Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Strategies for Middle Eastern schools to stand out and thrive in 2025

Schools in Saudi Arabia are preparing for 2025 by focusing on holistic student development, inclusivity, and innovation. Institutions like the British International School Riyadh emphasize wellbeing, community engagement, and cutting-edge educational practices. By integrating emotional, social, and academic growth, schools can ensure students thrive personally and academically, while preparing them for the future and contributing to Saudi Vision 2030.

Strategies for Middle Eastern schools to stand out and thrive in 2025

Middle Eastern schools across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue to strive towards fostering integral
educational experiences that transcend traditional academics, establishing the next generation
of compassionate leaders. With this ambition in mind, Head Teachers and Principals are looking
ahead to 2025 and continuing planning strategies for setting their institutions apart.

Following British International School Riyadh’s (BISR) ranking as one of the top 15 Middle Eastern schools, its leaders highlight three key elements essential for a school to stand out,
covering holistic programmes focusing on wellbeing, inclusivity, and innovation.

Strategies for Middle Eastern schools to stand out and thrive in 2025
Strategies for Middle Eastern schools to stand out and thrive in 2025

Holistic student development and wellbeing

According to UNESCO, children and young people who receive a good quality education are
more likely to be healthy, and those who are healthy are better able to learn. It is globally
acknowledged that educational institutions have a responsibility to support the holistic
development of students, and this should be a cornerstone of schools’ philosophies.

Recent World Health Organisation (WHO) research found that globally, one in seven 10-19-
year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 15% of the global burden of disease in
this age group. So, what role do Middle Eastern schools play in not only supporting the high-quality education of
students, but also fostering a truly nurturing environment for pupils to thrive personally as well?

BISR implements unique initiatives and philosophies focusing on emotional, social, and
personal growth alongside academic achievement. Adam Dyson, Headteacher of BISR Tabuk
explains, “We have a well-being framework that focuses on resilience, belonging, purpose,
lifestyle, and self-regulation, ensuring that each child’s individual needs are met.

It’s important for Middle Eastern schools to offer comprehensive pastoral programmes that focus heavily
on developing positive relationships with students to ensure they feel safe and confident
when in Middle Eastern school care. Neil Smith, Head of the BISR Al Hamra Campus, notes that, “We
cannot teach, learn, or develop to the best of our ability when our well-being is
compromised.” Extracurricular activity can contribute to all-encompassing educational and
wellbeing frameworks in 2025. Attending these clubs can help students progress to higher
education and transition into employment, as they learn team skills through activities such
as sport.

Strategies for Middle Eastern schools to stand out and thrive in 2025

One vision of inclusivity and community

This approach must not simply inform inspiring mantras but become a lived reality,
achieved through consistent communication and shared values.

It’s critical for Middle Eastern school leadership to wholeheartedly believe in the vision, mission, and values
of the educational institution as individuals and a group. This way teams are aligned and
more likely to work hard to foster an environment of collaboration and support.

Dyson emphasises the importance of BISR’s REACH motto (respect, excellence,
accountability, challenge, and happiness) in embedding values consistently across all
campuses: “Through our Professional Learning hour, we share best practices and set clear
expectations for teaching and learning. This approach allows us to grow and adapt as ‘one
school’ whilst also recognising each campus’s unique contributions to our collective goals”
he explains.

If Middle Eastern schools wish to cultivate young adults that contribute to shared goals as wider citizens
when they graduate, it’s crucial to encourage students to actively engage with the local
community too. Middle Eastern schools should lead by example, helping students to participate in local
events, or create partnerships with local sports clubs and cultural entities, like music
venues. Building connections like this strengthens community ties, providing opportunities
for students to develop their network which may shape their future.

Strategies for Middle Eastern schools to stand out and thrive in 2025
Strategies for Middle Eastern schools to stand out and thrive in 2025

Next generation innovation in education

The future of learning is at the forefront of education leaders’ minds, with organisations like
World Economic Forum recently discussing AI as the driving force behind change for
original Education 4.0 Framework. Innovation must be at the heart of Middle Eastern school strategies for
2025, integrating cutting-edge practices into curriculums to enhance student learning.

Anna Power, Principal at the BISR Diplomatic Quarter Campus, shares a practical example
of such innovation and how this should be research-led, explaining that, “After identifying a
need via data to better support students’ vocabulary, BISR implemented a program called
Bedrock Learning. Educating our teachers, students, and families about this tool and
consistent use of it has had a positive impact on vocabulary in the Primary school.”
Progressive initiatives like this, based on actionable insights, ensure Middle Eastern schools can maintain
an exemplary standard of education.

Schools must also stay one step ahead of the curve to attain such high standards. The
best curriculums focus on broad studies, now including digital literacy and safety. With the
increased adoption of AI in education, security awareness plays a crucial role and must be
a key element of any implementation strategy going forwards.

In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasises the importance of education in
driving economic and social development, schools in Saudi Arabia are uniquely positioned
to lead this transformation. Education is one of the cornerstones of this vision to create a
vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. By integrating innovative and
inclusive strategies, schools prepare students not only for academic success but also for
meaningful participation in the Kingdom’s future.

Strategies for Middle Eastern schools to stand out and thrive in 2025

Preparing for the future

For schools looking towards adapting strategies to set themselves apart, they must provide
comprehensive programmes, including wellbeing support, dedicate time to inclusive
practices that engage with the wider community, and place innovation at its core.

In this way, schools cannot only prepare students for academic success but also for the
challenges and opportunities in the adult world. This is especially important as new
technology plays an increasing part in the education sector and business as a whole.
Commitment to excellence and modernity will ensure schools remain at the forefront of
international education in the region, ultimately contributing to well-rounded, global leaders
of the future.

Watch also:

9 Things for Your Kids to Do in Riyadh


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