Welcome to Aldenham Prep School Riyadh
The first owner-operated branch of an independent UK school in KSA
Aldenham Education Group (“Aldenham” or “AEG”) is the exclusive international arm of the Aldenham Foundation. Steeped in history, Aldenham is listed as one of the oldest continuously operating schools in the world, existing on the same site in North London since its founding in 1597. Delivering 428+ years of academic excellence, Aldenham embodies both the best of timeless traditions and universal values, along with a well-established history of a forward-thinking ethos that has differentiated it from its peers over the centuries.
All AEG schools are genuine extensions of Aldenham School in the United Kingdom, one of the country’s oldest and most respected independent schools, and not franchises like the vast majority of British schools operating overseas. Each school is owner-operated and delivers a deliberate, active continuation of Aldenham’s values, governance and academic standards.
Our educational philosophy combines unapologetic academic rigour with holistic development, aligned with the English National Curriculum and enhanced through IEYC, IPYC and IMYC frameworks.
The Aldenham Curriculum Journey
EYFS - Nursery / Foundation (Age 3+)
Early Years at Aldenham Prep Riyadh is structured education, NOT daycare. Pupils ages 3-5 are taught through the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) which is a research based and progressive program where learning is play-based yet purposeful, with clear outcomes that are planned, observed and assessed. The IEYC is squarely grounded on the UK EYFS framework and standard.
Key Stage 1 (Age 5+)
A carefully supported transition into structured academic learning through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) framework. The IPC is learner focused and personalised approach that promotes multi-disciplinary and holistic education. This thematic and inquiry-based model is the foundation of all classes, but it is customised by AEG to include deeper level instruction of the core subjects such Mathematics, Science and English.
Key Stage 2 (Age 7+)
Key Stage 2 at Aldenham Prep Riyadh is a broad and ambitious curriculum with increasing challenge and independence. It focuses on mastery, conceptual understanding and clear thinking. Pupils learn to explain, solve and reflect, with cross-curricular enquiry through IPYC.
It is very important to note that, starting from Year 5, separate subject-specialist teaching in core disciplines such as Mathematics, Science, English, and Humanities are also introduced.
Key Stage 3 (Ages 11–14)
Our Key Stage 3 programme provides a strong academic bridge between primary education and senior school, delivered through subject-specialist teaching across all core disciplines. Learning is carefully aligned with UK National Curriculum expectations and mapped to the progression pathways of Cambridge Assessment International Education, ensuring both rigour and global relevance.
A Century of Collective Leadership, Defined by Legacy
Mr Mark S. Bedford
BA Hons, PGCE, MSc, MPhil, NPQH, FRSA
Headmaster
Mr Bedford brings almost thirty years of experience in education and has led schools in the UK, Cyprus, Thailand, China and the GCC. With a strong background in English Literature, School Improvement and Educational Psychology, he believes in combining high academic standards with exceptional pastoral care, and is passionate about creating a warm and inclusive school community where every child is supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.
Mr Crispin Cole
BA Hons, PGCE, MEd
Deputy Head - Pastoral
Mr Cole has over 30 years’ experience in education with over 25 on senior teams. He has a Masters in Education and Leadership and is currently an
ISI Inspector as well as a Buckingham University Mentor
working with their trainee teacher graduates. He has been a Governor, a KS3 marker and currently sets English exam papers for IAPS. He believes that building a culture of support for pupils, staff and parents alike is paramount to a positive learning environment.
Mrs Hina Khan
BSc Hons, PGCE
Deputy Head - Academic
Mrs Khan has over 17 years of educational experience in the education sector. Previously at the prestigious Harrow School, UK, she served over a decade as Deputy Head, Head of Assessments & Exams, and Head of Maths. Passionate about raising standards and inspiring young learners, Mrs Khan is committed to ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, and pupil development, while fostering a culture of ambition, care, and achievement across the school.
Sport
Aldenham upholds a strong tradition of sporting excellence. Games and Physical Education form an integral part of school life at Aldenham Riyadh and across our sister schools, with pupils from Reception onwards taught by specialist PE teachers.
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Music & Drama
From Nursery onwards, pupils are taught by specialist teachers in Music. They have opportunities to learn a range of instruments and to participate in dramatic productions throughout the academic year.
Co-Curricular
Over 120+ co-curricular activities weekly. Multiple options available daily for every year group. This breadth and depth of provision is highly distinctive among international schools in KSA and beyond.
Facilities
A thoughtfully designed campus to support focused learning, wellbeing and age-appropriate development. Developed with leading school designers, Aldenham Riyadh reflects the best of educational design and practice.
An All-Round Education Inspired by the Best of the Boarding School Tradition
Education at APSR extends far beyond the classroom. Our approach reflects the finest traditions of British independent education, where scholarship, character and wellbeing are inseparable.
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Pastoral care
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Etiquette
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Wellbeing
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Integrity
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Morals
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Character development
Aldenham Prep School Riyadh is widely recognised as one of the best British schools in Riyadh, offering a distinguished British educational legacy to families seeking excellence.
How to Find Us
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Aldenham UK
Founded in 1597, Aldenham UK is the flagship of the Aldenham Foundation and is steeped in history, with over 428 years of academic excellence. Aldenham UK - and all of our schools - embodies the best of timeless traditions and universal values, along with a documented history of a forward-thinking culture that’s served to differentiate us from our peers.
At Aldenham, we remember that achievement is an individual matter - whether that’s entry to an Oxbridge college, a sporting or cultural goal, or simply growing up into a well-balanced individual. Dedicated teaching is at the heart of everything we do. While we help our pupils to focus on their own plans, our teachers focus on our pupils.