British School Dhahran

Here’s a glimpse of the British School Dhahran (BSD) campus—situated near Al Khobar and Dhahran in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province—highlighting its modern and thoughtfully designed learning environment.

British School Dhahran – An Overview

Background & Structure

• Founded in 1981 as Dhahran British Grammar School, the institution was rebranded as British School Dhahran (BSD) in 2021 following a move to a new, shared, purpose-built campus with the American School Dhahran in Aziziyah, Al-Khobar.

• BSD offers a full all-through British curriculum, spanning FS1 (around age 3) through Year 13, culminating in IGCSE and A-Level programmes.

Curriculum & Accreditation

• The school follows the National Curriculum for England (NCfE) and is an accredited examination centre for both Cambridge Assessment International (CAIE) and Edexcel, supporting IGCSEs, A-Levels, and potentially other international qualifications.

• BSD holds multiple accreditations and memberships with respected bodies including the British Schools Overseas (BSO), British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), Council of International Schools (CIS), and the Middle States Association (MSA)

Community & Enrollment

• BSD serves a diverse student body of around 700-750 pupils, representing over 50–60 nationalities, with a large proportion from British and expatriate backgrounds

• The school is part of the International Schools Group (ISG), a not-for-profit organization managing several international curricula-based schools in the Eastern Province.

Leadership & Ethos

• Led by Principal David Bolton, BSD places strong emphasis on developing independent, reflective learners, encouraging students to challenge themselves and foster positive, respectful community relationships.

• Core values include Innovation, Compassion, Respect, Acceptance, Integrity, and Responsibility.

Facilities & Campus

• Located on a purpose-built 40-acre campus, shared with the American School Dhahran, BSD features modern academic, sports, and creative spaces.

• In primary, students benefit from light-filled classrooms, dedicated libraries, art and music rooms, a computer lab, a soft play area, and structured PE programs.

Enrichment & Student Life

• BSD offers a rich after-school and co-curricular programme, including participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Model United Nations, BSME Games, and SAIKAC sports competitions.

• Through the "Week Without Walls" initiative, students engage in international and domestic trips, exploring cultural sites, conservation in Zanzibar, skiing in Switzerland, and desert expeditions—all reflecting BSD’s holistic approach to learning.

Academic Performance & Outcomes

• BSD consistently delivers strong academic outcomes—around 95% of IGCSE students achieve A–C grades, with similarly high performance in A-Levels. Students frequently gain admission to top global universities including names like Yale, Stanford, MIT, LSE, and more.

Fees & Enrollment

• As a not-for-profit school, BSD reinvests all fees back into its facilities and education quality.

• Annual tuition ranges from approximately SAR 29,975 (FS1) up to SAR 86,600 (Years 10–13), placing it in the ultra-premium category among regional schools.

• The school also offers sibling discounts (e.g., ~20% off for third and subsequent children).

Quick Snapshot

In summary, British School Dhahran is a well-established, reputable British curriculum school offering a robust academic foundation, wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive, international learning community. Its global values, excellent outcomes, and modern facilities make it a strong choice for families seeking a British-style international education in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.