Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
Sharq, Kuwait City, Kuwait. The campus spans seven buildings on a large private campus in the Sharq district, with facilities including two swimming pools, two auditoriums, football fields, indoor play areas for younger students, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, music rooms, computer and science labs, and a spacious cafeteria. It offers bilingual instruction in English and Arabic, blending the American and Arabic curricula.
Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School (K-12).
Private bilingual day school.
Special Needs Division; inclusive support through Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and vocational training.
United States and Kuwait.
School days start with a 7:00–7:30 a.m. drop-off for all divisions. Pick-up times vary by division: Kindergarten 12:50–13:15, Elementary 14:00–14:15, Middle School 14:15–14:30, High School 14:30–14:45, SEN (A, D, S) 12:55–13:30, and SEN/Vocational 13:30–13:45.
Bus service with division-specific drop-off and pick-up times.
Uniform is mandatory for all students. Kindergarten wear logo tops and stretchable trousers or shorts with black closed-toe shoes. Primary wear blue button-down shirts with the logo and navy pants or knee-length skirts. Middle School wear light blue polo shirts with navy pants or skirts. High School wear white polo shirts with navy blue or black pants, with Grade 12 students designing their uniforms annually. PE and sports uniforms are also required.
Dasman Bilingual School is part of the Cognita family of Schools.
The school uses a bilingual curriculum that integrates American and Arabic standards. The curriculum is accredited by CIS and NEASC.
The school reports a 100% graduation rate. 55% of graduates pursue higher education at prestigious colleges and universities abroad (UK and US), while 45% continue their studies in Kuwait and the GCC. It is a licensed SAT exam center and a College Board-approved provider for AP exams. 90% of students take the IELTS exam through a British Council partnership, with an average score of 6.5 or above.
Dasman graduates study at leading universities worldwide, including Harvard, MIT, University College London, and McGill, with placements in Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law, and Computer Science. Alumni pursue degrees across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Kuwait, and beyond, with scholarships and global opportunities noted.
The school provides effective pastoral care and a culture of wellbeing that supports thriving learners and compassionate citizens. Pastoral care focuses on nurturing happy, resilient, and adaptable learners, with dedicated teachers providing personalised support. Wellbeing is guided by Cognita Be Well Charter, promoting healthy choices and social engagement, including regular physical activity and healthy eating. Safeguarding measures ensure a safe and secure environment for all students to thrive. The Be Well Charter guides wellbeing through six pillars and the school fosters social responsibility through activities and partnerships such as the Sparkle Foundation.
The Special Needs Division comprises Special Needs, Autism, and Vocational Units. It is rooted in the belief that no one is left behind and provides an inclusive, supportive environment for students to grow. The division offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy, among other supports. A specialized assistant fluent in both English and Arabic works in each classroom to provide individualized support. The curriculum is modified in Language Arts and Math based on the CCSS, and older students may follow the ASDAN and BTEC Qualification Curricula, with some ASDAN students transitioning to higher education.
Wellbeing is a central focus aligned with the Cognita Be Well Charter, which emphasizes six pillars and is applied across the school. The school promotes healthy food choices and regular physical activity as part of daily routines. It fosters connections through social responsibility and enterprise, including the Sparkle Foundation partnership for volunteering activities. Leadership opportunities such as Model United Nations and Student Council support social and emotional development. Regular wellbeing initiatives and a safe, inclusive environment contribute to students' mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding is a commitment to promote the welfare of every child, ensuring equal rights to protection from harm and a safe, inclusive environment. The safeguarding principles are universal and have been developed by Cognita's Safeguarding Specialist Team; they emphasize staff training, early identification of concerns, and empowering children to voice their thoughts. Every adult who works with the school is vetted as safe to do so, and staff are equipped to educate students about risk and to respond appropriately to concerns.
1. Make an Enquiry. The Admissions Team answers initial questions and guides families through the next steps. The unique nature of the programs and limited grade-level availability means families are encouraged to follow the steps to ensure their needs are met with care. 2. Visit Us. Experience Dasman Bilingual School by scheduling a campus tour. The Admissions Team offers daily tours at various times to explore facilities and meet members of the School Leadership Team. This visit provides firsthand insight into the school's bilingual environment. 3. Submit Your Online Application. Applications are accepted online only. Upload digital copies of key documents, including identification, academic records, and any relevant reports for special education applicants. Ensure attachments are clear and readable to avoid delays. 4. Assessment and Evaluation. After submitting the application, an assessment date will be scheduled and you will be notified by email. For international applicants unable to attend in person, remote assessments may be arranged. Assessment results are communicated within 2–3 working days. Assessments vary by grade level: Kindergarten uses an informal interview with KG Academic Staff, while Grades 1–12 require formal assessments in English, Math, and Arabic. Special Needs and Vocational applicants may require psychological assessments and classroom observations. 5. Admission Decision. The Admissions Team will notify parents of assessment results within 1 day for Kindergarten and 2–3 days for Grades 1–12. 6. After Acceptance. Upon acceptance, pay a non-refundable KD 100 deposit to secure the child's seat within two days of notification. Submit transfer documents from the child's previous school to the DBS Registrar's Office.
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.
