Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة vs Sherborne Qatar
Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة and Sherborne Qatar are both in Doha, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة also offers IPC, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are QAR 37,850 - 49,850 at Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة and QAR 35,000 - 66,053 at Sherborne Qatar, which puts Sherborne Qatar roughly 15% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. Pearling Season International School of Doha - الغرافة is the larger school, with around 1,440 pupils to Sherborne Qatar's 1,090.
British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
1,440
Pupils
1,090
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
18
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2014
Opened
2009
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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Location
Sherborne Qatar operates a family of British-curriculum schools in Doha, with the Prep School located in Bani Hajer, the Boys' School in Umm Al Maa Street, Ar-Rayyan, and the Girls' School in Al Ebb. The Senior School is in the Grand Zone next to Mall of Qatar in Al Rayyan, offering easy road access across Doha. The Mall of Qatar Metro Station on the Green Line is a short walk from the Senior School, providing a convenient public-transport option. The campuses are connected by a broader network of roads and services to support families relocating from overseas.
Stages
Stages
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Stages
The Prep School serves ages 3–11 at Bani Hajer, including a dedicated specialist provision (Qetaf) on site. The Senior School serves ages 11–18 at Mall of Qatar. In addition, there are a Boys' Prep School campus in Al Rayyan and a Girls' STEM-focused School in Al Ebb, forming a broader Sherborne Qatar family of schools. Sherborne Qetaf provides a separate SEN provision for ages 3–11 at the Prep site.
School type
School type
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School type
The Sherborne Qatar family offers a mix of school formats: the Senior School at Mall of Qatar is coeducational; there are single‑gender options at other campuses (Boys' Prep in Al Rayyan and Girls' STEM School in Al Ebb), and co‑educational options at Prep where available. The arrangement includes a dedicated SEN provision (Qetaf) at the Prep site for SEND pupils.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
Not publicly disclosed. The Sherborne Qatar family presents as a British international school group with an international pupil body, but specific nationality breakdowns are not published.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Sherborne Qetaf is a specialist SEN provision located at the Prep School in Bani Hajer, catering to children aged 3–11 with SEND. It supports autism, Down syndrome, global development delay, intellectual disabilities, speech and language difficulties, and related needs, with a Curriculum for Life and tailored support.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with the British international education system and operates as part of Sherborne International, offering UK-style curriculum and oversight.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
There is no explicit religious affiliation listed for Sherborne Qatar; the schools operate as secular British international schools.
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
Autumn Term 2025 began for pupils at 10:00am, with staff starting at 8:00am. Pre-School and Reception pupils have staggered or shorter first days, and the schedule follows Qatar's Ministry guidelines for term dates. End-of-day times vary by year group and term, with the term structure published by the school.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
The Senior School's Mall of Qatar location is served by Doha Metro's Green Line, with Mall of Qatar Metro Station providing access to Metrolink feeder buses for nearby areas (for example, bus routes connecting to Al Reem Compound and Barzan Housing Complex). Metrolink services operate from the Mall of Qatar station to support first/last‑mile travel. Families commonly use these feeder services or private transport to reach the campus.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
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Fee details
Overview
This document lists Sherborne Qatar's fees and related payment terms for the current published academic year (2024/2025). All amounts are shown in Qatari Riyal (QAR).
Application, registration and deposit fees
- Application fee (Prep & Senior Schools): QAR 544. The application fee does not apply to Pre‑School or Reception applications. - Registration fee (Prep Schools): QAR 2,722 (non‑refundable). Senior School registration: QAR 2,804 (non‑refundable). Girls' School registration: QAR 500 (non‑refundable). - Seat reservation fee: QAR 2,000 (Girls' School) or QAR 2,722 / QAR 2,804 as specified for Prep/Senior in the Prep schedule; seat reservation for existing pupils reserves the place for the coming term and is not charged to new pupils. - Refundable deposit due with all applications: QAR 1,000. This deposit will be returned when the child leaves the school provided there are no outstanding debts or unreturned items.
Tuition fees — Preparatory, Boys, SEN and Senior Schools (annual and per term)
- Pre‑School: QAR 35,000 per year / QAR 11,667 per term. - Reception: QAR 48,011 per year / QAR 16,004 per term. - Years 1 to 6: QAR 52,812 per year / QAR 17,604 per term. - Years 7 to 10: QAR 61,196 per year / QAR 20,399 per term. - Years 11 to 13: QAR 66,053 per year / QAR 22,018 per term.
Tuition fees — Girls' School (annual and per term)
- Pre‑School: QAR 41,000 per year / QAR 13,667 per term. - Reception: QAR 46,000 per year / QAR 15,333 per term. - Years 1–2: QAR 51,000 per year / QAR 17,000 per term. - Years 3–6: QAR 53,500 per year / QAR 17,833 per term. - Years 7–9: QAR 54,900 per year / QAR 18,300 per term. - Years 10–11: QAR 56,250 per year / QAR 18,750 per term. - Years 12–13: QAR 59,400 per year / QAR 19,800 per term.
What tuition covers
- Tuition includes the cost of exercise books and the loan of standard textbooks. Exceptions: I/GCSE, AS and A‑Level students are provided with booklists and must purchase required textbooks; where the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) charges for Qatari History, Arabic or Islamic Studies texts, pupils will be charged separately.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees may be paid annually (single payment) or termly in three equal instalments. Fee payment deadlines must be met; unpaid fees are subject to debt collection procedures and may put a pupil's place at risk. - The school applies a half‑term discount for pupils who start after the half‑term point: those starting after mid‑term in any term are charged 50% of that term's tuition fee. - Notice to withdraw: written notice of intention to withdraw must be given at least two weeks before the end of the current term for withdrawal to take effect at the start of the next term. A leaving form must be completed.
Accepted payment methods and bank details
- Accepted methods: cash, credit card, cheque (payable to Sherborne Qatar School), bank transfer / deposit to Ahlibank, and an online payment link provided by the Finance Office. Correspondence from the Finance Office will include an online payment link. - Bank account details (for bank transfer / deposit): - Account name: Sherborne Qatar School. - Bank: Ahlibank, Corporate Branch, Al Saad. - Account number: 0012-295011-301. - IBAN: QA36ABQQ000000000012295011301. - SWIFT: ABQQQAQA. Parents are asked to forward proof of payment to the Finance Office.
Additional/optional charges (not included in tuition)
- Exam textbooks for I/GCSE, AS and A‑Level are not included and must be purchased by those pupils. - Support, assessment and intervention charges: Intervention Support QAR 82 per session; SEN Support QAR 100 per session. Materials or external specialist support required for assessments will be charged and discussed with parents in advance. - Other charges (examples listed in the fee policy and charged as applicable): transport to/from school, canteen meals, specialist sports training, individual music tuition, extra‑curricular activity fees, school trips, charges for losses or damage to school property, late‑collection fees. These items are invoiced separately and must be paid in advance or as required. - The official fee schedules supplied for each campus do not list a uniform charge as part of tuition; any uniform or school shop purchases are separate from tuition and handled outside the tuition invoices. Additional campus‑specific fee schedules are published for each school location.
Refunds and pro‑rata charges
- If a term's fees are paid in full and the pupil is withdrawn before the first day of term, 100% of the termly fee (less the seat reservation fee where applicable) will be refunded, unless the Board of Governors determines otherwise. - If a term's fees are paid in full before term start and the pupil is withdrawn within 30 days of term starting, the school will refund fees after deducting a pro‑rata charge for days attended and the reservation fee. If a pupil leaves after 30 days from the start of term, no refund will be given. Casual absences, sickness, holidays or exclusions do not qualify for fee refunds. - The refundable deposit (QAR 1,000) will be returned when the child leaves provided there are no outstanding debts or unreturned items; any debts will be deducted from the deposit.
Late payment, non‑payment and right to refuse admittance
- Late or unpaid fees may trigger debt collection procedures. The school reserves the right to refuse admission, withdraw a pupil's place, withhold references or transfer documents, or place siblings at risk of non‑admittance where fees remain unpaid or where there is persistent default.
Summary notes
- Separate fee schedules and policies exist for the different Sherborne Qatar campuses (Prep, Senior, School for Girls and Qetaf SEN). Parents will be provided with the full Fees and Charges Policy and Fee Schedule as part of the offer and acceptance process.
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
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
The Prep School and Senior School have a House System. All pupils belong to one of six Houses in the Prep School; Houses are named in honour of inspirational leaders, foster camaraderie and teamwork, and older pupils serve as role models. House Day activities and House Charity Days provide opportunities for friendly competition and kindness, and pupils can earn recognition at the Colours Awards Ceremony. In the Senior School, Houses are described as families that create a second home where pupils build lifelong cross-age friendships, develop leadership through mentoring, compete in interhouse events, contribute to charity, and gain recognition through Colours.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The Board of Governors comprises visionaries from Sharaka Holdings, Sherborne School UK and Sherborne Qatar, led by Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Thani, the founder of Sherborne Qatar. The Clerk to the Governors is Ashish Garg.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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Curriculum details
Sherborne Qatar offers a British curriculum across two main branches: a Coeducational Preparatory School for ages 3–11 and Senior Schools for ages 11–18, including a Girls-only STEM Senior School option. The Preparatory curriculum follows the English National Curriculum and is structured into Early Years Foundation Stage (Pre-School to Reception), Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2), and Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6), with English as the language of instruction and Arabic, Islamic Studies and Qatari History taught as required by Qatar's Ministry of Education. Key Stage 2 uses enquiry-based and project-based learning with a BYOD approach to develop ICT, research, and presentation skills. The Senior School (Years 7–13) follows the UK framework, offering IGCSE in Years 10–11 and AS/A Levels in Years 12–13, typically delivering 8–10 IGCSEs and four AS Levels progressing to three A Levels, with Arabic required in Year 12 for Arabic passport holders and Islamic Studies for Muslim pupils. Examinations are conducted under Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel AS/A Level boards, with small classes, clear university progression pathways, and inclusive SEN provisions via Qetaf.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes and individualized attention are emphasized across both Prep and Senior Schools.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
IGCSE outcomes include typically 8–10 IGCSEs in Key Stage 4, with senior provision featuring strong university progression; a reported 91% of IGCSE grades at 9–4 in some cohorts and a robust AS/A Level offerings pathway for university destinations.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Most pupils progress to university, with an international university placement record and pathways to top global universities.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Inclusive Learning Support is provided through Qetaf SEN provision for pupils with additional learning needs.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
Sherborne Qatar supports social and emotional development through its pastoral care system, Form Tutors who monitor pupil wellbeing, and daily form-time check-ins, with the House System providing a caring, mentoring environment that fosters belonging and leadership.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Sherborne Qatar operates a specialist SEN provision (Qetaf) for pupils aged 3 to 11 at the Preparatory School in Bani Hajer, serving SEND including autism, Down syndrome, global development delay, intellectual disabilities, and speech and language difficulties, complemented by a Learning Support Provision focused on inclusive education across the school.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
Explicit English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision is not described in public Sherborne Qatar materials; the school describes inclusive Learning Support and a specialist SEND service (Qetaf) but does not list a dedicated EAL program.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through pastoral care, with Form Tutors checking in daily and the House System providing mentoring and a network of support to help pupils develop resilience and emotional intelligence.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
Sherborne Qatar has safeguarding and child protection policies, including a Safeguarding Policy and a Wellbeing Policy, which are publicly listed on the school's policies page.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
Sherborne Qatar operates across multiple campuses in Doha. The Senior School at Mall of Qatar is located in the Grand Zone, adjacent to Mall of Qatar, in a purpose-built, modern facility opened in September 2021. The Senior School provides a Sixth Form Centre with spaces for individual study, small group work, and a large social area designed to support independent learning. The campus also features recreational areas, a cafeteria, shaded outdoor spaces for breaks, designated spaces for physical activity, and an oversized chess board. The Girls' Senior School at Al Ebb occupies a purpose-built building with state-of-the-art facilities near Doha Festival City. The Preparatory Schools at Grand Zone, Mall of Qatar, and at Bani Hajer offer purpose-built EYFS and Key Stage 2 classrooms, dedicated outdoor learning spaces with shaded areas, climbing frames, and an expansive astroturf playground for outdoor PE and play.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
The Senior School at Mall of Qatar includes a dedicated Sixth Form Centre with a space for individual study, a space for small group work, and a large social area to support independent learning. The Preparatory Schools provide purpose-built EYFS and Key Stage 2 classrooms designed to support early years and primary-level curricula.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
The enrichment programme includes activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Model United Nations, Medical Club, Robotics, Sailing, and opportunities such as serving as FIFA World Cup 2022 Flagbearers.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
Sherborne Qatar began in 2009 when Sharaka Holdings, Qatar, led by Chairman Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Thani, formed a partnership with Sherborne UK to bring a British school to Doha. This collaboration positioned Sherborne Qatar within Sherborne UK's overseas schools network and established its educational framework in Qatar. The school operates across multiple campuses, including a Preparatory School at Mall of Qatar and a Preparatory School at Bani Hajer, a Boys' Prep School on Umm Al Maa Street in Al Rayyan, and a Girls' Prep School on Rawdat Al Khazna Street in Al Ebb, with the Senior School located at Mall of Qatar and a Girls' Senior School at Al Ebb for senior education. The partnership, guided by Sheikh Abdulla, formed the cornerstone of Sherborne Qatar's educational identity within the country.
Community
Community
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Community
Sherborne Qatar describes its community as small in size but big in heart, with a welcoming, family‑like atmosphere and strong pastoral care. The school emphasizes family engagement and belonging through partnerships with parents across its campuses. The wider community is activated through events and partnerships, including regular coffee mornings and community activities. In March 2023 the Senior School hosted the Spring Fair, welcoming over 2,000 members of the Sherborne Qatar community.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
The Sherborne Qatar PTA is an integral part of the school community, fostering a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and the school. Through various initiatives, events, and fundraisers, the PTA strengthens belonging and collaboration and supports pupils with equipment and activities beyond what school fees cover. The PTA is run by a dedicated committee of parents and staff, with sub‑committees overseeing its diverse activities and events. In March 2023, the PTA organised the Spring Fair at the Senior School, drawing over 2,000 attendees. Regular coffee mornings are hosted by the PTA to help parents connect, share experiences, and build a supportive network. Parents who wish to get involved can email the PTA to volunteer or request information.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
The school combines the National Curriculum for England with its own values and thematic approaches to provide a comprehensive education. The Sherborne WAY of teaching blends tradition with innovation and guides pupils through a personalised learning journey. Digital literacy is a core focus to prepare pupils for the digital age. The school maintains small class sizes and an inclusive ethos to support each pupil's learning.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
Performing Arts and Music are part of the Senior Curriculum. The curriculum also includes STEM Education & Creativity across the Sherborne Qatar program.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Extra Curricular & Enrichment is offered. The school uses a House System and provides pastoral care to support students. Physical education and sports are integral to life at Sherborne Qatar. Inclusivity is at the heart of the ethos, ensuring every pupil has equal opportunities to flourish.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
The school engages with the wider community through Community Engagement activities, including Discover, Publications, Sherborne Events, and Summer Camps. There is a Giving Back initiative. The school also provides Qetaf SEN Provision and Special Outreach Service to support inclusive education and outreach.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Pupil Leadership and Voice opportunities exist for students. The House System fosters leadership, teamwork and belonging. The school emphasizes professional skills development as part of its ethos.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Pastoral care and the House System form the foundation of well-being at Sherborne Qatar. Sports and physical education are central to daily life. The environment emphasises inclusivity and personal attention to each pupil, contributing to a supportive culture.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The school teaches in English. The English National Curriculum forms the foundation for Key Stage 3. Languages taught include Arabic, French, and Spanish. Arabic is required for Arabic passport holders in Year 12. In the Sixth Form, languages offered are French, Spanish, and Arabic.
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
Not requested by user.
Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
Requested information resides on the Sherborne Qatar site. The school is fully accredited to offer I/GCSE and AS/A Level examinations from Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel. The curriculum for the Senior School aligns with Key Stage 4 (IGCSE) and Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) structures, with subject options and a broad A Level pathway.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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Admissions
The school's admissions process is a six-step pathway. Step 1: Choose your school within the Sherborne Qatar family and check year-group availability; if spaces aren't available at the preferred school, another school within the family is proposed. The admissions team helps determine the right year group based on your child's age and current school year, Ministry of Education guidelines, and prior curriculum; use the Year Group Age Tracker Guide to find entry points. Minimum entry ages are: 3 by August 31 (Pre-school); 4 by August 31 (Reception); 5 by August 31 (Year 1); 6 by August 31 (Year 2); 7 by August 31 (Year 3); 8 by August 31 (Year 4); 9 by August 31 (Year 5); 10 by August 31 (Year 6); 11 by August 31 (Year 7); 12 by August 31 (Year 8); 13 by August 31 (Year 9); 14 by August 31 (Year 10); 15 by August 31 (Year 11); 16 by August 31 (Lower Sixth); 17 by August 31 (Upper Sixth). Admission to Sherborne Qatar is subject to passing an entrance assessment. Step 2: Submit your application with required documents (completed application form; passport copies and visa information; previous school reports and transcripts; medical records and vaccination certificates; passport-sized photographs). Step 3: Assessment process: all applicants undergo an age-appropriate assessment; English language proficiency at an age-appropriate level is essential; for pupils in Qatar, the assessment is in person at a school with results within 48 hours; for pupils abroad, an online assessment is arranged with the current school and a video submission may be required, with an assessment code provided; same high standards and quick turnaround. Step 4: Assessment results and offer: Place offered; Waitlist if the year group is full; Missing documents if any. Step 5: Secure your place: within one week, pay registration fees to confirm acceptance; complete additional paperwork; arrange final documentation. Step 6: Welcome to Sherborne Qatar Family of Schools: after fees are paid, a Welcome Pack is sent; safeguarding checks are arranged with the previous school; start date is confirmed; you are connected with your child's House and form teacher. Availability and waiting list: If an applicant meets entry requirements but the relevant Year Group is full, parents will be offered a place on the Headteacher's Waiting List. Important information for international families: Ministry of Education requirements apply to year group placement; English language proficiency is essential; there is curriculum transition support for moves from other British, American, International Baccalaureate, local Arabic, or other curricula; Academic year runs from September 1 to August 31; best application times are early as popular year groups fill quickly; mid-year entry is available subject to space and assessment; assessment scheduling occurs shortly after document submission.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
Availability and Waiting List: If an applicant meets entry requirements but the relevant Year Group is full, parents will be offered a place on the Headteacher's Waiting List.