Brighton International Academy vs Richmond International School
Brighton International Academy and Richmond International School are both in Doha, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and Brighton International Academy also offers Cambridge (Primary). Published annual fees are QAR 18,000 - 22,000 at Brighton International Academy and QAR 15,000 - 20,000 at Richmond International School, which puts Brighton International Academy roughly 14% higher. Brighton International Academy takes pupils from 5 to 11, and Richmond International School from 3 to 11.
120 Al Maadheed Street, Doha, Qatar. It is in Doha, Qatar. The school is located in the capital city of Qatar.
Location
Doha, Qatar. Located in the heart of Doha with excellent road links to the rest of the city and beyond. PO.BOX 91241, Doha-Qatar.
Stages
Stages
KG Curriculum guides early-years learning, while the Primary Curriculum covers Year 1–6 under the Cambridge International Primary Programme. The Cambridge International Primary Programme is designed for children aged 5–11 and develops English, Mathematics and Science in English. Arabic Language, Qatar History and Islamic Studies are taught, with French also included among core subjects.
Stages
From KG to Year 6.
School type
School type
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School type
British International School delivering a holistic British International Education Programme and offering a broad, balanced, and rigorous British curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
SUN-THU: 6:45–15:45; SAT: 8:00–14:00
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees - Admission test fee: QAR 300 for Grades 1–6. KG1 and KG2 do not have an admission-test charge listed (no fee shown). - Registration (one‑time): QAR 1,000 (applies at enrolment).
Tuition fees by year group (amounts per term and annual total) — academic year 2025–2026 - KG1: First Term QAR 8,000; Second Term QAR 5,000; Third Term QAR 5,000; Tuition fee total QAR 18,000. - KG2: First Term QAR 8,000; Second Term QAR 5,000; Third Term QAR 5,000; Tuition fee total QAR 18,000. - Grade 1: First Term QAR 8,000; Second Term QAR 6,000; Third Term QAR 6,000; Tuition fee total QAR 20,000. - Grade 2: First Term QAR 8,000; Second Term QAR 6,000; Third Term QAR 6,000; Tuition fee total QAR 20,000. - Grade 3: First Term QAR 8,000; Second Term QAR 6,000; Third Term QAR 6,000; Tuition fee total QAR 20,000. - Grade 4: First Term QAR 8,000; Second Term QAR 6,000; Third Term QAR 6,000; Tuition fee total QAR 20,000. - Grade 5: First Term QAR 9,000; Second Term QAR 6,500; Third Term QAR 6,500; Tuition fee total QAR 22,000. - Grade 6: First Term QAR 9,000; Second Term QAR 6,500; Third Term QAR 6,500; Tuition fee total QAR 22,000.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented as three term payments (First Term, Second Term, Third Term) with the per‑term amounts shown above and the annual tuition totals shown as the sum of those three term payments. No specific due dates, instalment deadlines, or late‑payment penalties are included in the published 2025–2026 fee schedule.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the academy operates as a day school for the listed age range and does not publish boarding fees.
Other costs and recurring/additional fees - Books (annual): KG1/KG2 QAR 1,200; Grade 1–3 QAR 1,300; Grade 4–6 QAR 1,500 (amounts vary by grade as shown). - Uniform (one‑off/annual as shown): KG1/KG2 QAR 800; Grades 1–6 QAR 1,000. - Transport (annual): QAR 5,000 (per student, single rate shown across grades). - Admission test fee (already listed above): QAR 300 for Grades 1–6; KG levels show no admission test fee. - Registration (one‑time): QAR 1,000 (already listed above).
Refund information - The published 2025–2026 fee schedule does not include a detailed refund or withdrawal policy within the fee document itself. No specific refund amounts, prorating rules, or deadlines are provided in that fee schedule.
Fee payment options - Payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, cash) are not specified in the published 2025–2026 fee schedule or the admissions fee summary. Contact details for the accounting/registrar are published separately for payment enquiries.
Fee details
Application and registration fees
- Application processing fee: QAR 200.00 (non‑refundable). - Registration fee: QAR 500.00 (one‑time, non‑refundable payable at enrolment). - Seat Reservation Fee (SRF): QAR 1,500.00 (non‑refundable). The SRF is credited against the first installment of tuition; for returning students it reserves the place and is offset against the first installment, and for new enrolments the SRF is treated as payment toward the first installment of tuition.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and instalment breakdown)
- Standard instalment due dates (example term dates shown for the 2025/2026 schedule): - 1st instalment due: 15 June 2025 - 2nd instalment due: 15 December 2025 - 3rd instalment due: 15 February 2026. - Payments are billed and collected on a termly instalment basis; full‑year payment in advance is eligible for a 2% discount on annual tuition if paid before the start of the academic year. - A sibling discount of 10% applies to the third and subsequent children enrolled at the school. - Failure to pay fees on time may invalidate discounts and can result in the child being excluded from school activities or transport until the account is settled. - One month's written notice prior to the start of a new term is required to withdraw a child; insufficient notice can result in a charge for the following term. - Mode of payment: Cash or cheque as the standard accepted methods.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed for this school.
Other costs and regular additional fees
- Assessment fee: QAR 200.00 (applicable from Year 1 upwards). - Transportation (school bus): QAR 4,500.00 per year. - Level selection fee (once only, Years 1+): QAR 200.00 (one‑time). - Textbooks (school selling price): Year 1: QAR 1,300.00; Year 2: QAR 1,300.00; Year 3: QAR 1,350.00; Year 4: QAR 1,350.00; Year 5: QAR 1,400.00; Year 6: QAR 1,400.00. - Uniform (typical package): Girls — KG1/KG2 QAR 640.00; Years 1–6 QAR 700.00. Boys — KG1/KG2 QAR 520.00; Years 1–6 QAR 680.00. - Exam, trip, extracurricular and special‑needs charges: Public examination charges, educational visits, optional extracurricular activities (including private music lessons) and any additional charges for special educational needs are charged in addition to tuition and will be billed as supplemental items.
Refund information and deposit handling
- Registration fee and seat reservation fee are non‑refundable in all circumstances. - Tuition fees are not refundable after the commencement of the term. - A refundable deposit (when required) will only be refunded if the school is notified in writing at least one month before the agreed start date; deposits are normally offset against the first term's fees. - If a child is withdrawn after one calendar month into a prepaid term, no monies will be refunded; if withdrawn within one calendar month of the start of an academic year fees may be charged on a pro‑rata basis depending on timing and the school's published terms.
Fee payment options and practical notes
- Standard accepted payment methods: Cash and cheque. - Full‑year payment in advance attracts a 2% discount when paid before the beginning of the academic year. - Seat Reservation Fee is credited to the first instalment; for returning students it secures the place for the following year. - Parents are responsible for ensuring prompt payment of each instalment; outstanding fees will be pursued and can delay issuance of school documentation or transfer of records until the account is cleared.
(End of fee overview)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform. For Girls: 2 Polo Shirts/Shirts, 2 Pinafore/Skirts, PE T Shirt, PE Trouser and Winter Jacket. For Boys: 2 Polo Shirts/Shirts, 2 Shorts/Trousers, PE T Shirt, PE Trouser and Winter Jacket. Uniform fees are listed by year group (KG1 through Year 6).
Food options
Food options
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Food options
Lunch is provided on school trips, described as a picnic-style lunch (Year 5/6 trip to Quest; Year 3/4 trip to OliOli).
House system
House system
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House system
The school has a house system; students participate in houses for sports events (the Third Annual Sports Day 2023 mentions 'participated in houses').
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Brighton International Academy is governed by a Managing Board (Board of Trustees) that oversees policies and strategic decisions. The board includes Chairman Khalid Issa Al Mannaey and the School Principal Eman Omar. Founded in 2016-17, the academy is Cambridge International accredited and is progressing toward WASC and Qatar National School Accreditation (QNSA).
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Brighton International Academy follows the Cambridge International Primary Programme. The KG Curriculum runs from Year 1 to Year 6 and emphasizes communication, language and literacy; personal, social and emotional development; problem solving; creative development; physical development; and knowledge of the world. The Primary Curriculum develops English, Mathematics and Science, with Social Studies, PE, Art and Character Education, all taught in English; Arabic Language, Qatar History and Islamic Studies are offered (Arabic and Qatar History for Arab nationals). The Primary Programme covers Year 1–6 with Mathematics, English Language, Arabic Language, Islamic Studies (Muslim students only), Qatar History, Science, Social Studies, Art, and Physical Education; French is taught as a foundation subject in Key Stage 1 and 2. Assessments are continuous with reporting twice a year.
Curriculum details
Follows the National Curriculum for England and is an approved Edexcel exam centre and a Pearson school. Arabic, Islamic Studies and Qatar History are taught to native and non-native speakers in line with MOE requirements. The Primary School uses Pearson iPrimary for English, Maths and Science, with specialist teaching in French, PE and ICT. Early Years Foundation Stage provides a child-centred environment with Read Write Inc phonics and seven areas of learning. The school offers a wide-ranging extracurricular programme. From KG to Year 6, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for progression to secondary education within this British international framework.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
Richmond International School is an Edexcel exam centre and Pearson school following the National Curriculum for England. In 2022, Year 6 achievement tests provided by Pearson yielded the highest scores. In 2023, the school was named as one of the 10 Rising Schools in the Middle East by K12 Digest.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Graduates transition to secondary education in Qatar, with placements at leading schools such as Doha College, Doha British School and Kings College.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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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
Personal, social and emotional development is included in the KG curriculum. The school focuses on moral, academic, and leadership development to nurture responsible global citizens. It describes a culturally diverse environment and a commitment to fostering tolerance and caring among students. The school partners with parents to celebrate each child as a vibrant individual with unique talents in a loving, safe, and nurturing learning environment.
Social & emotional learning
The school focuses on social, emotional and academic development from the Foundation Stage. The Foundation Stage provides an engaging environment with a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities to help children reach their full potential socially, emotionally and academically with confidence. The vision and mission emphasise that every child leaves with self-confidence, a resilient character and high aspirations for the future. The Richmond 5R's—Respect, Resilience, Resourcefulness, Reflection and Responsibility—underpin character development and social growth. Co-curricular activities promote wellbeing through positive wellbeing in physical activity, inclusive spaces for play, and opportunities to develop confidence and passions.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English Language is taught as a core subject; The Cambridge International Primary Programme develops English, Mathematics and Science, and these subjects are taught in English.
English as an additional language
The language of instruction is English. English language is taught by native English-speaking teachers. Arabic, French, Sinhalese and Tamil are available as secondary languages. French is taught as a specialist language from early years as part of the curriculum.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
Positive wellbeing is embedded in school life through physical activity and the co-curricular programme, fostering overall wellbeing and inclusive participation. Sport, art, music and drama support wellbeing, confidence and engagement, with a coach guiding students to explore their passions and self-belief. The vision and core values emphasise resilience, self-confidence and high aspirations, reinforcing mental wellbeing as part of character development. The school aims to create a warm learning atmosphere where pupils feel safe, accepted and valued.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school has a School Social Worker (Ms. Amany Elshikh) and a School Nurse (Ms. Asmaa Shehata) on staff. The School Principal Emergency & Inquiries Hotline is Ms. Eman Omar. The Contact page lists these safeguarding contacts and provides direct phone lines for access.
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staff actively safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The school maintains safeguarding policies and recruitment practices that support the welfare of pupils.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Brighton International Academy has well-ventilated classrooms and learning areas flooded with natural light, with interactive technology in every classroom. The playground is a dynamic space with a football court and a basketball court, encouraging outdoor sports and physical fitness. The library offers fiction, non-fiction, and reference texts, with materials available on request. A computer lab and a science lab are on campus, equipped with the latest technology and equipment for digital learning and hands-on science. A mosque on campus provides a space for daily prayers and supports religious understanding within the diverse school community. A fully equipped school clinic operates on site in compliance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines.
Facilities overview
The Kindergarten and Primary share the same facilities. The Richmond International School – Markiyah is located on Al Markhiya Street in Doha, Qatar. The school opened in 2019.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Playground includes a football court and a basketball court for outdoor sports. The area is designed to encourage physical fitness and friendly competition.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Well-ventilated classrooms are filled with natural light and every classroom features interactive technology. A cutting-edge computer lab and a well-equipped science lab provide hands-on learning and access to high-speed internet. The library offers fiction, non-fiction, and reference materials to support study.
Academic facilities
The school uses Pearson iPrimary Curriculum for English, maths and science. There is specialist teaching from early years in French, PE and ICT. The school is an approved Edexcel exam centre and follows the National Curriculum for England.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
There are many after-school activities including art and craft, sports and games. The majority of pupils stay after school to take part in clubs.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Brighton International Academy is located in the Al Mamoura area of Doha, Qatar. It follows UK educational standards, offering the Cambridge International Curriculum, with a strong emphasis on Arabic, Islamic Education, and Qatari History, and a dedicated program, Al Ghars Al Hasan, to encourage Quran memorization and Islamic values. The academy caters to students aged 5 to 11 and welcomes both boys and girls in an inclusive learning environment. Founded in 2016-17, Brighton International Academy is accredited by Cambridge International and is progressing toward full WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and Qatar National School Accreditation (QNSA) recognition. The Managing Board, a Board of Trustees, oversees policies and strategic decisions, supporting staff to achieve academic goals and sustain a value-based learning environment, with Mr. Khalid Issa Al Mannaey as Chairman and Ms. Eman Omar as School Principal; other members include Dr. Ashraf Taha and Dr. Ahmed Al Qabbary.
History
Richmond International School opened in Doha, Qatar in 2019. It offers a broad, balanced and rigorous British curriculum spanning sciences, arts and humanities. From KG to Year 6, the curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England. In 2022, students achieved the highest Year 6 scores on the Pearson achievement test. In 2023, the school was named one of the 10 Rising Schools in the Middle East by K12 Digest; the governance comprises a Board of Management that is well qualified and experienced, supported by a School Advisory Board.
Community
Community
Brighton International Academy fosters a collaborative community with regular parent–school communication through meetings, progress reports, and interactive sessions to support student growth. The school maintains a News & Events section to keep families informed and engaged. It emphasizes an inclusive environment and adopts a UK-based Cambridge Curriculum with Arabic, Islamic Education, and Qatari History as part of its holistic program.
Community
The Richmond International School community retains a family feel; despite growing to about 380 students since opening. The school hosts and participates in events such as Qatar National Day celebrations and annual Sports Day. Trips and visits form part of student life, including outings to OliOli (Year 3–4), KidZania and Quest (Year 5–6). Student leadership is active with elections for the Student Council.
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
Brighton International Academy follows UK educational standards through the Cambridge International Curriculum. The program places a strong emphasis on Arabic, Islamic Education, and Qatari History. A dedicated Al Ghars Al Hasan program encourages Quran memorization and instills Islamic values. The school aims to develop a well-rounded learner prepared for academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
The visual arts are an integral part of experiential learning, with drawing, painting, sculpture and three-dimensional construction. Music is vibrant at Richmond, with ensembles across age and instrument levels and performance opportunities from informal soirees to school concerts. The drama programme teaches mime, vocal work, improvisation, script and movement. Oriental and Western dancing is offered to develop expressive abilities.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Arabic language and Islamic Education are prioritized, with emphasis on Qatari History. The British curriculum supports 21st-century skills. A focus on moral values and leadership skills is embedded in daily learning.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Brighton maintains open communication with parents through regular meetings, progress reports, and interactive sessions to support student growth.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Brighton places a strong emphasis on leadership development and personal growth as part of its mission. The aim is to prepare students to become future leaders.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The academy welcomes both boys and girls, fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. Modern classrooms, well-equipped science labs, and comprehensive sports facilities support learning and physical well-being.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports and other physical activities are designed to fit each student, offering opportunities, choice and empowerment. The drive toward sport is grounded in Positive Wellbeing through physical activity and inclusive spaces for play. A sports coach guides students to discover their confidence, passions and potential for wellbeing.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The Cambridge International Primary Programme develops English, Mathematics and Science skills, and these core subjects are taught in English. The school also offers Arabic Language, Qatar History and Islamic Studies as classes. French is taught as a Foundation Subject in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Language provision
Pearson iPrimary Curriculum is used for English, maths and science. French is taught as a specialist language from early years. Arabic is a compulsory subject delivered using Ministry of Education materials; for non-Arab students, Arabic language support is provided (support Arabic). Qatar History is taught under MOE requirements, with instruction in English or Arabic as appropriate for non-Arab students.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
The school has Cambridge International Accreditation recognized by Cambridge International.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Enrollment Now Open for KG 1 to Year 6. The school has a simple 3-step process: Request Info, Apply, Entry Exam. To join Brighton International Academy, check our admission policy and regulations. Required documents include: copy of student's passport and ID; copy of parents' passport and ID; passport-size photo of the student; copy of student's birth certificate; copy of immunization card; student medical file and copy of health card; original and copy of academic certificate of the last year; for students transferring from other countries, legal documentation for the report card; tuition fees clearance form from the previous school. Entry Exam requires students to sit for entrance exams in English and Math and pass both with a minimum of 60% in each. The school is located at 120 Al Maadheed Street, Doha, Qatar.
Admissions
1. Visit by appointment. Prospective parents may arrange a school visit by prior appointment. To schedule a visit, contact the school by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to +974 4017 1991, +974 7476 7266, or +974 33413214. Visits without prior appointment are not accommodated. 2. Submit an online admissions application. Use the Apply Now link to access the New Admission Application form for the upcoming academic year. The form collects details such as Last School Attended, Language Spoken at Home, and other required information. 3. Assessment and seat availability. The place will be offered only if the assessment is successful and seats become available. 4. Enrollment confirmation. If offered, enrollment to a class is confirmed with an Admission Number and a Date of Admission. 5. Submit required documents. Copies of the following documents are received: Photograph (Student), Passport (Student), RP (QID) (Student), Birth Certificate (Student), Passport (Father/Guardian), Passport (Mother), RP (QID) (Father/Mother), and Employment Letter. Previous School Reports may also be required. 6. Fees and payment. Tuition costs are KG1–KG2: 15,000 QAR per year; Year 1–Year 4: 18,000 QAR; Year 5–Year 6: 20,000 QAR. A Registration Fee of 500 QAR, a Seat Reservation Fee of 1,500 QAR, and Assessment Fees of 200 QAR apply for Year 1–Year 6 (KG has no assessment fee). Installments are due as follows: 1st Installment 15 June 2025, 2nd Installment 15 December 2025, 3rd Installment 15 February 2026. The Seat Reservation Fee is offset against the first tuition installment.
