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Cheltenham Muscat

Oman, Muscat

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees OMR 3,899 - 8,111
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 700
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 20
Introduction

Cheltenham Muscat is an all-through British curriculum day school in Al Bandar, Muscat, offering education from KG1 (Pre‑school) through Grade 12 (ages 4 to 18). The school follows a British approach combined with the Cambridge International curriculum and delivers A‑Levels in Sixth Form; it notes Ministry of Education approval for either a two‑ or three‑year IGCSE pathway. English is the primary language of instruction and the school operates an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme and learning support provision. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught by specialist teachers from the earliest years, and modern language options include French and Spanish. Campus facilities described on the school site include science laboratories, a design‑technology workshop, creative arts studios and a theatre‑in‑the‑round, as well as extensive sports provision (outdoor pitches, sports halls, gymnasium and a competition‑standard swimming pool). The school is part of the Cheltenham College family of schools and runs an extensive academy and extra‑curricular programme with external partners.

Al Bandar, Muscat, Oman

The Essentials

Cheltenham Muscat has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location

Cheltenham Muscat is located in Al Bandar, Muscat, Oman. The campus sits on a 45,000 square metre site within the Al Bandar Masterplan, a large mixed-use development near residential areas. It is in close proximity to Muscat International Airport and City Centre Muscat, with straightforward road access.

Stages

The school is structured in three bands: Pre-Prep (KG1–Grade 2), Prep (Grade 2–Grade 8), and Senior (Grade 8–Grade 12). This progression covers early years through to the end of secondary schooling.

Type

Cheltenham Muscat is a co-educational British international day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Enrollment is reported around 700–800 pupils with representation from about 50–60 nationalities. The most common nationalities are Omani and British. The international mix reflects the school's British international profile and its location in Muscat.

Additional learning support

The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and a Learning Support Department. Pupil needs are addressed through EAL group and one-to-one provision, and every learner in need receives an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with opportunities for tailored, small-group support; some specialist EAL tuition may incur additional charges.

Country affiliation

The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom through the Cheltenham College family of international schools and offers a British curriculum (IGCSEs, A Levels, or GED).

Religious affiliation

No formal religious affiliation is stated in official materials.

School day structure

KG1–Grade 2 start at 7:15am with 7:30am registration; collection is at 2:00pm, with after-school activities or paid academy options. Grades 3–12 start at 7:15am with 7:30am registration; collection is at 3:45pm, with optional after-school activities from 4:00pm onward.

Bus service

A school bus service operates for KG1 through Grade 12. Routes cover areas across Muscat including Al Mouj, Mawaleh, Al Hail, Mabella, Bawshar, Al Ansab, Qurum, Khoud, Al Athaiba, Ghubra, and Al Khuwair. A bus-tracking application allows parents to monitor journeys and request absences; for more info, contact the transport team.
Diving Deeper

Food Options

Healthy food choices are promoted as part of the Cognita Be Well Charter.

Governance and Ownership

The school is part of the Cognita family of Schools. It is part of the Cheltenham College Family of Schools network.
Fees

Annual tuition at Cheltenham Muscat ranges from OMR 3,899 to OMR 8,111 for 2026/27.

Overview (academic year 2025–26)

- All fees below are charged in OMR and apply to the 2025–26 academic year.

Application, assessment and deposit

- Application fee (new pupils): OMR 150 — one-off, non-refundable.
- Assessment fee (per applicant): OMR 200 — refundable only if a place is not offered.
- Place-holding deposit to secure an offer: 40% of the first term's fees, non-refundable and payable within 10 working days of the offer; the deposit is deducted from the first term's fees.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual total) — Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior

- KG 1: Term 1 OMR 1,560; Term 2 OMR 1,560; Term 3 OMR 779; Total per year OMR 3,899.
- KG 2: Term 1 OMR 1,783; Term 2 OMR 1,783; Term 3 OMR 890; Total per year OMR 4,456.
- Grade 1: Term 1 OMR 2,005; Term 2 OMR 2,005; Term 3 OMR 1,003; Total per year OMR 5,013.
- Grade 2: Term 1 OMR 2,005; Term 2 OMR 2,005; Term 3 OMR 1,003; Total per year OMR 5,013.
- Grade 3: Term 1 OMR 2,005; Term 2 OMR 2,005; Term 3 OMR 1,003; Total per year OMR 5,013.
- Grade 4: Term 1 OMR 2,207; Term 2 OMR 2,207; Term 3 OMR 1,103; Total per year OMR 5,517.
- Grade 5: Term 1 OMR 2,228; Term 2 OMR 2,228; Term 3 OMR 1,114; Total per year OMR 5,570.
- Grade 6: Term 1 OMR 2,419; Term 2 OMR 2,419; Term 3 OMR 1,209; Total per year OMR 6,047.
- Grade 7: Term 1 OMR 2,450; Term 2 OMR 2,450; Term 3 OMR 1,226; Total per year OMR 6,126.
- Grade 8: Term 1 OMR 2,640; Term 2 OMR 2,640; Term 3 OMR 1,319; Total per year OMR 6,599.
- Grade 9: Term 1 OMR 2,725; Term 2 OMR 2,725; Term 3 OMR 1,363; Total per year OMR 6,813.
- Grade 10: Term 1 OMR 2,725; Term 2 OMR 2,725; Term 3 OMR 1,363; Total per year OMR 6,813.
- Grade 11: Term 1 OMR 3,244; Term 2 OMR 3,244; Term 3 OMR 1,623; Total per year OMR 8,111.
- Grade 12: Term 1 OMR 3,244; Term 2 OMR 3,244; Term 3 OMR 1,623; Total per year OMR 8,111.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or by three instalments payable in advance of each term.
- A 5% tuition discount is available for families who pay the full year's fees in a single payment at acceptance; this full-payment discount is only applicable when paying by bank transfer, cheque, or cash.
- Re-enrolment fee for the 2026/27 academic year is due before the end of Term 2 (March 2026); the first term's payment for 2026/27 is required by June 2026 (re-enrolment/payment timetable described in the school's fee policy).
- Failure to pay the required deposit or fees within the stated deadlines may result in an offer being withdrawn.

Boarding fees

- Cheltenham Muscat does not list or operate a boarding programme for pupils; there are no boarding fees published for this school.

Other costs and additional charges

- Tuition fees do not include school lunches, school transportation, educational trips, or extracurricular activities run by external providers; these items are charged separately.
- School bus service is available for KG1 to Grade 12; routes cover a wide range of Muscat areas and transport fees and timings are published/managed through the school's transport team (transport is a separate charge).
- Uniform: uniform items for Cheltenham Muscat are supplied through a specialist school uniform provider; uniform costs are separate from tuition and are purchased directly from the supplier.
- Extra charges may apply for certain external-provider extracurricular programmes, optional trips, examination fees, and other services not included in tuition.

Sibling discounts

- A 5% discount is available for the third and subsequent child enrolled at the school; this sibling discount is applicable only when payment is made by bank transfer, cheque, or cash.

Refunds and refund conditions

- Refunds are processed in accordance with Ministry of Education (MoE) regulations in Oman. Tuition fee refunds are subject to specific conditions and timelines with deductions based on the length of enrolment. Deposits are non-refundable except in exceptional cases.

Fee payment options

- Accepted payment methods referenced in the school's fee policy include bank transfer, cheque and cash. The 5% full-payment and sibling-discount conditions specify those three payment methods as qualifying options for the discounts. (Parents should use bank transfer, cheque or cash where discount eligibility is required.)

Notes

- All fee figures and policies above are presented in OMR and have been approved by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Fees are reviewed annually and may be adjusted with MoE approval. Payment of tuition fees confirms acceptance of the school's terms and conditions.
Academics

Cheltenham Muscat teaches British Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum

Cheltenham Muscat delivers a British-style education that blends Cheltenham College UK heritage with the Cambridge International Curriculum, adapted for Oman. The Pre-Prep covers KG1–KG2 (Pre-school and Reception) with the Curiosity Approach, and Grades 1–2 follow the Cambridge Primary Programme; classes are small and teaching includes specialist Arabic, Islamic Studies, PE and Swimming. The Prep School (Grades 3–8) uses the Cambridge International Primary Programme with a subject-specialist approach; core subjects are English, Arabic, Maths, Science, Islamic and Social Studies (for Arabic speakers), alongside Art, Music, PE, Geography, History, French and Spanish. The Senior phase (Grades 9–10) pursues IGCSEs and offers either a 2-year or a 3-year pathway, with a full range of subjects including Business Studies, Art, Music, Drama, PE, Computing, ICT, History, Geography, Philosophy, French and Spanish. The Sixth Form (Grades 11–12) provides A Levels or the Omani GED, with university guidance support and access to Cheltenham College UK colleagues for further career and university planning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Pastoral care at Cheltenham Muscat focuses on nurturing happy, resilient, and adaptable learners, with dedicated teachers providing personalised support to each pupil. The school applies Cognita's Be Well Charter to promote wellbeing and social engagement, described as a six-pillars framework. Safeguarding measures ensure a safe and secure environment for pupils to thrive. Be Well emphasizes healthy food choices and regular physical activity, embedded in daily routines. The Sparkle Foundation partnership enables students and families to participate in meaningful giving and volunteering activities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Cheltenham Muscat offers Learning Support for mild-to-moderate Special Educational Needs (SEN). Each pupil requiring support has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), and specialist staff work with classroom teachers to integrate strategies into lessons. Support can include individual or small-group sessions and targeted interventions to access the curriculum. The site describes EAL separately but indicates that SEN support exists; it does not describe the school as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Cheltenham Muscat provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme to support pupils learning in a non-native language. EAL includes group sessions, one-to-one tuition, and access to online activities and mentoring, with regular progress assessments. EAL support may be identified at admission or as a pupil progresses, and specialist EAL tuition incurs additional charges.

Mental Wellbeing

Cheltenham Muscat follows Cognita's Be Well Charter, a six-step framework for lifelong physical and mental wellbeing, and wellbeing is embedded in daily life across the school. Global Be Well Day is observed within the Cognita network to highlight wellbeing across schools. The Be Well Charter uses a Voice of the Student Survey to capture student perceptions of wellbeing and drive improvements. Digital wellbeing is addressed through Be Well Digital resources, and the Sparkle Foundation partnership broadens wellbeing through community service and volunteering.

Safeguarding

Cheltenham Muscat follows Cognita safeguarding principles, which apply to all Cognita schools and promote the welfare of every child. Staff are educated to recognise abuse and to act in the best interests of the child. The safeguarding framework requires that every adult who works with pupils is safe to do so, and to uphold universal safeguarding standards. The Cognita Safeguarding Specialist Team develops safeguarding policies and ensures implementation across Cognita schools.
Parent Experience

History

Cheltenham Muscat is the first overseas school in the Cheltenham College family of schools. It sits on a purpose-built 45,000 square metre campus in Muscat and provides an education grounded in the Cheltenham College tradition of more than 175 years of experience. Cheltenham Muscat opened for admissions in September 2021 and held its formal launch at a ceremonial event on 7 March 2022. The school is partnered with Cheltenham College UK, whose history dates back to 1841, and the Cheltenham College family upholds similar standards of scholarship, community, and continuous excellence. Cheltenham Muscat is part of the Cognita family of Schools.

Community

Cheltenham Muscat places community at the heart of its ethos, guided by the Cheltenham Values which foreground Curiosity, Creativity, Character, Community, and Continuous Excellence. The value of Community emphasises belonging, responsibility, service, teamwork, and engagement in global initiatives. Public communications show active parent and community engagement through events such as a Meet & Greet coffee morning for parents on 21 January 2026 and the Festival of the World on 24 January 2026. In 2023, Cheltenham Muscat and Oman Sail undertook a Guinness World Records project—the Largest Plastic Bottle Sentence—as part of Project Earthlings, illustrating broad community outreach.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school maintains a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) as part of its Parent Essentials offerings. Public communications show a Meet & Greet coffee morning for parents on 21 January 2026, providing a forum for dialogue with senior staff and discussion of school ethos and pathways. The Festival of the World, scheduled for 24 January 2026, is promoted as a major family event with ticketing and opportunities for involvement. In 2025, Cheltenham Muscat announced inter-school activities such as the Gold Cup competition and an Academic Scholarship Programme, reflecting active parent–school collaboration and extended opportunities within the Cognita network. The PTA page is listed in the Parent Essentials section of the site, underscoring ongoing parent engagement and participation in school life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus sits on a purpose-built 45,000 square metre site in Muscat. Inside, the facilities include modern classrooms, state-of-the-art science laboratories, creative arts studios, and a theatre-in-the-round. The school provides comprehensive academic and creative spaces, including libraries, a STEM centre, an Art and Design centre, music and drama classrooms and practice rooms, and IT laboratories. Sports facilities comprise extensive outdoor pitches, an indoor gym, sports halls, and a competition-standard swimming pool (25m x 6 lanes) with an additional learner pool. The campus is designed to support a continuous learning journey from early years through to sixth form with a broad co-curricular offering.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Academic Extension Programme invites pupils to explore subjects in greater depth, fostering intellectual curiosity beyond the classroom. The programme includes society meetings, debating, educational trips, and visits. These experiences not only instil a lifelong love of learning but also strengthen university applications. They prepare pupils for future academic success.

Arts & Creative

Pupils participate in a performing arts programme that encourages creativity and self-expression. They have opportunities for individual music lessons, instrumental ensembles, choir performances, and annual school productions. Pupils are encouraged to explore their talents, express themselves, and ignite their imagination. They build confidence and develop a lifelong love for the arts.

Social & Hobbies

Sports for All is a core feature, with Cheltenham Muscat upholding the Cheltenham tradition of competing in over fifteen sports. The school embraces an inclusive ethos, ensuring pupils of all abilities can participate, develop, and compete. State-of-the-art facilities provide a platform to discover potential, whether they are aspiring athletes or simply active participants. Through expert coaching and competitive fixtures, pupils develop teamwork and a lifelong love of physical activity.

Community & Service

Pupils are actively encouraged to support the local Muscat and Seeb community, engaging in charity work and outreach projects. Sustainability is a core value, with purpose-built school facilities designed to maintain a low carbon footprint. Through hands-on projects, pupils learn to be environmentally responsible and to make a meaningful impact.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership initiatives are part of the extra-curricular programme. Pupils have opportunities to develop leadership skills through these activities. The programme fosters teamwork, initiative, and responsible citizenship.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sport and the extensive co-curricular programme promote physical activity and wellbeing. The programme supports a lifelong love of physical activity and teamwork. State-of-the-art facilities enable active participation across sports and clubs.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught include English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. English and Arabic are core subjects, while French and Spanish are studied as part of the curriculum. English as an Additional Language (EAL) provides group and one-to-one support with regular progress assessments; specialist EAL tuition may incur additional charges. Learning Support is available with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and offers individual or small-group lessons integrated into classroom learning.
Admissions

Admissions

The school uses an easy 5-step admissions process. 1. Make an enquiry: the Admissions Team provides a personalised and seamless experience and guides you toward joining Cheltenham Muscat. 2. Visit Cheltenham Muscat: there are personalised campus tours, opportunities to meet the Leadership Team, and daily tour availability. 3. Submit your application: complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents. 4. Assessment and offer: after submitting the application, an assessment date is scheduled; remote assessment can be arranged for overseas applicants, with results provided within a few days. 5. Secure your place: accept the enrolment offer, submit the required documents, and pay the enrolment fee within the specified timeframe. Limited availability in some year groups means families are encouraged to begin the process early to secure a place in Oman's leading British international school.

Scholarships

The scholarships and bursaries programme recognises exceptional talent and potential in key areas of school life. Scholarships are awarded in academics, sports, the arts, and leadership, and scholars receive mentoring, enrichment opportunities, and resources to support their development. Bursaries provide financial assistance to families in need, ensuring access to a Cheltenham Muscat education for students with exceptional potential. The application process involves an application, interviews with senior leaders, evaluation of previous school reports and achievements, and awards in the student's field of expertise. Details on eligibility and requirements can be requested from the admissions team.
School Events
The school has not added events