British International School Al Khobar

Saudi Arabia, Dammam

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees SAR 41,260 - 85,732

Ages 3 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 950

Type Co-educational

Opened 1977

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)

Taught languages Arabic, Spanish, French

Typical class size 19

Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional

Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Introduction

BISAK (British International School Al Khobar) was established in 1977 and moved to a new 20 million SAR state‑of‑the‑art campus in 2019 in the As Sadafah District of Al Khobar, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The school delivers the English National Curriculum with a three‑section structure: Preparatory School (Nursery to Year 6), Senior School (Year 7 to 11), and Sixth Form (Year 12 to 13). BISAK is accredited by major British‑international bodies and serves a diverse, international community drawn from around 50 nationalities. The campus includes sports facilities such as a gymnasium and other resources, and the school runs a broad after‑school activities programme. The language of instruction is English; Arabic and Spanish are taught as part of the curriculum, with French offered at senior levels. Tuition is published with separate transport costs; the Capitation and registration fees apply.

bisak.org

Al Sadafah, Al Khobar 34434, Saudi Arabia

The Essentials

Location

The British International School Al Khobar (BISAK) is located at 3909 As Sadafah District, Al Khobar, 34215, Saudi Arabia. The campus sits in the As Sadafah district of Al Khobar. The address is used for visitor access and transport coordination.

Stages

Preparatory School covers Nursery to Year 6. Senior School covers Year 7 to Year 11. Sixth Form covers Year 12 to Year 13. The school provides education From Nursery through Year 13.

Type

BISAK is a co-educational, not-for-profit school that follows the British curriculum.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The school reports representation of 50 nationalities. The most common nationality and the local-to-international student ratio are not published publicly.

Additional learning support

The school provides Pastoral Support and safeguarding, with on-site nurses for medical needs. A dedicated SEN department or formal SEN policy is not published publicly.

Country affiliation

BISAK follows a British curriculum and is accredited by British and international bodies (AoBSO/OBSO, COBIS, BSME).

Religious affiliation

There is no formal religious affiliation stated. BISAK promotes British values and internationalism.

School day structure

Prep day timings run from about 7:20 to 14:00, with a first break from 9:25 to 10:10 and a second break around 11:40–12:00; lessons run through the morning with end-of-day at 2:00 for Prep, and 2:00 for Senior School and Sixth Form. After-school activities finish around 3:00, with Thursday arrangements varying.

Bus service

A BISAK-operated bus service is not publicly listed on BISAK's site. For transport options, contact BISAK reception at +966-13-8317300 or receptionist@bisak.org.

Fees

Application / Registration fees

- Capitation (registration) fee: SAR 16,000 per child, payable on enrolling into the school or on re-enrolling after 12 months.
- Second child onwards (registration): SAR 10,000 per child, payable on enrolling or if re-enrolling within 12 months.

Tuition fees by year group (per annum and per term) — Academic year 2025/26

- Nursery: Per annum SAR 41,260; VAT on fees per annum SAR 6,189; Total (inc. VAT) SAR 47,449. Per term: School fees SAR 13,753.33; VAT per term SAR 2,063; Total per term (inc. VAT) SAR 15,816.33.

- Reception: Per annum SAR 52,728; VAT SAR 7,909.20; Total inc. VAT SAR 60,637.20. Per term: SAR 17,576.00; VAT per term SAR 2,636.40; Total per term SAR 20,212.40.

- Year 1: Per annum SAR 53,785; VAT SAR 8,067.75; Total inc. VAT SAR 61,852.75. Per term: SAR 17,928.33; VAT per term SAR 2,689.25; Total per term SAR 20,617.58.

- Year 2: Per annum SAR 53,785; VAT SAR 8,067.75; Total inc. VAT SAR 61,852.75. Per term: SAR 17,928.33; VAT per term SAR 2,689.25; Total per term SAR 20,617.58.

- Year 3: Per annum SAR 58,400; VAT SAR 8,760; Total inc. VAT SAR 67,160. Per term: SAR 19,466.67; VAT per term SAR 2,920; Total per term SAR 22,386.67.

- Year 4: Per annum SAR 58,400; VAT SAR 8,760; Total inc. VAT SAR 67,160. Per term: SAR 19,466.67; VAT per term SAR 2,920; Total per term SAR 22,386.67.

- Year 5: Per annum SAR 58,400; VAT SAR 8,760; Total inc. VAT SAR 67,160. Per term: SAR 19,466.67; VAT per term SAR 2,920; Total per term SAR 22,386.67.

- Year 6: Per annum SAR 58,400; VAT SAR 8,760; Total inc. VAT SAR 67,160. Per term: SAR 19,466.67; VAT per term SAR 2,920; Total per term SAR 22,386.67.

- Year 7: Per annum SAR 60,600; VAT SAR 9,090; Total inc. VAT SAR 69,690. Per term: SAR 20,200.00; VAT per term SAR 3,030; Total per term SAR 23,230.00.

- Year 8: Per annum SAR 60,600; VAT SAR 9,090; Total inc. VAT SAR 69,690. Per term: SAR 20,200.00; VAT per term SAR 3,030; Total per term SAR 23,230.00.

- Year 9: Per annum SAR 60,600; VAT SAR 9,090; Total inc. VAT SAR 69,690. Per term: SAR 20,200.00; VAT per term SAR 3,030; Total per term SAR 23,230.00.

- Year 10: Per annum SAR 72,150; VAT SAR 10,822.50; Total inc. VAT SAR 82,972.50. Per term: SAR 24,050.00; VAT per term SAR 3,607.50; Total per term SAR 27,657.50.

- Year 11: Per annum SAR 72,150; VAT SAR 10,822.50; Total inc. VAT SAR 82,972.50. Per term: SAR 24,050.00; VAT per term SAR 3,607.50; Total per term SAR 27,657.50.

- Year 12: Per annum SAR 74,550; VAT SAR 11,182.50; Total inc. VAT SAR 85,732.50. Per term: SAR 24,850.00; VAT per term SAR 3,727.50; Total per term SAR 28,577.50.

- Year 13: Per annum SAR 74,550; VAT SAR 11,182.50; Total inc. VAT SAR 85,732.50. Per term: SAR 24,850.00; VAT per term SAR 3,727.50; Total per term SAR 28,577.50.

After-school Arabic tuition

- After-school Arabic fees: Per annum SAR 8,000; VAT SAR 1,200; Total inc. VAT SAR 9,200.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoices are issued for each term. Autumn term invoice dates: 4–11 June 2025. Spring term invoice dates: 1–5 December 2025. Summer term invoice dates: 2–6 March 2026. All invoices carry a strict 28-day payment due date.
- All tuition fees for Arabic and mainstream classes are payable annually in advance and are invoiced with a 28-day payment requirement; the Finance Office issues a schedule of payment dates. A pupil may be asked to stay away from school if fees are not paid by the due date following contact from the Bursar. Families who default or are consistently late may be moved to annual invoicing only.

Payment methods and administrative details

- Fees should, except in exceptional circumstances, be paid through the bank; cash is accepted in specific contexts. Refunds are made by bank transfer and parents meet any bank charges incurred. The Finance Office handles banking and fee questions; the Finance Office is open each school day from 7:30am to 2:45pm. Invoices are issued with a 28-day payment requirement.

Other costs and items not included in tuition

- The tuition fees do not include transport, uniform, trips or resources such as books. External examination fees are charged separately and are set by the relevant examination boards. Curriculum and library books are provided by the school; any damage to books will be billed to parents. The Capitation (registration) Fee is not part of the tuition fee and does not attract VAT.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school.

Refund policy and withdrawal deadlines

- Refunds of tuition fees (subject to the school's discretion) are available provided fees have been paid by the due date and the school receives written notification of withdrawal by the following deadlines:
- By 1st August for withdrawal before the Autumn Term.
- By close of business fourteen days prior to the last working day of the preceding term for withdrawal before the Spring or Summer Terms.
- No refunds for tuition fees are made if pupils are withdrawn part-way through a term. No refund of the capitation fee will be made if a child attends school and subsequently does not meet the required standard during the probationary period. A Leaving Certificate and Ministry of Education approval document will not be released until all outstanding fees have been paid in full. Refund payments are made by bank transfer (parents meet any bank charges).

Academics

Curriculum

British International School Al Khobar (BISAK) follows the English National Curriculum across all phases, from Nursery to Year 13, with English as the language of instruction and a structure comprising Preparatory School (Nursery–Year 6), Senior School (Year 7–11), and Sixth Form (Year 12–13). EYFS (Nursery and Reception) uses a play‑based Early Years framework with seven areas of learning, and Year 1–2 follow the National Curriculum with phonics, reading, and writing as part of the transition to more formal teaching. In Senior School, KS3 covers Years 7–9 and KS4 covers Years 10–11, with the English National Curriculum and school adaptations; Year 9 moves into iGCSE/GCSE options within a Core Curriculum (English Language and English Literature, Mathematics, and General PE) and optional subject choices. GCSE/IGCSE options include a Core Curriculum and an Optional Curriculum with subjects such as Arabic, Art & Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Double/Triple Science, Economics, French, Geography, History, ICT, Music, Physical Education, Psychology, Sociology, among others; the GCSE/IGCSE Information Booklet details six‑option blocks and the Edexcel/Cambridge boards. Sixth Form offers AS/A Level courses across a wide range of subjects (e.g., Arabic, Art, Biology, Chemistry, English Language/Literature, French, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology) with university applications support (UCAS/BridgeU), enrichment, and university visits as described in the Sixth Form Prospectus.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEL at BISAK is primarily supported through its Pastoral Support service. Teachers refer pupils for confidential pastoral support provided by BISAK staff, with meetings kept confidential unless agreed with the pupil and parent. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is kept informed of pupils seen by pastoral care, ensuring welfare concerns are followed up. The pastoral program includes small-group sessions to help pupils explore and set goals about treating each other well, building trust and positive communication. The school also provides medical health resources through on-site nurses to support overall pupil wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

BISAK recognises that pupils with additional needs can face safeguarding challenges and provides special consideration for SEN/additional needs within its safeguarding framework. The safeguarding policy notes that some pupils have SEN or additional needs and should receive special consideration in equality, highlighting BISAK's awareness of SEN within safeguarding. The policy identifies designated safeguarding leads and staff responsibilities for safeguarding, but it does not publicly disclose a dedicated SEN department or detailed, school-wide SEN services beyond safeguarding considerations.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school does not publicly disclose a standalone EAL programme or dedicated EAL staff on the BISAK site. The safeguarding policy, however, notes that pupils who have English as an additional language should receive special consideration in safeguarding, indicating awareness of EAL within safeguarding contexts.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported via BISAK's Pastoral Support and on-site medical facilities. The school's pastoral care service provides confidential support for nominated pupils, with group sessions aimed at fostering respectful, positive communication. Nursing staff operate from a well-equipped medical room to maintain pupil health and safety, supplemented by first-aid trained personnel. These provisions work together to support pupils' overall wellbeing and respond to welfare concerns as needed.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and child protection are treated as a whole-school priority with aims to safeguard and promote welfare. All staff receive safeguarding guidance and annual training, and designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) are part of the Extended Leadership Team with deputies available to cover when needed. The DSLs are responsible for child protection and safeguarding, with safeguarding embedded in school ethos and Safer Recruitment procedures. The policy outlines clear roles for the ELT and Board to oversee safeguarding, and references reporting to appropriate authorities as required, including the UK Embassy and the Ministry of Education in KSA. The Saudi Child helpline 116 111 is available for safeguarding concerns, and online safety is addressed within the policy alongside procedures for reporting and record-keeping.

Admissions

1. BISAK accepts applications for Nursery (age 3) to Year 13 (age 18). The school operates an English National Curriculum and is a not-for-profit school. For placement, BISAK uses a priority system: British passport holders are given priority, followed by chronological order by date of registration. To begin the process, complete the Registration Form (via the form linked in Admissions) and BISAK will be in contact.

2. Availability is published by year group for each academic year. All children are added to a Waiting List and registration is not a guarantee of placement. For academic year 2025-2026, Pre-Preparatory (EYFS) Nursery has places available, Reception is on a waiting list, Year 2 has places available, Year 4 has places available, Year 6 has places available, Senior School Year 7 is on a waiting list, Year 8 has places available, Year 9 is on a waiting list, and higher year groups show some closed entries (e.g., Year 10-13 on lists). This provides current capacity information for planning.

3. If there is availability on the registration waiting list, complete the Registration Form and Pupil Medication Form. Registration documents and the capitation fee (16,000 SAR) are paid by appointment.

4. Registration is not a guaranteed place; families are kept on the Waiting List and BISAK will contact them if a place becomes available. This process emphasizes that entry depends on current availability and the waiting-list status.

5. You can learn more and engage with BISAK by attending Admissions – Open Day, which provides an overview of the school and its programs. Open Day information is accessible through Admissions, and is part of the formal process for prospective families.

Scholarships

Information on scholarships being offered is not published.

Waitlist

All applicants are placed on a Waiting List; registration does not guarantee placement. Availability by year group is published for each academic year, and some year groups show limited or no places at certain times. British passport holders are given priority when offers are made, followed by registration date, which influences progression from the waiting list.

FAQs

What curriculum does British International School Al Khobar offer?

British International School Al Khobar offers British, National Curriculum curriculums. British International School Al Khobar (BISAK) follows the English National Curriculum across all phases, from Nursery to Year 13, with English as the language of instruction and a structure comprising Preparatory School (Nursery–Year 6), Senior School (Year 7–11), and Sixth Form (Year 12–13).

What age range does British International School Al Khobar cater for?

British International School Al Khobar accepts students from age 3 to 18. Preparatory School covers Nursery to Year 6. Senior School covers Year 7 to Year 11. Sixth Form covers Year 12 to Year 13. The school provides education From Nursery through Year 13.

What are the fees at British International School Al Khobar?

Annual fees at British International School Al Khobar range from approximately 41,260 to 85,732. **Application / Registration fees** - Capitation (registration) fee: SAR 16,000 per child, payable on enrolling into the school or on re-enrolling after 12 months. - Second child onwards (registration): SAR 10,000 per child, payable on enrolling or if re-enrolling within 12 months.

Where is British International School Al Khobar located?

British International School Al Khobar is located in Saudi Arabia. The British International School Al Khobar (BISAK) is located at 3909 As Sadafah District, Al Khobar, 34215, Saudi Arabia. The campus sits in the As Sadafah district of Al Khobar. The address is used for visitor access and transport coordination.

Is British International School Al Khobar co-educational?

British International School Al Khobar is a co-educational school. BISAK is a co-educational, not-for-profit school that follows the British curriculum.

How do I apply to British International School Al Khobar?

The admissions process at British International School Al Khobar: 1. BISAK accepts applications for Nursery (age 3) to Year 13 (age 18). The school operates an English National Curriculum and is a not-for-profit school. For placement, BISAK uses a priority system: British passport holders are given priority, followed by chronological order by date of registration.

Does British International School Al Khobar offer scholarships or financial aid?

British International School Al Khobar offers scholarships and financial aid. Information on scholarships being offered is not published.

What learning support does British International School Al Khobar provide?

British International School Al Khobar provides learning support services. BISAK recognises that pupils with additional needs can face safeguarding challenges and provides special consideration for SEN/additional needs within its safeguarding framework.

Does British International School Al Khobar offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?

The school does not publicly disclose a standalone EAL programme or dedicated EAL staff on the BISAK site.

What facilities does British International School Al Khobar have?

The school offers a British international education in Al Khobar, with a purpose-built campus and a community-focused environment. The Preparatory School serves Nursery to Year 6, the Senior School covers Years 7 to 11, and the Sixth Form includes Years 12 to 13. Sports facilities include: The school provides a range of after-school activities and clubs across sports, arts, and other disciplines, with programs running after school hours.

What extra-curricular activities are available at British International School Al Khobar?

British International School Al Khobar offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Instrumental Music Tuition Programme provides weekly 30-minute lessons in piano, clarinet, flute, saxophone, violin, viola, and voice, with music theory. Pupils may take ABRSM examinations in these instruments.

What languages are taught at British International School Al Khobar?

The Preparatory School follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales, with Nursery and Reception following the English Early Years Framework. Core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science.

Who is the head of British International School Al Khobar?

The head of school at British International School Al Khobar is Stephen Viner.

How many students attend British International School Al Khobar?

British International School Al Khobar has approximately 950 students. The school serves students from age 3 to 18.

When was British International School Al Khobar founded?

British International School Al Khobar was founded in 1977. BISAK was established in 1977 as a not-for-profit school serving the Al Khobar community. It is governed by a volunteer body of British parents elected by BISAK families to guide the school's development and ensure resources support pupils' learning.

What accreditations does British International School Al Khobar hold?

The school is accredited and affiliated with multiple UK-based and international bodies, including the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO), British School Overseas (BSO), the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), and the Independent.

Does British International School Al Khobar have a uniform policy?

Uniform is compulsory for BISAK pupils. From June 2023, uniforms can be ordered online via BISAK's partner, Zaks, or purchased at their Amwaj Mall store in Al Khobar.

What is the parent community like at British International School Al Khobar?

BISAK describes itself as a community and family, guided by its motto Let there be peace on earth. The principal notes ongoing support from the wider BISAK community and the British Embassy.

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