British International School Riyadh Launches new campus in Al Waha: Expanding its educational excellence across Saudi Arabia

Ain Alalam – Rashad Iskandrni

British International School Riyadh (BISR) proudly announces the official opening of its newest campus, Al Waha, marking the school’s seventh campus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The opening of BISR Al Waha is an event hailed as an exciting new chapter in the school’s four-decade history in Riyadh. The new campus officially welcomed students on Wednesday, 27th August 2025, and an opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, 15th October, attended by distinguished guests from the Ministry of Education, the Embassy and the BISR Board of Governors.

BISR Al Waha is the realisation of a long-held strategic ambition, and represents a significant investment in the future of the school’s community and its commitment to educational excellence. It signals confidence in the future, a direct investment in BISR’s students, and a strong belief in the collective potential of the community.

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 benefitting 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 well-being 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 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.

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.”

About British International School Riyadh (BISR):

BISR is a seven campus, not-for-profit school in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a

45-year track record of educational provision for children aged 3-18, following the

National Curriculum of the United Kingdom.