Choosing a school in Jeddah is one of the first and most important decisions any expat family makes when moving to the city. The good news is that Jeddah has a really strong international school landscape, covering British, American, IB, and Indian curricula, with options across a wide range of budgets and philosophies. The less straightforward news is that with so many choices, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide breaks down the best schools in Jeddah by curriculum type, with fees, what each school is known for, and who it tends to suit best.
A quick note before you dive in: public schools in Saudi Arabia teach entirely in Arabic and do not admit non-Saudi nationals. International private schools are the default route for expat families. Most of the top schools have waiting lists, particularly at primary level, so applying early is essential. Fees below are based on publicly available 2025/2026 data and should always be verified directly with the school before making any decisions.
British Curriculum Schools in Jeddah
The British International School of Jeddah (BISJ)
BISJ is the name most British curriculum families in Jeddah land on first, and for good reason. The school has been operating for nearly 50 years and holds a strong reputation for academic rigour and community warmth. It follows the British national curriculum throughout, with IGCSEs at Key Stage 4 and the IB Diploma Programme at sixth form. Students come from around 60 nationalities. The school’s primary curriculum is based on the International Primary Curriculum, and its pastoral approach is regularly praised by parents. Admissions give priority to British passport holders, though applications from non-British families are also welcomed.
Fees: Annual tuition for 2025/2026 ranges from approximately SAR 56,718 for early years to SAR 101,430 for senior secondary. One-time registration fees apply at enrollment. A 10 percent discount on tuition is available for third and subsequent children in a family.
Best for: British families and long-term expats looking for an established school with a strong community feel and dual IGCSE and IB pathways.
Website: bis-jeddah.com
Jeddah Prep and Grammar School (JPGS)
JPGS is one of the oldest British schools in Jeddah, founded in 1967 originally as The International British/Dutch School. Today it serves students from FS1 through Year 13, offering IGCSEs and A-Levels through the Cambridge Assessment International Education framework. The school draws from over 50 nationalities and is notably co-educational throughout, which is still relatively unusual in Saudi Arabia’s international school landscape. Parent reviews consistently highlight the community atmosphere, supportive teaching staff, and the school’s track record of strong academic results.
Fees: Annual tuition for 2025/2026 ranges from approximately SAR 32,000 to SAR 69,500. Discounts of 10 percent for the third child and 20 percent for the fourth and subsequent children apply.
Best for: Families looking for an affordable British curriculum option with a proven academic record and a diverse, close-knit school community.
Website: jpgs.org
Sherborne School Jeddah (SSJ)
Sherborne School Jeddah is the newest entry on this list, having opened in September 2025 in the Ar Rawdah district. It brings over 500 years of UK heritage to Jeddah, operating in close partnership with Sherborne Dorset, one of England’s most established independent schools. Currently enrolling students from Pre-School through Year 8, the school will expand annually to cover full Pre-primary through Sixth Form, eventually offering IGCSEs and A-Levels. The campus is purpose-built and impressive, featuring coding labs, AI and digital design studios, a 500-seat auditorium, and fully-equipped arts and sports facilities.
Fees: Founding family fees for 2025/2026 range from SAR 30,435 at FS1 to SAR 64,565 at Year 7, with approved full fees from SAR 35,000 to SAR 74,250. Founding families benefit from discounted fees across the first three academic years.
Best for: Families with younger children who want to join a prestigious new school from the ground up and benefit from founding family fee structures.
Website: sherbornejeddah.org
American Curriculum Schools in Jeddah
American International School of Jeddah (AISJ)
AISJ is one of the most established international schools in Jeddah, founded in 1952 and now serving over 1,000 students from more than 40 nationalities. Its purpose-built campus in the Al Mohammadiyah district opened in 2019 and is designed specifically for a student-centred American learning experience. The school offers the full American curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12, aligned with AERO and Common Core standards. At high school level, students can pursue around 25 Advanced Placement courses or the IB Diploma Programme, which AISJ became authorized to offer in 2022. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the US, and is also a member of the Council of International Schools.
Fees: Annual fees for 2025/2026 range from approximately SAR 35,000 at early years to SAR 91,400 at high school level. One-time enrolment fees apply for new students.
Best for: American families and those targeting US university admissions, and students who want both AP and IB Diploma pathways at the high school stage.
Website: aisj.edu.sa
IB Schools in Jeddah
Jeddah Knowledge International School (JKIS)
JKIS offers the full IB continuum from Early Years through to the IB Diploma Programme, making it one of the few schools in Jeddah where a student can complete their entire education within a single IB framework. The school is known for its multicultural environment and its strong emphasis on inquiry-based, student-centred learning. It is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization and the Council of International Schools, giving its qualifications strong recognition for university entry worldwide.
Fees: Annual tuition for 2025/2026 ranges from approximately SAR 43,240 to SAR 101,430.
Best for: Families committed to the IB philosophy from an early age, and those targeting international university admissions across the UK, US, and beyond.
Website: jks.edu.sa
Advanced Generations International Schools (AGIS)
AGIS offers both the American and British curricula in an English-medium environment, catering to students from age 3 to 18. It has built a reputation for combining academic ambition with strong Islamic values, appealing to families who want a globally recognized qualification alongside a school community that reflects their faith and cultural identity.
Fees: SAR 29,000 to SAR 56,500 per year.
Best for: Families seeking a dual British and American curriculum at a mid-range price point, within a school community that integrates Islamic values.
Website: ags.edu.sa
Indian and CBSE Curriculum Schools in Jeddah
Pakistan International School Jeddah (PISJ)
Despite its name, PISJ is open to students of all nationalities and has a long-standing reputation as one of the most academically rigorous CBSE schools in the city. Founded in 1959, it offers the Central Board of Secondary Education curriculum from kindergarten through Grade 12, with a strong emphasis on science, mathematics, and humanities. The school has well-equipped science labs, a library, and sports facilities, and is well-regarded for consistently producing graduates who go on to perform strongly in higher education.
Fees: Annual fees range from approximately SAR 10,000 to SAR 35,000, making it one of the most affordable international school options in Jeddah.
Best for: South Asian expat families looking for CBSE continuity at an accessible fee level, with a strong academic reputation.
Website: pisjes.edu.sa
How to Choose the Right School in Jeddah
If curriculum continuity is the priority, go with what your child already knows. University destination is what shapes the decision, so American and IB schools offer the clearest pathways to US and global universities, while British schools remain the strongest route for UK admissions. If budget is a key factor, CBSE schools offer excellent academic quality at a fraction of the cost of premium international schools.
One thing holds true across all of them: apply early. The best schools in Jeddah fill up quickly, and waiting lists are very real, particularly at primary level. Most admissions for the next academic year open between February and April, so if you are planning ahead, now is the time to get in touch.
FAQs
What are the best international schools in Jeddah for expat families in 2026?
Top choices include British International School of Jeddah for the British curriculum, American International School of Jeddah for American and IB pathways, Jeddah Prep and Grammar School.
How much do international schools in Jeddah cost in 2026?
Fees vary widely. Schools like Pakistan International School Jeddah start around SAR 10,000 annually. Mid-range schools such as JPGS and Sherborne typically cost SAR 30,000–75,000. Premium schools like BISJ and AISJ range from SAR 56,000 to over SAR 100,000 at higher grades. Always confirm fees directly, as they change yearly.
Which schools in Jeddah offer the IB Diploma Programme?
American International School of Jeddah, Jeddah Knowledge International School, and British International School of Jeddah offer the IB Diploma Programme
What is the newest British school in Jeddah?
Sherborne School Jeddah opened in September 2025 in Ar Rawdah. Linked to Sherborne UK, it currently serves Pre-School to Year 8 and is expanding yearly. Early applicants may benefit from discounted founding fees
What should expat families know about school admissions in Jeddah?
Applications usually require forms, school records, passport/Iqama copies, and sometimes assessments. Top schools have waiting lists, so apply early. Admissions for the next academic year typically open between February and April.
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