British Modern International School vs Richmond International School
British Modern International School and Richmond International School are both in Doha, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and British Modern International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are close, at QAR 14,214 - 24,000 for British Modern International School and QAR 15,000 - 20,000 for Richmond International School. British Modern International School takes pupils from 3 to 14, and Richmond International School from 3 to 11. British Modern International School is the larger school, with around 600 pupils to Richmond International School's 380.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
600
Pupils
380
Typical class size
Typical class size
12
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2008
Opened
2019
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Al Messilla, Madinath Khalifa South, Doha, 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 to Key Stage 3
Stages
From KG to Year 6.
School type
School type
Co-educational international day school
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
Multicultural setting
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
—
Additional learning support
—
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United Kingdom
Country affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
—
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
—
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees A registration fee of QAR 1,030 is charged across all year groups. A seat reservation fee of QAR 1,000 is required and is deducted from tuition fees.
Tuition Fees Annual tuition fees for the 2025/2026 academic year are:
Boarding Fees The school does not offer boarding facilities.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms The published fee schedule provides annual fees only. Instalment schedules and payment deadlines are not specified in the available fee documentation.
Refund Information The school charges a refundable security deposit of QAR 2,060. Additional 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 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
—
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
Founded by Dr. Shamila Ahmed (Director) and Mr. Shaji Ali (CEO). Cambridge International partner. ISO certified. MoE Qatar approved.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Cambridge International curriculum with Canvas USA educational platform. Departments cover language, maths, science, social studies, computer science, art, PE and library.
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
—
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
—
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
Nurturing environment enabling students to reach full potential.
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)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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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
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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
Spacious campus with smart classrooms, science laboratories, art studios and library.
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
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Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Smart classrooms, science labs, art studios, library.
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
Robotics, arts and crafts, abacus, dance, roller skating.
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
Founded 2008 by Dr. Shamila Ahmed and Mr. Shaji Ali in Doha.
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
Multicultural setting nurturing responsible global citizens.
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
—
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Robotics and abacus.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Arts and crafts.
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
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Western dance and roller skating.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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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
English instruction with Arabic and French.
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
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
Competitive fees compared to other Doha schools.
Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Cambridge International partner. British Council affiliated. ISO certified. MoE Qatar approved.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Application form available online. Open admissions.
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.