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ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School

Oman, Muscat

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Arabic
Fees OMR 2,300 - 5,200
Ages 1½ - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1500
Type Co-educational
Opened 1990
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Arabic
Typical class size 23
Strengths Sport, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School offers Pre-KG through Grade 12 and provides Cambridge International and GED-based curricula. The school teaches in English and Arabic, and operates Cambridge and GED pathways. The campus emphasises technology-enabled learning (including a 1:1 Chromebook programme) and a broad extracurricular programme. The school relocated to a new Al Khuwair campus in 2022/23, and it maintains a strong focus on international standards, accreditation, and a values-led approach to education. The Azzan bin Qais site highlights its international accreditation, language offerings, and a wide range of clubs and programmes, including Arabic language initiatives and 21st-century skills development. The Discovering You Programme (DYP) and other unique programmes support career and personal development, while the school's strong Cambridge/GED framework underpins its assessment and progression.

103, Bareeq Al Shatti Mall Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

The Essentials

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School has 1,500 pupils, typical class sizes of 23, instruction in English, Arabic.

Location

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School is located in Muscat, Oman, at Bareeq Al Shatti Mall (P.O. Box 32, P.C. 103). The campus is in central Muscat, in the Madinat Sultan Qaboos/Al Khuwair area, with easy access to major roads and local transport. The school operates as part of the ABQ Education Group and serves Cambridge and GED programmes.

Stages

The school serves students from 18 months to 18 years, covering Pre-KG through Grade 12. The Primary section follows the Cambridge Primary Programme, while the Secondary programme offers Cambridge- and GED-based curricula.

Type

The school is a co-educational day school. It delivers Cambridge International and GED pathways across its Cambridge-based programmes.

Additional learning support

Learning support is provided through the dedicated Shamil learning-support department and the Discovering You programme, including booster lessons and targeted intervention. The programme focuses on individualised support in English, Arabic and mathematics and does not function as a special-education school for severe disabilities.

Country affiliation

No formal country affiliation is stated. ABQ operates within the Sultanate of Oman.

Religious affiliation

No formal religious affiliation is stated; ABQ presents a values-led education anchored in Omani culture.

School day structure

The school week runs Sunday to Thursday. The standard school day starts around 07:30 and ends around 14:15, with variations possible by year group or program.

Bus service

ABQ does not publish a dedicated school-bus service on its site. Access to the area is via public transport. Nearby public bus stops serve the vicinity, and routes such as line 12 are known to operate near the school.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required for all students. Uniforms can be purchased from Zaks Uniform Shop, located at Al Araimi Boulevard Mall (A'Seeb), Muscat. Common items include white polo shirts and grey trousers/shorts, with a purple polo shirt option available for younger grades.

Food Options

There is an on-site cafeteria. Cafeteria staff serve meals to students, with the school reporting well over one million meals served each year.

House System

All students become members of one of four Houses when they join the school. The House system was relaunched in 2021 and forms a central part of school life, with opportunities for individual and team participation and inter-house competitions throughout the year.

Governance and Ownership

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School is owned and operated by ABQ Education Group (Al Omania Education). The ABQ Education Group runs multiple international schools in Oman and acquired ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School in 2009; the school relocated to its current Al Khuwair campus for the 2022/23 academic year.
Fees

Annual tuition at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School ranges from OMR 2,300 to OMR 5,200 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fees

- No non‑refundable application fee, registration fee or separate enrolment deposit is published on the school's public admissions or tuition pages.

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) and resource fees

- Pre‑KG (ABQ Explorer): Various payment models available; resource fees from OMR 5 per month.
- KG1 (ABQ Explorer): Tuition OMR 2,250; Resource fee OMR 125.
- KG2 (ABQ Explorer): Tuition OMR 2,400; Resource fee OMR 125.
- Grade 1: Tuition OMR 3,050; Resource fee OMR 125.
- Grade 2: Tuition OMR 3,150; Resource fee OMR 125.
- Grade 3: Tuition OMR 3,300; Resource fee OMR 150.
- Grade 4: Tuition OMR 3,300; Resource fee OMR 150.
- Grade 5: Tuition OMR 3,400; Resource fee OMR 175.
- Grade 6: Tuition OMR 3,400; Resource fee OMR 175.
- Grade 7: Tuition OMR 3,600; Resource fee OMR 225.
- Grade 8: Tuition OMR 3,850; Resource fee OMR 225.
- Grade 9 (IGCSE 1 / GED): Tuition OMR 4,000; Resource fee OMR 225.
- Grade 10 (IGCSE 2 / GED): Tuition OMR 4,000; Resource fee OMR 225.
- Grade 11 (AS / GED): Tuition OMR 4,950; Resource fee OMR 275.
- Grade 12 (A2 / GED): Tuition OMR 4,975; Resource fee OMR 275.

Per‑term amounts (school publishes annual tuition; per‑term shown below is the annual tuition divided by three, using a three‑term academic year common to ABQ schools)

- The school publishes annual tuition only; it does not publish explicit per‑term rates. The figures below are annual tuition divided by 3 (rounded to two decimals) assuming a three‑term academic year. ABQ schools operate on a three‑term calendar.
- Pre‑KG: varies by chosen payment model (resource fees from OMR 5 per month).
- KG1: Per term tuition OMR 750.00; per term resource fee OMR 41.67.
- KG2: Per term tuition OMR 800.00; per term resource fee OMR 41.67.
- Grade 1: Per term tuition OMR 1,016.67; per term resource fee OMR 41.67.
- Grade 2: Per term tuition OMR 1,050.00; per term resource fee OMR 41.67.
- Grade 3: Per term tuition OMR 1,100.00; per term resource fee OMR 50.00.
- Grade 4: Per term tuition OMR 1,100.00; per term resource fee OMR 50.00.
- Grade 5: Per term tuition OMR 1,133.33; per term resource fee OMR 58.33.
- Grade 6: Per term tuition OMR 1,133.33; per term resource fee OMR 58.33.
- Grade 7: Per term tuition OMR 1,200.00; per term resource fee OMR 75.00.
- Grade 8: Per term tuition OMR 1,283.33; per term resource fee OMR 75.00.
- Grade 9: Per term tuition OMR 1,333.33; per term resource fee OMR 75.00.
- Grade 10: Per term tuition OMR 1,333.33; per term resource fee OMR 75.00.
- Grade 11: Per term tuition OMR 1,650.00; per term resource fee OMR 91.67.
- Grade 12: Per term tuition OMR 1,658.33; per term resource fee OMR 91.67.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The published fee schedule is for the 2025–26 academic year. School payment methods offered are: full payment in one instalment; two instalments of 50% each by post‑dated cheque (PDC); or eight monthly PDCs. The eight‑month PDC schedule and percentages are published as: 20% by 5 August, 15% by 5 September, 15% by 5 October, 10% by 5 November, 10% by 5 December, 10% by 5 January, 10% by 5 February and 10% by 5 March. Cheques should not be dated later than the 5th of the month.

Boarding fees

- No boarding provision or boarding fees are published for ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School. The public admissions and tuition information list day‑school fees and do not show any boarding charges.

Other costs and fees

- Uniforms are not included in the tuition and are listed separately; the school points to its uniform supplier/store for purchase.
- International examination fees for IGCSE and AS/A2 levels are additional charges beyond the tuition and resource fees.
- Additional fees may be charged for students who require learning support.
- Extended care fees apply to ABQ Explorer (pre‑KG / KG) students; these are charged separately from the tuition and resource fees.

Refund information

- No published refund, cancellation or fee‑refund policy is provided on the school's public tuition or admissions pages. Refund or withdrawal terms are not listed on those pages.

Fee payment options

- Accepted payment methods listed include online payments and debit and credit cards. Post‑dated cheques (PDCs) are used for instalment plans as described above.

Academics

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School teaches Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 1.5 to 18.

Curriculum

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School delivers a Cambridge International curriculum from Pre-KG to Grade 12, with Cambridge and GED Programmes offered across the school. The Early Years (ABQ Explorer) uses the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) taught bilingual 50:50 in English and Arabic, with four strands: Independence and Interdependence; Communicating; Inquiring; and Healthy Living and Physical Well-Being. In Primary, Cambridge Curriculum is taught, supported by MyMaths, Reading Eggs, I Read Arabic, and other programs such as Mobeen, ABT Benchmark Test, GL Progress Assessment, CAT4, and Oxford Reading Tree. For upper secondary, the school offers multiple qualification routes: Cambridge IGCSE in Grade 10 and A-Levels in Grade 12; a bilingual MoE General Certificate pathway (Maths and Science taught in English) and a monolingual Arabic MoE pathway; and a GED-based option via GEDx. ABQ is internationally accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) as of 11 June 2024.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through the Discovering You Program (DYP), which provides individualized learning and includes targeted intervention strategies with parental involvement. Shamil – Learning Support Programme offers dedicated support for academic, social, and emotional growth, delivered by trained professionals, with a dedicated department and spaces including a calming area for sensory needs, and integrated classrooms to foster collaboration. ABQ Explorer Pre-KG to KG uses the UK IEYC framework, which includes personal, social, and emotional development as part of its holistic approach. The Principal's Message emphasizes a safe, nurturing environment and holistic development, with active family engagement. The Parent Care Officers program supports strong parent–school communication under the ‘We care' ethos to support student wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

ABQ's dedicated Learning Support Programme (Shamil) provides individualized academic support and interventions, but none of the ABQ schools is a specialist SEN school and resources for severe learning disabilities are not available. Shamil offers individualized support for academic, social, and emotional growth, with trained professionals and integrated classrooms and spaces designed to support learning. The New Learning Support Programme (Shamil) launched in 2024 describes inclusion for Grades 1-6 and support for learning difficulties, language needs, and behavioral challenges. The Learning Support page describes booster lessons, tutoring, and a mentoring system involving parents. Overall, ABQ's SEN provision focuses on academic support and inclusive education rather than specialist SEN provision.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

ABQ Explorer offers a bilingual English-Arabic curriculum for Pre-KG to KG; it follows the IEYC framework and uses bilingual instruction. Kalemon is the Arabic second-language program used for students exempt from Arabic in the secondary years. Shamil's Learning Support Programme includes language support as part of its individualized academic assistance. A dedicated EAL program is not publicly described on ABQ's pages; language support is described through Explorer's bilingual pathway, Kalemon, and Shamil. In sum, EAL support exists via bilingual curriculum options and language-support initiatives rather than a stand-alone EAL unit.

Mental Wellbeing

Shamil addresses social and emotional wellbeing as part of ABQ's inclusion aims, with individualized support for academic, social, and emotional growth and spaces to promote well-being. The programme provides dedicated spaces, including calming areas and resources for sensory integration. DYP adds mentoring to develop 21st-century skills, helping students build resilience and personal growth. ABQ Explorer's IEYC-based curriculum emphasizes personal, social, and emotional development in early years. The Principal's Message notes ABQ provides a safe, nurturing environment that supports the holistic wellbeing of students.

Safeguarding

Nigel Wilsonlock is the designated safeguarding lead for ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School. The Principal's Message states the school operates in a safe, nurturing environment. ABQ is CIS and COBIS accredited, and accreditation criteria include safeguarding and student well-being. The Parent Care Officers ensure ongoing, direct communication with parents to support safeguarding and student welfare. The school's safeguarding culture and accreditation together reflect its governance and commitment to student protection.
Parent Experience

History

Azzan Bin Qais International School was established in 1990. ABQ Education Group (Al Omania Education) acquired ABQ Azzan Bin Qais in 2009. ABQ Seeb International School opened in 2013, and ABQ Sohar International School was acquired in 2015. ABQ expanded its early years offering with three Pre-KG nurseries in 2022 and opened ABQ Al Imtiaz Private School in 2023, and ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School earned CIS/ COBIS dual accreditation in 2024.

Community

The ABQ community is described as a welcoming, values-led environment under the ABQ Family ethos, with a focus on care and strong parent-school communication. Dedicated Parent Care Officers provide day-to-day updates and respond to school queries to keep families informed. Cross-campus events include the Inter-ABQ Basketball Tournament and the Inter-ABQ Athletics Day, fostering collaboration among ABQ schools. Community engagement also includes student art exhibitions for charitable causes, such as Whispers of Colour in 2024, and programs like the Discovering You Programme that promote 21st-century skills and career guidance.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School operates a purpose-built, centrally located campus that is light, airy and well maintained. Classrooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and most are equipped with interactive boards. The campus includes a well-stocked library with fiction and non-fiction, a resource centre, and dedicated computer labs, with free Wi‑Fi in all classrooms. It has fully equipped science laboratories for each science subject and a large multi-purpose hall for assemblies and events. The school also houses a Performing Arts Centre, rooms for music and art, a year-round swimming pool, an on-site cafeteria and a full-service health clinic.

Sports Facilities

The campus offers extensive sports facilities, including indoor sports halls and generous partly shaded outdoor play areas. Multipurpose sports courts with artificial turf, plus tennis and padel courts, support a range of activities. A large multi-purpose hall serves as a central venue for indoor physical education and events. The swimming pool enables year-round training.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include spacious, air-conditioned classrooms with interactive boards and free Wi‑Fi throughout. There is a well-stocked library and a formal resource centre to support study and research. Fully equipped science laboratories are available for each science subject, and there are designated computer labs to support digital learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

ABQ offers a broad extracurricular program, including a Performing Arts Centre and dedicated rooms for music, art and design to support creative pursuits. Extracurricular clubs are available to complement the academic program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Extracurricular Activities program at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School includes clubs that support academic enrichment and STEM. Examples include the ABQ Debating Club, ABQ Science Club, ABQ Model United Nations Club, and the ABQ AI & AR Club. Secondary clubs include ABQ Digital Design and Animation, ABQ Writers' Club, ABQ Book Club, ABQ Photography Club, ABQ Art Club, ABQ Drama Club, and ABQ Environmental Club. The format and frequency of club meetings may vary based on student interest and the availability of subject specialists.

Arts & Creative

The ABQ Music Club provides practice space for students and opportunities to perform on- and off-campus. The ABQ Photography Club helps students develop observational skills and tell stories through photography, with studio sessions and planned outings. The ABQ Art Club and ABQ Drama Club offer outlets for creativity and performance, while the ABQ Writers' Club and ABQ Book Club foster writing and literature in a collaborative setting. The format and frequency of meetings may vary.

Cultural & Language

Model United Nations Club helps students develop global awareness, research, and public-speaking skills as they prepare for conferences. The ABQ Holy Quran Club organises activities related to Islamic practices and Quran study, using modern learning methods. English and Arabic are the languages taught at ABQ, reinforcing a bilingual environment that supports cultural exchange and understanding. The format and frequency of meetings may vary.

Social & Hobbies

The ABQ Sports Club offers a wide variety of sports and recreational activities designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle and sportsmanship. The ABQ Photography Club, ABQ Book Club, ABQ Debating Club, ABQ Drama Club, ABQ Art Club, and ABQ Music Club provide additional informal interest-based groups where students can explore passions beyond academics. These clubs support teamwork, communication, and leadership through collaborative projects and performances. The format and frequency of meetings may vary.

Leadership & Professional

ABQ provides leadership and professional development through the Discovering You Programme, which helps students explore careers and build life skills. The school also offers unique programmes such as ABQ Ambassador, DYP, GEDx, and Mobeen that focus on leadership development and personal growth. The Grade 11 students have opportunities to participate in job shadowing to explore interest-based careers, a program mentioned in school news. These activities support the development of 21st-century skills across ABQ's extracurricular framework.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The ABQ Sports Club offers a wide variety of sports and recreational activities designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle and sportsmanship. The ABQ Wellness program provides wellness-focused activities and support for students. A Water Safety programme equips students with knowledge and confidence to stay safe in and around water. These wellbeing-focused activities are integrated with ABQ's broader curriculum to support holistic development.
Languages

Language Provision

English and Arabic are the languages taught at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School. Arabic language is supported through Mobeen, a specialised Arabic-excellence program designed to enhance Arabic language skills and celebrate the language. Shamil – Learning Support Programme provides tailored academic, social, and emotional support for diverse learners. The school follows Cambridge & GED curricula, with instruction conducted in English and Arabic language support integrated into the program.

Bilingual Teaching

ABQ Explorer, the early years program at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School, provides bilingual education in English and Arabic. The IEYC is taught in a 50:50 English-Arabic model. The program is offered for Pre-KG and KG students, approximately 18 months to 4 years old. English and Arabic are languages taught at the school, reflecting this bilingual approach across the campus.

Immersion Programs

ABQ Explorer's bilingual program provides immersion-style language exposure by delivering IEYC content in English and Arabic on a 50:50 basis. The IEYC framework includes four learning strands—Independence and Interdependence, Communicating, Inquiring, and Healthy Living and Physical Well-Being—which guides activities in both languages. ABQ Explorer targets Pre-KG and KG students, roughly 18 months to 4 years.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Initiate contact with the ABQ admissions team. You should reach out via the WhatsApp option on the admissions pages or call +968 24210299 to begin the registration process. The admissions team provides guidance and aims to make enrolment smooth and easy, answering questions and helping you through the next steps. You can also request a tour if you wish to visit before applying.

2. Check age and class eligibility for the 2026/27 academic year. ABQ places students into classes based on age ranges that align with specific date windows (1 July to 31 December or 1 January to 30 June). See the age table to confirm the correct class placement for Pre-KG through Grade 12. This step ensures your child qualifies for the intended year level before you proceed with enrolment.

3. Prepare and gather required documents. The Ministry of Education requires a set of documents to accompany the enrolment form, including proof of address, copies of student and parent IDs, passport pages, visa/residence pages (for non-Omani students), birth certificate, health card, and academic reports for the last two years. You will also need the MOE Portal Transfer Letter if transferring from another school, and documents may need embassy stamping for overseas applicants. Organise these items so you can submit a complete enrolment packet.

4. Submit the enrolment form and sign terms. Along with the enrolment form, you must sign the registration terms and conditions and provide the MOE portal transfer letter from the previous school if applicable. Ensure duplicates of required documents are included as listed, since the enrolment packet must be complete for processing. The school will review the submission and guide you on any missing items.

5. Address MOE stamping and embassy requirements if needed. For non-Omani students or those who studied overseas, official documents should be stamped by their Embassy and the Omani Foreign Affairs Ministry. This stamping helps validate documents for MOE processing and ensures compliance with local requirements.

6. Await admission review and response. The admissions team communicates through the established channels (including WhatsApp) and works to guide families through the next steps after submission. If additional information or documentation is needed, the team will request it to complete the enrolment. You should expect timely communication as part of the admissions process.

7. Review fee options and arrange payment as part of enrolment. ABQ offers several payment methods, including full payment at once, two 50% instalments by post-dated cheques (PDC), or eight monthly PDCs aligned to a payment schedule. The schedule sets out percentages due by the 5th of specified months (e.g., August through March). Plan your payments to align with these terms if you are proceeding with enrolment.

8. Consider additional costs and services. Note that the uniform is not included in the tuition, and extended care fees apply to ABQ Explorer students. Additional charges may apply for learning support or international examination fees (IGCSE/AS/A2). Factor these into your overall enrolment budget and plan accordingly.

9. Final enrolment steps and welcome. After you complete the enrolment steps and ensure all documents and payments are in order, you will complete the enrolment process with ABQ. The school's admissions materials emphasize a smooth and easy transition for families joining the ABQ community.

Scholarships

ABQ Merit Scholarships (2026–2027) are the formal scholarship offering. ABQ is awarding 12 academic scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year across ABQ Azzan Bin Qais, ABQ Seeb, and ABQ Sohar. Scholarships are available to students in Grades 9–12 (GED, IGCSE, and A Levels) and provide a 100% waiver of tuition fees for two academic years (one-year for Grade 12 entrants). If a candidate does not meet minimum criteria, ABQ reserves the right to transfer the scholarship to a different category or not grant it. The timeline is: application period 5–29 January 2026; CAT4 assessment on 7 February 2026; panel interviews for shortlisted candidates on 15 February 2026; and announcements on 25 February 2026. Applications are submitted via the ABQ scholarship portal, including a scholarship questionnaire, grade reports, a 300–400 word passion essay, and a short video answering two of several prompts. Terms and conditions specify that scholarships are awarded by merit and that successful candidates must meet entry requirements, maintain performance, and may be required to participate in publicity. The scholarship program notes that other fees (books, cafeteria, uniform, exam fees, etc.) remain payable by recipients.

Waitlist

ABQ does not publish a waitlist or pool system on its admissions pages.
School Events
The school has not added events