Kuwait English School

Here’s a comprehensive overview of Kuwait English School (KES), one of Kuwait’s longest-established British-curriculum international schools:

🎓 Overview & History

• Founded: 1978 by Mohamed Jassim Al Saddah and Rhoda Elizabeth Muhmood, KES serves students aged 3 to 18 and is based in Salwa, Salmiya, Kuwait.

• Enrollment stands at approximately 2,400–2,500 students from around 60 nationalities, with a roughly even split between Kuwaiti and international students

📚 Curriculum & Academic Structure

• Curriculum: Follows the English National Curriculum through Key Stages 1–3; Years 10–11 lead to IGCSE / GCSE via Cambridge and Edexcel

• Sixth Form: Years 12–13 offer GCE AS and A-Level programs across a broad range of subjects (Sciences, Maths, Humanities, Art, Drama, Languages, ICT, etc.) 

• Classroom tech is comprehensive: Google Chromebooks are issued from Year 7–13, with Google Classroom & Hapara used for teaching and monitoring 

🧩 Special Education & Support

• Known for its Green Unit, a dedicated SEN programme serving learners with speech, language, emotional, and autism-spectrum needs. It delivers differentiated curriculum and life skills via ASDAN accreditations 

• Also offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) and learning support for students needing extra help in literacy or maths 

🏫 Facilities & Campus Life

• Purpose-built campus includes science labs, ICT suites, two libraries, drama/music rooms, theatre/gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, and STEAM spaces. Younger students enjoy dedicated areas and soft-play zones

• Co‑educational policy: mixed until Year 5/6, thereafter separated for secondary classes; no boarding offered 

📈 Performance & University Destinations

• Academic outcomes are strong—historically 95–98% pass rate at IGCSE and A-Level 

• Graduates regularly progress to top universities globally, including in the UK (Russell Group, Oxford, Cambridge), USA (Ivy League), and local Gulf region institutions .

🌱 Extracurriculars & Pastoral Care

• Offers a wide range of after-school clubs: sports (football, cricket, swimming, netball), arts, drama, music, debate, Robotics/Science clubs, and participation in BSME and ISACK inter-school events

• Many students engage in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (Bronze to Gold) . Pastoral emphasis focuses on values of respect, honesty, achievement, and community .

💰 Admissions & Fees

• Admissions include interviews for younger students and competitive English and maths entrance exams for junior and senior years; demand is high 

• Tuition fees for 2024–25 range from approximately KWD 1,778 to KWD 4,800 depending on year group, with a small one‑off registration fee 

• Average class size: 20 students, with a maximum of 25; additional support provided through Learning Assistants .

✅ Strengths & Considerations

🔍 Community Feedback & Caveats

• While parents and universities speak highly of academic quality and graduates’ university placements , some teacher reviews on Reddit reference issues such as poor staff morale and complaints over resources and student behaviour. Notably:

  "It was once a good school… bought by one of the worst owners… don’t."
  "Teaching quality declined, student behaviour was low…" RedditReddit.

📝 Final Thoughts

Kuwait English School (KES) offers a solid and traditional British-style education across EYFS to A Levels, housed in purpose-built facilities and supported by strong academic outcomes and SEN programmes. It’s likely best suited to families seeking a reputable British school with a broad curriculum and university routes worldwide. As with any school, it’s advisable to visit in person, speak with current parents, and shadow a day to assess environment fit.