Admissions Policy

 

Our founding and ongoing core purpose is to serve the British and Dutch communities within KSA. To this end, BISR was established with the support of the British and Dutch embassies in 1979. Where space has enabled, we have subsequently broadened our purpose to provide an international education to the wider expatriate community within Riyadh. As a school we endeavour to maintain a balance of nationalities across the school, with higher numbers in our priority one group. Where space permits we are able to accept a number of KSA passport holders, prioritising those who are returning to KSA from other countries or moving from other international schools. 

All students need to complete an admissions assessment, demonstrating the ability to access our curriculum, including competence in English, which is the medium of instruction.

The number of children in classes is limited to 22 in Primary and 20 in Senior unless there are exceptional circumstances.  Only the Principal, in consultation with the Board of Governors, may decide what constitutes exceptional circumstances. 

In order to give effect to the admissions policy, one place per class, will be held in reserve at the beginning of each school year to enable placement of British and Dutch children who may apply throughout the school year. Thus the number of children in each class at the start of the school year will be 21 in Primary (15 in Foundation)  and 19 in Senior and a waiting list for other children will be commenced once a class has reached 21 Primary (15 Foundation) and 19 Senior children.

Applications are accepted on and after March 1st for admission the following academic year. At the BISR Al Hamra and DQ campuses, applications will be accepted for any place that the school anticipates being available, plus 20 students in each year group who will make up the waiting list. Only British and Dutch passport holders will have places confirmed prior to May 15th. On that date, the remaining places will be filled according to waiting list priority, and subject to assessment.  
Before being offered a place, all applicants for admission to the School, of whatever nationality and in whatever category, must satisfactorily complete the School assessment process. Children are invited for assessment only when a place becomes available either on roll or within waitlist parameters.  

This assessment will evaluate English language proficiency and include an assessment of academic potential and social behaviour.  It will involve a range of testing procedures according to the age of the applicant. British and Dutch children applying for Year 1 and above will be invited to complete the assessment between March 1st and May 15th. Children applying for places in Foundation will be invited for assessment later in Summer Term. Depending upon the results of the assessment, an offer of a place may be made. Parents will be advised of the decision within three working days of the completion of the assessment.  

If applications are received for Year 10/11 or 12/13 (i.e. for GCSE and A level courses) for entry after the first eight weeks of the programme, the school will consider each case individually and make a decision about entry based on continuity of courses, subject availability, assessment components missed, realistic expectations of the student and their parents, and the likelihood of the student achieving their academic potential.  

Students applying for entry to the school to undertake A level courses from other Riyadh schools, must have at least six A or A* grades at GCSE, including A grades in each subject that they wish to study at AS level.  

Priority Groups at BISR Al Hamra
To ensure that BISR continues to meet its prime objective of educating British and Dutch children, admission into the school is according to the following priority groups:  

Priority Group 1 
Provided that a place is available and the assessment process is completed satisfactorily, children holding a British or Dutch passport (British and Dutch children) and children of overseas hired teaching staff will be granted a place in the School. It is not sufficient that one or both parents hold a British passport: the child must do so. British and Dutch children for whom a place is not available, will have priority placing on a waiting list. 

Priority Group 2
Non-British and non-Dutch siblings of children already enrolled will have priority over other non-British and non-Dutch passport holders subject to the availability of places, assessments for category two children will take place after May 15th for admission the following school year.  

Priority Group 3
Applications from children holding a passport of a country other than Britain and the Netherlands will be accepted up to a maximum of 20 on a waiting list for each year. Subject to the availability of places, assessments Priority Group 3 children will take place after May 15th for admission the following school year.

Waiting list Guidelines Al Hamra 

Priority Group 1 
Student applicants must hold a British or Dutch passport. Places will be offered according to the date of application.  

Priority Group 2
A child who has a sibling already enrolled and for whom a class place is not immediately available will be placed on a waitlist if his/her parents so desire.  The child’s position on the waiting list will be chronological to the date of his/her application being submitted to the registrar.

The parents will be advised of the number of children, if any, who are ahead of their child on the waiting list for that year. They will also be advised that Priority Group 1 children could pre-empt an available place.  
At the end of each school year, the parents of any child remaining on the waiting list will be contacted to establish whether they would like their child(ren) to remain on the waiting list for the following academic year.    The Principal will have discretion to decide, at the end of the Spring Term , whether to release some or all of the Priority Group 1 reserved places in order to accommodate Priority Group 2 or 3 children who are on a wait list or who would otherwise be on a waiting list.

Application for Priority Group 1 and Priority Group 2 children may be submitted at any time during the school year.  

Priority Group 3
The child’s position on the Priority Group 3 waiting list will be chronological to the date of his/her application. Parents will be advised of the number of children, if any, ahead of their child on the waiting list. They will also be advised that Priority Groups 1 and 2 children could pre-empt an available place.  

On May 15th each year, places will be confirmed. Each year cohort will be filled to 21 Primary and 19 Senior in each class (except Foundation 1 which will be 15). BISR will calculate the number of places that can be allocated to these applicants based on withdrawal notices.  
At the end of each school year, the parents of any child remaining on the waitlist will be contacted to establish whether their child should remain on that list.  
Allocation of places as above will be advised to the Priority Group 3 parents as early as possible.  

At BISR Al Hamra and Diplomatic Quarter Campuses: Parents of British or Dutch children who anticipate arriving in the KSA more than one term after the initial application and where a place is currently available may guarantee that place by paying for the current term, and in advance for subsequent terms until the child arrives in the country.  

The Application Procedure 
To be considered for entry, please complete the relevant form and submit, along with other documentation requested, to the Registrar. The completion of the form does not guarantee admission.

Applications may be submitted on or after 1st March each year for enrolment for the following school year. The school reserves the right to open applications earlier than this. 

Priority is given to children in line with the admission policy listed above. Children are scheduled for assessment if and when a place becomes available and, if successful, allocated to a year group.  
 
Children are assessed and, if successful, placed in year groups appropriate to their chronological age i.e. age appropriate birthday between 1st September and 31st August. Exceptions considered for those arriving from the UK education system for summer born (June, July and August) placement.

For students applying for a place at our Al Hamra and Diplomatic Quarter Campuses: before being considered, parents must submit:  

•        Completed registration form  
•        Copy of Child’s passport  
•        All school reports at current school for the past year  
•        Completed medical form  
•        Application fee 

A copy of the father’s/carer’s Iqama will be required prior to enrolment. If an iqama can’t be provided, confirmation on headed paper by the employer will be required stating the iqamas are in process. BISR will give a 6-week grace period upon admission for families to provide the iqama. Admission to BISR is conditional upon parental agreement that students will participate fully in the curriculum and related activities including those related to Personal, Health, Social and Economic Education.    

The School will only admit children who can access, and benefit from, the curriculum on offer. If after enrolment, it becomes apparent that a child is not benefiting from the curriculum, the parents may be asked to withdraw the child or agree to remedial help for which the parents may be charged.  
The admission of Saudi National students is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Education, to whom special application must be made.  

The Admissions Process  
Once the application form, copies of school reports, medical form, passport details and fee have been submitted, the Registrar will schedule the entry assessment according to the Priority list above.
 
British and Dutch children will be assessed in order that applications are received in the period March 1st until May 15. An assessment fee must be paid prior to the assessment being scheduled. The Fee structure is available on the BISR website. 

Non-British and Non-Dutch siblings of students currently on roll will be given priority for assessment after May 15th. Priority Group 3 BISR Mainsite children will be assessed after Priority 2 BISR Mainsite children subject to availability of places.
 
Where appropriate, assessment may be carried out at a child’s current school. However, this depends on the co-operation of the school.  The Registrar will inform parents of the outcome of the assessment within three working days. A conditional place may be offered subject to the submission of the parents Iqama and payment of all fees and deposits. No child may start at the school until all documentation, fees and deposits have been submitted.  

If subsequent to enrolment, the School believes that a child cannot benefit from the curriculum on offer, or a child causes disciplinary problems, the parents may be asked to withdraw the child from the school. In such circumstances, there will be no refund of fees.  

Admission date
The student’s start date will be agreed between the Registrar and parents.   No student may start at BISR unless all registration fees, deposits and tuition fees for student’s first term are paid. 

 

Our founding and ongoing core purpose is to serve the British and Dutch communities within KSA. To this end, BISR was established with the support of the British and Dutch embassies in 1979. Where space has enabled, we have subsequently broadened our purpose to provide an international education to the wider expatriate community within Riyadh. As a school we endeavour to maintain a balance of nationalities across the school, with higher numbers in our priority one group. Where space permits we are able to accept a number of KSA passport holders, prioritising those who are returning to KSA from other countries or moving from other international schools. 

All students need to complete an admissions assessment, demonstrating the ability to access our curriculum, including competence in English, which is the medium of instruction.

 The number of children in classes is limited to 24 in Primary  unless there are exceptional circumstances. Only the Principal, in consultation with the Board of Governors, may decide what constitutes exceptional circumstances.  

In order to give effect to the admissions policy, one place per class, will be held in reserve at the beginning of each school year to enable placement of British and Dutch children who may apply throughout the school year. Thus the number of children in each class at the start of the school year will be 23 in Primary (15 in Foundation) and a waiting list for other children will be commenced once a class has reached 23 Primary (15 in Foundation).

Applications are accepted on and after March 1st for admission the following academic year. At the BISR Al Hamra and DQ campuses, applications will be accepted for any place that the school anticipates being available, plus 20 students in each year group who will make up the waiting list. Only British and Dutch passport holders will have places confirmed prior to May 15th. On that date, the remaining places will be filled according to waiting list priority, and subject to assessment.  

Before being offered a place, all applicants for admission to the School, of whatever nationality and in whatever category, must satisfactorily complete the School assessment process. Children are invited for assessment only when a place becomes available either on roll or within waiting list parameters.  

This assessment will evaluate English language proficiency and include an assessment of academic potential and social behaviour.  It will involve a range of testing procedures according to the age of the applicant. British and Dutch children applying for Year 1 and above will be invited to complete the assessment between March 1st and May 15th. Children applying for places in Foundation will be invited for assessment later in Term 3. Depending upon the results of the assessment, an offer of a place may be made. Parents will be advised of the decision within three working days of the completion of the assessment.  

Priority Groups at BISR Diplomatic Quarter Campus
The priority groups for the Diplomatic Quarter Campus are the same as for the Al Hamra campus. However, in line with our lease agreement with the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority (DQGA) Priority will be given to those living in or very close to the Diplomatic Quarter. 

At BISR Al Hamra and Diplomatic Quarter Campuses: Parents of British or Dutch children who anticipate arriving in the KSA more than one term after the initial application and where a place is currently available may guarantee that place by paying for the current term, and in advance for subsequent terms until the child arrives in the country.  

The Application Procedure 
To be considered for entry, please complete the relevant form and submit, along with other documentation requested, to the Registrar. The completion of the form does not guarantee admission.  

Applications may be submitted on or after 1st March each year for enrolment for the following school year. The school reserves the right to open applications earlier than this. 

Priority is given to children in line with the admission policy listed above.  Children are scheduled for assessment if and when a place becomes available and, if successful, allocated to a year group.    

Children are assessed and, if successful, placed in year groups appropriate to their chronological age i.e. age appropriate birthday between 1st September and 31st August.  Exceptions considered for those arriving from the UK education system for summer born (June, July and August) placement.

For students applying for a place at our Al Hamra and Diplomatic Quarter Campuses: before being considered, parents must submit:  

•        Completed registration form  
•        Copy of Child’s passport  
•        All school reports at current school for the past year  
•        Completed medical form  
•        Application fee  

A copy of the father’s/carer’s Iqama will be required prior to enrolment. If an iqama can’t be provided, confirmation on headed paper by the employer will be required stating the iqamas are in process. BISR will give a 6-week grace period upon admission for families to provide the iqama.

Admission to BISR is conditional upon parental agreement that students will participate fully in the curriculum and related activities including those related to Personal, Health and Social Education.    
The School will only admit children who can access, and benefit from, the curriculum on offer. If after enrolment, it becomes apparent that a child is not benefiting from the curriculum, the parents may be asked to withdraw the child or agree to remedial help for which the parents may be charged.  
The admission of Saudi National students is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Education, to whom special application must be made.  

The Admissions Process  
Once the application form, copies of school reports, medical form, passport details and fee have been submitted, the Registrar will schedule the entry assessment according to the Priority list above.  
British and Dutch children will be assessed in order that applications are received in the period March 1st until May 15. An assessment fee must be paid prior to the assessment being scheduled. The Fee structure is available on the BISR website. 

Non-British and Non-Dutch siblings of students currently on roll will be given priority for assessment after May 15th. Priority Group 3 BISR Mainsite children will be assessed after Priority 2 BISR Mainsite children subject to availability of places.  

Where appropriate, assessment may be carried out at a child’s current school. However, this depends on the co-operation of the school.  The Registrar will inform parents of the outcome of the assessment within three working days. A conditional place may be offered subject to the submission of the parents Iqama and payment of all fees and deposits. No child may start at the school until all documentation, fees and deposits have been submitted.
 
If subsequent to enrolment, the School believes that a child cannot benefit from the curriculum on offer, or a child causes disciplinary problems, the parents may be asked to withdraw the child from the school. In such circumstances, there will be no refund of fees.  

Admission date
The student’s start date will be agreed between the Registrar and parents.   No student may start at BISR unless all registration fees, deposits and tuition fees for student’s first term are paid. 

The number of children in classes F2 to Y6 is limited to 24.  Maximum class size in F1 is 16. No places will be held in reserve.  
The Board of Governors reserves the right to amend class size policy at Al Hamra and Salwa in the light of circumstances prevailing at any time.  

Admissions
The British school is a school for English-speaking children, and not a school for teaching children English. The medium of instruction throughout the school is English and it is a requirement of admission that children have a good understanding of English.  

This assessment will evaluate English language proficiency and include an assessment of academic potential and social behaviour.  It will involve a range of testing procedures according to the age of the applicant. British and Dutch children applying for Year 1 and above will be invited to complete the assessment between March 1st and May 15th. Children applying for places in Foundation will be invited for assessment later in Summer Term. Depending upon the results of the assessment, an offer of a place may be made. Parents will be advised of the decision within three working days of the completion of the assessment.  

Admissions BISR Salwa, Tabuk and Taif
Admission to the BISR Salwa, Tabuk and Taif Schools is for residents of the Salwa, Tabuk and Taif compounds only.  

Parents seeking admission for their children to BISR Salwa, Tabuk and Taif schools should contact the school at the earliest opportunity to discuss the availability of places and entry requirements BEFORE travelling to KSA.  Admission to BISR Salwa, Tabuk and Taif schools is not automatic and is dependent upon:  

•        the completion of admission forms   
•        submission of the latest school report for your child  
•        the availability of spaces at the school  
•        an assessment of the child at BISR Salwa school  

Admissions to BISR Salwa, Tabuk and Taif schools for the next academic year open on 1st March with assessments for entry taking place in Summer Term.  

Priority Groups at BISR Salwa, Tabuk and Taif campuses 

Priority Group 1 
Children of BAE Systems and MOD employees living on the Salwa, Tabuk and Taif compounds.  
When classes at BISR Salwa are full, applicants are advised to seek admission to Al Hamra by contacting the Registrar.    

Children in F1- Year 3 who live on Salwa compound and whose parents wish them to transfer from Al Hamra to Salwa School can do so only at the end of a school term.  Children in Y4 – Y6 may only transfer at the end of the academic year. Parents must provide one full calendar months’ notice prior to the end of the term. This must be to the Registrar and not via another person.  

The submission of this Application Form for my child at the British International School Riyadh implies the following:

• I agree to abide by the rules, policies and procedures of the school as set out by the Board of Governors and Leadership Team. 

• I understand that all expatriate students must have an appropriate valid visa before enrolment is accepted and throughout the time of enrolment. 

• I understand that all Saudi Arabian students must have an appropriate permission letter from the Ministry of Education, valid before enrolment is accepted and throughout the time of enrolment. 

• I will support the vision and mission of the school. 

• I will support the three pillars of the school – learning, wellbeing and enrichment. 

• I will read communications sent out by the school, be part of the school’s contact list and my child’s class emergency contact list. 

• I will ensure that my child’s medical and emergency contact details supplied to the school are accurate and up to date. 

• I will ensure that my child’s medical insurance covers accidents and injuries from sports and other activities. 

• I understand and agree that the school shall not be liable for any injury or any loss or damage of any kind whatsoever which my child may sustain at any time either within the school premises, or on authorised field trips, which is not directly and solely attributable to the negligence of the school. 

• I understand that the school, for any just and valid reason/s and after due process, may require the withdrawal of a student from the school as may be determined by the Principal. Reasons for this may include, but are not limited to, the student’s inability to participate in or benefit fully from the school’s curriculum or the parents / guardians’ failure to co-operate with the school to support the needs of the student. The school’s decision is final. In such circumstances, there will be no refund of fees. 

• I understand that at the discretion of the Principal, the school reserves the rights to exclude or temporarily suspend a child from school for poor behavior choices or non-payment of tuition fees. If a child is suspended or excluded, there will be no refund of fees. 

• I have completed the GDPR document stating my preferences regarding use of my child’s photographs within social media, on the school website and for school publications.  

• I grant consent for the school to contact previous schools (s) regarding the student’s application to the British International School Riyadh. 

• I understand that the school welcomes parent interaction and I also understand that timely and respectful communication between home and school is vital. 

• I accept that written notice of withdrawal must be given in writing addressed to the registrar one month prior to the end of each term. Failure to comply with these requirements will entitle the school to withhold the Seat Deposit for each child withdrawn. 

• I accept that should I withdraw my child from school, having paid the fees for that term, there will be no refund of fees unless the place can be filled from the wait list. 

• I confirm that I have read and understood all terms and conditions of my child’s / children’s enrolment including but not limited to those contained in the admissions policy. I also agree to be bound by these written terms and conditions which will prevail over any other representations, verbal or otherwise, unless signed by the Principal.