British International School Riyadh
BISRFounded 1979
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
IB DiplomaAccreditations
CIS
British Schools OverseasLanguages
EnglishThe British International School Riyadh (BISR) is a not-for-profit, co-educational international day school for students aged 3 to 18. It operates seven campuses across Saudi Arabia and follows the National Curriculum of the United Kingdom.
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the 'REACH' values: Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Challenge, and Happiness. It operates as a not-for-profit institution with no shareholders, ensuring all resources are reinvested into the students' education. The school emphasizes global citizenship, intercultural learning, and the development of transferable skills to prepare students for an evolving world.
Programmes
The school offers a British-based education spanning Foundation Stage, Primary, Senior, and Sixth Form levels. Academic pathways include the English National Curriculum, GCSEs, A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and BTEC vocational qualifications. The curriculum is supported by a 'Learning Primer' that focuses on planning for transfer, learning environments, pedagogy, and responsive teaching.
Outcomes
The school is an approved examination center for AQA, Edexcel, and Cambridge International, and is an authorized school for the International Baccalaureate (IB). It also serves as an examination center for US college-admissions SATs. Students have access to vocational pathways, including BTEC qualifications in areas such as Business Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and Sport.
Student support
Learning support
The school prioritizes student well-being through a bespoke curriculum focused on belonging, self-regulation, resilience, positive lifestyle choices, and purpose. It utilizes the 'Zones of Regulation' framework to help students recognize and manage their emotions. The school also provides comprehensive support and counseling services to ensure students are emotionally and mentally prepared to thrive.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does British International School Riyadh offer?
- British International School Riyadh offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at British International School Riyadh?
- Annual tuition at British International School Riyadh is SAR 49.1K–SAR 107.9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does British International School Riyadh teach?
- British International School Riyadh enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is British International School Riyadh a day or boarding school?
- British International School Riyadh is a day school.
- What accreditations does British International School Riyadh hold?
- British International School Riyadh holds accreditations including CIS, British Schools Overseas and IB.
- Is British International School Riyadh co-educational?
- British International School Riyadh is a co-ed school.
- Where is British International School Riyadh located?
- British International School Riyadh is an international school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025/26| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation 1 | 3–3 | SAR 49.1K |
| Foundation 2 | 4–4 | SAR 66.5K |
| Year 1 & 2 | 5–6 | SAR 69.1K |
| Year 3 to 6 | 7–10 | SAR 76.1K |
| Year 7 to 9 | 11–13 | SAR 83.6K |
| Year 10 & 11 | 14–15 | SAR 101.4K |
| Year 12 & 13 | 16–17 | SAR 107.9K |
Other fees(6)
| Application fee· For each new student commencing at Al Hamra, Al Waha and Diplomatic Quarter campuses. Non-refundable. Payable at the time of submitting the application. May not be applicable for BAE schools. | SAR 575 |
|---|---|
| Placement test· Non-refundable fee payable by bank transfer for assessments. | SAR 1.2K |
| Registration fee· Single non-refundable fee for each new student. | SAR 11.5K |
| Enrolment fee· One-time, non-refundable Capital Development fee for each new student commencing at non-BAE campuses. Also applies to students moving from BAE schools to other campuses. | SAR 11.5K |
| Deposit· Single refundable seat deposit. Refunded when the family no longer has a child at the school, subject to one month's written notice during term time and return of all school IDs. | SAR 5K |
| Deposit· Single refundable deposit to cover the return of school's resources (books, etc.). Applies to the eldest child only. | SAR 1.5K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: SR 1,000 / SR 1,500 per term
Admissions
The school welcomes prospective families to tour its campuses to experience the community firsthand. Applications are submitted through the school's admissions system, with specific procedures for the Al Hamra, Al Waha, and Diplomatic Quarter campuses, while BAE-affiliated schools require direct contact with the BAE Admissions Team. A non-refundable application fee and assessment fee are required for new students, alongside a one-time registration fee and a capital development fee for non-BAE campuses.
Calendar
The school operates on an academic calendar with term dates published for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 academic years. Families are required to pay tuition fees by the term, with specific deadlines stated on invoices.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates seven campuses across Saudi Arabia, including Al Hamra, Al Waha, the Diplomatic Quarter, and four BAE-affiliated schools (Al Saqr, Al Sharq, Tabuk, and Taif). Facilities across the campuses include fitness suites, dance studios, sports halls, gymnasiums, multi-purpose astro turf pitches, swimming pools, and specialized laboratories for science, food technology, and art and design. Learning spaces are designed to be dynamic and student-centered, moving beyond traditional classroom layouts.
Co-curriculars
The enrichment programme is structured around four elements: Activities, House, Journeys, and Service. Students participate in inter-house competitions, service learning, and international trips, alongside activities such as Model United Nations, football, and basketball. The school is also a participant in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award for students aged 14 to 24.
Mr Wayne OrrInterim CEOAs the Interim CEO, Wayne Orr is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for the school's strategic direction and operational oversight.
Mrs Karen JonesPrincipal of Al WahaAs Principal of the Al Waha campus, Karen Jones is part of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to the school's commitment to high academic standards and student well-being.
Mrs Anna PowerPrincipal of Diplomatic QuarterAnna Power serves as the Principal of the Diplomatic Quarter campus, where she is a member of the Executive Leadership Team focused on fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Mr Sven CarringtonExecutive Head of BAE SchoolsSven Carrington holds the position of Executive Head of BAE Schools, overseeing the educational provision for families of BAE Systems employees across multiple campuses.
- Mr Craig SutherlandCOO
Craig Sutherland serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), managing the operational and financial aspects of the school to support its mission and strategic goals.
Ms Rebekah RussellHead of the Al Waha Senior SchoolRebekah Russell is the Head of the Al Waha Senior School, responsible for the academic and pastoral leadership of students within that section.
Mr Jordan DaviesHead of the Al Waha Primary SchoolJordan Davies serves as the Head of the Al Waha Primary School, overseeing the educational experience and development of primary-aged students at the campus.
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