provides real-time tracking.
Uniform is navy blue formal wear. Girls wear a navy blue skirt or trousers with a blue-and-white striped blouse; boys wear navy blue trousers with a blue-and-white striped shirt; in the Upper School a tie and navy blazer are worn. All uniform is purchased from the onsite uniform shop; footwear, socks and swimming kit are excluded.
Lunch is brought from home. KG have two meal breaks (9:30–10:00 and 11:30–12:00). For Years 3–6, meals are eaten in the Dining Room and Years 7–8 in a Bedouin Tent.
The school has a house system with house-based leadership opportunities; examples include House captain roles and other leadership activities.
The English School Kuwait is not-for-profit and is owned by Mr. Emad Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar; Ms. Muneera Al-Bahar participates in leadership, and governance is provided by a Governing Committee and Leadership Team.
The English School Kuwait follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (3–5 years) and the National Curriculum for England (5–16 years), with additional features required for entry to future schools. The school operates within a British-curriculum framework and is the first British-curriculum preparatory school in Kuwait. The teaching staff, with the exception of the Arabic department, are British trained with British qualifications. Arabic and French are taught; Arabic for Arabs and Islamic Studies are mandatory from Year 1 upwards and Arabic for non-Arabs from Year 3; Kuwait Social Studies is taught from Year 5, as is French to all pupils. The language of instruction is English; the language of the playground is English, with around 30% of pupils British and more than 60% from native English-speaking countries.
Average class size is 23.
TES runs a full suite of GL assessments from Year 1 upwards; this provides age-standardised scores to track progress. TES scores consistently exceed the globally standardised average. Sample scores include CAT4 108.4, NGRT 110.8, PTE 108.3, PTM 108.7, PTS 117.1, and TES value-added +1.9. As the school expands to Upper School, IGCSE results will be reported here when available.
The English School follows the National Curriculum for England and provides a high level of pastoral care for every child. From Year 1 to Year 8 a House System fosters community, teamwork and leadership opportunities, including roles such as prefects, Head Boy and Head Girl and School Council representatives. Weekly assemblies reinforce Personal, Social, Health, Education & Citizenship (PSHEC) aspects of learning. The school emphasises leadership and social development through leadership roles and a broad Extra Curricular Activities programme. The core values of positivity, respect, integrity, confidence and empathy guide daily life at the school.
The English School creates a happy, busy and purposeful atmosphere with a strong focus on student well-being. A high level of pastoral care is provided for every child, and Personal, Social, Health, Education & Citizenship is reinforced through the curriculum and assemblies. A House System and leadership opportunities support resilience and social development. The Behaviour Management Policy is based on positive reinforcement and the school has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. Parental involvement and regular feedback through consultations support the mental well-being of students.
Safeguarding is paramount at TES. The wellbeing and safety of every student is the highest priority, with safeguarding and child protection training for all staff. Safeguarding policies and procedures adhere to international standards, and concerns are acted upon immediately. Staff complete comprehensive safeguarding training on induction with ongoing refreshers, and a Safeguard Team is available across all sections. Students are taught about personal safety, wellbeing and how to seek help, and the school promotes respect, empathy and open communication to keep every child safe.
1. Online Application. Applications are welcome up to one year in advance of enrollment. The online form introduces the child to TES and helps determine the approach for the assessment process. Allow up to one week for the application to be processed, and the admissions team will confirm receipt by email with next steps. Assessments are offered based on space availability in the relevant year group, and submission of an application does not guarantee an assessment. 2. Assessment Fees. The assessment administration fee is 75 KD per child and covers administrative costs. The fee is requested once the child has been selected for an assessment and is non-refundable, irrespective of the assessment outcome. Once payment is received, the admissions team will begin scheduling an assessment for your child. 3. Admission Assessment. An assessment will be scheduled after the application and assessment fee are received. The assessment process varies by residency and age. Local applicants have onsite Pre-Prep (KG-Y2) or Prep (Y3-Y10) assessments on campus, including two GL tests and, for Prep, a copy of the latest school report. Overseas applicants have KG assessments coordinated on arrival in Kuwait, and Prep assessments involve two GL tests conducted at the current school; the admissions team will liaise with the current school to provide instructions. Outcomes are delivered as either accept or decline, and detailed feedback is not provided due to volume. 4. Acceptance of Offer. After the assessment, the admissions and assessment teams discuss the outcome and contact you by email with the result. If accepted, a registration pack with a letter of offer is issued and a 100 KD Registration Fee is due to hold the place (non-refundable if the place is not taken). Enrollment requires submission of all required paperwork, including passport and residency documents, civil IDs, three passport-sized photos, immunization records, a Transfer Certificate, and signed Terms & Conditions; documents may be submitted in hard copy or scanned form depending on location.
Ahmad Ibn Tolon Street, Area 82, Hawally, Kuwait (Hawally district). PO Box 1081, Surra 45701. The English Academy is part of the Al-Jeel Al Jadeed Educational group and moved to Hawally in 2013 to its new premises.
All-through school from age 3½ to 18, organized into three sections: Infants (EYFS/KG), KS2, and Secondary. It delivers the National Curriculum for England to KS1–KS3 and EYFS for KG/Reception, with iGCSE, AS and A levels offered in KS4–KS5.
An international school within the Al-Jeel Al Jadeed Educational group; delivers a British international education and follows the National Curriculum for England.
The pupil body represents 25 nationalities; the largest groups are Egyptian (57.7%), Kuwaiti (15.7%) and Jordanian (6.7%).
Early morning and after-school intervention groups for mathematics and literacy.
British international school; follows the English National Curriculum.
Three-term school year; Sunday–Thursday; school day 7:00–14:00.
Uniform is compulsory. Summer uniforms are a blue and white striped dress for girls and a blue and white striped shirt for boys; Winter uniforms are a tartan pinafore dress for girls and a white long-sleeved shirt with TEA badge and navy trousers for boys. PE Kit includes a TEA polo shirt, a house-colour T-shirt, white shorts and socks, a blue TEA tracksuit in winter, and trainers; House colour T-shirts are worn for inter-house competitions.
Pupils bring a lunch box; a healthy snack is encouraged (fruit, vegetables, sandwich or biscuits with juice or milk); no fizzy drinks, glass or tins are allowed. KG and REC pupils are not allowed to purchase from the canteen.
The school uses a house system with House points; a house-colour T-shirt is worn for inter-house competitions.
The English Academy is part of the Al-Jeel Al Jadeed Educational Group, which includes an American school and two Kuwaiti curriculum schools.
TEA follows the English National Curriculum across the school, adapting it to meet student needs. In Early Years (Kindergarten to Year 2) TEA uses the EYFS Framework with seven areas of learning. In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, TEA follows the English 2014 National Curriculum, with themed learning and schemes such as Talk for Writing and White Rose Maths. The Secondary Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England and is complemented by Arabic, Islamic Studies and PSHE, with progression from Year 7 to IGCSE and Sixth Form. The Sixth Form offers IAS and IAL programmes. University destinations include Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the United States, with TEA's learning habits helping students thrive in higher education.,
TEA is an examinations centre for Cambridge and Pearson. In 2022, 46% of IGCSE grades were A-A; in 2023, 47.3% achieved A-A. For A-C, 78% of IGCSE grades were A-C in 2022 and 81.7% in 2023. IAL results in 2022 and 2023 met university entry requirements and enabled progression to university study.,
Many TEA students attend renowned universities in Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and America. The learning habits taught at TEA enable students to thrive at these institutions.,
TEA integrates social and emotional development through a weekly PSHE programme and a robust pastoral framework. PSHE aims include developing self-esteem, healthy lifestyles, safety awareness, good relationships, and social skills to form fulfilling relationships. The School Council and elected student leaders give pupils voice, with assemblies and activities that promote citizenship and collaboration. The Pastoral Team provides ongoing care and support to ensure individual well-being and academic progress, and TEA offers inclusive after-school clubs and enrichment. Enrichment opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and Model United Nations develop resilience, leadership, and global awareness, complementing classroom learning. TEA is committed to ensuring every pupil feels valued and supported to thrive.
Almost all students are learning English as an additional language. TEA delivers the National Curriculum for England to students, with Arabic, Islamic education and Kuwaiti social studies delivered in line with Kuwait's Ministry requirements. The teaching body is drawn from a range of countries, and most teachers delivering non-Arabic subjects have British qualifications or previous experience of teaching in British international schools.
TEA places student well-being at the core of its offer and recognises wellbeing as paramount. The Pastoral Team provides care and guidance to support both well-being and academic progress, and PSHE is designed to develop thinking, social skills and resilience. Zones of Regulation have been introduced to help KS2 students manage emotions, and PSHE is delivered weekly for younger students and through form tutor time in secondary. After-school clubs and enrichment activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Model United Nations promote inclusion, activity and personal growth. TEA maintains ongoing communication with families to support students' mental well-being and success.
TEA operates a Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy with a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy, supported by a safeguarding team. Staff undergo mandatory safeguarding training at three points in the year, and induction packs include safeguarding statements and procedures. The policy requires staff to respond immediately to concerns, to discuss with the DSL/DDSL, and to act in the child's best interests, including sharing information with appropriate bodies. It prescribes the Think PIE approach for recording disclosures and outlines escalation pathways, including involvement of the School Principal, Chair of Directors, and external agencies as needed. The policy also covers Safer Recruitment, calls for appropriate checks on staff, and outlines safe working practices and reporting procedures for allegations against staff.
1. Admissions start in January for the following academic year. Priority is given to siblings of current TEA students. Entrance to KG and Reception is determined by age: KG 3.5 years; Reception 4.5 years. Once the age requirements are met, the child will be invited to an interview with the EYFS team.
2. Screening: The admissions team screens the information provided and will contact you to confirm whether the child meets the requirements. They will undertake the next part of the process. From Year 1 to Year 10 this involves entrance examinations. Entrance Test and Interview: If your child has been selected, you will be contacted with an appointment time for the entrance test and interview.
3. Entrance Test and Interview: The next step is the entrance test and interview. If your child has been selected, you will be contacted with an appointment time for the entrance test and interview. The process for Year 1 to Year 10 includes these assessments.
4. Final Decisions and Registration: For children that pass the test and interview, registration of your child must be made within the required time period. This is to guarantee their place due to the high numbers of applicants. Final acceptance decisions are made by the School Principal.
5. The school address is Ahmad Ibn Tolon Street, Area 8, Hawally, Kuwait. Telephone: +965 22651195, +965 22651196. Office hours are Sunday - Thursday, 7AM - 2PM.
Salwa, Area 11, Street 9, Salmiya 22057, Kuwait (P.O. Box 8640). It is in the Salmiya district along the Kuwait coastline. Contact: +965 2239 0100; keschool@kes.edu.kw.
Early Years (KG and Reception, 3–5 years); Primary School (Years 1–6, 5–11 years); Secondary School (Years 7–13, 11–18 years); Green Unit (Special Needs Education).
KES provides a British-style education with English as the language of instruction. The English national curriculum is delivered with Kuwaiti ministry adaptations, and a Green Unit provides Special Needs Education.
Green Unit provides Special Needs Education.
United Kingdom
Extensive school bus service with routes across Kuwait. Morning pickups may start as early as 6:15 am. The service is managed by the Transport Manager; buses have seat belts and are equipped with surveillance cameras; rules cover safety and conduct.
The school has a compulsory uniform and can be bought on site at the uniform shop or online. All items must be labeled with the child's name, jewellery, nail varnish, or football shoes with studs are not allowed. The uniform differs for winter and summer months.
The school is owned by Sama Educational Company, which became the new owners in June 2022. The Head of School is Nicholas Gunn, and four Headteachers supervise four divisions: Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Green Unit. Sama also operates the American Creativity Academy (ACA) with four campuses and owns the Sylvan Learning Center.
The Kuwait English School provides Early Years, Primary and Secondary education within a British-based curriculum. In Early Years, the English National Curriculum is followed with seven areas of learning: Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design. In Primary, the department follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, with all subjects taught in English except Arabic and Islamic Studies, which follow the Ministry of Education's Arabic and Islamic programs. In Secondary, the language of instruction is English; Years 7-9 follow the English National Curriculum, Years 10-11 work toward Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel/Pearson GCSE, and Year 12-13 offer Advanced Subsidiary or Advanced Level courses with subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Literature, Geography, History, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, ICT, Design Technology, Art, Drama, Music, Spanish and French. Arabic and Islamic Studies follow MoE curricula.
Latest published external examination results (2023) show IGCSE: A-A 40%, A-C 76%, A-G 96%; IAS: A 29%, A-C 67%, A-E 90%; IAL: A-A 56%, A-C 91%, A-G 100%.
100% of graduates gain entry into higher education institutions worldwide, including Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, New York University, Harvard University, Brown University, Georgetown University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Toronto and other well-recognised institutions.
Year 2 Mindfulness Club helps students explore their feelings and emotions and teaches mindfulness and relaxation techniques to support their wellbeing. Green Unit delivers PSHE and Citizenship with SEAL (Social Emotional Aspects of Learning) and EI (Emotional Intelligence) to develop social and emotional skills. The Green Unit fosters a holistic education with small class sizes and a mainstream curriculum differentiated to meet individual needs. It includes opportunities for Work Related Learning and community engagement, with externally accredited qualifications such as GCSE/IGCSE and AS/A Levels for eligible students. The school supports student wellbeing and social development through a Student Leadership Council that organises events and charitable activities and through wellbeing initiatives such as mindfulness and anti-bullying programs. edu.kw
Green Unit is Kuwait English School's Special Educational Needs department. It provides education for students who experience learning disabilities and difficulties. Infant & Junior Learning Support classes (ages 6 to 12) follow the Mainstream EYFS and Primary Curriculum modified to meet individual needs. Senior High School Learning Support classes (ages 12 to 21) follow a modified mainstream curriculum and work towards external examinations (IGCSE/GCSE) and the ASDAN Award. Year 12 is offered only to exceptionally gifted and talented students; they may attend mainstream classes in specific subjects and focus on the AS/A Level programme. edu.kw
KES provides mental wellbeing support through safeguarding and a dedicated Well-being framework, including a Director of Well-being/Designated Safeguarding Lead and a School Counsellor to support students. The safeguarding team includes a Head of School, Director of Teaching and Learning, and Departmental Safeguarding Leads across departments. Students can participate in wellbeing initiatives such as Year 2 Mindfulness Club and KES Wellbeing Ambassadors. The school also runs anti-bullying activities such as GU Anti-Bullying Week. edu.kw
KES is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. It provides a secure, welcoming environment where children are safe, respected and valued, and aims to help them achieve the best possible outcomes. All staff undergo safe recruitment procedures and are trained in Child Protection. Children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have concerns, and safeguarding follows Kuwaiti laws of Children's Rights and Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines. The safeguarding team includes the Director of Well-being/Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of School, Director of Teaching and Learning, Departmental Safeguarding Leads, and the School Counsellor. If you are worried about a student's safety, contact details are provided. edu.kw
1. Applications for places are accepted from January for the following September. Online registration is strongly recommended due to high demand. The Green Unit provides support for students with specific learning difficulties; mainstream entry testing applies. Students are tested before entry. 2. New registration and assessments: Newcomer parents submit the online registration form on the school website. After submission, the school contacts families with further instructions and schedules an interview assessment date. The entrance test assesses concentration, academic level, thought process and communication skills; a copy of the previous school report may be requested and discussed with parents. Entrance test fees are non-refundable. The Head Teacher's decision determines acceptance and no student is admitted unless they meet entry requirements. 3. If the student passes the assessment, an acceptance letter is issued. The acceptance letter, together with the required paperwork, is taken to the Accounts Department where a non-refundable deposit is paid to complete registration. All required paperwork must be provided before registration can be completed; this paperwork must be brought to the interview. 4. Students are placed into the correct class and year group; there is an age guideline for each year. Occasionally a student may be admitted into a year below chronological age if maturity or English level requires it. 5. Re-registration: Reminders of the re-registration deadline are issued mid Term 2, typically in the first week of April. If a parent fails to re-register by the deadline, the school cannot secure a place. Re-registration should be completed as early as possible to avoid losing a seat.
