With the goal of improving education quality, the Ministry of Education has launched an ambitious strategy as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for the future. With the opening of private international schools in recent years, there has been an increase in Saudi nationals attending these schools and a growth in the expat population.
Several prestigious international schools have been successfully attracted to Riyadh by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) International Schools Attraction Programme. Chatsworth School, Beech Hall School Riyadh, King’s College Riyadh, Aldenham Prep, Downe House, SEK International School, and One World International School are among them. RCRC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Investment, is an initiative designed to attract major international schools to the Saudi capital.
There are reports of three new British schools set to open in Riyadh during the 2024-26 period
With the ongoing development and expansion of the Kingdom’s education sector, there are reports of three new British schools set to open in Riyadh during the 2024-26 period. In addition, a new campus is being launched by one of Saudi Arabia’s most established international schools.
British International School Riyadh (BISR)
BISR, being one of the oldest international schools in Saudi Arabia, will relocate its Al Hamra students to the new Al Waha Campus in August 2024.
Established in 1979, BISR is a popular British school for expat families with multiple campuses. The Al Hamra school, which has 1,750 students aged three to 18 years, will be moved to a new campus, located in close proximity to the current site. Al Waha’s expansion will result in the school’s available space being increased from 28,000m2 to 50,000m2.
With specialist STEAM facilities, Al Waha is a purpose-built campus that has separate primary and senior sections
With specialist STEAM facilities, Al Waha is a purpose-built campus that has separate primary and senior sections. An auditorium, sports facilities, a swimming pool, drama and music rooms, and a library are among the shared amenities. There will also be a dedicated sixth-form study area.
To bring it in line with BISR’s other newer campuses, Al Hamra is undergoing extensive renovations. It will reopen in August 2024, initially for FS1 – Year 7 and Post 16 students. When operating at full capacity, the Al Hamra campus will function as an all-through school, with the capacity to accommodate around 1,200 students aged three to 18 years.
Scheduled to open in September 2024 in the Al Hamra district, Ellesmere College Riyadh is a new international curriculum school.
The motivation for students to learn and grow will be achieved through outstanding facilities, advanced technology, and a positive environment
The motivation for students to learn and grow will be achieved through outstanding facilities, advanced technology, and a positive environment. The school wants young people to join it full of potential and leave it successful and fulfilled, with a sense of connection to a supportive, nurturing community.
Reigate Grammar School Riyadh made known in March its decision to open two new campuses in Riyadh.
The existing Reigate Grammar School Riyadh (RGSR) is an FS1 to Year 13 school. Originally founded in 1998, this multinational school has a long history, having re-opened as RGSR in September 2020 under the ownership of ADECO. At present, this UK curriculum school has over 1,100 students from more than 60 nationalities.
By 2026, the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh will be home to a new all-through British school for three to 18-year-olds.
As Aldenham Education Group (AEG)’s second school in Saudi Arabia, the new school will function as a fully integrated branch campus of the Aldenham UK independent school. Aldenham Prep School Riyadh opened in 2022.
Like Aldenham Prep, the new Aldenham Riyadh will have owner-operators and will not operate as a franchise of an existing school. The 425-year-old Hertfordshire-based school in the UK will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the new campus.