Kuwait, Kuwait City
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Kuwait National English School (KNES) is a private, co‑educational British international school in Kuwait offering the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A Levels, with Cambridge IGCSE, Edexcel IGCSE and a SEN‑focused programme. The school serves ages 2 to 18 and uses English as the language of instruction, with Arabic, French and Spanish taught as additional languages. In Years 7–9 (Key Stage 3) students study core subjects—English, Mathematics, Sciences—plus Geography, History, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Qur'an and Kuwait Social Studies to meet Ministry requirements; Years 10–11 follow Cambridge/Edexcel/Pearson IGCSE routes with a compulsory core and option blocks; Years 12–13 prepare for AS and A Levels. KNES features the Omar Science and Technology Centre, a theatre, a Media Centre and ICT facilities, including WIFI and a Virtual Learning Environment. The school is accredited by CIS and NEASC, with BSME and BSO recognition, and is UNESCO Associated Schools Projects member.
Kuwait National English School has 1,250 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.
Located in Hawally on Mousa Bin Nussair Street, Block 2, Hawally 32057. Postal address: PO Box 44273 Hawally, 32057. Phone: +965 2265 6904/5/6; Reception WhatsApp: +965 94048815.
Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Special Needs. Age range 2 to 18.
The school is a British International School.
40+ nationalities represented.
Psychological and Assessment Unit; Social Work Unit; Speech Unit; Physiotherapy Unit; Occupational Therapy Unit; and on-site Nursing.
British; follows the National Curriculum for England.
Bus transportation is arranged via Emushrif; details are available on the Transportation page.
Annual tuition at Kuwait National English School ranges from KWD 1,494 to KWD 4,862 for 2026/27.
Kuwait National English School teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, SEN focussed for students aged 2 to 18.
Kuwait National English School is a British International School delivering the British National Curriculum alongside Ministry of Education curricular requirements. In Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3) learners follow an extensive curriculum including English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Art & Design, Computer Science, French, Geography, History, PSHE, Sciences, Kuwait Social Studies (Ministry requirement), Arabic (Ministry requirement), Islamic Studies (Ministry requirement) and Qur'an (Ministry requirement). In Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) the content is based on Cambridge Assessment International Education, Edexcel and Pearson requirements, with a compulsory core and six option blocks leading to IGCSE examinations. Years 7-9 provide a broad foundation before Year 10 when students select options for further study, leading to IGCSEs. In Years 12 and 13 students study for AS and A Levels (UK international). The Languages Taught are English, Arabic, French and Spanish, and English is the language of instruction.
EYFS 12:1; Primary 25:1; Secondary 15:1.
First Term Examination results are released on 9 January 2025 and are available on the school portal for parents and students.
The school uses PSHE to teach mental health and emotional wellbeing in a safe and sensitive manner. Circle time approaches and SEAL resources support social and emotional development, including managing feelings and emotions. Targeted groups focus on mental health and wellbeing, with activities such as art, play, relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Staff monitor pupil wellbeing with monthly trackers and term reports to identify issues such as attendance, relationships, and changes in mood. The programme engages parents by sharing mental health topics learned in PSHE and offering guidance for home support.
The school follows the National Curriculum for England adapted to the local environment. The Department's goals are to provide an educational environment that helps students integrate into society and develop their abilities to take a positive role, supported by a qualified, experienced team including the Head of Department and specialists. Support services include a Psychological and Assessment Unit for counselling and testing, a Social Work Unit for counselling and social services, a Speech Unit for assessment and therapy, a Physiotherapy Unit, an Occupational Therapy Unit, and a Nurse. Extra-curricular Activities include Life Skills to promote independence, a well-stocked library, ICT facilities, Al Farabi Theatre, and a healthy cafeteria. In 1997 a SEN unit with full support services including Physio, Speech, Occupational therapy and Social Workers was established with a small integration unit; KNES continues to provide SEN support within the mainstream school.
Languages of Instruction are English. Languages taught include English, Arabic, French and Spanish.
The school uses PSHE guidance to teach mental health and emotional wellbeing in a safe and sensitive manner. Targeted support includes circle time activities and SEAL resources, managing feelings and emotions, and mental health and wellbeing groups, with therapeutic activities such as art, play, relaxation and mindfulness techniques. All staff monitor wellbeing using monthly wellbeing trackers and reports to identify warning signs such as attendance, relationships, mood, and health indicators. The school works with parents to keep them informed about emotional wellbeing topics and how to support positive mental health at home. Staff receive training on mental health and wellbeing policies during induction and through ongoing CPD, with resources shared to parents.
Kuwait National English School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The policy is read alongside Kuwait National Child Protection Policy and Procedures 2022 and the UK Keeping Children Safe in Education. The school has a designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr. Bernie Babkirk, Administration Director, who coordinates safeguarding and reports concerns. Staff receive safeguarding training during induction and at regular intervals, including Keeping Children Safe in Education Level 1 and Prevent Duty Training from the Home Office UK. Safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff, including administration and the Governing Body. If a safeguarding concern arises, staff members may request a Safeguarding Concern Form from the Designated Safeguarding Lead and record details accurately before sharing concerns.
1. Gather required documents for admission: 2 passport-size photographs; copy of child's birth certificate; copy of the child's passport (Kuwaiti & Non Kuwaiti) / visa (Non Kuwaiti); copy of parent's & student's Civil ID; copy of father's nationality certificate (Kuwaiti's only); copy of parent's passport & visa (Non Kuwait); letter of transfer (Year 1 up to year 12 or age-appropriate SEN); copy of the most recent school report; behavior report; medical records; and non-refundable deposit. This follows MOE private sector registration regulations and supports placement and enrollment. Ensure all documents are current and legible to avoid delays in processing. All documents accompany the admission application.
Omar Al Gharabally Scholarship (Presently Under Review). The Omar Al Gharabally Scholarship is named in memory of Omar Al Gharabally and aims to help the most able students achieve their full potential under the best possible conditions.