The British curriculum in Riyadh
Grades 7 to 12 at Saud International Schools, Riyadh: Cambridge Checkpoint, IGCSE, then AS and A Level, with Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA exams.
At Saud International Schools in Riyadh, the British curriculum is the school's British pathway. It runs from Grade 7 to Grade 12: Cambridge Checkpoint in Grade 8, IGCSE in Grades 9 and 10, then AS and A Level in Grades 11 and 12, with exams from Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA.
- GradesGrade 7 to Grade 12
- Grade 8Cambridge Checkpoint
- Grades 9–10IGCSE
- Grades 11–12AS and A Level
- ExamsCambridge, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA
- FeesThe same as the American pathway
Year by year
Grade 7 The pathway begins
Every student follows the American pathway up to Grade 6. From Grade 7, a student follows either the American or the British pathway. In Middle School each subject has its own specialist teacher, and boys and girls learn in separate sections.
Grade 8 Cambridge Checkpoint
British pathway students sit Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint in English, mathematics and science. The results help choose IGCSE subjects and show how ready a student is for IGCSE.
Grades 9 and 10 IGCSE
IGCSE is a two-year course. In Grade 9, students begin their IGCSE subjects and cover about half of each syllabus; in Grade 10, they finish the syllabus and sit the external exams at the end of the year. Grade 9 is taught in Middle School.
Grades 11 and 12 AS and A Level
In Grade 11, students usually take four AS subjects and sit the AS exams at the end of the year. In Grade 12, they continue three of the four to complete the full A Level.
Subjects
IGCSE, Grades 9–10
Core (all students): English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Arabic, Islamic Studies (Muslim students), Physical Education (not examined).
Electives (choose 2–3): Business Studies, Accounting, Economics, ICT.
A Level, Grades 11–12
- Mathematics and sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Business and economics: Business, Economics, Accounting
- English and ICT: English Language, ICT
A counsellor helps each student choose subjects that suit their strengths and the degree they plan to study, such as medicine, engineering, business or the humanities.
How students prepare
- Specialist teachers for each subject
- Regular internal assessments, and mock exams before the external ones
- Practice in research, critical thinking and academic writing
- One-to-one academic follow-up for each student
After Grade 12
Counsellors help each student choose universities and courses, and prepare applications through UCAS, the Common App and other systems. Read about university guidance.
Questions about the British pathway
When does the British pathway start?
In Grade 7. Every student follows the American pathway up to Grade 6, and from Grade 7 a student follows either the American or the British pathway.
Which exam boards does the British pathway use?
Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA.
What is Cambridge Checkpoint?
In Grade 8, British pathway students sit Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint in English, mathematics and science. The results help choose IGCSE subjects and show how ready a student is for IGCSE.
How many subjects do students take at AS and A Level?
In Grade 11, students usually take four AS subjects. In Grade 12, they continue three of the four to complete the full A Level.
Are boys and girls taught together?
No. The British pathway starts in Grade 7, and from Grade 6 boys and girls are taught in separate sections.
How much are the fees for the British pathway?
The fees are the same for both pathways. Annual tuition for 2026–27, before VAT:
- Grades 7 to 9: SAR 53,000
- Grades 10 to 12: SAR 58,000
Compare it with the American pathway, book a visit to see the school, or start your application.