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ABQ Sohar International School

Oman, Sohar

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Arabic, Urdu, French
Fees OMR 1,700 - 4,350
Ages 3 - 19 years
Pupil numbers 1500
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, Arabic, Urdu, French
Typical class size 23
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

ABQ Sohar International School is a Cambridge International School offering Cambridge and GED pathways for students aged 3 to 19. The campus supports up to 1,500 students with an average class size of 23 and a student–teacher ratio of 13:1. The curriculum includes Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Secondary programmes, with Cambridge IGCSE available in appropriate years, alongside GED-based routes. The school provides six science laboratories, four ICT laboratories and a modern library, plus a Junior Science Laboratory. Instruction is delivered in English, with Arabic, Urdu and French offered as additional languages. ABQ emphasizes 21st-century skills through its Discovering You Program, a 1:1 Chromebook initiative, and language initiatives such as Mobeen for Arabic. A broad range of extracurricular activities accompanies the academic programme, including sports, music, photography, debating, and art clubs. ABQ is CIS and COBIS accredited, reflecting international standards in academics, welfare and facilities.

P.O. Box 280, Postal Code 311, Sohar, Sultanate of Oman.

The Essentials

ABQ Sohar International School has 1,500 pupils, typical class sizes of 23, instruction in English, Arabic, Urdu, French.

Location

ABQ Sohar International School is located in Sohar, Sultanate of Oman. The campus moved to a purpose-built facility in August 2019. The postal address is P.O. Box 280, Postal Code 311, Sohar, Oman, and the contact phone is +968 2664 8800.

Stages

The school offers Pre-KG to Grade 12, with Cambridge and GED curricula. The secondary division serves Grades 7–12, offering Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A Level options, plus the MOE bilingual GED stream.

Type

The school is a private international institution operated by ABQ Education Group, delivering Cambridge International programmes and GED pathways. It is part of ABQ's network of international schools in Oman.

Additional learning support

Shamil – Learning Support Programme provides individualized academic, social and emotional support; trained professionals collaborate with classroom teachers; there are dedicated spaces and resources to aid learning; ongoing professional development for staff.

Country affiliation

Oman.

Religious affiliation

No formal religious affiliation is listed. Islamic Studies is taught as part of the curriculum for Grades 7–8.

School day structure

The school day commonly runs from around 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, with drop-off beginning at 7:30 am and classes typically within an 08:00–15:30 window depending on year group.

Bus service

A published school-bus schedule or provider is not listed on the school's pages; transport arrangements can be pursued via the admissions team by contacting 72221960 or using the WhatsApp option shown on the admissions page.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniform consists of white polo T-shirts for KG1–KG2 and grey trousers or Bermuda shorts, with purple polo T-shirts for older students; a stripe shirt is used for Grades 7–12. A grey fleece jacket and PE kit (grey track pants/shorts) complete the set, and uniforms are sold through Zaks Uniform Shop with an on-campus uniform shop available.

Food Options

There are two on-site cafeterias on the Sohar campus. The facilities note these cafeterias as part of the campus amenities,

House System

All students join one of four Houses on joining; the system was relaunched in 2021 to foster belonging. Both individual and team efforts are rewarded, and students take part in inter-house competitions throughout the year.

Governance and Ownership

ABQ Sohar International School is owned and operated by ABQ Education Group, a private operator of international schools in Oman. The ABQ group runs three CIS/COBIS-accredited international schools and several standalone nurseries, with The ABQ Way as the governance model across ABQ schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at ABQ Sohar International School ranges from OMR 1,700 to OMR 4,350 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees
- No separate non‑refundable application fee or registration fee is published for ABQ Sohar; no application or registration charge is listed in the school's admissions or tuition materials.

Tuition fees by year group (annual) and resource fee

- Pre‑KG (ABQ Explorer): Various payment models available; resource fee from OMR 5 per month.
- KG1 (ABQ Explorer): Tuition OMR 1,600 per year; Resource Fee OMR 175.
- KG2 (ABQ Explorer): Tuition OMR 1,700 per year; Resource Fee OMR 175.
- Grade 1: Tuition OMR 1,950 per year; Resource Fee OMR 200.
- Grade 2: Tuition OMR 1,950 per year; Resource Fee OMR 200.
- Grade 3: Tuition OMR 2,200 per year; Resource Fee OMR 225.
- Grade 4: Tuition OMR 2,250 per year; Resource Fee OMR 225.
- Grade 5: Tuition OMR 2,325 per year; Resource Fee OMR 225.
- Grade 6: Tuition OMR 2,350 per year; Resource Fee OMR 225.
- Grade 7: Tuition OMR 2,575 per year; Resource Fee OMR 275.
- Grade 8: Tuition OMR 2,575 per year; Resource Fee OMR 275.
- Grade 9 (IGCSE 1 / GED): Tuition OMR 3,225 per year; Resource Fee OMR 275.
- Grade 10 (IGCSE 2 / GED): Tuition OMR 3,500 per year; Resource Fee OMR 300.
- Grade 11 (AS / GED): Tuition OMR 3,500 per year; Resource Fee OMR 300.
- Grade 12 (A2 / GED): Tuition OMR 4,250 per year; Resource Fee OMR 325.

Per‑term detail and billing frequency
- Tuition amounts are published as annual fees per grade. Per‑term amounts are not published as fixed term invoices; families may select from the listed payment options (full annual payment, two 50% instalments, or eight monthly post‑dated cheques). The school does not publish a separate per‑term fee schedule.

Billing schedule and payment terms (instalment options and dates)
- Payment options offered:
- Full payment (one payment for the annual tuition).
- Two instalments: two payments of 50% each, paid by post‑dated cheques (PDCs).
- Eight monthly instalments by PDCs using the following schedule: 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; 10% by 5 March. Cheques should not be dated later than the 5th of each month.

Additional charges and other costs
- International external examination fees (IGCSE and AS/A2) are charged in addition to the tuition amounts shown.
- Additional fees may be charged for any extra learning support required outside normal class provision.
- Uniforms are not included in the tuition. Uniforms are available through the school's official supplier (Zaks); the supplier accepts Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards. Uniform costs will vary depending on items purchased.
- Any other activity‑specific charges (for some trips, extracurriculars or optional offerings) or consumables are not specified in the published fee table and may be charged separately.

Boarding fees
- There is no published boarding provision or boarding fees for ABQ Sohar; boarding is not listed as an option in the school's admissions or tuition materials. Therefore boarding fees are not applicable.

Refund information
- No specific refund policy for tuition, registration, deposits or instalments is published in the school's tuition or admissions material. No published schedule of refunds or refund percentages is provided.

Fee payment options and accepted methods
- Accepted payment methods include online payments and debit and credit cards. The uniform supplier accepts Visa and Mastercard. The school accepts post‑dated cheques for instalment plans.
Academics

ABQ Sohar International School teaches Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 19.

Curriculum

ABQ Sohar International School delivers an international Cambridge-focused curriculum with Cambridge and the Omani GED pathways, taught from Pre-KG to Grade 12, with instruction in English and Arabic (plus Urdu and French). ABQ Explorer (Pre-KG to KG2) follows the UK-based International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) in a fully bilingual English-Arabic programme. The Primary Curriculum follows the Cambridge Primary Programme in English, Maths and Science, while Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies align to the MOE framework; Kalemon is offered as an Arabic second-language option, and Cambridge assessments include Progress Tests (Grades 3-6) and Cambridge Checkpoint (Grade 6). In Secondary (Grades 7-8, Key Stage 3) students study a broad range of subjects and complete Cambridge Checkpoint at the end of Grade 8; in Grades 9-10 (Key Stage 4) they may pursue IGCSE or the Omani GED, with compulsory subjects Maths, English, Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. In the senior years, students choose between A Levels or the Omani GED, with the GED pathway requiring five compulsory subjects (English, Arabic, Maths, Islamic Studies, Social Studies) plus four electives.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

ABQ Sohar International School provides social and emotional learning through its dedicated Shamil Learning Support Programme, which addresses academic, social and emotional growth with individualised support delivered by trained professionals and integrated in classroom settings. The Discovering You Programme (DYP) is a two-part, mentorship-based initiative that develops 21st-century skills, including collaboration, communication and social skills, reinforcing well-being and personal development. The school highlights pastoral care as a core element of its offering, with a focus on life skills and wellbeing through DYP and structured student support. The House System in ABQ Sohar also contributes to SEL by creating a sense of belonging and fostering responsibility among students. This approach aligns with ABQ's emphasis on holistic, values-led education and student welfare.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Shamil – Learning Support Programme provides individualised academic, social and emotional support and uses a dedicated Learning Support Department in each school. However, ABQ explicitly states that none of its schools is a special education school, nor do they have resources to provide for students with severe learning disabilities. Support within Learning Support includes subject-focused interventions (e.g., English, Arabic and Mathematics) and study skills, delivered in a student-centred, inclusive framework. As a result, SEN provision is designed for mild-to-moderate needs and general inclusion rather than as a standalone specialist SEN service. The school emphasises inclusion and differentiated teaching rather than operating as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school teaches English as a language of instruction and also offers Arabic, Urdu and French; explicit English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision is not described as a distinct programme. Learning Support includes academic support for English as part of its subject-specific interventions, but there is no published, separate EAL service. English is listed among the languages taught at ABQ Sohar, indicating English language use across the curriculum. No dedicated EAL department or programme is publicly described on the school pages.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through the Shamil Learning Support Programme, which focuses on social and emotional growth and provides spaces designed to aid wellbeing (e.g., calming areas and environments that support self-organisation and sensory integration). The Discovering You Programme (DYP) also contributes to wellbeing by teaching life skills and supporting holistic development. Pastoral care is explicitly emphasised, with a focus on wellbeing as part of the school's caring ethos and its broader student support framework. The combination of targeted learning support, pastoral care and wellbeing-focused programmes underpins a holistic approach to students' mental health.

Safeguarding

Parent Care Officers provide dedicated, ongoing communication and support for each ABQ family, strengthening safeguarding and pastoral welfare through direct updates and a shared We Care ethos. ABQ's international accreditation (CIS) affirms a commitment to student well-being and safeguarding standards, with CIS noting that safeguarding and student well-being are core evaluation criteria. COBIS accreditation, which ABQ has attained for its international schools, similarly signals high safeguarding and welfare expectations. In short, safeguarding is supported through structured family engagement, external accreditation, and inclusive student support, though formal, published safeguarding policies are not publicly described on the school pages.
Parent Experience

History

The ABQ Education Group traces its origins to Azzan Bin Qais International School, founded in 1990. ABQ Education Group acquired ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School in 2009, and the school relocated to a new campus for the 2022–23 academic year. ABQ Seeb International School joined the ABQ family in 2013 as part of the group's expansion. ABQ Sohar International School was acquired in 2015, becoming the largest international school in the Batinah region, and moved to a purpose-built campus in August 2019. The ABQ Way, a standardized operator model for its schools, was introduced to ensure consistent quality and delivery across the ABQ network.

Community

ABQ Sohar fosters a happy and welcoming learning environment with emphasis on excellence inside and outside the classroom. Each ABQ family is supported by a dedicated Parent Care Officer who acts as a personal advocate for their child's education. Parents have access to a dedicated Parent Portal to engage with school resources. Community life is enriched by a range of events and programs, including visits by international organizations, student exhibitions, and career-related activities highlighted in ABQ News.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

ABQ Sohar does not operate a traditional Parent Teacher Association (PTA); instead, ABQ uses a formal Parent Care Officer program to support families. From the day a child joins an ABQ school, a Parent Care Officer is assigned to each family as a personal advocate for education. The school maintains formal parent engagement channels through the ABQ Parent Portal, which provides access to resources and communications. ABQ's growth model, The ABQ Way, provides a standardized framework for parent–school engagement across all ABQ international schools. ABQ events and programs, such as delegations, scholarships, and student career-related initiatives, illustrate active family involvement within the ABQ community. Parent Care Officers operate across ABQ Sohar, ABQ Azzan Bin Qais, and ABQ Seeb to ensure consistent, individualized support for families.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus is a purpose-built, modern facility that is light, airy, and well maintained. Classrooms are spacious and air-conditioned, with many equipped with interactive boards. Academic facilities include six science laboratories, four ICT laboratories, a specialist Junior Science Laboratory, and a modern library with Wi‑Fi. A large multi-purpose hall and indoor sports halls, plus partly shaded outdoor play areas and multipurpose courts with artificial turf support a broad PE program. Dedicated spaces for music, art and design exist, along with a cafeteria serving over one million meals a year and an on-site health clinic staffed by full-time nurses.

Sports Facilities

The school has large indoor sports halls, outdoor play areas, and multipurpose courts with artificial turf. There are facilities for year-round swimming with pools built for training and continuous use. A large multi-purpose hall supports physical education, assemblies, and events, complemented by outdoor spaces suitable for a range of sports and recreational activities.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include six science laboratories, four ICT laboratories, and a dedicated Junior Science Laboratory. Classrooms are spacious and many feature interactive boards, and designated computer labs provide technology access across subjects. The campus offers a modern library with free Wi‑Fi to support research and independent study.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Music, art and design rooms are designated and well-stocked with the resources needed for creative pursuits. The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities through clubs and programs. The cafeteria serves over one million meals annually to support student well-being throughout the school day.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

ABQ Sohar offers a range of academic and intellectual ECAs. The Debating Club and Science Club provide opportunities for argumentation and scientific inquiry, while the Model United Nations Club develops research, analysis, and diplomacy skills. The Digital Design and Animation Club and the AI & AR Club offer hands-on experiences with modern technology and critical thinking. The format and frequency of meetings vary depending on student interest and staff availability.

Arts & Creative

ABQ Sohar provides multiple arts- and creativity-focused ECAs. The ABQ Music Club offers practice spaces and opportunities to perform on- and off-campus. The ABQ Art Club and ABQ Drama Club support visual arts and theatre, while the ABQ Photography Club helps students tell stories through images. The ABQ Book Club and ABQ Writers' Club cultivate reading and writing skills in collaborative, creative environments.

Cultural & Language

ABQ Sohar offers cultural and language activities through the ABQ Holy Quran Club and the ABQ Model United Nations Club, which promote cultural awareness and global perspectives. The school teaches English, Arabic, Urdu, and French, supporting multilingual communication and intercultural understanding. Through Model United Nations and Quran-related activities, students engage with different cultures and ideas.

Social & Hobbies

ABQ Sohar offers clubs that support social interests and hobbies. The ABQ Sports Club provides a wide variety of sports and recreational activities to promote teamwork and healthy competition. The ABQ Photography Club, ABQ Book Club, ABQ Writers' Club, ABQ Debating Club, and ABQ Drama Club provide social and creative outlets beyond academics.

Community & Service

ABQ Environmental Club raises awareness of environmental issues such as protection, conservation, preservation, and restoration, with an emphasis on education and empowerment. Students participate in activities that promote sustainable practices and responsible citizenship. The club aligns with the school's broader commitment to holistic development beyond academics.

Leadership & Professional

Debating Club and Model United Nations Club develop leadership, research, public speaking, and collaboration skills. The Digital Design and Animation Club provides project-based experiences that involve teamwork and planning. Secondary clubs like ABQ AI & AR Club encourage emerging technology leadership and problem-solving. Through these clubs, students gain opportunities to lead projects, mentor peers, and present to audiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

ABQ Sports Club promotes physical activity and healthy living through a range of sports and recreational activities. Participation in ECAs supports wellbeing by fostering teamwork, discipline, and stress relief after school. The program emphasizes safe, respectful competition and balanced lifestyles. Additional wellbeing benefits come from engaging in arts, writing, and creative pursuits that provide outlets for relaxation and reflection.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught at ABQ Sohar are English, Arabic, Urdu and French. The Arabic language development is supported by Mobeen, a dedicated Arabic excellence program. Non-native language learners can access additional support through Shamil, ABQ's Learning Support Programme, which provides individualized academic, social and emotional support.

Bilingual Teaching

ABQ Sohar provides a MOE bilingual stream for Grades 9–12 as an alternative to Cambridge/Edexcel routes. The MOE bilingual stream is described as developing intellectual and technical skills while fostering Islamic Arabic heritage. In Grades 7–8, Islamic Studies, Arabic and Social Studies are delivered in Arabic.
Reputation

Awards

Cambridge Top in Oman Awards: The school highlights Cambridge Top in Oman Awards as part of its Cambridge performance recognition. This represents school‑level recognition of outstanding Cambridge examination results.

Accreditations

- CIS accreditation (Council of International Schools): An international validation that ABQ Sohar International School meets global standards for academic quality and student well‑being. This accreditation signals alignment with internationally recognized practices across programmes, teaching, facilities, and support services.

- COBIS accreditation (Council of British International Schools): An independent standard for British international schools, reflecting rigorous quality in curriculum delivery, governance, and student welfare. ABQ Sohar is part of the ABQ group noted as holding dual CIS and COBIS accreditation, a status shared across ABQ's Oman campuses.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Initiate contact and arrange a campus visit. Begin by reaching ABQ Sohar International School admissions via WhatsApp or by calling 72221960 to start the registration process; the admissions team is available to assist and can help you with next steps. You may also book a campus tour through the Book A Tour option to see facilities and meet staff. This initial contact sets up the pathway to confirm eligibility and begin the enrolment process.

2. Check eligibility and class placement using the 2026/27 age guidelines. There is a defined age chart forPre-KG through Grade 12 for the 2026/27 academic year, with birth-year windows determining appropriate classes. Review the chart to verify which grade your child would enter based on their birth year and the academic session. This step helps ensure your child is placed in the correct program from Pre-KG to Grade 12.

3. Prepare and submit required documents. The enrolment form must be accompanied by documentation required by the Ministry of Education, including a utility bill as proof of address, signing on the registration terms, a School Fee Confirmation Form, copies of the student's and parents' passports, valid visa pages, birth certificate, health form, and two passport-sized photographs. Additional items such as the Health Card and, for non-Omani students, resident cards may also be requested. Gather these materials in advance to avoid delays in processing.

4. Complete enrolment formalities and provide fee documentation. Submit the enrolment form together with the required documents and the School Fee Confirmation Form. Be prepared for the possibility of international examination fees (IGCSE/AS-A2/GED) being charged separately where applicable. The admissions team will guide you through the documents workflow and confirm next steps once submitted.

5. Review fee options and finalize payment. ABQ Sohar offers multiple payment methods for tuition and fees, including full payment at once, two 50% instalments by post-dated cheques, or eight monthly post-dated cheques according to a scheduled plan (dates and percentages are specified, e.g., 20% by August 5, then 15% by September 5, etc.). The School Uniform cost is not included in the tuition, and online payments, debit, and credit card payments are accepted. Clarify any learning-support fees that may apply beyond standard tuition.

6. Admission decision and enrollment confirmation. The admissions team commits to guiding families through the process and aims for a smooth enrolment experience. After completing the necessary steps and receiving a decision, the school will notify families of the outcome and proceed with enrollment formalities. This step culminates in official enrollment and registration for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships

ABQ Merit Scholarships are offered across ABQ's CIS & COBIS-accredited international schools, including ABQ Sohar. The programme provides 12 academic scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year, available to students in Grades 9–12 (GED, IGCSE, and A Levels). Each scholarship is a 100% tuition fee waiver and is valid for two academic years, except for Grade 12 scholarships, which are one year. Applications open 5–29 January 2026, with CAT4 assessments on 7 February 2026, panel interviews on 15 February 2026 (if required), and the announcement of recipients on 25 February 2026.

Waitlist

ABQ Sohar International School does not publish a waitlist or pool system in its admissions information. The admissions process and contact options are described, but there is no published documentation of a waitlist mechanism or pool. If space becomes available, families typically follow the standard admissions steps outlined above, guided by the admissions team.
School Events
The school has not added events