UK/USA High Schools (in Dhahran) - Preference

vg
Newbie

Posts: 2

UK/USA High Schools (in Dhahran) - Preference Nov 24, 2018 16:52:31 GMT

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Post by vg on Nov 24, 2018 16:52:31 GMT

Hi,
I should say this is a great forum addressing a variety of issues.

I am from Singapore and have got Aramco offer and likely to stay in Dhahran compound. I will be coming on family status with my daughter ho will be going to 10th grade. She is currently in Singapore School with Cambridge curriculum and would prefer to get admission in British School in Dhahran. But I have got some feedback that the Dhahran British Gramer School (DBGS) is a bit difficult to get in for non-UK citizens. With my daughter being an avee performer and If she cant secure a seat in DBGS, I am considering DHS (American School) which is also near to the Dhahran compound. Have few questions on this:

1) These days, is it indeed difficult to get admission in DBGS for non-Uk Citizens (We being Singapore citizens)?
2) Is it much easier to get admission into DHS instead?
3) Is there any preference in admissions in these two schools for those staying in the compound or for Aramco expat kids?
4) How good are other International schools like Asia International, One World, Intl Programs etc (I got these from Google). What should be the order of preference in choosing one of these schools?

Thanks for sharing some info on this.

swan
Senior Member

Posts: 209

UK/USA High Schools (in Dhahran) - Preference Nov 24, 2018 18:14:29 GMT

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Post by swan on Nov 24, 2018 18:14:29 GMT

I'd look at BISAK before any of the options in number 4. BISAK is the other British school in the Khobar area, as is as highly regarded as DBGS.

At the age you are looking at, I'd have thought both British schools are likely to have places. It is the younger kids where places are very highly sought after. I think BISAK put British passport holders higher up any waiting lists, but I believe DBGS don't filter by passport. I don't know how full DHS is.

Contact the schools soon after you land. At that age, remote testing can be done, so your daughter can start school as soon as she enters kingdom.

Is she in US grade 10, or British year 10?
The problem you may face is the UK system has GCSE's at the end of year 11, and schools may decline to bring kids into year 11.

BlueStaff
Senior Member

Posts: 272

UK/USA High Schools (in Dhahran) - Preference Nov 24, 2018 20:25:13 GMT via mobile

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Post by BlueStaff on Nov 24, 2018 20:25:13 GMT

Also don't forget that Boarding school is an option for your daughter through EAP - it may provide a smoother transition for her, particularly if you can find a school that will follow the same curriculum.

EAP will pay 90% of boarding fees plus 3 return flights per year for her, it is worth considering.

Last Edit: Nov 24, 2018 20:28:39 GMT by BlueStaff

vg
Newbie

Posts: 2

UK/USA High Schools (in Dhahran) - Preference Nov 25, 2018 16:16:13 GMT

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Post by vg on Nov 25, 2018 16:16:13 GMT

Thanks Swan. Yes, I missed out BISAK in the list and I will surely consider that.
As a contingency, I am keen to get some advise with the order of preference of the available Intl Schools (of those listed in my first thread), so as to choose them in case not successful with BGS or BISAK (my daughter is in British curriculum now).

Thanks Bluestaff, Thanks for mentioning Bahrain option. But may not prefer boarding school option as we would like my daughter to stay with us and she too!