For more than 47 years, the British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) has been offering excellence in education, rooted in British educational values, alongside a broad international outlook.
Founded as The Continental School in 1977, in a modest room at the British Embassy with just 86 students, the school offered a British-style continental education with a global vision.
The school quickly evolved from a single villa to multiple campuses, with students from many different nationalities. The initial European emphasis was replaced by a more global ethos, with students from all over the world enrolling, including many from the UK.
In 1990, the school achieved accreditation from the European Council of International Schools, becoming the first British-style school in Saudi Arabia to do so.
In 1996, the school officially changed its name to the British International School of Jeddah (BISJ), reflecting its broader international ethos while retaining the affectionate nickname "Conti."
Academic excellence, global outlook.
Since becoming BISJ, the school has continued to grow and thrive. Today we are very different from the Continental School in 1977. We now operate on a purpose-built site, with over 1,300 students from over 60 countries and with more than 200 staff from 20 countries.
What has not changed is the vision to be truly international in its focus, while maintaining a strong reputation for academic excellence and a global outlook.
We now welcome Saudi students alongside those from expatriate families, creating a vibrant international and inclusive learning environment.
We were the first British-style school worldwide to achieve European Council of International Schools (ECIS) accreditation, in 1990, and have subsequently been re-accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) in 2002, 2012, 2018 and most recently in 2024.
BISJ is also accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is an accredited member of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME).
Our History
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Looking to the future
As we move forward, BISJ continues to expand its offerings to ensure that students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. We are focused on integrating technology, advancing our commitment to sustainability, and further enhancing our academic programmes to meet the diverse needs of our students.
With a commitment to ongoing professional development and innovation, we aim to maintain our status as a leader in international education, fostering global citizens who are not only academically strong but also culturally aware, socially responsible, and ready to contribute positively to the world.
Our focus remains on creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every student can thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.
In August 2025, Helen Olds will assume the role of Director, ushering in a new era of leadership that builds on the school’s legacy of innovation and global engagement, following the impactful tenure of Ian Williams.
