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Middle East

British schools in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province

A guide to British-curriculum schools in Saudi Arabia: where they are, Ministry of Education rules, compulsory subjects, compound life and choosing a school.

Last reviewed on by our editorial team

Saudi Arabia’s international school sector has expanded rapidly as the country opens up to international business and tourism. Many multinationals have moved regional headquarters to Riyadh. British-curriculum schools are a major part of the market, alongside American, IB and other national schools.

Where the schools are

  • Riyadh: the largest and fastest-growing market, with schools across the city, including in and near the main expatriate compounds and the diplomatic quarter.
  • Jeddah: the commercial centre on the Red Sea, with a long-established expatriate community.
  • Eastern Province (Dammam, Al Khobar, Dhahran): schools serving families in the energy sector.
  • New developments: projects such as NEOM and other giga-projects are creating demand for new schools.

Regulation and compulsory subjects

International schools are licensed by the Ministry of Education. They are generally required to teach:

  • Arabic, especially for Arab students,
  • Islamic studies for Muslim students,
  • Saudi social studies and national identity, particularly for Saudi nationals.

Ask how these subjects fit alongside the English curriculum.

Daily life and school choice

  • Many expatriate families live on compounds, and some schools are located on or near them. School bus routes matter a lot.
  • Some schools are single-sex, especially at secondary level. Others are co-educational. Ask about the arrangements for each year group.
  • The school year usually runs from late August to June.

Choosing a school

With the market growing fast, quality varies, and new schools may not have a track record yet. Look for:

  • BSO inspection or other recognised accreditation,
  • the share of UK-trained teachers and staff turnover,
  • published IGCSE and A-Level results with candidate numbers,
  • clear information on fees and what is included.

Use our full school checklist, and compare with the UAE and Qatar.

Directory: British schools in Saudi Arabia

Our school-by-school directory for Saudi Arabia is being researched. We only list a school once its details have been checked against its own published information.

Frequently asked questions

Can Saudi nationals attend British international schools?

Increasingly, yes. Rules on Saudi students attending international schools have been relaxed in recent years, subject to Ministry of Education requirements such as Arabic, Islamic studies and Saudi social studies. Check with each school.

Are there waiting lists at British schools in Riyadh?

Demand in Riyadh has grown quickly with the arrival of international companies and regional headquarters, so popular schools can have waiting lists. Apply early.

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