British International School, Riyadh
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$13K - US$29K
Curriculum: British · IB
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~3,000
Location: Al Hamra, Riyadh
Updated April 2026
In Brief
If you're relocating to Riyadh on a British curriculum package and want the most established option in the city, BISR is the default choice - particularly the Al Hamra campus for primary and the DQ campus if IB Diploma matters more than A-Levels.
BISR is where British families end up first - it has been operating in Riyadh since 1979 and its scale (3,000-plus students across three all-through campuses) means it absorbs the bulk of inbound British corporate relocations. Al Hamra runs National Curriculum through GCSE and A-Levels; the Diplomatic Quarter campus offers the IB Diploma pathway instead. The 2025 Al Waha campus is a significant upgrade in space and facilities.
Results are consistently solid: 93% of GCSEs graded A-C, 84% A-Level A-C, and an IB average of 33 points (above the global mean). Class sizes run around 20 in mainstream year groups, dropping to 16 at GCSE and 10 in Sixth Form. The school has four counsellors and an educational psychologist on staff, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award is available - hard to find in Riyadh.
The Al Hamra campus attracted longstanding complaints about tired facilities - the new Al Waha site addresses this, but it is worth visiting both before committing. Fees are among the highest in the city (SAR 107,933 for Year 12-13, inclusive of VAT), and one-time registration and capital development fees add SAR 23,000 on top. BSO inspection in 2022 rated Al Hamra as Good with Excellent features; the BAE-linked schools were rated Outstanding in June 2025.
What parents value
- –Dual exit pathway: families can choose A-Levels at Al Hamra or IB Diploma at the DQ campus - useful if older siblings are already on one track and younger ones would benefit from the other.
- –Not-for-profit governance means surplus fees are reinvested in the school rather than distributed to shareholders. The board includes British Embassy representation, which gives the school formal ties to the UK community.
- –Strong pastoral infrastructure for an international school: four counsellors, an educational psychologist, and a structured PSHEE programme. Smaller class sizes at GCSE and A-Level help teachers know individual students well.
Points of consideration
- –Three main campuses across Riyadh means your child's schooling location depends on which site has space and which pathway you choose - not always your nearest option. Ask specifically about Al Hamra vs Al Waha vs DQ before applying.
- –Fees are at the top end: SAR 107,933 for Year 12-13 inclusive of VAT, plus SAR 23,000 in one-time fees for new students. Self-funding families should model the full cost across all year groups before committing.
- –Teacher turnover has been raised by some families over the years - worth asking the school directly about retention rates and how new staff are inducted, particularly at Al Hamra.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation 1 | 3 | NaN |
| Foundation 2 | 4 | NaN |
| Year 1 & 2 | 5 | NaN |
| Year 3 to 6 | 7 | NaN |
| Year 7 to 9 | 11 | NaN |
| Year 10 & 11 | 14 | NaN |
| Year 12 & 13 | 16 | NaN |
Fees converted from SAR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | NaN |
| Assessment Fee | NaN |
| Registration Fee | NaN |
| Capital Development Fee | NaN |
| Seat Deposit (refundable) | NaN |
| Resource Deposit (refundable) | NaN |
Photos
Academic Results
| GCSE A-C | 93% |
| A-Level A-C | 84% |
| IB Average | 33 pts |
Key results: GCSE A-C 93%, A-Level A-C 84%, IB Average 33 pts.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's age group and interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Riyadh's international schools serve a diverse community of families on corporate assignments and long-term residents. Contact the school for current enrolment details and nationality breakdown.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for current leadership details.