The British International School of Jeddah

What The British International School of Jeddah does

The British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) is an independent, not-for-profit British-style international school operating from a single purpose-built campus in the Al-Mohammadiyah District of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Founded on 1 October 1977 as The Continental School (Conti) by Deborah Osbourne, the school serves over 1,300 students aged 2-18 representing more than 60 nationalities, with curriculum delivery spanning Early Years (Nursery through Foundation Stage 2), Primary (Years 1-6) on the International Primary Curriculum, Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), IGCSE (Years 10-11) under Cambridge International Examination, and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12-13. The campus is designed to accommodate more than 1,600 students, providing meaningful enrolment headroom. BISJ is authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Education as a designated British Community School, giving priority admission to British passport holders while welcoming all nationalities, including Saudi students with special permits.

The school is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by Director Helen Olds (appointed August 2025, succeeding Ian Williams). It maintains a comprehensive co-curricular ecosystem that includes Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, performing arts, House System, and a sequence of branded sports academies launched in 2024 — partnerships with Paris Saint-Germain Football Academy, BR Swimming Academy, and All Star Basketball Academy. BISJ holds accreditations from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) — most recently reaccredited in March 2019 — is a member of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), and is a founding member of The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS) in Saudi Arabia.

Revenue is generated almost entirely through recurring tuition billed in three termly instalments (August, January, April), with annual fees ranging from approximately SAR 29,163 for Nursery (half-day) to SAR 105,239 for IB Diploma, plus one-time application (SAR 425), assessment (SAR 1,025), and entrance (SAR 17,250) fees for new students. Ancillary revenue comes from public examination levies, optional instrumental music lessons (SAR 2,932.50-5,865 per term), and a Summer Camp programme launching 5 July-13 August 2026. As a not-for-profit institution, any surplus is reinvested in facilities and programmes; no parent company, private equity ownership, or funding rounds are disclosed.

Name

The British International School of Jeddah

Legal name

The British International School of Jeddah

Website

https://bis-jeddah.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) is a not-for-profit British international school in Saudi Arabia, serving over 1,300 students aged 2-18 from 60+ nationalities on a single Jeddah campus. It delivers British-style curricula from Early Years through IB Diploma, with A-Level and BTEC pathways launching in 2026/27.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAJABAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Overseas Summer School Programs (Secondary) (EDAIAHAC)

Keywords

• British international education
• IB Diploma Programme
• IGCSE secondary education
• International primary curriculum
• Early years schooling

Headquarters

HQ city

Jeddah

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Annual tuition fees divided into three term payments, invoiced at the start of each term (August, January, April). Fees vary by year group from Nursery to IB Diploma Programme.
2. Application and Assessment Fees: One-time fees including Application Fee (SAR 425) and Assessment Fee (SAR 1,025) charged during the admissions process.
3. Entrance Fee: One-time Entrance Fee of SAR 17,250 for new students (treated as deposit for Early Years students, deducted from first term tuition upon enrollment).
4. Examination Fees: Separate charges for public examination fees including A Levels, BTech, and IB Diploma Programme, invoiced during Term 3.
5. Instrumental Music Lessons: Charges for extracurricular instrumental tuition including piano, guitar, drums, brass, woodwind, and ukulele lessons. Prices vary by lesson duration (30, 45, or 60 minutes) and include VAT.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) is an independent, not-for-profit international school delivering British-style education from Early Years (Nursery, age 2) through the IB Diploma Programme (Year 13, age 18) on a single purpose-built campus in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Its core academic offering combines the International Primary Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma, and (from 2026/27) A-Level and BTEC sixth-form pathways, complemented by a comprehensive co-curricular programme (PSG Football, BR Swimming, All Star Basketball, Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, performing arts, and music tuition).

Product overview

The British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) is a single-site independent international school offering British-style education from Early Years (Nursery, age 2) through Secondary/IB (Year 13, age 18). The school operates as a unified educational institution with a comprehensive co-curricular programme that includes sports academies (PSG Football, BR Swimming, All Star Basketball), performing arts, Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and music tuition. BISJ's on-campus services include a cafeteria (partnered with Catered), uniform shop (partnered with Kapes), and alumni network (Conti Connect). The school also offers a Summer Camp programme with specialist academy partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early Years Education (Nursery - FS2) Early childhood education for ages 2–5 covering Nursery through Foundation Stage 2 (FS2), with a holistic approach nurturing language, communication, emotional awareness, and physical development.
• Primary Education (Years 1-6) Primary education for ages 5–11 (Years 1–6), following the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with a focus on academic excellence and international-mindedness across students from approximately 60 nationalities.
• Secondary Education (Key Stage 3 - Years 7-9) Secondary education for ages 11–14, building on primary education with varied and stimulating academic subjects combined with personal development opportunities.
• IGCSE Programme (Key Stage 4 - Years 10-11) Two-year Cambridge International Examination (CIE) International General Certificate of Secondary Education programme with a wide range of subjects and excellent results comparable to top international schools worldwide.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme IB Diploma Programme for Years 12–13 (IB1 and IB2), the gold-standard for post-16 education, supported by one-to-one guidance for university applications worldwide.
• A-Level Programme UK-based Advanced Level qualifications allowing students to specialise in subjects they are passionate about, suited to learners who thrive in a focused, exam-based approach.
• BTEC Programme Vocational qualifications combining coursework, projects, and practical experience for students who prefer hands-on learning and want to build career-ready skills.
• BISJ Summer Camp 2026 Summer camp programme featuring five specialist academies (Football, Basketball, Swimming, Sailing, STEAM) delivered by specialist partners in world-class facilities.
• Co-Curricular Music Programme Instrumental tuition and music opportunities including piano, guitar, drums, brass, woodwind, and ukulele lessons with qualified tutors, plus choir and ensemble participation.
• Model United Nations (MUN) Educational simulation of United Nations proceedings where students develop skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, public speaking, and international cooperation. BISJ hosts one of the largest student-led conferences in the region.
• Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Award programme for students aged 14+ offering Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels covering volunteering, skills, physical fitness, and adventurous journeys.
• Performing Arts Programme Comprehensive performing arts education including school productions, musical ensembles, drama, and individual performances in music and theatre.
• Swimming Programme Swimming programme integrated into physical education from Early Years (water safety and basic techniques) through to competitive and advanced levels.
• Conti Connect Alumni Network BISJ alumni network celebrating the lasting bond between the school and its graduates, offering mentorship opportunities, event invitations, and community connection.
• Uniform Shop (Kapes Partnership) Sustainable school uniform programme in partnership with Kapes, offering eco-friendly uniforms made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled polyester. Each purchase includes a free uniform for a child in Kenya.
• Cafeteria Services School food services provided by Catered, offering diverse international and local cuisine with freshly-prepared meals including omelettes and pasta made to order. BISJ is a nut-free school.

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2025BISJ became one of the first five founding members from Saudi Arabia of TASS, a global network dedicated to accelerating transition towards a sustainable future. Signed the Sustainable Schools Charter with students serving as TASS Student Ambassadors.
• All Star Basketball AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Partnership launched October 2024 offering expert coaching and development for basketball enthusiasts. Programme designed to help students improve their game and grow in confidence.
• Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 August 2024Three-year partnership announced in August 2024 providing comprehensive sports programmes focusing initially on football with potential for handball and other multisport activities. Available to both boys and girls with inclusive and flexible options. First training sessions started 1 September 2024.
• BR Swimming AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2024Partnership launched August 2024 bringing professional swimming coaching to BISJ. Focus on skill-building, technique, and fostering a love for swimming through their '1% better each day' approach.
• KapesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniform provider partnership offering sustainable school uniforms made from eco-friendly materials (GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled polyester). For each uniform purchased, a free uniform is provided to a child in Kenya.
• CateredminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive food service provider for all school food, offering diverse international and local cuisines with freshly-prepared meals including omelettes and pasta made to order.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• American International School of Jeddah: American-curriculum international school in Jeddah competing for the same expatriate family segment as BISJ. Comparable in scale, tuition tier, and co-curricular breadth, though with American rather than British curricular focus.
• Repton School Dubai: Premium British international school in Dubai offering IGCSE, A-Level, and IB programmes to affluent expatriate families. Comparable to BISJ in premium positioning, curriculum breadth, and co-curricular sports partnerships.
• Jeddah International School: International school in Jeddah serving expatriate and Saudi families with American-style curriculum. Directly competes with BISJ for the Jeddah expatriate family segment with similar tuition tier and co-curricular programming.
• International Schools Group (ISG) Jeddah: Multi-curriculum international school group operating in Jeddah, directly competing with BISJ for expatriate family enrollment. Comparable in target market (international families in Jeddah), tuition tier, and co-curricular programming.
• The British School of Bahrain (BSB): British international school in Bahrain serving expatriate families with National Curriculum for England, IGCSE, and IB. Comparable to BISJ as a long-established British international school in a Gulf expatriate market.
• Dubai British School: British curriculum school in Dubai operated by Taaleem, offering IGCSE and A-Level programmes to expatriate families. Directly comparable to BISJ in curriculum structure, customer base (international expatriate families), and premium positioning.
• British International School Riyadh (BISR): British international school in Riyadh offering IGCSE and IB programmes to expatriate families in Saudi Arabia. Directly comparable to BISJ in curriculum (British-style, Cambridge, IB), customer base (expatriate families), and Saudi regulatory environment.
• British School Al Khubar (BSAK): British curriculum school in Al Khubar, Saudi Arabia, serving expatriate families in the Eastern Province. Directly comparable to BISJ as a Saudi-based British international school with similar curriculum pathways and regulatory framework.
• British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi): British international school in Abu Dhabi offering National Curriculum for England leading to IGCSE and IB/A-Level. Comparable to BISJ in curriculum, brand positioning, and target market (premium expatriate families in the Gulf).

Broad incumbents

• Nord Anglia International School Dubai: Large international school in Dubai offering multiple curricula including British pathway, part of the global Nord Anglia network. Comparable to BISJ in premium expatriate target market and co-curricular breadth, though operates at a larger network scale.

Market position

Strengths2 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/BritishInternationalSchoolJeddah
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-british-international-school-of-jeddah
• Instagraminstagram.com/bisj_official

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The British International School of Jeddah