Pakistan International School Riyadh, almost always called PISR, is a community school for the Pakistani community in Riyadh. It teaches the Pakistani national curriculum and is affiliated with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education at secondary and higher secondary level, while an English section draws on British curriculum methods for families who want that route. It is one of the most affordable schools in the capital, which is why it appears in our guide to the cheapest international schools in Riyadh.
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At a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | Pakistani national curriculum, affiliated with the Federal Board (FBISE) at secondary and higher secondary; English section drawing on British methods |
| Stage range | Play group to Class XII, with separate boys and girls wings |
| Founded | 1966, reopened in 1968 under the Pakistan Air Force |
| Accreditation | Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Islamabad |
| Fee band | Among the most affordable in Riyadh, well below the international school tiers |
| Campus area | Riyadh; confirm the current campus with the school |
Curriculum and academics
PISR follows the Pakistani national curriculum and prepares pupils for the Federal Board examinations at the secondary and higher secondary stages, so its academic structure mirrors the system at home. This makes it a natural choice for Pakistani families on assignment in Saudi Arabia who want continuity for a child who will return to study or work in Pakistan. The medium of instruction blends Urdu and English depending on the section and stage.
Over the years the school has added an English section that draws on British curriculum approaches alongside the national syllabus, giving families more flexibility. It remains a large institution by enrolment, having grown from a handful of pupils in a rented villa to thousands today. For the wider choice of schools across the capital, the Riyadh city hub sets out the British, American, IB and community options together.
Budgeting for school in Riyadh?
Our fee calculator helps you model tuition, registration and the extras that catch parents out, so you can plan the full annual cost before you commit.
Pakistan International School Riyadh fees
PISR is a community school, so its fees sit well below the dedicated international schools and place it among the most affordable options in the city. Our Riyadh international school fees guide shows how far apart the budget and premium tiers are in SAR, and a community school of this kind sits at the bottom of that range by design, to keep places accessible to the families it serves.
Even at the lower end, plan for the usual extras a Riyadh school charges, such as a registration fee, books and materials, uniform, and optional transport. Exact figures differ between the boys and girls wings and by class, and they change each year, so confirm the current schedule with the school office and use the fees guide to sense check the total against other community and international options.
Admissions
Admissions follow the academic year and are handled by the school office, with places offered subject to availability in the relevant wing and class. New families are usually asked for recent school records and the child's documents, and entry to the higher classes depends on prior study in a compatible system. Because PISR is a long established community school in steady demand, early enquiry helps, especially around the start of the year. Confirm the current intake window, the required paperwork and any assessment with the school directly.
Location and who goes there
PISR serves the Pakistani community across Riyadh, drawing families who want their children educated in the national system while living in the Kingdom. Its long history, dating back to families of Pakistan Air Force officers in the 1960s, has made it a fixture of community life in the city, with a large alumni network.
The school is best suited to families planning a return to Pakistan or who value the Federal Board pathway and the affordability that comes with a community school. Parents weighing it against the fuller international options should start with the Riyadh city hub, which links through to each curriculum and to the city fees picture.
Pakistan International School Riyadh reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for Pakistan International School Riyadh. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we can confirm reviews come from real families.
If your child attends or has attended PISR, your first hand account of the teaching, the facilities and value for money would help the next family. Share it through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
What curriculum does Pakistan International School Riyadh follow?
PISR teaches the Pakistani national curriculum and is affiliated with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) at secondary and higher secondary level. It also runs an English section that draws on British curriculum methods alongside the national syllabus.
How much are Pakistan International School Riyadh fees?
As a community school, PISR is among the most affordable options in Riyadh, well below the dedicated international school tiers. Confirm the current fee for your child's section and class directly with the school.
When was Pakistan International School Riyadh founded?
PISR was first established in 1966 by a small group of Pakistani families and reopened in 1968 under the supervision of the Pakistan Air Force. It has grown into one of the largest community schools in the city.
Does Pakistan International School Riyadh have separate boys and girls sections?
Yes. The school runs separate boys and girls wings across the stages from play group to Class XII, in line with local arrangements.
When do Pakistan International School Riyadh applications open?
The main intake follows the academic year, with admissions handled by the school office. Apply early as the community school is in steady demand. Confirm the current window with the school.
