British Schools in Riyadh: IGCSE, A-Levels and the English Curriculum Explained
For UK families relocating to Riyadh — and for international families who prefer an English curriculum with strong university pathways to the UK — British schools in Riyadh offer a familiar, structured education that minimises disruption to a child's academic progression. The city has a well-established British school sector, anchored by British International School Riyadh (BISR), that has served the expatriate community for decades.
This guide covers the British curriculum schools operating in Riyadh, the qualifications they offer, fee ranges, how to apply, and what families should know about transitioning into the British system from abroad.
British International School Riyadh (BISR)
BISR is the flagship British curriculum provider in the city and operates across multiple campuses to serve the northern and central parts of Riyadh. The school follows the National Curriculum for England from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Year 9, transitions students to Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11, and offers Cambridge International A-levels in the Sixth Form (Years 12–13).
BISR is accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the British Schools Overseas (BSO) framework — benchmarks that assure parents the curriculum, teaching standards, and pastoral provision meet UK quality expectations. University guidance and UCAS support are integral to the Sixth Form programme, making BISR the natural choice for families planning to send children to UK universities. See /guides/university-admissions-riyadh-international-schools for more on UCAS from Riyadh.
BISR Fees (2025–2026 Academic Year)
| Stage | Year Groups | Annual Fee Range (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years | EYFS, Y1–2 | 60,000 – 72,000 |
| Primary | Y3–6 | 72,000 – 85,000 |
| Secondary | Y7–11 (IGCSE) | 85,000 – 115,000 |
| Sixth Form | Y12–13 (A-level) | 100,000 – 135,000 |
Figures are indicative ranges based on published and reported information as of 2026; confirm current fees at bisr.com.sa before making decisions. Sibling discounts apply (approximately SAR 735 per term for a third child, SAR 1,050 for a fourth). IGCSE and A-level exam entry fees are charged separately.
A one-off registration or enrolment fee of approximately SAR 8,000–15,000 is typically payable on acceptance of a place.
Other British Curriculum Schools in Riyadh
Ellesmere College Riyadh
Located in the Al Hamra district, Ellesmere College opened its Riyadh campus in 2024 and offers a broad curriculum combining IB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge A-levels. This multi-pathway approach makes it a strong option for families who want British qualifications with the option to switch to the IB Diploma at Sixth Form. Fees for senior secondary years are lower than BISR — reportedly in the SAR 48,000–68,000 range for 2024–2025 — making it an attractive alternative for families watching costs. Fees should be confirmed directly with the school for the 2025–2026 year.
Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools (SAES)
Aramco's own school network uses a North American curriculum, not a British one, and is restricted to Aramco employees living in company-sponsored housing. It is noted here to avoid confusion — families employed outside Aramco should focus on BISR and other open-access schools.
The British Curriculum Pathway: What Children Study
Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 & 2 (Ages 3–11)
The early years follow the EYFS framework, progressing into Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6). Subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Art, Music, Computing, and Languages. Year 6 may include internal assessment equivalent to SATs.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9, Ages 11–14)
Students follow a broad curriculum with increasing subject depth. In British international schools in Riyadh, this stage introduces Arabic language study alongside the standard UK subjects. Foundation-stage Arabic is typically light-touch given the expat intake, though cultural awareness is integrated throughout.
IGCSE (Years 10–11, Ages 14–16)
The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the gold standard for secondary school leavers following the British system internationally. Students typically study eight to ten subjects, including compulsory English Language, Mathematics, and often a Science. Results are directly comparable to GCSEs taken in UK schools and are accepted by all UK universities and most international universities. See /guides/gcse-alevels-riyadh for a detailed overview.
A-Levels (Years 12–13, Ages 16–18)
Most students take three or four A-level subjects. A-level results from Cambridge International examinations (the version used by Riyadh schools) are accepted by UK universities via UCAS on the same basis as domestic A-levels. Students achieve internationally recognised grades (A*–E) and can apply to competitive universities worldwide.
Admissions Process for British Schools
Most British schools in Riyadh operate a rolling admissions process rather than strict annual cohort deadlines, though demand at popular year groups can mean a waiting list at any point in the year.
Typical steps:
- Register interest online and join the waiting list if the year group is full
- Submit a formal application with school reports, references, and passport/Iqama copies
- Attend an assessment (usually informal for primary; more structured for secondary)
- Receive conditional offer; confirm by paying the registration fee
- Complete Iqama formalities and provide final documentation before the start of term
For entry to Year 7 (the start of secondary) and Year 12 (Sixth Form), competition is typically strongest. Families arriving mid-year should contact BISR admissions directly — mid-year places do occasionally arise, particularly in Year 7–9. See our full admissions guide at /guides/apply-international-school-riyadh.
School Life and Cultural Context
British schools in Riyadh maintain a strong British school culture — Houses, assemblies, sports days, drama productions — within the Saudi Arabian context. Islamic Studies is offered for Muslim students; non-Muslim students do not typically participate. The school calendar follows the Gregorian year but observes Saudi public holidays, including National Day (23 September) and significant Hijri calendar dates such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the timing of which varies each year.
Dress codes within school grounds are consistent with those of British schools globally. Outside school hours, families should be aware that Riyadh operates under Islamic norms: alcohol is prohibited throughout the Kingdom, and modest dress is expected in public spaces, though dress code enforcement for non-Muslim women has relaxed considerably under Vision 2030.
Planning School Fees into Your Budget
British school fees in Riyadh at the premium end are substantial. For a family with two children at BISR — one in primary and one in secondary — total tuition could comfortably exceed SAR 200,000 per year before exam fees, transport, and extracurriculars. Many employers include a school fee allowance in expat packages; verify your entitlement before committing to a school. For the full cost breakdown across all Riyadh international schools, see /guides/international-school-fees-riyadh.
How Global Investments Can Help
Relocating to Riyadh for work — or considering property investment in Saudi Arabia as part of a broader international portfolio — involves a range of financial and legal considerations that go well beyond choosing a school. Global Investments has worked with internationally mobile families for over 32 years, offering wealth management, tax planning, and international property advice across multiple jurisdictions.
Our team can introduce you to relocation specialists and help you think through the financial architecture of an overseas assignment. Visit /residency-citizenship for more on international residency options, or explore /guides for our full expat resource library.
This guide is for general information only. School fees and curricula are subject to change; always verify current information directly with each school. Investment values can fall as well as rise.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the main British curriculum school in Riyadh?
British International School Riyadh (BISR) is the largest and most established British curriculum provider in the city, operating several campuses and offering the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A-levels in Years 12 and 13.
Do British schools in Riyadh follow the same curriculum as schools in the UK?
Yes. Schools such as BISR follow the National Curriculum for England, leading to Cambridge IGCSE at the end of Year 11 and Cambridge International A-levels at the end of Year 13. Results are internationally recognised and accepted by UK universities via UCAS.
What are typical A-level fees at British schools in Riyadh?
Sixth Form (A-level) tuition at mid-to-premium British schools in Riyadh typically ranges from SAR 100,000 to SAR 135,000 per year as of 2026, excluding exam entry fees. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
Is there a waiting list for British schools in Riyadh?
Yes. BISR and other established British curriculum schools regularly maintain waiting lists, especially at Reception, Year 7, and Year 10 entry points. Apply at least twelve months in advance where possible.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.