he British International School of Jeddah is a private community school licensed by the Ministry of Education. We are a not for profit organisation governed by a Board of Trustees. Our school caters for children from years K-13 and has in excess of 1500 students from over 60 countries. We are accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Additionally we are authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and are a centre for Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and also a member school of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME).
The early European emphasis was superseded by a more global ethos, and increasing numbers of Muslim students from all over the world, including the UK, began to enrol at the school. The school became so popular, and its international ethos so desirable, that more British students applied to attend it than any other school in Jeddah. For this reason, in 1996, the name of the school was changed by order of the Ministry of Education to the British International School of Jeddah. Unofficially, the ‘Conti’ continues to be the preferred name used by many in the community, reflecting the schools’ genuinely international nature and ethos.
The school is a non-profit educational establishment, licensed to operate by the Directorate of Foreign Education (formally the Saudi Arabian International School’s Office – SAIS) of the Ministry of Education. The school has a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. It is patronised by some diplomatic missions, notably the British, but it should be emphasised that the school does not have any form of diplomatic status.
In its original form as ‘The Continental School, it was accredited by the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) in 1990, the first British-style school worldwide to achieve this status. It gained re-accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS) as ‘The British International School of Jeddah’ in 2002, 2012 and again in 2019. It is also accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is an accredited member of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME).
In 2015 the school is very different from the original villa school of October 1977. The evolution of the school over its 38 years of existence has, in no small part, been due to the changing nature of the expatriate community in Jeddah and the Ministry decision to allow Saudi students, with special permission, to attend. It is also due to the high demand from both local and expatriate parents for what is perceived to be high-quality education. It is also true to say that some of the changes are due to the changing regulatory framework in which the school operates. Now on a purpose built site, with over 1500 students from over sixty countries and with a staff in excess of 240 from more than 20 countries, what has not changed is the vision to be truly international in its focus.
The perceived high quality of the school has resulted in significant enrollment problems with many year groups now being heavily oversubscribed. The popularity of the school with Saudi families adds an additional dynamic.
Reflecting the international nature of the school, today our primary curriculum is based around the International Primary Curriculum and in Upper School, we follow a programme leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education in Year 11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Year 13.
We will be an outstanding international school, continuously striving for improvement and engaging our whole community with the concepts. We provide excellent British-style education with an international perspective, within a safe environment, where individuals feel secure, respected, valued, happy and successful.
Please do not post:
Thank you once again for doing your part to keep Edarabia the most trusted education source.
The British International School of Jeddah has transformed my child's learning experience; the dedicated staff and robust IGCSE curriculum foster incredible growth and confidence.
By Qamar (Apr, 2024) |
Wonderful school. In line with the curriculum my kids were following in England. Also, very good communication with parents. The school has really good ethos. I hope it remains the same.
By Azize Yanina (Nov, 2023) |
One of the best schools in the Middle East. Amazing programme for younger age children and as well as young adults of the future.
By Ali K (Mar, 2023) |
Excellent educational system. Great teacher and very educational activities. One can see the growth his children go through every year
By Azmi Sayadi (Mar, 2023) |
Great place to be with great teachers. The teachers are very kind and speak to people with respect. The school is split into 4 parts: Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Upper school and Ib's. It has the IGCSE Curriculum and IB Curriculum.
By yousif hujaij (Mar, 2023) |
great for the IGCSE course, I'm in my second year of IGCSE Cambridge with the school and each syllabus is covered fully with great teachers to get you through it.
By yassmine damergi (Oct, 2019) |
قبل 06 سنوات ممتازه ومدرسين ملتزمون بالوقت واخلاق عاليه مع الطلبه وكانو الطلبه يمتدحو في التعليم في المدرسه البريطانية بجده ويقدم فيها من افظل الوجبات بمقاييس عالميه تحت إدارة تموين الخطوط السعودية
By mukhlid althiab (Sep, 2019) |
Great place to be with great teachers. The teachers are very kind and speak to people with respect. The school is split into 4 parts: Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Upper school and Ib's. It has the IGCSE Curriculum and IB Curriculum.
By yousif hujaij (Aug, 2018) |
Excellent educational system. Great teacher and very educational activities. One can see the growth his children go through every year
By Azmi Sayadi (Sep, 2016) |
Twitter
My child has been attending the British International School of Jeddah for the past year, and I have seen such a remarkable improvement in their academic abilities. The quality of education at this school is outstanding, and the staff are incredibly helpful and supportive. I am thrilled with the progress my child has made at this school.
By Father of Saleh (Aug, 2024) |