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British International School Riyadh has 2,052 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.
Location
British International School Riyadh operates across seven campuses in Saudi Arabia, including three in Riyadh: Al Hamra, Diplomatic Quarter, and Al Waha. In Riyadh, Al Hamra is located at 2786 Ibrahim Mubarak Said Ad Dusari in the Gharnatah District; the Diplomatic Quarter campus is at 3586 Alradaef Street, Al Safarat District; and Al Waha sits at 2822 Muhammad Ali Janah Street in the Gharnatah District. These campuses are part of one not-for-profit British international school network and offer cross-campus collaboration for families living in and around Riyadh.
Stages
BISR is an all-through school for ages 3–18, with nurseries through Year 12 on its Riyadh campuses. The Diplomatic Quarter campus offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the 16–18 age group, while other campuses follow the English National Curriculum with GCSE and A‑Level pathways.
Type
The school is co-educational (mixed-gender) and operates as a day school. Boarding is not offered.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body comprises students from over 90 nationalities. The most common nationality is not published, and exact local-to-international ratios are not publicly disclosed; the school presents a highly diverse international mix.
Additional learning support
Limited support for Additional Learning Needs (SEN). The school runs a Student Services programme with capacity for mild to moderate needs (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism) and offers limited EAL support.
Country affiliation
BISR is a British international school overseas and is accredited as a British School Overseas (BSO) and by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation stated for the school.
School day structure
Most campuses run a day that starts around 07:45 and finishes around 16:00, with breaks and a lunch period. At the Diplomatic Quarter campus, students may bring lunch or use catering options where available.
Bus service
School transport is organized and run by the residential compounds in Riyadh. Families should register for transportation with their compound management; BIS does not operate a dedicated in-house bus fleet.
Fees
Annual tuition at British International School Riyadh ranges from SAR 49,095 to SAR 107,933 for 2026/27.
Tuition fees (per year and per term) - Foundation 1 (Foundation): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 42,691; VAT 15% SR 6,404; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 49,095; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 16,365. - Foundation 2 (Foundation): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 57,821; VAT 15% SR 8,673; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 66,494; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 22,165. - Key Stage 1 (Year 1 & 2): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 60,071; VAT 15% SR 9,011; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 69,082; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 23,027. - Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 66,200; VAT 15% SR 9,930; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 76,130; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 25,377. - Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 72,717; VAT 15% SR 10,908; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 83,625; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 27,875. - Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 88,186; VAT 15% SR 13,228; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 101,414; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 33,805. - Key Stage 5 (Years 12 & 13): Annual (excl. VAT) SR 93,855; VAT 15% SR 14,078; Annual (incl. VAT) SR 107,933; Termly (incl. VAT) SR 35,978.
Application and one-off/ancillary fees - Application fee (new students at Al Hamra, Al Waha and Diplomatic Quarter campuses): non‑refundable SR 575 (inclusive of VAT). Not applicable to BAE schools. - Assessment fee: non‑refundable SR 1,150 (inclusive of VAT); payable by bank transfer. - Registration fee (new students): single non‑refundable fee SR 11,500 (inclusive of VAT). Re‑registration required (fee payable again) if a student has been away from school for three clear terms. - Capital Development Fee (one‑time, non‑refundable for new students at non‑BAE campuses and for students moving from BAE schools): SR 11,500 (inclusive of VAT). - Seat deposit: single refundable deposit SR 5,000 (no VAT). Refund conditions: refunded when the family no longer has a child at the school provided one month's written notice during term time is given to the Registrar and all issued school IDs (including those issued to family helpers/drivers) are returned. - Resource deposit: single refundable deposit SR 1,500 (no VAT) (applies to the eldest child only). Repaid less deductions for damaged or lost school resources when the family no longer has a child at the school. - Sibling discount: SR 1,000 per term discount for the third child; SR 1,500 per term for the fourth and any subsequent children. - External examination fees (GCSE, AS/A‑level etc.): candidates pay their own entry fees plus a fair share of administrative costs (invigilation, courier, moderation). Costs for approved access arrangements are shared equally among candidates.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition fees are invoiced per term in advance (invoices issued towards the end of the preceding term). Parents are required to pay the term tuition by the due date stated on the invoice. - As part of onboarding, a virtual account is allocated by the finance team and tuition fees should be transferred into that virtual account (bank transfer). Assessment fees are explicitly payable by bank transfer. Failure to pay fees or failure to return for the commencement of the new academic year will result in the student being deemed to have left the school; re‑entry requires completion of initial registration procedures.
Boarding - No boarding provision applies; the school operates as an international day school. There are no boarding fees.
Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniform: full school uniform is required. Uniform guidance is published and uniform is available to order online via the official supplier Zaks (costs are charged separately at point of purchase). - Transport: school bus services are organised and operated by residential compounds; families register for bus transport through their compound management office and associated transport charges apply through those providers. - After‑school activities and external enrichment: some activities are delivered by external providers and may carry additional fees payable to those providers.
Refunds and non‑refundables (summary) - Non‑refundable: application fee, assessment fee, registration fee, capital development fee. - Refundable: seat deposit (SR 5,000) and resource deposit (SR 1,500) are refundable subject to the stated conditions and less any deductions for damaged or missing resources.
VAT and exemptions - VAT is applied at 15% where indicated in the fee breakdown. Saudi nationals are eligible for VAT exemption where applicable; families who believe they are eligible should contact the school finance department for assistance.
Payment methods accepted (summary) - Tuition and other charges are paid by bank transfer into the allocated virtual account established by the school finance team. Assessment fees are payable by bank transfer. Specific campus onboarding provides the virtual account details. No other payment methods are specified in the fee and admissions information provided.
Academics
British International School Riyadh teaches British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
British International School Riyadh (BISR) operates across two Riyadh campuses, Al Hamra (nearly 2,000 students) and Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) (about 850), serving ages 3–18. At Al Hamra, the youngest learners follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, Years 1–9 use an adapted English National Curriculum, Years 10–11 offer GCSEs, and Years 12–13 offer A-Levels. At the Diplomatic Quarter campus, the curriculum combines the English National Curriculum in early years, then IGCSE in Years 10–11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Years 12–13, with vocational pathways available post-16. In the Primary phase, the school uses a concept-based English National Curriculum framework with core subjects (English, Maths, Science, Computing), a Theme block (History/Geography/Global Citizenship), Physical Education, Art/Design Technology, Music, and Modern Foreign Languages (French and Arabic). The IB Diploma Programme has been offered at DQ since 2022, reflecting the school's international accreditation.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is embedded through a whole-school Wellbeing Pillar and a weekly PSHE program in the Primary School. PSHE uses the PSHE Association Scheme of Work and develops resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, teamwork and critical thinking. The Zones of Regulation framework is used to help children identify and regulate their emotions. The pastoral team, including a Primary School Counsellor, provides additional wellbeing support. Counselling is offered as brief interventions aligned with safeguarding, and the school emphasizes wellbeing as part of learning.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school can support students with mild to moderate additional needs. Supported conditions include dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism. Support is delivered by Learning Support and EAL colleagues, with learning plans and regular parent communication. Places in the Student Services programme are limited by capacity. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution in its published materials.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school provides limited EAL support for students at an early stage of English. Enrollment requires age-appropriate fluency in English. EAL support is delivered in collaboration with Learning Support colleagues and involves partnership with parents. There is no dedicated full EAL program described; support is limited. EAL matters are addressed in partnership with parents through EAL and Support for Learning.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is a core focus under the Wellbeing Pillar and PSHE. Zones of Regulation is used to help students identify and regulate emotions. The school maintains a strong pastoral team and a Primary School Counsellor to provide additional support. Wellbeing is integrated with learning, enrichment and wider life across BIS Riyadh. The Vision and Values emphasise happiness, healthy lifestyle and inclusive community as part of wellbeing.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is supported by a dedicated Safeguarding Team and governance oversight. The Board includes a designated Safeguarding Governor and a Safeguarding Committee. Counselling works closely with the safeguarding team to provide brief, goal-centered interventions. Parent forums and workshops are used to communicate safeguarding matters to families. The Board of Governors is responsible for safeguarding and ensuring compliance with regulations.
FAQs
Where are the British International School Riyadh campuses located?
BISR operates across multiple Riyadh campuses: Diplomatic Quarter (Southwest Riyadh), Al Hamra (Northeast Riyadh), and Al Waha (brand-new campus in Riyadh). In January 2025, the Al Sharq campus opened to extend the Riyadh network.
What age range does the school serve and what curriculum does it follow?
The school serves children aged 3 to 18. It follows the United Kingdom's National Curriculum, offering pathways including GCSEs, A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and BTEC qualifications.
Is BISR a boarding school?
No. BISR is a co-educational international day school; there is no boarding provision.
What are the 2025/26 tuition fees by year group?
For 2025/26, tuition fees (incl. VAT) by year group are: Foundation Stage 1 – 49,095 SAR; Foundation Stage 2 – 66,494 SAR; Key Stage 1 – 69,082 SAR; Key Stage 2 – 76,130 SAR; Key Stage 3 – 83,625 SAR; Key Stage 4 – 101,414 SAR; Key Stage 5 – 107,933 SAR.
What other costs apply when applying, and what are the deposits?
There is a non-refundable application fee of 575 SAR, an assessment fee of 1,150 SAR, a non-refundable registration fee of 11,500 SAR, and a capital development fee of 11,500 SAR for new students/new campuses. There are refundable seat (5,000 SAR) and resource (1,500 SAR) deposits, with refunds contingent on notice and return of items in good order.
How does the waitlist work, and are scholarships available?
There is a waitlist with a maximum of 20 children per year group, with priority for British/Dutch passport holders and siblings. If a space isn't offered, the child moves to the next term's waitlist with priority over new applicants. The information provided lists no scholarships.
What Sixth Form pathways are available?
For post-16 study, the school offers GCSEs, A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and BTEC qualifications, providing multiple options for post-school pathways.
How does BISR support students with higher education and university applications?
The Futures programme provides a Careers and Higher Education Advisor and tutor support to help students apply to universities worldwide. The Head of Sixth Form and tutors guide destinations and applications.
How did students perform in 2024 examinations?
IGCSE results for 2024 are published by subject with grades, and IB Diploma results for 2024 are published with average course scores. The Futures programme highlights university destinations as part of the guidance.
What facilities does the Al Hamra campus offer?
Al Hamra provides learning spaces designed for active, student‑centred learning, with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories for science, food technology, and art/design. It also features a fitness suite, a dance studio, a sports hall, a gym, a multi‑purpose astro turf pitch and a swimming pool.
Is there a swimming pool on campus?
Yes. The Al Hamra campus includes a swimming pool used for swimming lessons and school galas.
What is special about the Al Waha campus?
Al Waha is a brand‑new, purpose‑built campus in Riyadh that expands BISR's capacity for ages 3–18. It opened in 2025 as part of the network, reflecting the school's growth; specific facilities beyond being purpose-built are not listed in the provided information.
What enrichment activities and clubs are available?
The enrichment programme includes a wide range of activities, inter‑house competitions, team sports, outdoor education, and visual and performing arts. Service learning and intercultural experiences broaden students' perspectives.
How does the house system work and what leadership opportunities exist?
There are four houses—Blunt Scorpions, Doughty Falcons, Palgrave Leopards and Pitts Vipers. Primary and Senior House Captains and House Leaders run activities and competitions, fostering leadership, teamwork and citizenship.
Is service learning part of the enrichment program?
Yes. Service learning is integrated into enrichment to develop social responsibility and connect learning with real‑world impact.
What wellbeing and mental health support does BISR provide?
The school prioritises wellbeing with a Counselling service and a Well‑being Pillar that focuses on belonging, self‑regulation, resilience and healthy lifestyle choices. The Zones of Regulation framework helps students recognise and manage emotions.
How does BISR support SEND and EAL students?
The Student Services team includes Counsellors, specialist EAL teachers, Support for Learning staff, an Educational Psychologist, LSAs and INSAs. They provide in‑class support and targeted interventions, with parent workshops and formal support when needed.
How is safeguarding handled at BISR?
Safeguarding is a priority, led by designated safeguarding leadership, with partnerships with safeguarding bodies, an incident reporting system, staff safeguarding training, and parental workshops to support a safe environment.
What is the uniform policy?
A full school uniform is required and can be ordered from the designated supplier (ZAKS) or the school shop; uniform items are charged separately.
What are the food options like across campuses?
Primary students bring their own lunch. At Al Hamra and Al Waha, seniors can buy lunch at Paul's (KS3–KS4 and Sixth Form) and a pop‑up canteen; at Diplomatic Quarter there is no onsite cafeteria and lunch is preordered via catering; at Tabuk, students may bring lunch or use the Al Fresco menu (ordered weekly).
