RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced on Monday the opening of the local branch of the UK’s Beech Hall School, one of the oldest learning institutions in England, established in 1926.
This is part of an initiative to attract major international schools to the Saudi capital, in partnership with the Kingdom’s education and investment ministries.
The program has already attracted several other prestigious international schools, including Reigate Grammar School, King’s College School, SEK International School, Aldenham School, Downe House School, and One World International School.
Beech Hall School is an independent institution, located in Cheshire, North West England.
Beech Hall School Riyadh has been furnished and designed by Blenheim Schools and Space Zero — two world-class designers of learning institutions.
Hala Halawani, acting director-general of education sector development at the commission, said the international schools being brought to Riyadh would contribute to world-class learning and opportunities.
Halawani told Arab News that Beech Hall was selected as a UK school brand to enter the Riyadh education market because of its reputation for delivering high quality, tailored, and innovative mainstream education whilst offering excellent SEND, or Special Educational Needs and Disability, provision for children.
Beech Hall School considers itself to be a forward-thinking, innovative and ground-breaking institution.
Halawani added: “Beech Hall School Riyadh is formed from a partnership which combines the vision of Fawaz Al-Hokair and the expertise of award-winning UK school operator, Chatsworth Schools. The school offers a unique learning experience that includes both international and American academic pathways whilst all pupils benefit from the school’s unique curriculum overlay.”
She told Arab News that Beech Hall School Riyadh has a framework that weaves six core development strands into every child’s learning: lifelong learning mindset, entrepreneurship, mental health and well-being, sustainability, digital literacy, and global citizenship.
The school’s senior leadership includes international experts David Ardley, Claire Leyshon, Julia Knight and Faiza Mubeen, said Halawani.
Beech Hall includes 14 schools and nurseries belonging to the UK-based Chatsworth Group of Schools.
The founder and CEO of Chatsworth Schools, Anita Gleave, stated that the aim of the partnership is to reshape the stereotypical image of education and prepare young people for the job market.
Located in the Al-Khuzama district, Beech Hall welcomes applications from male and female students, from early childhood, or kindergarten one, to middle school, or grade eight.
