Online school and homeschool in Bahrain
Live online Cambridge IGCSE and A Level, Pearson Edexcel and the American curriculum with AP, for Bahraini and expatriate families in Manama, Riffa and across the Kingdom, on Bahrain time with no time difference from our teachers.
From USD 423/month for Primary (≈ BHD 159, Oct 2026 rate), payable termly. One-to-one tuition USD 15/hour (≈ BHD 5.6). January 2027 intake: Term 2 starts 5 January 2027.
Online school across Bahrain
Pages for Manama and Riffa, covering local areas, the school run, British Council Bahrain exam entries, fees in BHD and questions about recognition and re-enrolment.
Homeschool laws and regulation in Bahrain
General information for families in Bahrain, not legal advice.
Compulsory education
Bahrain's education law makes basic education compulsory. The rules for homeschooling and online schooling are not set out in detail and can differ for Bahraini citizens and expatriate residents. Expatriate families commonly use international online schools, especially for IGCSE and A Level. Check your own situation with the Ministry of Education.
Recognition and re-enrolment
IGCSE and A Level are widely used in Bahrain's private schools and are accepted by universities in Bahrain and abroad. If your child may later move to a Bahraini school, or needs a certificate recognised for university or government purposes, ask the school or the Ministry of Education about equivalency and transfer requirements before you start, and keep reports and exam certificates.
Exams as a private candidate
Cambridge IGCSE and A Level, and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and A Level, are taken as a private candidate. In Bahrain, private-candidate entries are made through British Council Bahrain. Entry deadlines fall months before each series, so check the British Council Bahrain website for current dates and fees.
Why Bahrain families choose Smartious
No time difference
Bahrain is on Arabia Standard Time (AST, UTC+3), the same time as our teachers in Nairobi. A 9:00 lesson is 9:00 in Manama, so live lessons fall in normal school hours, Sunday to Thursday, and every lesson is recorded.
British Council Bahrain exam entries
Cambridge IGCSE and A Level, and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and A Level, are taken as a private candidate. In Bahrain, private-candidate entries are made through British Council Bahrain. Entry deadlines fall months before each series, so check the British Council Bahrain website for current dates and fees.
Honest about recognition
IGCSE and A Level are widely used in Bahrain's private schools and are accepted by universities in Bahrain and abroad. If your child may later move to a Bahraini school, or needs a certificate recognised for university or government purposes, ask the school or the Ministry of Education about equivalency and transfer requirements before you start, and keep reports and exam certificates.
Clear fees
Online school is from USD 423/month for Primary (≈ BHD 159/month at about BHD 0.376/USD, Oct 2026 rate), payable termly. Secondary, IGCSE, A Level and IB fees vary by curriculum and level. One-to-one tuition is USD 15/hour (≈ BHD 5.6). Fees are non-refundable once the assessment is done, the timetable created and lessons started.
Moves with your family
Enrolment continues when a contract moves you elsewhere in the Gulf or home.
Fees and admission
From USD 423/month for Primary, payable termly; varies by curriculum and level. One-to-one tuition: USD 15/hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is homeschooling legal in Bahrain?
Bahrain's education law makes basic education compulsory. The rules for homeschooling and online schooling are not set out in detail and can differ for Bahraini citizens and expatriate residents. Expatriate families commonly use international online schools, especially for IGCSE and A Level. Check your own situation with the Ministry of Education.
How much does online school cost in Bahrain?
Online school is from USD 423/month for Primary (≈ BHD 159/month at about BHD 0.376/USD, Oct 2026 rate), payable termly. Secondary, IGCSE, A Level and IB fees vary by curriculum and level. One-to-one tuition is USD 15/hour (≈ BHD 5.6). Fees are non-refundable once the assessment is done, the timetable created and lessons started.
Is there a time difference?
Bahrain is on Arabia Standard Time (AST, UTC+3), the same time as our teachers in Nairobi. A 9:00 lesson is 9:00 in Manama, so live lessons fall in normal school hours, Sunday to Thursday, and every lesson is recorded.
Where do students in Bahrain sit IGCSE and A Level exams?
Cambridge IGCSE and A Level, and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and A Level, are taken as a private candidate. In Bahrain, private-candidate entries are made through British Council Bahrain. Entry deadlines fall months before each series, so check the British Council Bahrain website for current dates and fees.
Will a Bahraini school or university recognise an online year?
IGCSE and A Level are widely used in Bahrain's private schools and are accepted by universities in Bahrain and abroad. If your child may later move to a Bahraini school, or needs a certificate recognised for university or government purposes, ask the school or the Ministry of Education about equivalency and transfer requirements before you start, and keep reports and exam certificates.
Is a virtual school in Bahrain the same as homeschooling?
Families use both words. With Smartious your child follows a full timetable with live teachers, marked work and reports, studying from home.
When is the next intake?
The January 2027 intake is open: Term 2 starts on 5 January 2027. Students can also join during the year after an assessment.
How do we contact Smartious?
Admissions: +254 745 021 212 (call or WhatsApp). Academic office: +254 182 071 920. Email: hello@smartioushomeschool.com.
How do live online classes work?
Students follow a weekly timetable of live lessons with qualified teachers, in small groups or one to one, and every lesson is recorded for catch-up. Families receive assessments and termly reports. Each student starts with a placement assessment, so we can place them at the right level.
Guides for families in this country
What parents say
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“I am truly impressed by the level of professionalism at Smartious Homeschool and Tuition. The tutors are not only knowledgeable but also very patient and supportive. They create a comfortable learning environment where children feel free to ask questions. My child now enjoys studying and looks forward to every session.” — Google reviewer, Google review