British International School Riyadh

Here’s an insightful look at The British International School Riyadh (BISR):

🎓 General Overview

• Established: Founded in 1979, BISR has over 40 years of experience offering education to families from Riyadh’s expatriate and diplomatic communities 

• Not-for-profit, multi-campus model: Seven campus locations serve around 3,000 students (ages 3–18) representing over 90 nationalities, with approximately 50% holding British passports 

🏫 Campuses & Facilities

• Al Hamra (original): Serves FS1–Year 13; features a 7-hectare site with indoor swimming pool, Astroturf field, design and science labs, arts studios, and ICT suites

• Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) Campus (opened 2020): Hosts primary and senior sections, offering IGCSEs, IB Diploma, and enriched facilities including library, gym, and outdoor learning spaces 

• Future Al Waha Campus (opening August 2025): A brand-new 30,000 sqm purpose-built campus with dedicated primary and senior areas, auditorium, sports facilities, and libraries; coincides with Al Hamra’s full renovation .

📚 Curriculum & Learning

• Early Years & Primary: EYFS with a play-based foundation; Years 1–9 follow the English National Curriculum enriched with local and global context 

• Secondary Pathways:

  • At Al Hamra: Students follow GCSE (Years 10–11) and A-Levels (Years 12–13) 

  • At DQ campus: International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), IGCSE (Years 10–11), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) from 2022–23, plus vocational pathways from August 2024

🌍 Accreditation & Ethos

• Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and British Schools Overseas (BSO). BSO inspection aligns BISR’s standards with those of UK independent schools 

• Member of multiple professional networks: BSME, NACE, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and a founding member of TASS, with a strong focus on sustainability and eco-initiatives 

• Eco-friendly initiatives: Green Flag Eco-School, campus recycling centre, solar sustainability projects, UN SDG-linked curriculum development

🌱 Pastoral & Co-Curricular

• Values-led culture: Guided by core values—Respect, Honesty, Compassion, Kindness—and the REACH framework (Respect, Excellence, Achievement, Challenge, Happiness)

• Holistic programmes: Includes leadership roles, service‑learning, house events, community trips, and wide-ranging ECAs (sports, arts, entrepreneurship, DofE etc.) 

• Excellent pastoral care: Robust well‑being support, safeguarding structures, and proactive emotional development

📊 Academic Performance & Destinations

• GCSE results: approx. 43% achieving grades 7–9 (A-A*); A-Levels: around 40% A* or A grades 

• Graduates commonly proceed to universities in the UK, US, and globally across countries like UAE, Ireland, South Africa, Bahrain 

💵 Fees & Admissions Snapshot

• Fee range: SAR 46,000–105,000+ annually, making BISR among the higher-tier British schools in Saudi Arabia 

• Additional costs include application, assessment, registration, capital development, and refundable deposits ranging from SAR 575 to SAR 11,500+

• Admissions are competitive, with waiting lists common. Priority is given to siblings and British passport holders; intake is year-round with assessment tests required

✅ Strengths & Considerations

📝 Final Thoughts

The British International School Riyadh is a well-established, curriculum-rich, values-driven institution offering flexible secondary pathways through A-Levels and IB. Its recent and upcoming campus developments underscore a commitment to modern educational environments, sustainability, and holistic student growth.