Al Arqam Academy vs Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة
Al Arqam Academy and Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة are both in Doha, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS Levels programmes. Al Arqam Academy also offers Cambridge (Secondary), and Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة also offers IPC, Cambridge A Levels and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are QAR 27,954 - 50,134 at Al Arqam Academy and QAR 37,850 - 49,850 at Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة, which puts Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة roughly 12% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 1,622 and 1,440 pupils.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Curriculum
British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
1,622
Pupils
1,440
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Arabic
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1996
Opened
2014
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
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
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Stages
Stages
Primary and Secondary
Stages
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School type
School type
International school for girls
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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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
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Qatar
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Islamic
Religious affiliation
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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
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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
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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:
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
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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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
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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
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House system
House system
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House system
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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
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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
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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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
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The school prepares students for local and international universities.
Higher education progression
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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
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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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
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Some students may require additional support.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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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
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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
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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
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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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
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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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
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school teaches in English and Arabic.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
null
Awards
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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
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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
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Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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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.
