Entering a new educational market requires careful planning for any operator or educator. The private education sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is experiencing rapid transformation. New schools are opening, regulations are strengthening, and competition is intensifying as parents weigh their options more carefully than ever before.
Over the last year, extensive primary research has been conducted, gathering insights from over 1,000 parents across both public and private schools in KSA. This research explores academic quality, motivations for school selection, likes and dislikes, and future aspirations for their children. Having conducted research in the region for more than 17 years, I always prioritise hearing directly from parents to understand their true needs, rather than relying on assumptions or outdated perceptions.
A deep understanding of parental motivations is essential for any school operator. Without it, there is a high risk of misjudging the market—leading to decisions that could hinder both educational quality and commercial success.
Here are Four Key Takeaways Shaping the Evolution of Saudi Arabia’s Private School Sector:
Local vs. International
KSA’s scale is unique, with a population nearing 40 million and a youth demographic representing 67% of its people. Expatriates form about 7% of the population, meaning most students are Saudi nationals, traditionally attending public schools.
In Riyadh, private international school enrolment has grown by 15% across all price segments, driven by both Saudi and expatriate families.
Research shows that 76% of parents want schools that combine local and international qualifications. Parents value the English-based US and UK curricula, but equally prioritise Arabic, Islamic Studies, and alignment with Saudi cultural values.
Most Saudi parents also prefer gender-segregated schooling from Grade 4 onwards, believing it better reflects cultural expectations and offers a more comfortable environment for students. While some consideration is given to partially mixed models, full segregation remains the preferred approach.
Sports, The Arts, and Music Demand Growth
Saudi Arabia’s investment in global sports and entertainment is transforming public interest. With major events like the FIFA World Cup 2034, LIV Golf, and large-scale music festivals, demand for sports, arts, and cultural education is rising.
However, school schedules often limit these opportunities, with many institutions finishing classes around 2pm. Research shows that 81% of parents would support longer school days to allow for enrichment activities, while 70% believe such programmes are essential for their children’s development. Yet, 75% say their children currently lack access to extracurricular options.
Parents also express concern about the lack of structured pathways for talented students to progress in sports and the arts—from school-level participation to higher education and career opportunities in these industries.
Academic Quality
Academic outcomes remain a central priority for Saudi parents. Only 30% of surveyed parents expressed satisfaction with their school’s academic performance, ranking it as the top area for improvement.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only 30% of Saudi 15-year-olds achieve minimum proficiency in mathematics, compared to the OECD average of 69%. Similar gaps exist in reading and science, where Saudi students also perform below international benchmarks.
Improving academic quality depends largely on two factors: the calibre of teachers and the standard of teacher training. Both remain global challenges. There is a growing opportunity for KSA to leverage untapped talent—career professionals seeking a transition into education, and women re-entering the workforce after career breaks.
Upcoming rounds of international benchmarking tests are expected to reflect improvements driven by recent reforms and the rise of new, high-performing private schools entering the market.
Bridging the Skills Gap: Aligning Schools with the Labour Market
A growing issue within Saudi Arabia’s private education sector is the misalignment between what parents expect, what schools deliver, and what the labour market demands.
According to a 2022 UNESCO report, Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth in its artificial intelligence (AI) workforce. By that year, over 1,400 AI specialists were active in the country, and more than 165,000 workers possessed at least two AI-related skills. Job postings for AI roles grew by almost 54% annually from 2018 to 2022, while the workforce with AI capabilities expanded by nearly 51% each year.
In our research, parents viewed digital literacy as the single most important factor for future employability. 88% expressed positive views on digital skills within education, and 89% were interested in specialist digital schools focusing on coding, graphic design, and robotics. 35% said they would be highly likely to enrol their child in such a school.
However, parents also highlighted a lack of focus on essential soft and practical skills such as social behaviour, critical thinking, problem-solving, and vocational training. These competencies are key to nurturing adaptable, creative, and employable graduates — yet they remain underrepresented in many school curriculums.
The Road Ahead
Saudi Arabia’s education sector is moving into a new era, shaped by parental aspirations, national reforms, and labour market transformation. Schools that successfully balance academic excellence with digital readiness, cultural grounding, and holistic student development will lead the next phase of private education in the Kingdom.
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Further Reading:
- Madrasati: A Saudi Digital Education Model Shaping the Future of Learning
- Saudi Cabinet Approves University of Strathclyde Branch in Riyadh to Boost Higher Education Sector