The first campus is expected to open in 2028 followed by the second in 2030 

Riyadh, Oct 30, 2026: Brighton College, a UK independent school, has announced plans to open its first schools in Saudi Arabia. 

Two new campuses are planned for the Kingdom, with the first expected to open in Riyadh in 2028 and a second following in 2030. Both are expected to enrol children aged three to 18. 

The expansion, through a partnership with Saudi education provider Maarif Education, will see Brighton College join a growing number of leading British and international school groups, establishing a presence in the Kingdom.  

The two new campuses will become the 15th and 16th schools in the Brighton College family, which already has an international presence in countries including the UAE, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 

For families already familiar with Brighton College in the UAE, where the group operates schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the name will need little introduction. However, it is important to remember that the Riyadh schools will be new campuses, with their own leadership teams, teachers and school communities. 

Brighton College’s announcement is the latest example of growing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s education sector. With the Kingdom investing in education as part of Vision 2030, Riyadh is attracting increasing attention from international school groups looking to establish a presence in the market. 

For parents, that could mean more choice, particularly among British curriculum schools. 

The new partnership brings together Brighton College’s experience in British and international education with Maarif Education’s understanding of the local school market. The agreement was announced at a ceremony at the British Embassy in Riyadh, attended by representatives from both organisations and senior education and business leaders. 

The schools are intended to offer families access to a British education while becoming part of the wider Saudi school community.