If you are a parent looking to move with your family to Saudi Arabia or even a student looking for better education opportunities, this guide is for you. This article will delve into what makes IGCSE a popular choice among parents, what IGCSE is, the best schools that provide British education, and more. 

What is the IGCSE, and Why Choose it?

Provided by British schools in Riyadh, IGCSE, or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, is one of the most popular high school qualifications worldwide, especially among British international schools. Developed by the University of Cambridge, it’s offered in more than 160 countries and recognized by leading universities worldwide.

Benefits of British Schools in Riyadh

• Globally Recognized: Accepted by top universities worldwide.
• Flexible Curriculum: Offers a mix of subjects, allowing students to tailor their studies.
• Skill Development: Focuses on practical skills and academic knowledge, preparing students for university-level education.

The Rise of British Schools in Riyadh

Riyadh is a global hub for international education and IGCSE schools. Expats tend to admit their children to British schools in Riyadh and all around the kingdom, where fitting among similar-minded peers is easy. Moreover, British schools in Riyadh have been popular among foreigners in Saudi Arabia due to their high-quality education and versatile curriculum.

Why Riyadh?

1. Diverse Educational Choices: Riyadh offers options that blend local and international standards, from British schools to American and other international systems.
2. Growing Expat Community: As Riyadh attracts a growing number of professionals, the demand for schools in Saudi Arabia that cater to international families has surged.
3. Central Location for Families: Riyadh’s IGCSE schools are centrally located, allowing families to easily balance school commutes with daily life in the city.

The Best British Schools in Riyadh

If your interest in IGCSE has pivoted by now, you must be looking for the best schools to admit your child. Below are the top 5 IGCSE schools in Saudi Arabia.

British International School Riyadh

Renowned for its comprehensive Cambridge IGCSE program and strong academic track record, the British International School offers a multicultural environment emphasizing student achievement and development.​​

Dome International Schools 

This school provides a robust Cambridge curriculum and has become famous for its experienced faculty and supportive learning environment.​​

Riyadh International School 

Known for its focus on holistic education and academic excellence, Riyadh International also offers Cambridge certifications and has a strong international community.​

Multinational School Riyadh 

This school caters to a diverse student body, offers IGCSE and other international programs, and nurtures critical thinking and creativity.​

Kuttab International School 

With its focus on Islamic values integrated with a British curriculum, Kuttab International is particularly popular among families seeking an IGCSE school that respects cultural and religious values.​

International Schools in Other Saudi Cities

For families considering other cities in Saudi Arabia, there are excellent international schools beyond Riyadh.

International Schools in Jeddah

Jeddah is another popular choice, especially for families drawn to a more coastal lifestyle. Our guide to international schools in Jeddah provides more information about the top options.

International Schools in Khobar

For families near the Eastern Province, Khobar offers its selection of international schools with British and American curriculums. This city’s unique cultural mix provides a distinct experience for students.

Finding the Right Home Near British Schools in Riyadh

Choosing a home near your child’s school can simplify life immensely. Here are a few areas known for proximity to Riyadh’s top IGCSE schools and other amenities.

• North Riyadh: Known for its upscale neighborhoods and amenities, including properties near Hitteen.
• East Riyadh: Offers family-friendly villas close to primary schools, like those available in Al Rimal.
• South Riyadh: This area combines convenience with affordability, so South Riyadh properties for rent are great for families.

If you’re searching for affordable options, check out this guide to cheap rent for Saudi expats in Riyadh.

FAQs About British Schools in Riyadh

What are the advantages of IGCSE schools in Riyadh? 

IGCSE schools offer a globally recognized curriculum for different subjects and flexible learning that helps students prepare for university and beyond.

Are there British international schools in Riyadh offering IGCSE? 

Yes, several British international schools in Riyadh, like BISR and Reigate Grammar School, offer IGCSE programs.

Can expats admit their children to Saudi Arabian schools?

Yes, many international schools in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar cater to expatriate students and offer globally recognized programs like IGCSE and IB.

What’s the average cost of IGCSE schools in Saudi Arabia? 

Tuition varies by school, but international schools with IGCSE programs generally charge moderate to high fees, depending on facilities and location.

Saudi Arabian educational systems focus on a deep appreciation for cultural heritage, arts, humanities, technological innovations, and critical thinking.

The educational institutions in Saudi Arabia support different curriculum systems, such as IG, STEM, American, British, IB, Indian, German, French, Egyptian, and Finnish educational systems. This variety gives Saudi Arabian residents limitless options. Still, we will shorten the journey of searching for the best school for your children, as you will find here a list of international schools in Riyadh and their fees.  

1- Abdulaziz International Schools – Al Sulaimanah

Management and Ownership

Abdulaziz International Schools’ management is independent and privately owned.

Curriculum

Abdulaziz International Schools depend on the SABIS system, an international education management organisation established initially in Lebanon by the International School of Choueifat. 

Language

English

Age Range

Abdulaziz International Schools accept children starting from 3 years to 18 years.

Features

• Abdulaziz International Schools provide separate sections and classes for each gender, sections for boys and different sections for girls.

Abdulaziz International School Fees

• The down payment system is supported.
• Annual fees start from SR 30,000 to 44,000 according to 2023/ 2024 pricing.
• The joining fee is 2,000 SR for KG students and 3,000 SR for grades 1 to 12.
• The bus fee is 8,500 SR, paid annually.

Locations

• SABIS School Abdulaziz International Al-Sulaimaniah, Riyadh

• SABIS School Abdulaziz International Al-Wadi, Riyadh
• SABIS School Abdulaziz International Rabigh, Jeddah

2- Advanced Learning Schools

Advanced Learning Schools were founded in 2005 to prepare Saudi Arabian children to meet the challenges of the fast-developing world while appreciating their cultural heritage and identity.

Management and Ownership

Advanced Learning Schools’ management is independent and privately owned.

Curriculum

1. Arabic
2. IB
3. Islamic

Language

English

Age Range

Advanced Learning Schools accept students starting from 3 years to 18 years old.

Features

• School Capacity is 600 students.
• Members of the royal family are occupying 60% of the school, as it is one from the top international schools in Riyadh.  

Advanced Learning School Fees

• The assessment fee is SR 5000 (plus 15% VAT for non-Saudis)
• Annual fees start from SR 61,000 to 75,000 (plus 15% VAT for non-Saudis) according to 2023/ 2024 pricing.
• The down payment system is supported.

Location

Jabal Al Karmil, An Nakheel – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3- King Faisal School

King Faisal School was founded by Prince Saud Al-Faisal and launched in 1991. It was established as a part of the King Faisal Foundation.

Management and ownership

King Faisal School is a Non-Profit Organization with independent management and is privately owned.

Curriculum

IB program

Language

English

Age Range

Advanced Learning Schools accept boys 3 – 18 years old and female students 3 – 6 years old.

Features

• School Capacity is 1400 students.
• The school established a “university preparation program” with Brown University.
• Students have a high potential to move into the US after graduation.

King Faisal School Fees

• Annual fees start from SR 49,000 (plus 15% VAT for non-Saudis). 

Location:

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, inside the diplomatic quarter.

4- Reigate Grammar School Riyadh

Reigate Grammar School is a multinational school in Riyadh. It was established for international expats who may not have their community schools in Saudi Arabia.

Reigate Grammar School Riyadh was opened in 2020 and was previously known as The Multinational School (MNS). Still, it became known as Reigate Grammar School Riyadh in 2021 after a partnership agreement that was signed by the owner with Reigate Grammar School International. 

Management and Ownership

Reigate Grammar School’s management is independent and privately owned.

Curriculum

• Australian 
• IGSCE
• A Level

Language

English

Age Range

Reigate Grammar School accepts students starting from 3 to 18 years old.

Features

• The capacity of the school is 1,600 students.
• Various classrooms have direct access to a shaded outdoor play area.
• The play area has bicycles, climbing equipment, and a wide range of resources for developing gross motor skills.
• Primary library and secondary reading rooms.
• Study Area for socialising and studying. 
• All-weather artificial grass football pitch.
• Basketball court.
• Auditorium.
• Fully equipped science laboratories.
• Suitable spaces for studying and practising Art, Music, IT, and languages.

Reigate Grammar School Fees

• Annual fees start from SR 38,900 up to 71,400 according to 2023/ 2024 pricing.

Location

• The suburb of At Cordoba, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. If you want to relocate near the school, you can search for available apartments for rent in East Riyadh

British International Schools in Riyadh

1- Saud International School

Management and Ownership

Saud International School’s management is independent and privately owned.

Curriculum

• British
• Australian
• American 
• IGCSE
• A Level

Language

English

Age Range

Saud International School accepts students from 3 to 18 years.

Features

• Saud International School provides separate sections and classes for each gender, with sections for boys and different sections for girls.

Saud International School Fees

• Annual fees start from SR 20,000 according to 2023/ 2024 pricing.

Location

• Saud International School is located in the Sulaimaniyah district of Riyadh.

2- King’s College Riyadh 

King’s College is the first British Independent school established in Saudi Arabia in 160 years. 

Curriculum

British 

Language

-English

– Arabic

Age Range 

For pre-school to Year 5 (age range 3 to 10)

Features

• The average class capacity is 22 students per class.
• Science lab
• Auditorium
• Music rooms
• Art rooms
• Dance room
• ICT suite
• Astroturf football pitch
• Two sports halls

King’s College Riyadh Fees

• Annual fees range is SR 48,800 to 67,100 (plus 15% VAT for non-Saudis) according to 2023/ 2024 pricing.
• Application Fee is SR 500.
• Assessment Fee is SR 1,000.
• Registration Fee is SR 3,500.

Location

King’s College is located near King Khalid Road in Diriyah, which is easily accessible from most parts of the city. If you want to relocate near the school, you can search for available apartments for rent in West Riyadh.

3- British International School Riyadh

British International School accepts any gender, race, and religion. The staff and teachers are genuine and nice to the students. 

Curriculum

British

Language

English 

Age range

BISR accepts students from 3 to 18 years old

Features

• Libraries
• Wet and Dry science labs
• Music rooms
• Art and DT rooms
• Drama spaces,
• Hall
• Artificial grass playing field
• Running track
• Swimming pool
• large sports hall
• two gymnasiums

Fees

• Annual fees start from SR 46,000 (plus 15% VAT for non-Saudis) according to 2023/ 2024 pricing.

Location

Ibrahim Mubarak Said Ad Dusari، Riyadh 13241, Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh’s international schools serve as a critical factor in the evolution of learning in Saudi Arabia. If you want your children to be included in that modernized landscape of education and a healthy educational environment with multicultural mindsets, you can apply to one of the mentioned international schools in Riyadh. 

Looking for apartments near the school? Don’t worry, you will find in Wasalt all apartment kinds anywhere you want, whether in Riyadh or any city in Saudi Arabia.