Best International Schools in Manama: 2026 Guide for Families

Quick answer: Which are the best international schools in Manama? Families in greater Manama usually shortlist St Christopher's School, The British School of Bahrain, Riffa Views International School, Nadeen School and the French International School. Between them they cover British, IB, American and French programmes, with annual fees ranging roughly from BHD 2,500 to 9,500 depending on school and grade.

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Emma from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Bahrain is small enough that most expat families can reach any school on the island within half an hour, which makes the choice in and around the capital unusually wide for a city of its size. Banking, aluminium, logistics and a large naval presence bring families from the UK, the US, Europe, India and the rest of the Gulf. This guide to the best international schools in Manama covers the schools that come up most often in family conversations, how they differ and what they cost in 2026.

Where families live and how that shapes the choice

Expat families tend to settle in Juffair, Seef, Amwaj Islands, Saar, Budaiya and the compounds of Riffa and Hamala. Juffair and Seef suit families who want city life and short commutes to the financial district, while Saar, Budaiya and Hamala offer villas with gardens close to several of the big British and international schools. Riffa Views is a residential community in its own right, built around a golf course and a school. Because the main schools sit in different corners of the island, it is common to pick the school first and then look for a home on the right side of the Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway.

Curricula available

English National Curriculum with IGCSE and A Level, the most common choice among British and Commonwealth families.
International Baccalaureate, including the full PYP, MYP and Diploma continuum at some schools and the Diploma alongside A Levels at others.
American curriculum with AP courses and a US-style high school diploma.
French curriculum leading to the French baccalauréat, accredited by the French education ministry.
Indian boards (CBSE) at many community schools, often at lower fees.

The international schools families shortlist

St Christopher's School

St Christopher's School is one of the oldest British schools in the Gulf, with infant, junior and senior schools on separate sites. It follows the English National Curriculum and offers both A Levels and the IB Diploma in the sixth form, which gives older students a real choice. Places in the early years are in high demand.

The British School of Bahrain

The British School of Bahrain, in Hamala, is a large British curriculum school with extensive sports facilities and a broad sixth form offering A Levels and the IB Diploma. Its size means a wide choice of subjects and activities, which appeals to families with several children of different ages.

Riffa Views International School

Riffa Views International School is an IB continuum school, offering the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes. It is a natural fit for families who move between IB schools worldwide and for those living in the Riffa area.

Nadeen School

Nadeen School is a smaller British curriculum school with a reputation for a warm, family atmosphere in the primary years. It suits families who prefer a more personal environment for younger children before moving on to a larger secondary school.

French International School of Bahrain

The French International School, part of the Mission laïque française network, teaches the French national curriculum with English and Arabic lessons. It is the obvious choice for French-speaking families and for bilingual families who want to keep French as the main language of schooling.

Other schools worth a look

If the schools above are full for your child's year, or if you are looking for a different fee level, widen the search. Al Hekma International School follows an American curriculum and is popular with both Bahraini and expat families. Capital School and Multinational School offer English-medium programmes at more moderate fees, and Beacon Private School is another option to compare in the mid-range. Visiting one or two of these alongside the better-known names helps you judge what the price difference actually buys in class sizes, facilities and teacher experience.

How much do international schools in Manama cost?

Fees in Bahrain are quoted in Bahraini dinars, which is pegged to the US dollar at 0.376 BHD per dollar. A verifiable point that matters for budgets: Bahrain doubled its standard VAT rate from 5% to 10% on 1 January 2022, but basic education services such as school tuition are zero-rated, so the VAT increase did not apply to tuition itself. Indicative annual tuition for 2026-27:

Premium British and IB schools: roughly BHD 5,000 to 9,500 (about USD 13,300 to 25,300).
Mid-range international schools: roughly BHD 3,000 to 5,500.
Community and CBSE schools: roughly BHD 800 to 2,500.

Extras to budget for:

Application and assessment fees, roughly BHD 50 to 200.
A one-off registration or capital fee at some schools, roughly BHD 500 to 1,500.
School bus, roughly BHD 400 to 900 a year.
Uniforms, trips, after-school clubs and exam fees for IGCSE, A Level or IB, some of which may carry VAT.

How to choose between them

Match the curriculum to your next move. British schools ease a return to the UK; IB schools make moves between international postings easier; the French and American schools suit families from those systems.

Ask about waiting lists by year group. In Bahrain the pressure points are Foundation Stage, Year 7 and sixth form entry. Apply as soon as your posting is confirmed and ask whether siblings receive priority.

Visit at the start of the day. Traffic around the busiest schools can be heavy at drop-off, and seeing the morning routine helps you decide where to rent.

Check what your allowance covers. Many employers in Bahrain cover tuition but not capital fees, transport or exam fees, so ask the school for a full annual fee sheet and compare it with your package.

See the full ranking

For all the schools in the area, with reviews and curricula side by side, check our ranking of the best schools in the Capital Governorate.

More guides to schools in Manama

Frequently asked questions

What is the best international school in Manama?

It depends on the curriculum and the age of your child. St Christopher's and The British School of Bahrain are the main choices for British education with A Levels and the IB Diploma, Riffa Views suits IB families, Nadeen is a smaller British primary option and the French International School serves French-speaking families.

How much are international school fees in Bahrain in 2026?

Annual tuition at premium British and IB schools ranges roughly from BHD 5,000 to 9,500, about USD 13,300 to 25,300, while mid-range schools charge roughly BHD 3,000 to 5,500. Add registration or capital fees, transport, uniforms and exam fees. Tuition is zero-rated for VAT, but some extras may carry the 10% rate.

Is it hard to get a place at the top schools in Manama?

At some entry points, yes. Foundation Stage, Year 7 and sixth form places at the most popular British schools can have waiting lists. Apply as early as possible, keep two or three schools in your plans, and ask whether siblings or children of corporate partners receive priority when places are allocated.