Pakistan International School Riyadh was originally established in 1966 in a rented villa on Khazan Road, Riyadh by five families of Pakistan Air Force officers whose six children were the original students, but closed some months later due to legal reasons. Re-established in 1968, the school history now dates back over 55 years.

The story so far...

Pakistan International School Riyadh has a long history, founded on the determination of individual members of the Pakistani community who fought for its establishment and continued operations. Having opened initially in 1966, and closing a few months later for legal reasons, the school re-opened in January 1968 with 28 students under the supervision of the Pakistan Air Force. The Founding Principal was Mr. Toor and the school was formally approved as an International Community School in January 1970 due to the efforts of prominent community members, including H.E. Dr Fazal ur Rehman Shiekh, Dr. Nasim Ghani and the Officers of Pakistan Armed Forces serving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The school was allocated buildings in Nasiriya in 1972 and Mr. Mohammad Amin became the Principal. PISR remained under the supervision of the Pakistan Armed Forces until 1987, when its name was changed to Pakistan Embassy School, Riyadh on the recommendation of the President of Pakistan, and remained under the supervision of Embassy of Pakistan until 2001.  At this time, the School Management Council was formed on the direction of the Ministry of Education KSA.  It consisted of seven parents elected by the parent community for the tenure of three years who were responsible for the supervision of the affairs of the school. Subsequently, the Management Council members were selected by the Embassy of Pakistan. 

The school’s recently updated website states its Vision - “We empower our students to acquire, articulate and demonstrate knowledge and skills in safe and supportive environment to meet the challenges of a changing world.”
Its Mission is “We at PISR focus on developing a global outlook among our students moulding them into responsible individuals of the future.”
The Core Values are Competence | Devotion | Excellence.

Today, the school retains its links to the Pakistan Air Force through its Principal, Air Cdre. (R) Naeem Akhtar. PISR employs just over 100 teachers (split almost evenly between male and female staff) all of whom hold university qualifications, and many of whom are Masters’ degree holders.

What about the curriculum?

PISR is affiliated with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), Islamabad at Secondary and Higher Secondary Levels.  Its sister school – Pakistan International School Riyadh (English Section) - offers predominantly the English National Curriculum (including IGCSE, AS and A Levels).

According to PISR, co-curricular activities play a vital role in the development of a child’s personality and the school places a great deal of emphasis on these activities. The school operates a House system, whereby students participate in activities to ensure healthy competition and a strong sense of allegiance. They are encouraged to participate in activities including Art Competition, Boys Scouting / Girls Guide groups, Chart Competition, Class Arrangements Cleanliness day, Competition, Debates (English & Urdu), Field/Excursion Trips Food Festivals, Fire Drills, Fun & Frolics, Iqbaliat, Monthly News Letters, Proctorial Systems, Qira’at Competition, Quiz Programmes, School Magazine, Science Exhibition,  Spell Bee Competition, Sports, Spring Day Celebration and Writing Competition.

What about academic achievement?

According to PISR, the school produces excellent results in School and Board Examinations. It publishes Toppers information on its website. 

What about the facilities?

The school relocated to its current location in 1990 and operates from two buildings with an estimated area of 30,000 sq. m. separated between the Boys’ and Girls’ wings, with Nursery, KG and Class I to IV incorporated in the Junior Boys’ section.  Staff and students have access to multimedia systems and smart boards.  

Specialist facilities include Libraries for each section, five fully functional Computer Laboratories, each equipped with the latest technology including smart boards, internet connected computers, and projectors.  There are also Chemistry, Physics and Biology Laboratories have been set up in the Senior Boys and Senior Girls sections, provided with the required apparatus, chemicals and tools necessary for conducting science practical sessions.

The Buzz

Clearly a school at the heart of the Pakistani community in Riyadh, and one that has grown significantly over the years to include the English section in addition to the original FBISE curriculum, PISR is also a school that is clearly moving with the times.

If you are a parent, teacher or senior student at the Pakistani International School Riyadh, please share your opinions and experience with other potential members of your community and complete our Survey. 

What about the fees?

Tuition fees are very affordable and payable in 10 monthly payments. Annual fees for Playgroup are 4,000 SAR, for Nursery 3,750 SAR, from KG to Grade X 3,600 SAR and for Grades XI and XII 5,200 SAR ( with those of the Commerce stream 4,750 SAR).

There are a range of additional fees including provision of the Prospectus and Admission processing of 125 SAR, the Admission fee from Playgroup to Grade X of 750 SAR, and the Admission fee for Grades XI and XII at 1,000 SAR. Students who seek readmission to the school within 6 months of leaving are subject to a reduced admission fee of 100 SAR.

There is also a Security fee of 500 SAR which is refundable within 2 years of leaving the school, a yearly exam fee of 100 SAR and a Board registration fee of 375 SAR for students in Grades IX and XI.

Fees are not inclusive of 15% VAT where applicable.

Admission requirements for the school can be found here.

School Timings are as follows:- 

• Playgroup, Nursery & KG - 6:30 am to 11:40 am
• I to IV - 6:30 am to 11:50 am
• V to XII (Girls) 6:30 am to 12:00 pm
• V to XII (Boys) 6:30 am to 12:15 pm

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