Kuwait, Kuwait City
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
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.
New English School in Kuwait City delivers the British curriculum from Kindergarten through A level, with English as the language of instruction. It offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS, and Cambridge A Levels, while Early Years (KG and Reception) follow the England Early Years Curriculum and Years 1–2 follow the 2014 National Curriculum. Years 3–6 adapt the National Curriculum to suit the local community. Arabic, Islamics and Quran are taught, with support for pupils whose first language is not Arabic. Founded over 50 years ago by the late Mr. Tareq S. Rajab, NES was Kuwait's first private, co-educational day school to offer the British curriculum across the full age range. The purpose-built campus opened in 1974 and has been expanded to support a broad learning environment. Facilities include specialist teachers for Computer Science, Music and PE; a lending Infant Library; Chromebooks and interactive white boards. Extracurriculars include Gala Concerts, Model United Nations, local ISACK sports leagues, and charitable initiatives led by students.