Established in 1892, SEK International Schools are places where innovation and pedagogical leadership are combined with nearly 130 years of tradition and history to offer educational programmes of the highest quality. SEK has over 40 years’ experience of offering IB programmes, with an excellent record of IB diploma results and university entrance. Our aim at SEK International Schools is to provide a high-quality international education through the development of our students’ abilities to the highest level of their potential.
SEK International School Riyadh is an authorized school for the PYP and pursuing authorization for MYP. IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students. We will eventually be offering a full International Baccalaureate education, adapted for the Saudi Arabian context, from age 3 to 18 years, to ensure pupils can complete the best possible pre-university education at SEK-Riyadh.
| Number of students |
320 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
42 |
| Most common nationality |
Jordanian, Lebanese, Egyptian, Canadian, Saudi Arabian, Spanish, American |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
36% local and the rest expat. |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes, or completely fluent in the instructional language. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
As part of our Student Wellbeing services framework, we offer support in English for those whose first langauge is not English.
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| Additional language classes offered by the school |
The main teaching language is English, but we also offer Spanish and Arabic languages programmes. |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
18 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
We also have robust digital platforms, infrastructure and protocols to enable online, hybrid and flipped learning.
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| 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, we are fully prepared for online learning in times of emergncy. We have developed very successful protocols to enable online, hybrid or blended learning models, according to student needs and the prevalent learning environment.
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| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Yes. Islamic religion is offered to Muslim families. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Non-Muslim families can study Saudi Culture and Ethics |
| External examinations or assessments available |
We will use International Baccalaureate Diploma external assessment to evaluate students in Grade 12. |
| Results in these examinations |
SEK Schools Group Class of 2021 IB® Results: Over 97% pass rate
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| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
We assign learning activites to enable continuation of classwork at home, according to student indvidual needs. These activities are evaulated using our unique Evidence for Learning structure. We do ask that all students read every night - the recommended time varies by age. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
The amount of time depends on student needs, developmental stage, and age. For Early Years up to Grade 5, there are no homework requirements. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
98% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes. This is part of our comprehensive Student Wellbeing services framework. |
| Learning support offered |
As part of our Student Wellbeing services, we have a qualified counsellor to identify students needs and work with teachers to devise individual learning plans. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
This forms part of our Student Wellbeing services framework.
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| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes. As part of our Student Wellbeing services, we provide access for students to have confidential social and emotional counselling . |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
It is age-dependent and may include academic tasks or cognitve testing based on the age group. We assess preschool children based upon their personal development. |
| Waiting list |
Yes, we do have waiting lists for some grades, please contact the school for more updated information. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We accept students throughout the current school year, as long as there are still available spaces. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
07.45 |
| School finish time |
14.15 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
We will provide a supervised student care option after school. |
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
We provide a cafeteria service, where students can pre-order and purchase lunches. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes. Uniforms can be purchased at Zak's at the Tala Mall. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
We offer a diverse range of activities under the following headings:
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| Sports activities included |
We offer a full programme of Physical and Health Education as part of our curriculum, this includes a diverse range of sports, games, excerise, and health-related activities. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Facilities at the school |
The SEK Education Group have engaged leading designers, architects and academics to develop the SEK-Riyadh campus into a unique, state-of-the-art environment, using materials, technology and equipment that enhance learning. Sports, Arts, Technology and Activities are an essential aspect of the holistic educational model at SEK-Riyadh, and also play a key role in the health and wellbeing of our students. The SEK-Riyadh campus includes: two large indoor multi-purpose halls for sports, arts events and other major school events; two Learning Hubs (for research and inquiry), two Creativity Hubs (for visual and performing arts), two Maker Spaces (for exploring technology and entrepreneurship), two multi-purpose atriums; extensive shaded outdoor games and play areas; and dedicated specialist learning spaces for Early Years; Sciences; and Languages & Culture (with a special focus on Arabic Language and Culture). |
| Sports facilities at the school |
We have two large multi-purpose gymnasiums and a several outside sports, recreation and play areas. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
It is the Mission of SEK International School Riyadh (SEK-Riyadh) to provide a holistic education and the development in full, of each pupil’s individual talents. The core of the SEK profile is to prepare our students to be capable of guiding their own future and to become lifelong learners. We aim for our students to understand that serving and caring for others brings the highest rewards in life while ensuring that they become skilled and balanced 21st century productive citizens. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) is leading the coordination of the most important projects in the modernisation of the city of Riyadh, within a state global plan known as “Vision 2030”. Included in this plan is collaboration with prestigious educational organizations to create high-quality schools in Riyadh. The SEK Institution has been selected by RCRC as one of its pioneering alliances in the achievement of its proposed educational objectives, and we have been invited to open a SEK international school in Riyadh. SEK-Riyadh has a clear vision: to consistently provide high quality education to an international and local community of students in order to prepare them to become responsible and productive global citizens who actively contribute to the communities where they live and work. SEK-Riyadh opened its doors in September 2021, thereby establishing in the Middle East, the second international school from the prestigious SEK Education Group, which has nearly 130 years of history and experience in national and international education in four countries. The core of the SEK profile is to prepare our students to be capable of guiding their own futures and to becoming lifelong learners. To demonstrate our commitment towards this ambitious goal, SEK-Riyadh is an authorized school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), and a candiadte for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). SEK has over 40 years’ experience of offering IB programmes, with an excellent record of IB diploma results and university entrance. We are a community of learners, working together to prepare young people for the challenges of tomorrow through a broad and engaging curriculum, challenging our students to think critically and independently. Our dedicated international team of teachers and support staff are highly motivated and engaged in helping each of our students reach their full potential. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Based on our innovative SEK Intelligent Clasroom model, and the learning principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB), we have designed a Future Learning Model that offers personalized learning pathways for each student that foster collaboration, autonomy and the construction of meaning, and makes them future-ready for the third millennium The central ideas of this model are:
The SEK-Riyadh curriculum is an international model developed by the SEK Education Group for the context of Saudi Arabia, designed to meet the demands of a global third millennium international school, and to put our Future Learning Model into practice. Central to the philosophy of our curriculum model is the principle that purposeful, structured inquiry is a powerful vehicle for learning that promotes meaning and understanding, and challenges students to engage with significant ideas. The curriculum aims at building and reinforcing students’ sense of identity and cultural awareness, while equipping them with the skills to learn, acquire knowledge, individually or collaboratively, and to reflect upon this process so that they become lifelong learners. By applying those skills and knowledge, and through the development of the SEK Profile and the IB learner profile, students are supported in becoming the future citizens who will create a better and more peaceful world. The curriculum model is grounded in the social and historical context of Saudi Arabia, while also aligned with global contexts and international benchmarks. The curriculum will satisfy the educational needs of the local and expatriate population and is aimed at developing the next generation of Saudi Arabian and international students who will become active contributors to the local, regional, Saudi, and global communities. We aim for the curriculum to consist of the three International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes leading to the award of the IB Diploma and a US accredited High School Diploma. 1. IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) http://www.ibo.org/pyp/
2. IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) http://www.ibo.org/myp/
3. International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP) http://www.ibo.org/dp/
4. New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredited US High School Diploma https://cie.neasc.org/
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SEK-Riyadh is an international learning community. We are an authorized school for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).
SEK teachers are professionals who constantly reflect upon their practice in order to offer their students the most relevant educational experiences. Our educators take part in a comprehensive range of professional development activities and have access to the latest educational resources.
The SEK Education Group has engaged leading designers, architects and academics to develop the SEK Riyadh campus into a unique, state-of-the-art environment, using materials, technology and equipment that enhance learning.
The SEK Riyadh campus includes: two large indoor multi-purpose halls for sports, arts events and other major school events; two Learning Hubs (for research and inquiry), two Creativity Hubs (for visual and performing arts), two Maker Spaces (for exploring technology and entrepreneurship), two multi-purpose atriums; extensive shaded outdoor games and play areas; and dedicated specialist learning spaces for Early Years; Sciences; and Languages & Culture (with a special focus on Arabic Language and Culture).
We’re delighted that you’re considering SEK International School 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.
