Aldenham School Riyadh

Frequently asked questions

Ages, curriculum, fees, admissions and term dates, answered.

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About the school

What is Aldenham School Riyadh?

Aldenham School Riyadh is a true owner-operated branch of Aldenham School in the United Kingdom, which was founded in 1597, and one of the first international schools invited to the Kingdom under Vision 2030.[1][2]

What ages does the school teach?

Pupils aged 3 to 14: Early Years (Nursery and Reception, age 3+), Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2), Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6) and Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9).[1][3]

Is the school accredited, and has it won any awards?

Aldenham School Riyadh is an accredited Cambridge International School, and was named a winner of the 2026 Edarabia Parents' Choice Awards in Saudi Arabia, placing among the Top 10 of more than 197 schools reviewed.[4][5]

Is it a franchise?

No. It is an owner-operated part of Aldenham School UK: the curriculum is designed with Aldenham UK's senior academic teams, and every teacher is evaluated first by Aldenham UK's academic leadership and then by the Riyadh Headmaster.[4][6]

Curriculum

What curriculum does the school follow?

A British curriculum: the UK EYFS statutory framework with the IEYC in the Early Years, then learning aligned with UK National Curriculum expectations and mapped to the progression pathways of Cambridge Assessment International Education.[3][7]

Is Arabic taught?

Yes, from age 3: in Foundation Stage 1 children are taught by specialist teachers from PE to Arabic, and from Year 1 specialist teaching extends to French, Art, Music and Computing. Primary pupils can have up to 7 periods of Arabic and Islamic Studies a week.[4]

What activities are there after lessons?

More than 125 free co-curricular activities a week, from 3.00pm to 4.00pm, with options every day for every year group, starting from Nursery.[8][6]

Fees

How much are the school fees?

Annual tuition (SAR, excluding VAT): Nursery 46,500; Reception 48,500; Years 1–2 53,500; Years 3–6 63,500; Years 7–9 70,000. 15% VAT applies; Saudi nationals are exempt from VAT on education fees.[9]

When are fees paid?

In three instalments: 40% by 15 August, 40% by 15 December and 20% by 1 April. With BSF (Banque Saudi Fransi) credit cards, tuition can be paid in up to six monthly instalments with no profit rate.[9][5]

Are there one-time fees for new pupils?

Yes: an assessment / registration fee of SAR 1,000, an acceptance fee of SAR 10,000 and a capital development fee of SAR 10,000 (non-refundable). A sibling discount of SAR 1,250 applies for each additional child.[9]

Are lunch and uniform included?

Lunch is part of the curriculum and included in the bundled tuition. New pupils buy the full uniform bundle (summer, winter and PE kit) before starting school.[9]

Admissions

How does admission work?

Four steps: an enquiry; a school tour; registration and an age-appropriate assessment (with a review of previous school reports where applicable); then a formal offer and acceptance.[5]

Which documents do I need to register?

Your child's nationality and passport copies, vaccination certificate and latest school report, uploaded on the online Formal Registration form.[10]

Can my child join during the school year?

Yes. Admission is open all year round in every year group, with no closed periods. Seats depend on availability, so some year groups may have a waitlist; applications are open for the current academic year and for 2026–2027.[11][5]

How quickly will admissions reply?

Admissions enquiries are answered within 48 hours.[11]

Can we visit the school?

Yes. The school strongly encourages every family to visit: on a personalised tour you can observe lessons, see the learning spaces and meet members of the leadership team.[5]

Term dates

When does the 2026–27 school year start?

Term 1 runs from Thursday 27 August to Thursday 17 December 2026; Term 2 from Sunday 10 January to Thursday 1 April 2027; Term 3 from Sunday 18 April to Tuesday 6 July 2027.[12]

Still have a question? Ask us or call +966 11 826 5411. More guides: Articles.

Sources

  1. Aldenham School Riyadh home page, aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)
  2. About Aldenham Prep School Riyadh, aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)
  3. Early Years Foundation Stage (Ages 3–5), aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)
  4. “The Aldenham Standard, A British Legacy Shaping Futures in Riyadh”, Education Saudi, September 2026, education-saudi.com (accessed October 2026)
  5. Admissions and Registration, aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)
  6. Aldenham Riyadh school tour presentation (updated May 2026), shared with families on every school tour
  7. Academic Programme, aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)
  8. Aldenham School Riyadh Prospectus, Aldenham Education Group (2026)
  9. School Fees, aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)
  10. Formal Registration, aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)
  11. Aldenham School Riyadh Admissions Team (October 2026)
  12. Term Dates, aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)