British International School Riyadh (BISR) is delighted to announce the official opening of its newest campus, Al Waha. This significant event marks the school’s seventh campus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A New Chapter in Educational Provision
The launch of BISR Al Waha is celebrated as an exciting new chapter in the school’s four decade history in Riyadh. The new campus officially welcomed students on Wednesday, 27 August 2025. An opening ceremony took place on Wednesday, 15 October, attended by distinguished guests from the Ministry of Education, the Embassy, and the BISR Board of Governors.
Investment in Future Excellence
BISR Al Waha represents the realisation of a long held strategic ambition and a substantial investment in the future of the school’s community and its commitment to educational excellence. It signifies confidence in the future, a direct investment in BISR’s students, and a strong belief in the collective potential of the community.
State of the Art Facilities for 2,000 Students
Serving 2,000 students aged 3-18, BISR Al Waha offers an excellent educational experience under the leadership of Principal Karen Jones, a highly experienced educator with a proven track record both in the UK and other international schools in the region.
Students are already benefiting from an environment that cultivates academic excellence, creativity, and overall development. Highlights of the new campus include:
- Expansive Classrooms: Adaptable, flexible learning spaces designed to support academic and wellbeing programmes.
- Performing Arts Facilities: A 750-seat auditorium, ensemble rooms, and drama studios designed to inspire collaboration and a love of performance.
- Specialised Laboratories: State of the art science, food technology, and design labs that encourage critical thinking and problem solving.
- Aquatic Facilities: An 8 lane, 25m swimming pool with a Colorado timing system and a learner pool for swimming development and water based activities.
- Outstanding Sports Facilities: Two sports halls, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, a dance studio, climbing walls, and a fully equipped gym.
Leadership Perspectives on the New Campus
Karen Jones, Principal of BISR Al Waha, stated:
“We are absolutely delighted to have opened the doors to BISR’s 7th campus, Al Waha. This is the next stage in our long history and an exciting new chapter for all. Albeit a state of the art facility, a school, however, is just a building without our children and young people. Hearing their voices in the corridors, the classrooms and our shared spaces is what brings the school to life. It is now a living, breathing, inspiring place of learning full of energy and focus. As I reflect on the journey to our new campus, I would like to pay tribute to the strong relationships that underpin our whole school community. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has come together to get us to where we are today students, staff, families and partner organisations have all played a part. Here’s to a year of growth and seeing everyone flourish in our new space.”
Nick Prince, Chair of the BISR Board of Governors, stated:
“The success of this campus will not be measured by its design, but by the difference it makes in the lives of children. The responsibility now lies with the school’s exceptional staff and leadership to transform the building into a dynamic environment dedicated to learning, belonging, and ambition.”
Jeremy Newton, the new Director of Schools at BISR, stated:
“The opening of our Al Waha campus represents a significant milestone in BISR’s journey of growth and excellence. In recent years, our school has grown exponentially, from a single campus at Al Hamra to now seven campuses across the Kingdom. Today, we are home to more than 3,000 students, supported by 500 dedicated staff, representing over 90 nationalities. We are a truly diverse and dynamic community, united in our shared commitment to preparing young people for the brightest of futures, here in the Kingdom and across the world. As we launch our new five year strategy, we do so with determination to align our goals with Vision 2030 and to continue providing the very best of British education, education that is proudly British, and proudly Saudi.”
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Further Reading:
- Cognita Expands into Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar with Strategic School Partnerships
- Back to School, the Smart Way: Flexible Online Learning with Minerva