RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced on Monday the opening of the local branch of the UK’s Beech Hall School, one of the oldest learning institutions in England, established in 1926. This is part of an initiative to attract major international schools to the Saudi capital, in partnership with the Kingdom’s education and investment ministries. The program has already attracted several other prestigious international schools, including Reigate Grammar School, King’s College School, SEK International School, Aldenham School, Downe House School, and One World International School. Beech Hall School is an independent institution, located in Cheshire, North West England. Beech Hall School Riyadh has been furnished and designed by Blenheim Schools and Space Zero — two world-class designers of learning institutions.  Hala Halawani, acting director-general of education sector development at the commission, said the international schools being brought to Riyadh would contribute to world-class learning and opportunities. Beech Hall School considers itself to be a forward-thinking, innovative and ground-breaking institution. Halawani added that Beech Hall School Riyadh would introduce a new learning philosophy and comprehensive curricula to the capital city. Beech Hall includes 14 schools and nurseries belonging to the UK-based Chatsworth Group of Schools. The founder and CEO of Chatsworth Schools, Anita Gleave, stated that the aim of the partnership is to reshape the stereotypical image of education and prepare young people for the job market.  Located in the Al-Khuzama district, Beech Hall welcomes applications from male and female students, from early childhood, or kindergarten one, to middle school, or grade eight.