British International School Al Khobar

Here’s a detailed look at The British International School Al Khobar (BISAK):

🎓 Overview & Identity

Established in 1977, BISAK relocated to a modern, purpose-built campus in 2019, investing SAR 20 million—a testament to strong community support
Non-profit status: Governed by a volunteer body of British parents; all resources are dedicated to student learning and wellbeing
The school motto, “Let there be peace on earth,” reflects its commitment to community, values, and harmony

🏫 Curriculum & Academic Performance

Offers British National Curriculum through EYFS, IGCSE, AS and A‑Level, serving students from Nursery to Year 13
IGCSE: About 94.8% A‑C* in core subjects; A‑Levels: 98.2% passes (A*‑E), based on 2021 data
Notable achievement: In February 2025, BISAK became the first British school in Saudi Arabia to receive Outstanding across all categories in a UK Department for Education BSO inspection—covering leadership, welfare, academic quality, and personal development

🏛️ Student Body & Facilities

Enrolls approximately 900–1,000 students representing over 50 nationalities, offering a richly diverse learning environment
Class sizes average 19 students, allowing for personalized attention
The new campus includes well-equipped classrooms, science and ICT labs, art and design rooms, gymnasiums, sports fields, a swimming pool, multipurpose halls, and a modern library system

🌱 Pastoral Care & Community Life

Emphasizes student wellbeing, discipline, and British values within a caring and supportive community
Operates a house system across year groups, with recognition through achievement points and regular rewards for good behavior, attendance, and contribution

⚽ Extracurricular Programs

Offers a wide range of activities: sports (football, athletics, tennis, badminton), arts and crafts clubs, drama, chess, debate, young entrepreneurs, science and computing clubs, and Arabic language workshops
Strong focus on enriching learning beyond academics with social and emotional development built into school life.

💰 Fees & Admissions

Annual tuition ranges (2023–24): SAR 46,508 (FS1) up to SAR 80,877 (Years 12–13); projected to rise to SAR 85,732 for senior levels in 2024–25
Admission is competitive: priority offered to British passport holders, then in order of application; waiting lists are common, especially for lower years

✅ Strengths & Considerations

Strengths:

First BSO Outstanding British school in Saudi Arabia—excellence across all inspection areas.
Strong academic track record with excellent GCSE and A-Level results.
Broad international community and a welcoming, values-driven culture.
State-of-the-art campus with excellent facilities and smaller class sizes.

Considerations:

Annual fees are at the premium end for the region.
Some parental concerns over aspects like cramped primary spaces, uniform quality, limited lunch/play areas, and afternoon activity variety
As demand is high, securing a spot can require early registration.

📝 Final Thoughts

The British International School Al Khobar delivers a well-rounded British education, blending academic rigor with supportive pastoral care in a diverse global setting. With its leading inspection rating, modern facilities, and strong exam outcomes, it's a compelling option for families seeking a values-based, high-performance environment in Eastern Province.