HELP! British School of Riyadh Vs London day school

[LondontoRiyadh]

Hi Anyone Out There
My husband has just been offered dream job and would be going to Riyadh this spring. Both kids are at London day schools 13 and 10 years old. I have just heard bad things about the differences between Riyadh British school and London schools. They are not super academic but managed to get into their respective schools just and I worry that if they go to Riyadh they won't be able to come back easily and navigate the UK system. Should I stay here to keep kids in good school and go out there on holidays or should we risk it and just hope the British School is going to get them into a good University when the time comes.
Any thoughts would be incredibly gratefully received.
Thank you!

Logistically it is a bloody nightmare for business as well. They want workers to come in with families for stability but nobody will come when the school is closed. I just don't think BISR is doing enough to force the ministry . Other curriculum schools are partially open ( I pass a French school everyday ) and my kids have only been in twice in a year. In the neighbouring GCC states the international schools are open because they presented their case to the government .
BISR's head clearly lacks the presence or motivation to challenge the system.

Yes, she appears to have no ‘wasta’ with the ministry. They could have them in say once a week but no we get once every few months and that’s if we are lucky. My son has been in school once this academic year. I feel so let down by the school.

I feel so let down by the school
Me too PinkNelly. We pay considerably more at BISR than we did in a really reputable outstanding not for profit in Dubai and got half the service before covid and now it is just an absolute joke.

The trouble is habibi they have a monopoly here and they know it. They have us over a barrel. The idea that they won’t be open until January is just soul destroying. And yet I have heard this rumour from so many people. One more day and then Easter break at least!

Wow this is awful! It's so sad for the kids to have been out as long as they have here - I'm surprised they're still out if others are managing it. Doesn't say much for them and seems that my daughter will will stay in England and my son will come and go to the American school. Thank you for your advice - really helpful x

I would seriously consider the ethics of working in Saudi Arabia. It's one of the most repressive regimes on the planet. As a woman you have no rights at all. If your dh must work there (I presume because the pay is good because I can't imagine anyone considering otherwise) why don't you stay in the U.K. for your children's sake

@LondontoRiyadh

Wow this is awful! It's so sad for the kids to have been out as long as they have here - I'm surprised they're still out if others are managing it. Doesn't say much for them and seems that my daughter will will stay in England and my son will come and go to the American school. Thank you for your advice - really helpful x

Where will you be? Are you going to split your family & children?

If you are considering a return to uk education for your ds later on , American school may not be best preparation.

It's still on the table! I don't know what to do - my daughter wants to go to boarding school. Coming back maybe we come back later. Maybe I stay and just my husband goes. I agree the human rights is awful. I think there are no easy answers but so glad to hear other peoples' thoughts so thank you so much. It is easier for us all to stay but I wanted to see what the options are. My son was keen to try the American school but I'm not sure it's worth it at this stage!

London the American school at the moment is still on line only. And will be until at least the fall. Good luck with whatever you decide and feel free to pm if you need advice re compounds etc

Hi LondontoRiyadh,

Wondered what did you decide? I am in exactly the same position as you were last year and would like some advice please.

I’m also curious to know…