Parent
Disappointing. Very disappointing!!!
As an overall point, this place is run as a business not as an academic institution
We were so hopeful when we moved in from the UK but unfortunately were let down during the year and decided to move out two terms later.
If your children are in secondary, you better look in a different school as secondary students here are treated as primary still. No clue how to prep them for GCSE. No independence or responsibility over their homework and learning. No set curriculum, teachers were juggling one from multiple sources. My daughter was begging to go to a serious secondary school as she felt she was in another “more relaxed” year 6.
Teachers were superb. Really putting all efforts to teach students in the British way. But they are not always allowed to!!
Management and leadership of the school is immature. When we left, many senior people and teachers left.
The owner of the school is using the affiliation with the UK Aldenham as a branding opportunity but the curriculum delivery is not a match!!
You have to pay around £500 for uniforms. And you have to purchase “all” 12 items even if they would use only 2 or 3 most of the time.
Every term you are obliged to pay £600 for school meals even if those meals are inedible, unhealthy (expect a lot of processed meat and processed cheese). And if you tell them you want to opt out and bring food from home, you will still have to pay!
You will be invited to unbelievably high number of school activities and trips that are all paid for to keep your kids entertained, but not educated. (There was a Jeddah trip planned one week before finals rather than preparations for the exams)
Throughout the whole year, nothing was given for the children to review and study. And towards end of year, we knew about exams 3 weeks before and there was no revision material. We had to complain to school to be provided with something. Then 3 weeks before exams they were flooded with revision packs!!
Additionally, there was national school assessment like Offstead and for that children should have done exams. Were were informed about it 3 days in advance although school was informed by ministry of education 2 months earlier. No preparation was possible!
When we visited the school? We were told the new branch was in the making. A new library was being established. A VR lab for immersive learning was coming. Full science lab resources were planned….
Two terms later, no one mentioned anything about the new campus. And none of the promised facilities saw the light.
↳ Reply from Aldenham Prep Riyadh 
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are sorry that your family’s time with us did not meet the expectations you had on arriving from the UK, and we respect your decision to move to a school you feel is the right fit for your daughter.
For the benefit of current and prospective families, we would like to provide some context regarding the areas you raised.
Over the past year, Aldenham Prep School Riyadh has undergone significant development in curriculum structure, leadership and specialist staffing. Our Key Stage 3 provision now follows a clear, sequenced curriculum taught exclusively by subject specialists, mirroring the model at Aldenham UK. This includes structured schemes of work, termly assessments, curriculum overviews for parents and a strengthened pathway towards GCSE preparation.
We recognise that last year involved staff transitions. These were purposeful changes aimed at raising academic standards, and we have since welcomed experienced teachers from leading British schools. Leadership capacity has also been enhanced to ensure greater consistency in teaching, assessment, communication and pastoral care.
Parents now receive weekly newsletters, half-termly updates, assessment calendars and revision guidance well in advance. Our assessment and reporting procedures are aligned with Aldenham UK expectations to support clarity and academic rigour.
Regarding facilities, projects such as the IT Lab, Maker Space, learning support centre and improvements to our dining programme under a full-time nutritionist are either completed or well underway. The new campus project continues to progress, with updates shared through official channels as milestones are confirmed.
Uniform and catering remain part of our published policies and fee structure, which are communicated before enrolment. Mandatory meal provision reflects common practice in many British independent schools.
We also appreciate your positive comments about our teachers. Their dedication remains the foundation of our school, and we are pleased that your daughter experienced this.
We sincerely wish your family the very best in your new school. Should you wish to discuss any part of your experience privately, we would be happy to arrange a conversation with a member of our leadership team.
1 other review for Aldenham Prep Riyadh - (Reviews aren't verified )
Parent
Aldenham Prep Riyadh is a great school. My child is excited to come every morning. We, as family had a positive experience at the school.
Teachers are dedicated, supportive and invested in my child’s progress.
Communication with all staff (teachers, admin and leadership) has been smooth and inquiries have been handled professionally.
School is developing every year and children are happy.
