New English School - Kuwait City

The New English School is located in Hawalli, Kuwait. The address is P.O. Box 6156, 32036 Hawalli, Kuwait.

Kindergarten to A level. Primary (KG & Reception; Years 1-6) and Secondary (Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5) with a Sixth Form.

Private, co-educational day school.

United Kingdom

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.

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.

The school celebrates excellent results from its students.

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.

NES emphasizes social skills and student well-being as core to its education. The school encourages listening, respecting differences, and showing compassion within a supportive community. The NES code 'I am an NES student' underpins these values and guides behavior. Student-led initiatives and charitable works give students opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills. A robust balance of academics, life skills and well-being supports well-rounded graduates.

Student well-being is explicitly recognised as part of NES's philosophy. The school states a robust balance of strong academics, life skills and student well-being, and it promotes opportunities that support personal growth and resilience. Well-being is reinforced through a caring school culture, peer support and a focus on developing life skills alongside academic achievement. The 'I am an NES student' ethos and community initiatives contribute to a positive, inclusive environment.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a responsibility shared by everyone in the school. The safeguarding policy requires staff to complete training, understand their roles, and report concerns through the designated safeguarding lead. The policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and includes safer recruitment, reporting procedures and safeguarding systems within the school.

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.