For K-12 schools with international expansion plans, “Saudi truly is the land of opportunity,” says Anita Gleave, founder and CEO of Chatsworth Schools and its international arm Blenheim Schools, which recently opened its first school in Riyadh, Beech Hall. There’s an increasing place for a “high-quality British education” across the world, which presents “endless opportunity.”
It is estimated that there are one million local students attending private schools and, because of this, approximately 1,000 schools are required. Many Saudis have the funds to afford private education and the demand for English schools is very high, making it a very attractive place for international and British schools.
It is estimated that there are one million local students attending private schools
Naturally, opening up a school in a country like Saudi Arabia can bring a number of challenges with it. Pam Mundy, director of schools and education, NEOM Education, explained that it is important to be “ready for arguments” that will come from the board of the existing school. Many schools will have to make changes to their practices and curriculum to make them suitable for the target families.
Many schools will have to make changes to their practices and curriculum
“It’s not recognised how much things are changing and what is being done for women and girls in schools,” she said. She suggested that school operators investigate a variety of cities in the Kingdom and consider how best to sell the idea of Saudi Arabia to the board, parents, and alumni.