SEK International School Qatar vs The Gulf English School

	S SEK International School Qatar Doha, Qatar	T The Gulf English School Doha, Qatar
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year QAR 30,650 - 63,099	Fees / year QAR 29,130 - 56,050
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 582	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 26
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location SEK International School Qatar is located at Al-Farouq Street, West Bay, Doha, Qatar. The West Bay area is a central district in Doha that hosts many international residents and a concentration of businesses and amenities.	Location The Gulf English School is located on Al Gharrafa Street in the Ar-Rayyan district of Doha, Qatar (Al Gharrafa St, Ar-Rayyan 2440). The campus is accessible by road and serves families in Doha. A bus service operates in Doha for student transport.
Stages	Stages SEK-Qatar serves students from age 3 up to 18, covering preschool to grade 12. The school offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Public materials note a PS/PK-12 range and IB curriculums.	Stages The Gulf English School serves students aged 3 to 18, from early years through secondary education. The curriculum follows the National Curriculum for England (2014) from EYFS through KS3, with GCSE/iGCSE and BTEC pathways at KS4 and AS/A-Level qualifications at KS5.
School type	School type SEK-Qatar is a co-educational, day private international school with no boarding facilities publicly listed. The IB World School profile confirms gender is coeducational and that the school operates as a day school.	School type The Gulf English School is an international private day school and is co-educational, teaching a British curriculum to boys and girls aged 3–18.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix SEK-Qatar hosts students from over 50 nationalities, reflecting a diverse international community. The school emphasizes its international makeup, but exact ratios of local to international students are not published.	Pupil nationality mix The school hosts a diverse student body with hundreds of nationalities represented. The International Schools Database lists about 1,650 students across 45 nationalities, with the most represented nationality being Qatari and a local-to-international ratio of roughly 70% Qatari to 30% international. In 2022, 95 graduates from 11 nationalities completed the year, and in 2025, 108 graduates reflected the school's diverse intake.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Public materials describe SEK-Qatar's holistic, inclusive learning approach and a Future Learning Model that supports flexible and student-centered learning. Specific Additional Learning Needs (ALN)/SEN provisions are not published on SEK's public pages.	Additional learning support The school provides Learning Support to maximise learner potential, including in-class support, personalized learning programs, curriculum modification, alternative assessment frameworks, and individual education plans (IEPs); support is coordinated with parents as partners.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation SEK-Qatar is part of the SEK Education Group, a Spanish educational organization. This provides a Spain-based affiliation through the SEK group.	Country affiliation The Gulf English School is licensed by the Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOE) in Qatar.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation SEK-Qatar does not publish a religious affiliation; it operates as a secular international school.	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; the curriculum includes Arabic, Islamic, and Qatar History content as required by the MOE.
School day structure	School day structure The school day is published as starting around 7:00 and finishing around 15:00, with the typical schedule running Sunday to Thursday and a weekend pattern that includes Friday as a day off.	School day structure The normal school day runs Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with a start time of 7:15 for Pre-School and for Reception/KS1, and 7:30 for KS2/Secondary. End times vary by year group (e.g., Pre-School 12:45, Reception/KS1 13:30, KS2 13:50, KS4/KS5 around 13:45 on regular days). On Tuesdays the day is shorter to accommodate staff development (e.g., Pre-School 12:30, KS4/KS5 12:50).
Bus service details	Bus service details SEK Qatar does not publish details of a dedicated school bus service on its official pages. Families should contact Admissions for transport options and arrangements.	Bus service details GES provides a bus service in Doha. Upon admission you complete a bus form to apply. Buses run on the second day of school, and on the first day it is the parents' responsibility to bring their child to school. Bus safety rules and punctuality are emphasized.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and one‑time fees - Application fee: QAR 502 (non‑refundable and non‑transferable). - Registration fee: QAR 2,508 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - Seat / reservation deposit: QAR 2,508 (payable to secure a place; this amount is deducted from the first tuition invoice; non‑refundable and non‑transferable except in limited cases described below). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term instalments) The published annual tuition amounts for the current academic year are: - Preschool 3 (PS3): QAR 30,650 per year — invoiced as equal instalments of QAR 10,217. - Preschool 4 – Preschool 5 (PS4–PS5): QAR 45,891 per year — invoiced as equal instalments of QAR 15,297. - Grade 1 – Grade 6: QAR 50,000 per year — invoiced as equal instalments of QAR 16,667. - Grade 7 – Grade 10: QAR 55,676 per year — invoiced as equal instalments of QAR 18,559. - Grade 11 – Grade 12: QAR 63,099 per year — invoiced as equal instalments of QAR 21,033. Notes on tuition items and additional mandatory charges - External examination charges (for example IB exam fees for Grade 12) are invoiced in addition to tuition; an IB examination charge of QAR 2,800 for Grade 12 is shown in the published fees policy. - Textbooks, consumables and some subject‑specific materials may be charged separately or notified to families; the school communicates required materials to families. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is invoiced in instalments aligned with the academic terms; instalments are charged as equal amounts for the year and are due before the start of each academic term. Term dates for the 2025–2026 academic year are published in the school calendar. - The reservation deposit (QAR 2,508) is normally deducted from the first tuition instalment. - Non‑payment or persistent late payment may result in withholding of reports, references or transfer certificates and could lead to withdrawal of the student's place. Fees remain payable in full where indicated by the fees policy. Boarding fees - Boarding is not provided at this campus; the school operates as a day school. There are no boarding fees applicable. Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniforms: school uniform items are supplied through the authorised retailer (Zaks Uniforms); uniform costs are charged by the retailer and are not included in the tuition totals. Families purchase uniforms directly from the authorised supplier. - Textbooks and educational materials: costs for some textbooks or materials may be billed or listed separately; the school will inform families of required items. - Extracurricular activities, certain trips, transport, and some examination or subject fees are commonly invoiced separately and are not included in the posted tuition figures. Refund information (conditions and limits) - Application and registration fees are non‑refundable. The seat/reservation deposit is non‑refundable and non‑transferable in normal circumstances but may be refundable in specific cases required by Ministry guidelines (for example where the family's residence permit is cancelled before the academic year starts, or when an acceptance letter from another school is provided before the end of the academic year). - No reduction in tuition is normally made for temporary absence or illness; refunds or pro‑rata reductions are governed by the school's fees policy and Ministry regulations and are handled on a case‑by‑case basis as set out in the school's fees policy. Fee payment options and banking details - Accepted payment methods include bank transfer (wire transfer) and payment at the Finance Office; payment by cheque is also listed in the fees policy. Bank charges incurred on transfers are charged back to the school account and must be covered by the payer. The fees policy provides the school's bank account details for transfers and requires parents to quote the student name or invoice number when making payments. Other practical points - A re‑enrolment / seat reservation deposit is usually requested in March each year to secure a place for the following academic year; it is deducted from the first tuition invoice for that following year (subject to the exceptions noted above). - External examination fees and any additional charges for late entry to examinations (for students entering late) are billed separately and payable as instructed in fee invoices. If you require these fee figures displayed in another currency or structured differently for your database, I have provided the current published figures and billing arrangements above.	Fee details Entrance / Application Fees - Entrance test (application) fee: QAR 550. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable and is payable before each entrance test. Registration and Re‑registration - Registration fee (one-time, for each child): QAR 4,000. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. - Re-registration (re-enrolment) fee (to secure a place for the next academic year): QAR 4,000, payable at re-enrolment. Tuition fees by year group — amounts shown per term and total per year (academic year 2025/2026) - Pre‑School: First term QAR 11,180; Second term QAR 8,350; Third term QAR 8,350; Fees per year QAR 27,880; Book levy QAR 1,250. - Reception: First term QAR 11,180; Second term QAR 8,350; Third term QAR 8,350; Fees per year QAR 27,880; Book levy QAR 1,250. - Year 1–6: First term QAR 13,120; Second term QAR 9,900; Third term QAR 9,900; Fees per year QAR 32,920; Book levy QAR 1,500. - Year 7–8: First term QAR 17,230; Second term QAR 12,850; Third term QAR 12,850; Fees per year QAR 42,930; Book levy QAR 2,500. - Year 9: First term QAR 17,810; Second term QAR 13,250; Third term QAR 13,250; Fees per year QAR 44,310; Book levy QAR 2,750. - Year 10 (IGCSE): First term QAR 19,180; Second term QAR 14,200; Third term QAR 14,200; Fees per year QAR 47,580; Book levy QAR 2,750. - Year 11 (IGCSE): First term QAR 19,180; Second term QAR 14,200; Third term QAR 14,200; Fees per year QAR 47,580; Book levy QAR 3,000. - Year 12 (IB 1 & AS): First term QAR 20,850; Second term QAR 15,600; Third term QAR 15,600; Fees per year QAR 52,050; Book levy QAR 4,000. - Year 13 (IB 2): First term QAR 20,850; Second term QAR 15,600; Third term QAR 15,600; Fees per year QAR 52,050; Book levy QAR 4,000. Examination and assessment fees (additional to tuition) - Year 11 (IGCSE): QAR 650 per subject. - Year 12 (AS‑Level): QAR 800 per subject. - Year 13 (IB): IB Certificate fee QAR 4,500 per year; IB Diploma fee QAR 6,000 per year. Bus / Transport fees - 1‑way bus: First term QAR 1,600; Second term QAR 1,200; Third term QAR 1,200. - 2‑way bus: First term QAR 2,800; Second term QAR 2,100; Third term QAR 2,100. - Bus service is provided on fixed routes and is subject to seat availability and location. Boarding - No boarding fees are listed. The school operates as a day school with an organised bus service; there is no boarding provision shown in the published fee schedule. Other potential or occasional charges - Book levy / Stationery / Laboratory fees are charged as shown above per year group (labelled as Book Levy / Stationery / Lab. Fees). - Additional support services (ASL, ESL, SEN) are provided where required and are chargeable at an additional fee. - Uniform is not included in tuition; the school's uniform is available from the named supplier (Uniform Mart) and parents purchase uniforms from that supplier. Individual uniform prices are set by the supplier. Billing schedule and payment terms - Term due dates for the 2025/2026 academic year: First term due 1 September 2025; Second term due 1 December 2025; Third term due 1 March 2026. - Billing frequency: tuition is billed on a yearly basis for company‑sponsored students and on a quarterly/term basis for individual payers. - Full‑term tuition fees are charged regardless of the date of admission within a term. To reserve a place for a full term while the student is absent, half of that term's fees will be charged. - If payments are not made within six weeks of the due date, students will not receive their progress reports, per school policy. Refunds and cancellations - Registration, re‑registration and entrance test fees are non-refundable. No refund of tuition is given if a student withdraws from the school mid-term. Accepted payment methods and how payments are processed - Credit and debit card transactions are supported and processed via third‑party payment processors; the school does not itself store card data. - Other common payment channels used in practice include bank transfer, cheque, cash and point‑of‑sale (POS) systems; specific payment options and instructions are provided by the school's accounts office when completing enrolment or re‑enrolment. Evidence of cash/cheque/bank transfer/POS being used appears in published school fee information and local school listings. Notes for parents - Examination fees, book levies and any additional support charges (ASL/ESL/SEN) are charged on top of the tuition figures quoted above and should be budgeted for separately. (Amounts and policies above apply to the 2025/2026 fee schedule as published for the current academic year.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding; it operates as a day school.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required and purchased through Zak Uniforms in Doha. Uniforms are in stock at Zak Uniforms from the start of the academic year; the shop is open 10:00 to 19:30, Saturday to Thursday.	Uniform requirement From Pre-school to Year 11, pupils are expected to be smartly dressed at all times, wearing their school uniform or P.E. kit as appropriate. The uniform is available on sale at Uniform Mart, Al Maszhabiliya St, Near Al Meera Izghawa and Garrafa Sports Club Doha; Tel: +97444115925, +97444691459; from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
Food options	Food options —	Food options There is an on-site cafeteria. The Primary School building includes a cafeteria, and Cafeteria is listed among the school's facilities.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of SEK Education Group. SEK Qatar is governed as part of this private international education group and is one of the SEK International Schools.	Governance and ownership The Gulf English School is governed by a Board of Trustees that sets broad school policy, maintains long-term financial stability and hires and evaluates the Leadership Team. The Board consists of five appointed members in addition to the Leadership Team and meets three times a year. Ownership details are not disclosed on the site.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details SEK International School Qatar delivers the IB continuum, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for the primary years, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for the middle years, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for the final two years of secondary, with Preschool 3 through Grade 12. The language of instruction is English, with Arabic and Spanish available as language options. In PYP, learning is organized around six transdisciplinary themes and supported by Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills to foster inquiry, knowledge, and action. The MYP uses eight subject groups, including Language Acquisition in Arabic and Spanish and Language and Literature in English/Arabic/Spanish, with emphasis on intercultural understanding and global engagement. In the DP, students select six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level) across the six groups for a two-year programme and take externally moderated examinations in May. SEK-Qatar is NEASC-accredited and an IB World School authorized to offer PYP, MYP and DP.	Curriculum details The Gulf English School Qatar delivers a British-style curriculum framework taught in English, combining the National Curriculum for England (2014) from EYFS through KS3 with the International Primary Curriculum for Primary foundation subjects. KS4 offers GCSE, iGCSE, and BTEC pathways; KS5 provides AS and A-Level qualifications. All students study Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qatar History in line with Qatar MOE requirements. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), is an approved Edexcel examination centre, is a member of British Schools in the Middle East, and is licensed by the Qatar Ministry of Education. In practice, EYFS through KS3 follow the English National Curriculum, KS4/KS5 provide progression routes, with IPC in Primary and MOE-mandated subjects across all year groups.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning SEK-Qatar provides personalised counselling for all PYP, MYP and DP students to address academic and personal growth; counsellors support the IB programme with guidance and collaboration, create a safe environment for students, respect cultural differences, and assist DP students with higher education and career planning.	Social & emotional learning Gulf English School Kuwait supports social and emotional learning through a safe, caring, and happy community and a strong emphasis on the Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural aspects of education, with a culture of mutual respect and open communication with families.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN provision, including which kinds of Special Educational Needs (SEN) it can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides extra care for vulnerable students including those with SEND or mental health needs, and maintains a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and deputy DSLs with annual safeguarding training for all staff; there is no indication of a dedicated SEN department or specialist SEN facility.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the main language of instruction at SEK Qatar, with opportunities for students to develop fluency in Spanish and Arabic.	English as an additional language The Gulf English School Kuwait does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing SEK-Qatar's wellness framework includes the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI) and the RULER social and emotional intelligence program to promote recognition, expression, and self-regulation of emotions.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through pastoral care and safeguarding practices, with explicit attention to vulnerable students including those with SEND or mental health needs.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection.	Safeguarding Safeguarding follows UK guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025); there is a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and deputy leads, annual safeguarding training for all staff, and a secure RecordMy system for recording concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview SEK International School Qatar is located in West Bay, Doha. The campus features a multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall and outdoor football, basketball and volleyball courts. It supports technology-enabled learning through a BYOL (Bring Your Own Laptop) program for Grades 5–12 and is a Microsoft Showcase School, with an ICT department to support devices. Students access learning platforms such as ManageBac and ClassLink for digital learning resources. The school provides textbooks and other educational materials aligned with the IB programmes.	Facilities overview Gulf English School occupies a large campus designed to support the National Curriculum. The facilities include three fully furnished ICT suites and interactive panels in all classrooms, plus three music rooms and a drama studio. The campus provides sports facilities with indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a gymnasium, and an indoor 25-meter heated swimming pool. Practical learning is supported by breakout areas, a large hall for productions and assemblies, and a spacious playground with climbing equipment. On-site amenities include a canteen, a mosque, and a clinic to support daily student needs.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The sports facilities include a multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall used for football, basketball and volleyball, and outdoor football, basketball and volleyball courts. Sports are described as an essential component of SEK's educational model. The indoor hall and outdoor courts are part of the West Bay campus in Doha. These facilities support participation in team sports across grade levels.	Sports facilities Indoor and outdoor basketball courts and a gymnasium provide spaces for team and recreational sports. The campus also features an indoor 25-meter heated swimming pool for swimming and aquatic activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Interactive panels are installed in all classrooms, and there are three ICT suites to support technology-enabled learning. Fully equipped classrooms are designed to deliver all aspects of the National Curriculum.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities SEK-Qatar offers a complete range of extracurricular activities. Most activities are staff-led and vary by year. Updated information is available on SchoolsBuddy. Activities support the intellectual, social and physical development of students.	Extra curricular facilities Extra-curricular activities are described as a diverse range of clubs and activities, including PE, music, arts and crafts, and more, offering opportunities beyond the regular curriculum.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History SEK International School Qatar opened in 2013 in West Bay, Doha, as part of the Qatari Ministry of Education's Outstanding Schools Programme. It is part of the SEK Education Group, founded in 1892, which operates a network of international campuses. SEK-Qatar is an IB World School authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. The school is NEASC-accredited, with the latest evaluation completed in 2024. The community is multinational, representing more than 60 nationalities.	History Founded in 1993, Gulf English School (Qatar) began as an international co-educational school offering a UK-aligned program. It developed into one of Qatar's most respected international schools, expanding its curriculum and student body over time. In 2005 the school joined the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and gained IB accreditation for its Diploma Programme. In 2012 Gulf English School achieved Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation, signaling adherence to international standards. CIS reaccreditation was earned in 2019, confirming ongoing commitment to international best practices.
Community	Community The SEK-Qatar community is international, with students and staff from more than 60 nationalities. Cultural events such as International Day bring the school community together through performances and exhibitions. Qatar National Day celebrations involve students, parents and staff in performances and cultural displays. The school uses a digital learning ecosystem to coordinate events and communications with families, supported by platforms such as ManageBac and family portals.	Community GES maintains a strong, inclusive community that celebrates diversity and encourages collaboration. The school runs a broad extracurricular programme in sports, the arts, leadership, and community service, including participation in national and international events and sustainability initiatives. The alumni network reflects the school's global orientation, with graduates progressing to universities worldwide.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Public materials describe parent involvement through volunteers who support events and activities. International Day features parent-led performances such as Spanish and Greek dances, and parents contribute foods from multiple cultures. Qatar National Day celebrations include parent-led activities and displays. Arts Night and Earth Day are events that involve families and students. SEK-Qatar provides digital tools for families to engage, including SchoolsBuddy for event bookings and coordination. Public summaries of events express appreciation for parent and staff contributions, illustrating a collaborative school community.	Parent teacher association The PTA is active for the 2024-2025 school year and works in collaboration with teachers and staff to support students. In the past, PTA activities have included International Week, Book Week, Qatar National Day celebrations, silent auctions, book clubs, and the GES careers' fair. This year the PTA plans to create purposeful activities across Infants, Juniors, and Secondary and to collaborate with teachers on annual school events. Parent volunteers help organize events, contribute to communications, and support student development. Membership and participation are encouraged to ensure the PTA makes a meaningful impact on the school community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school serves students from 3 to 18 years old. The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme). The SEK Future Learning Model guides learning through the Intelligent Classroom to enable flexible, personalised and collaborative learning that fosters critical thinking and problem solving.	Academic & intellectual The Gulf English School Doha follows the National Curriculum for England (2014) from EYFS through KS3, the International Primary Curriculum in Primary, GCSE/iGCSE and BTEC pathways in KS4, and AS/A‑Levels in KS5. Arabic, Islamic Studies, and the Qatar History Curriculum are provided in line with the Qatar Ministry of Education. Enrichment is delivered through programs such as Model United Nations (MUN), the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and a Student Council that develops debate, diplomacy, and leadership skills. The Gifted and Talented program offers enriched opportunities beyond the classroom, including short-term projects, enrichment groups, clubs and trips, and participation in internal, regional and international competitions; university preparation and career guidance also support post‑secondary planning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school incorporates arts and creative disciplines as part of a holistic education. Empowerment Hubs provide time within the schedule for students to explore interests, including sports and the arts.	Arts & creative The campus provides arts and performance spaces, including a Music Suite and Art and Media Suites, plus a multi‑purpose stage for productions. The facilities support music, visual arts and drama, including spaces for rehearsals and school productions. Students can engage in arts and creative pursuits through the Extra-Curricular program and school productions.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school offers a fully bilingual Spanish and international curriculum. The IB continuum is offered across the school. Additional languages are available within the curriculum and in extracurricular activities.	Cultural & language Arabic, Islamic Studies, and the Qatar History Curriculum are provided as part of the MOE framework. Model United Nations exposes students to international issues and diplomacy, with weekly meetings and participation in national/international conferences such as THIMUN. International and Local Trips broaden intercultural understanding, with destinations including the UK, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Spain and other locations.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school promotes holistic learning that includes sports and arts; Empowerment Hubs enable students to explore personal interests within the school day.	Social & hobbies The Extra-Curricular program includes sports, arts, music, and other creative pursuits, with offerings evolving each term. The Student Council fosters leadership and runs community outreach events such as charity fundraisers, wellbeing days, awareness campaigns, food drives and environmental projects. Social clubs and hobby groups provide additional opportunities for informal student engagement beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service The mission emphasizes holistic education and developing students into capable, globally responsible citizens who serve and care for others.	Community & service Service learning is a core component of the school ethos, linking classroom learning with community service. Students undertake hands-on projects that address local and global issues, developing teamwork, problem‑solving, empathy and leadership. Projects include environmental initiatives and social outreach in collaboration with local organizations.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school employs highly qualified teachers who engage in ongoing professional learning. Staff participate in national and international conferences (IB, NEASC and ECIS), and SEK runs structured professional planning and collaboration.	Leadership & professional Student leadership is developed through the elected Student Council, which represents each year group and helps shape school policies and events. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is an official licensed Independent Award Centre at GES, offering Bronze, Silver and Gold levels for students aged 14 and above, focusing on teamwork, resilience and personal development. University preparation and career guidance provide tailored support to help students navigate higher education and career options.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The program emphasizes holistic learning and student well-being; family involvement and community engagement are integral to the learning experience.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus provides extensive sporting facilities including a 25‑meter indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and all‑weather pitches for outdoor activities. A large multipurpose hall supports PE and school productions, while dedicated arts facilities support wellbeing through performance and creativity. Pastoral care and wellbeing services are available and integrated with the PHSE curriculum to support student health and resilience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the main language of instruction. Spanish and Arabic are offered as language courses for all students. The IB curriculum includes Language Acquisition in Arabic and Spanish and Language and Literature in English, Arabic and Spanish. The program provides opportunities to develop proficiency in multiple languages across the IB continuum.	Language provision The school follows the National Curriculum for England (2014) from EYFS through KS3. The International Primary Curriculum is used to teach foundation subjects in Primary. KS4 offers GCSE, iGCSE, and BTEC pathways. KS5 includes AS and A-Level qualifications. All students follow an Arabic, Islamic, and Qatar History Curriculum as set by the Qatar Ministry of Education.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction. The school also offers Spanish and Arabic language courses for all students. In the MYP, Arabic and Spanish are taught as part of Language Acquisition, and English, Arabic and Spanish are taught in Language and Literature. The IB continuum integrates language study across subject groups to support multilingual development.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards SEK-Qatar results in international programs and recognition, including IB alignment and continuous improvement as part of SEK Education Group.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations NEASC Accredited School; The school has formal accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Admissions are open for the 2026-2027 academic year. The school accepts applications for Preschool 3 to Grade 11, serving students aged 3 to 18. Four documents are provided to guide applicants: the Admission Policy, Fees Policy, MoE Fees Approved, and Ministry of Education and Higher Education requirements. Begin your online application through the OpenApply system as the next step. 2. Start the online application by selecting Apply now and using the OpenApply On-line Application system. If you are applying for the first time, choose Application Form. If you have a previous application, select Applicant & Family Login and use the same email address. You may also schedule a school tour by selecting Schedule Tour. 3. All information regarding application deadlines and relevant details will be available in the OpenApply system. Follow the instructions there to complete the form and submit any required information. If you encounter problems or cannot remember your password, use the Admissions contact details available in OpenApply. 4. This provides you with direct access to scheduling, deadlines, and any clarifications needed during the process.	Admissions 1. The Gulf English School offers the National Curriculum of England and Wales, taught in English, for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. The school accepts students of all nationalities who meet age and language requirements, and space is needed. The language of instruction is English, and the campus is located at Al Gharrafa St, Ar-Rayyan, Doha, Qatar. 2. The first step toward enrollment is completing the online application and uploading all relevant documents, including previous school records and a reference form from the previous school before entrance testing. If shortlisted, you will be notified of the entrance exam date; admissions testing occurs throughout the year as places are available or during Spring (March/April). The entrance test includes reading, mathematics, and a writing sample. 3. Admission decisions can be full acceptance, conditional acceptance, or denial, and parents will be notified of the decision. If a year group closes, a waiting pool is established and parents/students will be notified if an opening becomes available; the school does not accept applications or testing if places are unavailable. 4. Documentation and evaluation: Applicants must provide the previous two years of school reports and any additional information to assist the evaluation. All records must be submitted in English; translated copies with official stamps are acceptable, and records from local government schools may be in Arabic. The Gulf English School can refer to the Student Support Team for assessment of special needs, and parental disclosure of any learning or behavioural needs is required. Priority for pre-school is given to siblings already at GES. Attendance, progress, and behaviour are considered for progression to the next year; the school welcomes campus tours. For progression from year to year, students must meet specified expectations in core subjects, attendance, and behaviour as outlined by the school.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting lists are online and managed as a pool when a year group closes. A waiting pool is established if places become unavailable mid-year, and parents and students are notified if an opening becomes available. Submitting an online application or initiating an entrance assessment does not guarantee placement.
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