The Best Schools in Riyadh: What Expats Need to Know in 2025

Relocating to Riyadh with children in tow? Then finding the right school will be high on your list – probably somewhere between “sort housing” and “figure out if I can live without Lidl.”

And rightly so. School is where your child will spend the lion’s share of their day, forge friendships, and settle into their new life. It’s also where you, as a parent, start to build your community.

The good news? Riyadh is fast becoming a hub for high-quality international education, with an impressive mix of long-established favourites and shiny new openings. Whether you're after GCSEs, IB, or a US curriculum – there’s something for everyone.

Below, we’ve rounded up the very best international schools in Riyadh for 2025 – complete with curriculum info, founding dates, and all-important location tips.

Top International Schools in Riyadh (2025 Edition)

British International School Riyadh (BISR)

• Curriculum: British (GCSEs and A-Levels)

• Ages: 3–18

• Established: 1979

• Districts: four sites in four districts... Al Hamra, Ghirnatah, Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) & Al Sharq

• Why we rate it: Solid, reputable, and community-minded. BISR is a trusted name with multiple campuses and a no-fuss British approach. Loved by embassy families and those seeking stability.

American International School – Riyadh (AIS-R)

• Curriculum: American, with IB Diploma

• Ages: Pre-K to Grade 12

• Established: 1963

• District: An Najris, North Riyadh

• Why we rate it: Long-established and progressive, AIS-R blends strong academics with a creative ethos. Think diverse student body, excellent college counselling, and strong sports/art provision.

King’s College Riyadh

• Curriculum: British

• Ages: 3–18

• Established: 2021

• District: Diriyah

• Why we rate it: A fresh, gleaming campus backed by 140+ years of UK heritage. Known for pastoral care, extracurriculars, and a rounded approach. Set near the beautiful heritage zone of Diriyah.

Downe House Riyadh

• Curriculum: British (IGCSE and A-Level)

• Ages: 3–18

• Established: 2022

• District: Al Aqiq

• Why we rate it: Riyadh’s first premium British all-girls’ school – and it’s fabulous. Expect academic rigour, confidence-building, and a focus on female leadership.

Reigate Grammar School Riyadh

• Curriculum: British

• Ages: 3–18

• Established: 2022

• Districts: Ghirnatah, Qurtubah

• Why we rate it: Warm, modern and values-driven. Reigate brings its UK ethos of kindness and academic ambition to Riyadh with flair.

Aldenham Prep Riyadh

• Curriculum: British

• Ages: 3–13

• Established: 2022

• District: As Sahafah

• Why we rate it: A small, nurturing prep school with big ambitions. Traditional roots with a forward-looking twist. Great for younger children.

Beech Hall School Riyadh

• Curriculum: American (IB framework)

• Ages: 3–18

• Established: 2022

• District: Al Khuzama

• Why we rate it: For families who value emotional intelligence as much as academics. Individualised learning and a strong pastoral culture.

Khaled International Schools (KiS)

• Curriculum: American (AP + IB candidate)

• Ages: Preschool–Grade 12

• Established: 1995

• District: Ar Rabwah

• Why we rate it: A reliable mid-range option with a focus on holistic, values-based education. Popular with long-term expat families.

Al Forsan International Schools

• Curriculum: American

• Ages: KG–Grade 12

• Established: 2013

• Districts: Al Izdihar, Al Qirawan

• Why we rate it: Ideal for families looking to balance international education with strong Arabic and Islamic studies. Affordable and well-structured.

  
  

Dome International Schools

• Curriculum: British and American

• Ages: KG–Grade 12

• Established: 2016

• Districts: Multiple in North Riyadh

• Why we rate it: A practical, flexible option offering two major curricula. Strong reputation among local and expat parents alike.

We have put together this useful Google Map showing the international schools and compounds so you can get planning your best Riyadh Expat Life.

People Also Ask:

When should I apply to schools in Riyadh?

Start early – ideally 6–12 months ahead. Term starts in late August or early September, and some year groups (especially FS1/Reception and Year 7) fill quickly.

Are international schools in Riyadh expensive?

Fees vary – from around SAR 30,000 to SAR 100,000+ annually. Some compounds and employers offer education packages, so check your benefits.

Do schools offer transport?

Many do. Some run dedicated school buses or work with third-party providers. Worth factoring into your commute. And if you are committing to Compound Life, check if your compound offers transport and whether it is free.

Finding the Right Fit

Choosing a school in Riyadh is as much about feel as it is about facts. Visit campuses, speak to heads, and ask other parents (local Facebook groups can be goldmines). Riyadh’s school scene is dynamic, diverse, and increasingly impressive – whether you're after a traditional British education, a progressive IB approach, or something in between.

Looking for more help settling in? Check out our guides on where to live in Riyadh, how to get your Saudi drivers license, and how to survive your first Saudi summer.

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