The International Schools Attraction Program is an ambitious initiative by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) to create a diverse, world-class educational ecosystem in Riyadh. The program aims to provide residents with high-quality education tailored to meet both current and future needs.

As part of the Regional Headquarters Attraction Program for Multinational Companies, this initiative supports efforts to enhance Riyadh’s investment climate, advance the public education sector, and expand private sector contribution. This is accomplished by attracting leading international educational institutions and companies to Riyadh to establish a benchmark for quality and raising the standard of education across curricula, programs, and enrichment activities. By leveraging global best practices, these schools will offer advanced curricula and modern teaching methodologies, contributing significantly to improving educational outcomes both in Riyadh and across the Kingdom.

In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the RCRC is working to attract leading international educational providers. Through clearly defined and measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the initiative’s progress is continuously tracked to ensure meaningful impact including:

The RCRC has taken proactive steps to address the challenges encountered by leading international education providers, working in close coordination with key government stakeholders – chiefly the Ministries of Education, Investment, and Human Resources. Through a flexible, investor-friendly framework, RCRC has created an enabling environment that supports the establishment of world-class international schools while upholding the Kingdom’s religious values and national identity. To support this effort, a range of incentives has been introduced for international schools, including:

• Permitting co-education for male and female students up to Grade 6.
• Offering flexibility in curriculum delivery, allowing schools to adopt international programs while ensuring alignment with requirements set by the Ministry of Education as to the national identity curricula. Schools are also granted autonomy in setting their academic calendars, including holiday schedules, provided national holidays are observed.
• Exempting schools from Saudization quotas with respect to leadership and administrative roles, allowing appointments based on qualifications.
• Facilitating visa processing for schools attracted by the RCRC through dedicated support from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
• Granting a three-year exemption from Saudization requirements for teaching staff during the initial operational phase, in accordance with approvals from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

King’s College (UK)

Established in 1880, the original King’s College in the United Kingdom continues to operate from its historic campus, delivering a tradition of academic excellence spanning over 140 years. The school educates students aged 3 to 18 and is renowned for its holistic approach and consistently strong academic outcomes, including an average A-Level pass rate of 97%. The A-Level program, a rigorous two-year qualification, is widely recognized by leading universities across the UK. King’s College Riyadh offers the British curriculum, refined over generations by its parent institution, and delivered in accordance with the highest international standards. The school provides a well-rounded educational experience that combines academic rigor with a broad array of co-curricular activities.

Serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K–12), King’s College Riyadh features state-of-the-art facilities and access to the global King’s College network of expert educators and teachers. Its campus includes advanced science laboratories, design technology workshops, art studios, music and performance halls, and world-class sports facilities – creating an enriching environment for comprehensive student development.

Parent School Established (UK): 1880

Curriculum: British

Riyadh Campus Opened: 2021

SEK International School (Spain)

With over 40 years of experience delivering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, SEK boasts an excellent track record of IB Diploma results and successful student progression to SEK University. Key hallmarks of its approach include specialized, innovative pedagogical modules and the integration of digital learning technologies.

The global SEK network spans ten schools and universities across five countries: Spain, Ireland, France, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including three schools achieving prestigious top ten rankings in Spain.

SEK maintains a dedicated professional development center, providing 50,000 hours of annual training for its faculty. This is complemented by the SEK International Sports Academy, focused on fostering athletic talent.

The SEK Educational Group is backed by the Felipe Segovia Foundation, an organization noted for its strong strategic partnerships and commitment to educational research.

Aldenham School (UK)

Established by decree of Queen Elizabeth I in 1597, Aldenham possesses an illustrious history spanning over 425 years, making it one of the world’s most historic schools. Aldenham Prep School Riyadh provides an exceptional British education for boys and girls aged 3-11, delivering the British curriculum renowned for fostering holistic development alongside academic excellence to the highest international standards.

As part of the UK-headquartered Aldenham Foundation – which currently comprises  two Nursery/Pre-Prep schools, two Preparatory schools, and one Senior school –  Aldenham Riyadh offers a supportive environment designed to empower students and help them realize their future aspirations.

Students and faculty at the Riyadh campus benefit from close collaboration with Aldenham UK, including regular joint activities and field trips.

Graduates from Aldenham Riyadh become part of a distinguished global alumni network, including those from the UK and potentially other regions, offering valuable opportunities for connection and networking with prominent alumni.

One World International School (OWIS) (Singapore)

One World International School (OWIS) operates under the Global Schools Foundation (GSF), a Singapore-headquartered organization managing 26 schools across eight countries and serving over 25,000 students from 70 nationalities.

Renowned for educational excellence, GSF has won over 300 international awards, ranking it among the world’s most award-winning educational institutions. The OWIS network is also considered Asia’s fastest-growing group of IB World Schools.

OWIS Riyadh offers educational pathways through both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and an American curriculum aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Classrooms leverage modern educational technology, incorporating iPads and interactive displays, complemented by purpose-built spaces dedicated to diverse learning activities, sports, arts, and music.

Parent School/Network Established (UK): 2002

Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate

Riyadh Campus Opened: 2022

Downe House (UK)

Established in 1907, Downe House is a prestigious girls-only school delivering the British curriculum, consistently ranked among the top 5 girls’ boarding schools in the UK. Reflecting its academic strength, in 2019, 97% of students achieved A+ to C grades in their A-Level examinations, with an impressive 61% securing A+ or A grades.

Known as one of Britain’s leading girls’ schools, Downe House is favored by British and international royal families. This esteemed reputation underpins a powerful global alumnae network of over 3,000 successful women.

Graduates regularly matriculate to leading universities globally, including institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard.

Reigate Grammar School (UK)

Established in 1675, Reigate Grammar School (RGS) provides an outstanding, world-class education for students aged 2-18 across its campuses  in the UK, China, and Vietnam.

RGS is part of a select global group of schools implementing the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework. This innovative educational framework empowers students to become adventurous learners and high achievers, leveraging research in learning, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology to foster exceptional student performance within a supportive environment. In recognition of this commitment, RGS received global High Performance Learning (HPL) accreditation in 2020.

Central to the RGS philosophy is the belief that every child possesses a unique blend of talents, skills, aspirations, and potential. Consequently, the school offers personalized learning pathways, tailored character development plans, and comprehensive school’s pastoral care for each student.

Parent School Established (UK): 1675

Curriculum: British

Riyadh Campus Opened: 2022

Beech Hall School (UK)

Established in 1926, Beech Hall School is regarded as one of the UK’s most historic educational institutions, renowned for its innovation, distinction, and strong performance in international assessments. The school draws upon nearly a century of educational experience and unique expertise.

Its educational approach utilizes flexible learning methods and incorporates inquiry-based learning. Furthermore, the school houses a dedicated training center that hosts seminars, meetings, and conferences aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge, and expertise of both students and staff.

Parent School Established (UK): 1926

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB), American Curriculum, and Fieldwork Education Curriculum

Riyadh Campus Opened: 2022