Al Arqam Academy vs Oryx International School

	A Al Arqam Academy Doha, Qatar	O Oryx International School Doha, Qatar
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year QAR 27,954 - 50,134	Fees / year QAR 34,000 - 47,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Girls School	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 1,622	Pupils 1,520
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 10
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Arabic	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1996	Opened 2016
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Al-Arqam Academy is located at 13 Haloul Street, Mamoura, Doha, Qatar (Building No. 13). P.O. Box 23148 Doha, Qatar. The campus is in the Mamoura district along Haloul Street.	Location Mesaimeer Campus, Barwa City Street, Mesaimeer, Doha, Qatar. The campus is in the Mesaimeer/Barwa City area and is accessible via Barwa City roads, with the site designed to serve families working with Qatar Airways and its approved subsidiaries. The address is Mesaimeer Campus - Barwa City Street, Mesaimeer, Doha, Qatar.
Stages	Stages Primary and Secondary	Stages Oryx International School serves boys and girls from age 3 through 18, with a structure that includes Primary and Secondary sections. The curriculum combines the English National Curriculum framework with UK IGCSE/GCSE offerings.
School type	School type International school for girls	School type Co-educational day school. It operates exclusively for the children of Qatar Airways employees and approved subsidiaries. There is no boarding facility offered for any year group.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix The student body comprises more than 90 nationalities. The school describes itself as globally diverse, but the most common nationality and the local-to-international student ratio are not publicly published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Academic support is provided for low-achieving students with in-class and extra coaching, coordinated by coordinators and a student counselor; includes individual support and progress monitoring.	Additional learning support The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and has received ALFRI accreditation for EAL provision. An Inclusion Team supports SEND and EAL needs, and the school holds a SENDIA Inclusion Award for inclusive education. There are ongoing parent-facing EAL initiatives, including parental language classes.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Qatar	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is stated; the school offers a British curriculum and is part of Qatar Airways and Orbital Education.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Islamic	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is indicated.
School day structure	School day structure School day timings: Key Stage 3 7:00 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.; Key Stage 4 & 5 7:00 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.; Mondays finish at 12:15 p.m.	School day structure School days run Sunday to Thursday from 07:15 to 14:00, with morning gates opening at 06:50 and registration from 07:15–07:30. After the regular lessons, after-school activities run from about 14:05 to 15:00.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates a bus service with a Bus Officer and bus rules; violations include penalties and potential restrictions.	Bus service details New Image Building Services provides the school's dedicated bus service with routes across Doha. Parents arrange seats directly with New Image; the school notes that Qatar Airways Education allowances can be used to pay for bus costs. For 2025–26, there are designated transport contacts (transport coordinator, payment/contract contact, transport manager) and enrolment documents are available on the Parent Zone.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Fees A non-refundable registration fee of QAR 1,600 per student is charged annually. An application fee is not specified in the available fee schedule. Tuition Fees For the 2025/2026 academic year, annual tuition fees are: KG1: QAR 27,954 annually KG2: QAR 29,625 annually Grades 1–6: QAR 28,410 annually Grades 7–9: QAR 31,752 annually Grades 10–11: QAR 41,780 annually Grade 12: QAR 50,134 annually The school fee schedule provides annual amounts only; term-by-term tuition fees are not specified. Other Fees Additional annual charges may apply for books, transportation, school uniforms, educational trips, administrative services, document processing, and international examinations for applicable year groups. These charges vary by grade level. Transport Fees School transport is available. Annual transport fees are QAR 5,335 per student. Boarding Fees The school does not advertise boarding facilities, and no boarding fees are listed. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms The published fee schedule lists annual fees. Specific instalment schedules, payment deadlines, and payment terms are not stated in the available fee documentation. Refund Policy Refund terms are not specified in the published fee schedule. Payment Methods Accepted payment methods are not specified in the available fee documentation.	Fee details Application and Admissions Fees - Application fee: QAR 450 (non-refundable) payable prior to any assessment. - Registration fee: QAR 3,190 (non-refundable) payable once an Offer Letter is issued to secure the place; one-off payment. - Annual seat reservation fee: QAR 2,000, charged each year to confirm re-enrolment and deducted from the first term's tuition invoice for the forthcoming academic year. Tuition fees by year group (2025/26) — per term and annual total - FS1: Autumn term QAR 13,600 · Spring term QAR 10,200 · Summer term QAR 10,200 · Annual total QAR 34,000. - FS2: Autumn term QAR 13,600 · Spring term QAR 10,200 · Summer term QAR 10,200 · Annual total QAR 34,000. - Year 1: Autumn term QAR 14,400 · Spring term QAR 10,800 · Summer term QAR 10,800 · Annual total QAR 36,000. - Year 2: Autumn term QAR 14,400 · Spring term QAR 10,800 · Summer term QAR 10,800 · Annual total QAR 36,000. - Year 3: Autumn term QAR 14,400 · Spring term QAR 10,800 · Summer term QAR 10,800 · Annual total QAR 36,000. - Year 4: Autumn term QAR 15,600 · Spring term QAR 11,700 · Summer term QAR 11,700 · Annual total QAR 39,000. - Year 5: Autumn term QAR 15,600 · Spring term QAR 11,700 · Summer term QAR 11,700 · Annual total QAR 39,000. - Year 6: Autumn term QAR 15,600 · Spring term QAR 11,700 · Summer term QAR 11,700 · Annual total QAR 39,000. - Year 7: Autumn term QAR 15,600 · Spring term QAR 11,700 · Summer term QAR 11,700 · Annual total QAR 39,000. - Year 8: Autumn term QAR 15,600 · Spring term QAR 11,700 · Summer term QAR 11,700 · Annual total QAR 39,000. - Year 9: Autumn term QAR 15,600 · Spring term QAR 11,700 · Summer term QAR 11,700 · Annual total QAR 39,000. - Year 10: Autumn term QAR 18,000 · Spring term QAR 13,500 · Summer term QAR 13,500 · Annual total QAR 45,000. - Year 11: Autumn term QAR 18,400 · Spring term QAR 13,800 · Summer term QAR 13,800 · Annual total QAR 46,000. - Year 12: Autumn term QAR 18,800 · Spring term QAR 14,100 · Summer term QAR 14,100 · Annual total QAR 47,000. - Year 13: Autumn term QAR 18,800 · Spring term QAR 14,100 · Summer term QAR 14,100 · Annual total QAR 47,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition fees are invoiced termly. The Autumn term invoice for 2025/26 is due by 31 August 2025. The Spring term invoice is due by the first day of Term 2 and the Summer term invoice is due by the first day of Term 3. - The school reserves the right to apply a 10% surcharge to late payments. No reduction in fees is made for temporary absence or illness, or for early withdrawal. - When a student joins during the first half of a term the full term fee is payable; when joining in the second half of a term a 50% term fee is charged. - The annual seat reservation fee (QAR 2,000) is deducted from the first term's tuition invoice. Registration and application fees are charged separately and are non-refundable. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; fees published are for day pupils and there are no boarding fee schedules. Other costs and items excluded from tuition - Included in tuition: academic textbooks, student journals, exercise books and some stationery. - Not included in tuition (examples of additional costs parents should expect): school uniforms, bus transportation, educational trips, extra special needs requirements, fees charged by external after-school activity providers, BYOD requirements for Secondary students, IGCSE and A‑Level examination fees, before- and after-school care, one-to-one learning support/shadow teacher costs, and canteen/lunch purchases. - School uniform purchasing and bus service payments are handled separately and are chargeable in addition to tuition. Refund and non-refund information - The Application fee (QAR 450) and Registration fee (QAR 3,190) are non-refundable. No reduction in tuition is made for temporary absence, illness, or early withdrawal. The school may apply its published surcharge for late payment. Fee payment options and bank details - Accepted payment methods: bank transfer or cheque. Credit card facilities are not available. Cheques may be dropped at the school security gate for handover to the Finance Department; bank transfers must include the child's first and last name as the payment reference. - Bank details for transfers: Account Name: Oryx International School · Account Number: 4580-585935-001 · IBAN: QA87 CBQA 0000 0000 4580 5859 3500 1 · Bank: Commercial Bank of Qatar · Swift Code: CBQAQAQA. Payment from outside Qatar should be made by bank transfer.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Full school uniform is worn daily, with the PE uniform worn for PE once a week. Shoes must be plain black with a flat heel and socks plain white; sweaters must be black/white/navy/blue and carry the school logo. No nail polish or jewellery is allowed, and belongings must be labeled; extra clothes should be kept at school.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are supplied by Noble House Trading and a uniform brochure is available. All items should be clearly labelled, and the school operates a No Name - No Claim policy for lost items. House Kits with colours Blue (Saturn), Red (Mars), Yellow (Jupiter), Green (Venus) and Orange (Mercury) are allocated when a child starts and are used for house competitions; plain black leather shoes are required and trainers are not permitted.
Food options	Food options Students should bring a healthy snack to school; chocolate, sweets, gum, fizzy drinks and drinks in glass containers are not permitted. Snacks may be eaten indoors or outdoors depending on the season. Students should eat a healthy breakfast and bring vegetables and fruits for breakfast at school.	Food options Newrest Gulf Catering provides meals for the school. EYFS to Year 2 may bring packed lunches or use the Classroom Delivery Service; Years 3 to 6 have access to an onsite canteen with hot and cold options, and Years 7 to 13 have onsite catering with rotating menus. The school maintains a Nut Free policy and uses a Canteen Card system for purchases.
House system	House system —	House system Pupils are allocated to one of five houses: Saturn (Blue), Mars (Red), Jupiter (Yellow), Venus (Green) and Mercury (Orange). House Kits with the house colours are used for House Competitions and Activity days, and a house is allocated to a child when they start at the school.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Al Arqam Academy was established in 1996 as a private school and operates under the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Qatar, following its standards in Arabic, Islamic education, and Qatar history. It is accredited by Cambridge and Edexcel and functions as a Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel Centre, and has participated in the Educational Vouchers System and holds Qatar National School Accreditation.	Governance and ownership Qatar Airways owns Oryx International School and Orbital Education manages the school. The school is described as owned by Qatar Airways and operated by Orbital Education, and is part of the Orbital Education group.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Academy is an international school following Islamic beliefs and has pupils aged 3 to 17 (Pre-school to Year 12). It follows Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qatar History standards as set by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. KG and Primary follow Pearson iPrimary Curriculum, and Cambridge International Program is used at the secondary level. The school has Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel accreditation; it is a fully recognized Cambridge and Edexcel testing centre for IGCSE and AS examinations. In secondary, Robot and Scientific Research curricula have been added to keep pace with technology, and the school emphasizes 21st-century skills and bilingual English/Arabic.	Curriculum details Oryx International School follows a modified English National Curriculum for its international student body, with Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 3-5) and Primary (Key Stages 1 and 2) delivered through a topic-based approach that integrates literacy, numeracy, and creative subjects. In Secondary (Key Stage 3, ages 11-14), students follow a variant of the English National Curriculum, progressing to International GCSEs in Years 10-11 (ages 14-16) and then Sixth Form (Years 12-13, ages 16-18) offering A Levels or Level 3 Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma. Core IGCSE subjects include mathematics, English, and at least one science, with Arabic for Arab passport holders and Islamic Studies, plus complementary subjects such as Core PE, PSHE, and Qatar History. Language programmes include EAL support, Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish) from KS1, Arabic First Language for eligible students, Arabic as a Second Language after school, and home-language GCSE/A-Level options (Italian, Portuguese, Urdu, Sinhala) depending on availability. Regular assessments with personalised targets and parent reporting support progress across all stages, and IGCSE/A-Level syllabuses are UK-based (JCQ) and regulated by Ofsted.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Al Arqam Academy follows Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel examinations; Year 11 sits IGCSEs and Year 12 sits AS, with Year 9 taking International Checkpoint Exams in Math, English and Science. Progression rules require Year 10 to pass all subjects (50%) to advance to Year 11, Year 11 to take seven IGCSEs, and Year 12 progression to require passing at least five IGCSE subjects. Grade boundaries are published for KS3 (A* to C ranges). Full progress reports are issued at the end of Term 3.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school prepares students for local and international universities.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The academy offers extra-curricular activities including robotics and scientific research competitions; participates in MOEHE and Qatar University competitions such as Al Bairaq for Scientific Research; Special Achievement Awards recognize outstanding student achievements.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Wellbeing and social development are a core part of the Kindergarten World Around Us curriculum, emphasizing student wellbeing and social growth.	Social & emotional learning Oryx International School supports Social and Emotional Learning through a planned wellbeing program and events that promote emotional, physical, and mental health. Wellbeing Week engages pupils and staff in a range of activities designed to strengthen connections, resilience and self awareness, with World Mental Health Day alignment. The school has earned the Wellbeing Award for Schools from Optimus Education, which recognizes sustained emphasis on mental health and wellbeing for students and staff. The safeguarding framework underpins SEL, with staff training and a designated safeguarding lead to handle concerns confidentially and promptly. Staff undergo background checks and annual safeguarding training, and leaders and safeguarding staff are trained to standard levels to ensure a safe school environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Some students may require additional support.	Special educational needs (SEN) Oryx International School has the SENDIA Inclusion Award, recognizing inclusive education for children with special needs and/or disabilities, and is the first school in Qatar to receive this award. The inclusion award demonstrates a formal commitment to supporting students with SEND within the mainstream school setting. Public information does not itemize the specific kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support. The school indicates it pursues inclusive education principles and supports students with SEND within the regular school environment. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision is listed separately as part of the school's language programme, and is delivered by specialist staff; this reflects a broader approach to supporting multilingual learners.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is taught as a foreign language, and the school uses the British national curriculum to teach all subjects.	English as an additional language An English as an Additional Language programme is provided to develop non English speaking students and is delivered by specialist teachers. In addition to EAL, the school offers Modern Foreign Languages including Arabic, French and Spanish. The school is working toward accreditation by The Bell Foundation ALFRI for exceptional EAL provision. The school notes the student body includes many nationalities, and EAL support helps students access the curriculum. The school also offers parent EAL classes to support families in using English to engage with the curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is integrated into the curriculum through the Wellbeing and social development component of the World Around Us program.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing Week in October 2025 focused on emotional, physical, and mental health with themes such as connections and self care. The event involved students and staff across Primary and Secondary with activities designed to promote wellbeing and self awareness. Oryx International School holds the Wellbeing Award for Schools from Optimus Education, recognizing ongoing emphasis on mental health and wellbeing. Public information does not specify the staffing of mental health professionals, such as counsellors. The school emphasizes wellbeing initiatives as a core aspect of school life.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding A guidance counselor and pastoral care team support students, with a structured, stepwise behavior intervention process; in serious cases, the file may be referred to the Ministry of Education.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported through a formal program with staff background checks before engagement with students. All staff undergo annual safeguarding training and the school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead to manage referrals. Senior leaders and key staff are trained to Level 3 safeguarding standard. The safeguarding policies are based on UK statutory guidance and Qatar expectations. Concerns are raised and addressed through official channels, with confidentiality and appropriate escalation.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Al Arqam Academy has three main buildings: kindergarten, primary, and secondary. The facilities are modern and designed to meet the demands of contemporary education and international building standards. All buildings are equipped with security and safety equipment and are licensed by the Ministry of Civil Defense. The Academy operates under the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the State of Qatar. It is accredited by Cambridge and Edexcel as a certified British examination center, with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel recognized as testing centers.	Facilities overview The Campus in Mesaimeer opened in September 2018, providing a five-star environment for teaching and learning. It has state-of-the-art facilities for science, technology and robotics, including laboratories for physics, biology and chemistry as well as food technology and resistant materials. Classrooms are equipped with interactive smart screens, and students have access to Chromebooks, Apple Macs and other computers as needed. The Sixth Form has a dedicated area with break-out rooms, a lecture theatre, a large study area and a social space with its own kitchen facilities. Performing arts spaces include music, drama and dance classrooms, audio-visual and music recording studios with a school radio station, and the auditorium seats over 400 people.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school has a six-court sports hall with a fully equipped training gym, and an indoor 25m swimming pool with a teaching splash pool. Outdoor facilities include basketball, netball and tennis courts, an athletics track and a full-sized 4G football pitch with FIFA standard floodlights.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Academy has three main buildings: kindergarten, primary, and secondary. The facilities are modern and designed to meet the demands of contemporary education and international building standards. The Academy follows ministry standards in Arabic, Sharia, and Arabic Humanities curricula. It is accredited by Cambridge and Edexcel as a testing center, with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel recognized as testing centers. The Primary school is accredited by Pearson Edexcel as an examination center.	Academic facilities The school has science laboratories for physics, biology and chemistry, plus labs for food technology and resistant materials. Classrooms are fitted with interactive smart screens, and students have access to Chromebooks, Apple Macs and other computers as needed. The Sixth Form is served by a designated area with break-out rooms, a lecture theatre, a large study area and a social space with its own kitchen facilities. There are well-equipped fine art and design classrooms, music and drama classrooms, and AV and music recording studios. The auditorium seats over 400 people.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Trips: Students participate in field trips during the school year, with up to two trips per term. Trips support curriculum learning and include visits to Islamic centers with informative activities. The Student Guidance Department provides religious, educational, psychological, and social counseling, including career guidance. Open-day programs, exhibitions, and various events involve parents and celebrate student achievements. Sports Day is one of the events recognizing student achievements.	Extra curricular facilities Performing arts spaces include exclusive music, drama and dance classrooms, as well as audio-visual and music recording studios with a school radio station. Fine art and design classrooms are well equipped. The auditorium seats over 400 people and is used for school productions, music and drama recitals, assemblies and other events with state-of-the-art sound and lighting. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is part of the school's extra-curricular programme.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Al Arqam Academy for Girls is an international school in Mamoura, Doha, Qatar. It was established in 1996 as a private school using the Ministry of Education and Higher Education curricula and teaching English as a foreign language. In 2004 the school shifted to teaching international curricula, adopting the British national curriculum to teach all subjects while maintaining strong Arabic, Islamic education, Qatar history, and life skills. The Academy operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and follows ministry standards in Arabic, Sharia, and Arabic Humanities. It joined the Educational Vouchers System and, in 2013, received Qatar National School Accreditation (QNSA) for a five-year term, with a subsequent five-year accreditation for the 2021-2022 academic year.	History Oryx International School opened in January 2016 as a Qatar Airways initiative, established in partnership with Orbital Education to provide a British-style education for the children of Qatar Airways staff. It joined the Orbital Education family in 2016 and moved to a purpose-built Mesaimeer campus in 2018. In 2021 the school launched the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award for its Sixth Form, and in 2023 it earned Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation and ALFRI accreditation. The school is owned by Qatar Airways and operated by Orbital Education. In January 2024 the school was awarded the IEnvA Stage 2 Compliance Certificate.
Community	Community Al Arqam Academy is an international Islamic school in Doha. Cultures and nationalities are represented in the student and teaching bodies, with representatives from different countries. Cultural sharing and mutual respect for the traditions and beliefs of others are encouraged.	Community The Oryx community brings together staff and families from over 90 nationalities, with more than 70 languages spoken, reflecting a diverse international environment. An active PSA coordinates volunteering opportunities and provides a two-way line of communication between staff and families. Within the PSA, Parent Class Representatives and Parent Contact Representatives support class-level involvement and help welcome new families. The community organizes events such as Pink Day, the School Fair, International Day, sports days, and school productions, with notable celebrations including the Oryx Fair and TEDx events. Parent involvement is supported through English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes for parents and wellbeing initiatives, including a monthly event calendar and parent workshops.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PSA is the school's Parent Staff Association, bringing together parents, teachers and staff to plan and facilitate school events. The PSA coordinates volunteering opportunities and provides a two-way link between families and school life. Within the PSA, Parent Class Representatives and Parent Contact Representatives support class-level involvement and help welcome new families. Parents can express interest in joining by completing an Expression of Interest Form and contacting psa@oryxschool.qa. PSA activities include coordinating events such as school productions, International Day, Pink Day and the School Fair. The school supports ongoing parent involvement through EAL classes for parents and a monthly event calendar and wellbeing-focused communications.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school lists Extracurricular activities as a Special Program. Robotics is part of the Special Programs, and Scientific Research is offered as a Special Program. Lectures are provided to enrich the academic program. Career fairs and University fairs are available to help students plan for further study and careers.	Academic & intellectual The school follows a modified version of the English National Curriculum for England and Wales to suit its international student body in Doha. The curriculum is balanced, including academic work as well as music, drama and sports. A personalised target setting approach uses baseline assessments with regular monitoring and reporting to parents; the Secondary School (11-18) progresses from KS3 to IGCSE and A Levels with externally assessed examinations.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The curriculum includes time for music, drama and sports. A comprehensive programme of extra-curricular and after-school activities includes sports, arts, languages and expeditions. The facilities are designed to support growth across subjects including the creative arts.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school lists Al Aqsa week as a Special Program. One Ummah is listed as a Special Program. These programs are part of the school's Special Programs.	Cultural & language Language programmes include Arabic 1 and Arabic 2, French and Spanish delivered by specialist staff, along with an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. The Bell Foundation ALFRI accreditation is being pursued for exceptional EAL provision. Regular provision includes Spanish and French for all students; Arabic is mandatory for Arab nationals, and Arabic as a first language is available at GCSE; Home languages such as Italian, Portuguese, Urdu and Sinhala are provided at GCSE level where feasible; Arabic 2 is offered as an after-school activity.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school lists Extracurricular activities as a Special Program. Camps are listed as a Special Program. Morning lineup is listed as a Special Program. Lectures are listed as a Special Program.	Social & hobbies The school provides a comprehensive programme of extra-curricular and after-school activities including sports, arts, languages and expeditions. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered at Oryx International School. Expeditions and other activities broaden student interests beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service Parent involvement is part of the school's operations. Mothers are welcome to participate in school activities and attend events. Regular teacher–parent meetings, orientation programs, and open-day activities promote parent engagement.	Community & service The school is described as a school at the heart of the community. It is supported by the Parent Staff Association and has forums for parent involvement; EAL classes for parents are available to support families. The wellbeing and community environment is reinforced through student support and safeguarding practices.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Career fairs and University fairs provide opportunities for students to explore higher education and career options. The school offers a Talented program as part of Special Programs. Outstanding competition is included in the Special Programs to recognize student achievements. Lectures are provided to enhance student learning.	Leadership & professional Sixth Form offers leadership opportunities and enrichment programmes, with a more flexible timetable, a personal tutor and dedicated study spaces. The Head of Sixth Form and University Counsellor guide students through future career and university decisions. There are three Sixth Form pathways: A Level, A Level Diploma or Subsidiary Diploma.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Trips are organized regularly for classes, with policies to ensure safety and proper conduct. Students must bring trip fees and written approval from parents before the trip, wear the school uniform, and follow the trip schedule. Students must not carry mobiles or cameras on trips. The field trips provide educational and rewarding experiences outside the classroom.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing and mental health are prioritized: the school promotes positive mental health and wellbeing for pupils, staff and parents and uses a whole-school approach to support resilience. A Wellness Committee organizes events, fitness challenges and other activities; the school counsellor is available to staff and students. Safeguarding and staff training are in place, and a child protection policy supports the school community.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and Arabic are used for instruction. Kindergarten uses the Pearson iPrimary curriculum for English-language learning, and the Cambridge International Program is used at the secondary level. Arabic language, Qur'an, and Islamic studies follow the Ministry of Education and Higher Education standards of Qatar. Students will be able to communicate clearly and confidently in both English and Arabic.	Language provision Arabic 1, Arabic 2, French and Spanish are delivered by specialist staff, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports non-English-speaking students; the school is working towards ALFRI accreditation. Regular provision includes Spanish and French for all students, while Arabic (First Language) is compulsory from FS1 to Year 12 for students with Arabic passports. Home Languages are offered at GCSE level (and potentially A Level) including Italian and Portuguese, with Urdu (to be confirmed) and Sinhala; availability depends on staff. Arabic 2 is offered as an after-school activity once per week.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English and Arabic.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards None specified for students here.
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is accredited by Cambridge Foundation and Edexcel Foundation as a certified British Certification Testing Centre and an accredited IGCSE-AS Testing Centre. The Primary school is accredited by Pearson Edexcel as an examination centre. The school operates under the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the State of Qatar and follows ministry standards in Arabic, Sharia, and Arabic humanities. The school joined Qatar's Educational Voucher System and was accredited under the Qatar National School Accreditation (QNSA) program in 2013 for a five-year term.	Accreditations COBIS Beacon School Status ( Primary ); The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program is part of school activities.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Waiting List: In February of each year, the registration process begins by asking all current students to re-register for the new school year. The number of vacant places for the new school year is determined. Siblings of existing students are given priority for the waiting list. Students who were tested but not offered a place from the previous year are given the second priority for a chance to pass the entrance test. Applications for the general public are then made on a first come first serve basis until the number of required students is full. Based upon the number of places available for each year group, the appropriate number of students are given an appointment for the entrance test. 2. Entrance Test: Students with an appointment pay the non-refundable entrance test fee and provide a copy of their birth certificate and a copy of their most recent school report showing the class, year group, date, and results. Students who have paid the fee and provided the required documents will be given an entrance test card, which they must present on the day of the test. Entrance tests are done for English, Maths, and Arabic. For KG students, a general evaluation of readiness for school is conducted to evaluate the appropriate early years milestones. Students must pass all areas with 70% or better in order to qualify for a place in the school. Students who arrive late for their test appointment or are absent will lose their place on the list. Secondary students must also attend an interview with their parents as part of the entrance test process. Results for entrance tests will be announced within one full week of the exam. 3. Retests: Students who fail only one area on the entrance test with marks between 55% and 69% may request a retest. Those who qualify for a retest must request a new test date, pay the retest fee and sign the retest form in the Student Affairs office. 4. Registration: Students who pass the entrance test are given one week to complete the registration forms and submit all required documents and fees. Students who do not submit the required forms, documents, and fees within one week will lose their place. Note that entrance test fees and retest fees are non-refundable. All students offered a place in the school must submit the following to open a file in the school and to register: 1. Completed registration form with all information filled in. 2. Report cards from previous schools certified by the Ministry of Education 3. Medical Files, including vaccination documents 4. Copy of passport for the student 5. Copy of I.D. for student, mother, and father. 6. Copy of student's birth certificate 7. Four recent photos 8. Non-refundable registration fee (for the exact fee, please see our MOHE-approved fee schedule. 9. Read and sign the student handbook and policies. 5. Withdrawal policy: In order to withdraw a student from the Academy, the following procedures must be followed: 1. Submit a request to withdraw in advance to Student Affairs. 2. Obtain a receipt disclaimer from the library. 3. Settle all financial matters with the Accounting Department and obtain a receipt. 4. Submit all documents and receipts to the Department of Student Affairs in order to receive the student's file. In the event that a student wishes to re-enter the academy, the decision will be based on an assessment by the administration and the student will be treated as a new student.	Admissions The school serves children aged 3 to 18 years, covering Foundation Stage 1 to Year 10 and Year 12 for Sixth Form. It is open to local and expatriate students. At least one parent or guardian must be a full-time employee of Qatar Airways or one of their approved subsidiaries. Admissions are currently open for the 2024/25 academic year for FS1 and FS2 applications. Applications are submitted via the online admissions portal after completing the Application Form, and a non-refundable 450 QAR application fee applies. January starters are accepted in most year groups with the exception of Years 10–13. Tours for prospective parents can be booked online. The admissions process consists of six steps: Step 1 Eligibility (must be a full-time Qatar Airways employee or approved subsidiary); Step 2 Submit an Enquiry & Visit Us; Step 3 Submit Your Application via the online Admissions Portal (the portal remains open for the duration of the admissions journey and editing after submission is not possible); Step 4 Assessment (FS1–Year 2 are assessed via Soft Assessments; Year 3–Year 13 complete a formal CAT4 assessment); Step 5 Offer & Acceptance (an Offer Letter and Admissions Enrolment Agreement are issued; a non-refundable Registration Fee of 3,190 QAR must be paid by the stated deadline, typically 7 days); Step 6 Welcome to Oryx International School (the Academic Administration Team provides further information after joining). Mandatory documentation includes attested report cards (Year 2 and above), MOEHE registration requirements, and health-related certificates. For arrivals, health certificates (Fit to Join) must be obtained from a local health centre, and new students must meet MOEHE health and paperwork requirements. Sixth Form admissions require prior English National Curriculum background and completion of I/GCSEs where applicable. The school is managed by Orbital Education and coordinated by the Admissions Team. Tours or enquiries can be made via the Admissions pages, Online Application, or Enquiry pathways.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Sixth Form students have received university offers and scholarship opportunities. A May 2025 news post highlights that Sixth Form students secured offers to top universities worldwide, including instances of unconditional offers and scholarship opportunities. Examples include a Kyushu University offer with a full scholarship (including monthly living allowance and return flights) and scholarships to Massey University and the University of Canterbury. The article notes a substantial number of offers to Russell Group universities and other leading institutions, illustrating that students benefit from university-level opportunities through the school's Careers & Guidance Counsellor and Sixth Form leadership.
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting List: The school begins waiting list in February by re-registering current students for the new school year. The number of vacant places is determined. Siblings of existing students are given priority on the waiting list. Students who were tested but not offered a place from the previous year are given second priority. General public applications are accepted on a first come first served basis until the required number of students is filled. Based on places available for each year group, an entrance test appointment is issued.	Waitlist The school does not publish information on any existing waitlist.
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