Aldenham Prep School Riyadh is part of Aldenham Education Group and was among the first international schools invited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Vision 2030 framework, reflecting a shared commitment to long-term educational excellence and national development. We are a leading British independent school in Riyadh, offering an approach that balances academic rigour with exceptional pastoral care. We focus on deep mastery learning while developing resilience, etiquette, wellbeing and practical life skills. Every element of school life is designed to prepare pupils for success beyond the classroom and for life beyond school.
Small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios and a robust pastoral framework create a boarding school–like experience within a day school setting. Teachers know each child deeply — their strengths, needs and potential — and provide consistent guidance, structure and care throughout the school day. Wellbeing, etiquette and character development are prerequisites for learning, with daily school life intentionally designed to foster tangible confidence, real resilience, true independence and a strong sense of belonging.
Mark S. Bedford
Headmaster
BA Hons (Wales), PGCE (Oxon), MSc (Derby), MPhil (Cam), NPQH, FRSA
| Number of students |
600 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
40 |
| Most common nationality |
British, Saudi |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1:2 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Arabic, French |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
16 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Smart Boards, students Ipads in computing classes |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Islamic (for those who are Muslim) and Social Studies for non-Muslims |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Social Studies are provided as an alternative |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Term based assessment |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
20 minutes |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
Inclusion Department. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Specialists offer extra work for gifted students |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
One on One informal interview, written exam and social behaviour assessment. PUMA and PIRA |
| Waiting list |
Depending on the Year group |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Students can enter at the start of each term |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
7:45 am |
| School finish time |
2:45 pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes, School clubs (included in the school fees) run until 4pm. |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Chess, ballet, cookery, Lego robotics, pottery, karate, football, tennis, street dance, needlecraft, tag rugby, gymnastics, drama, fencing, gardening, animation, fashion design |
| Sports activities included |
Aldenham has a strong tradition of Sport. Games and Physical Education are a very important part of life at the Prep School. Each class has one PE lesson per week with a specialist teacher and a Games afternoon. Major sports are Football, Netball, Hockey, Cricket and Basketball. The children also have the opportunity to experience a number of minor sports such as Badminton, Golf and Swimming. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, Music room, Individual Music Studios, Wellbeing Room, Science Labs, Arts Room, Indoor Playground, Outdoor Bespoke Playground, Learning Areas. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Football Pitch, Basketball Court , Tennis Court |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Founded on 428 years of heritage, Aldenham Prep Riyadh is the first true branch of Aldenham School in the UK. It provides exceptional British education for boys and girls aged 3 to 13, renowned for its strong academic standards and commitment to developing well-rounded, confident children. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
At Aldenham Prep Riyadh, our mission is to cultivate extraordinarily resilient, self-reflective, multidisciplinary thinkers and lifelong learners through a carefully choreographed education that combines unapologetic academic rigour and deep, mastery-level learning, built upon an ever-present foundation of the liberal arts, which defines our culture of all-rounded development and pastoral care that has been our bedrock since our inception in 1597. |
The Early Years Foundation Stage is where a child’s learning journey at Aldenham begins. It is a warm, joyful and carefully structured environment that nurtures natural curiosity and supports children as they take their first steps into school life. Every day is designed to inspire wonder, build confidence and help children develop a love of learning that stays with them as they grow.
Our EYFS curriculum focuses on learning through play, exploration and meaningful interaction. Skilled practitioners guide children through activities that develop early literacy and numeracy, communication, physical coordination and social understanding. Classrooms and outdoor areas are thoughtfully designed to encourage investigation, imagination and problem solving, giving children the freedom to discover new interests and express themselves creatively.
Key Stage 1 marks the beginning of a child’s formal learning journey and provides an environment where curiosity, imagination and early independence are encouraged. In Years 1 and 2 pupils develop the essential literacy and numeracy skills that underpin future learning while building confidence as young learners.
Our curriculum introduces children to a rich blend of subjects including English, mathematics, science, humanities, Arabic, creative arts, ICT, music and PE. Lessons are active and engaging, with a strong emphasis on exploration and practical learning. Teachers design activities that help pupils make connections, express their ideas and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from developing new skills.
Key Stage 2 provides a warm, purposeful and vibrant environment where pupils in Years 3 to 6 grow in confidence and develop the skills that prepare them for the challenges of later schooling. These years are an important stage of development as children become more independent and begin to take greater responsibility for their progress.
Our curriculum is broad, engaging and carefully structured to build strong foundations. Skilled teachers deliver high-quality learning across English, mathematics, science, humanities, Arabic, creative arts, ICT, music and PE. Lessons are designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding, and pupils are encouraged to think critically, work collaboratively and take pride in their achievements.
In Years 7 to 9 pupils build on the strong foundations established in earlier phases and begin to develop greater independence, confidence and intellectual curiosity. Key Stage 3 represents an important stage of transition, where learners deepen their knowledge across a broad and balanced curriculum while starting to take more responsibility for their progress.
Our programme is designed to challenge and inspire. Pupils engage in rigorous study across English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, Arabic, languages, creative arts, PE and digital learning. Lessons promote critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration, and teachers encourage pupils to ask thoughtful questions, explore new ideas and reflect on their learning.
Aldenham Prep Riyadh is conveniently located in Riyadh North, and is easily accessible from most parts of the city.
We’re delighted that you’re considering Aldenham Prep Riyadh for your child’s education.
Please call or email our Admissions team, with any questions.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
