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International Pioneers School Salalah

Oman, Salalah

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Arabic
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2010
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Taught languages English, Arabic, French
Typical class size 13
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form, Preschool, Kindergarten
Introduction

International Pioneers School – Salalah is a private bilingual school in Salalah, Oman, serving students from Playgroup through Grade 12. The school offers international programs affiliated with Cambridge Assessment International Education alongside the Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Education curriculum, supporting pathways from early years through IGCSE and Cambridge A‑Level options. The campus educates a diverse student body drawn from more than 22 nations, contributing to a multicultural learning environment. Classes are small to moderate in size, with teacher-to-student ratios described as 2:25 in the junior section and 1:6 in the senior section, and a maximum class size of about 25 students to support individual progress. IPS operates as a day school with its own transport system and on-site health services, including a full-time nurse. The curriculum emphasizes language development, ESL support, and Arabic language study, alongside a range of co-curricular activities such as English Calligraphy, Story Telling, Painting, Wealth Out of Waste, and a French language program. IPS aims to prepare students for world-wide university admission and responsible global citizenship.

Salalah, Oman

The Essentials

International Pioneers School Salalah has typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English, Arabic.

Location

International Pioneers School-Salalah is located in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, Oman. The campus is a private day school in the city and offers an on-site transport option for students. The postal address is P.O. Box 275, Salalah, Oman.

Stages

IPS Oman provides education from Playgroup to Grade 12. The school is Cambridge affiliated and follows both the Cambridge international curriculum and the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Education curriculum.

Type

Private, co-educational, day school. Boarding is not offered.

Additional learning support

The campus includes Information, Advice & Guidance services and a Health Office. Adedicated SEN department is not publicly described.

Country affiliation

The school is affiliated with Cambridge Assessment International Education and uses the Oman MOE curriculum.

Religious affiliation

No religious affiliation is published.

School day structure

The typical school day runs from around 07:10–07:15 to 14:30, with a lunch break on-campus.

Bus service

IPS operates its own air-conditioned transport service for students, with bus-duty teachers and female helpers accompanying trips to and from school.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

IPS Oman is a day school. No boarding is offered. The school provides its own transport service with a fleet of air-conditioned vehicles, and bus-duty teachers and female helpers accompany students on the journey to and from school.

Food Options

Lunch is provided on campus and meals are nutritious, continental in nature with vegan and non-vegan options. Meals are prepared and cooked on site in the school's on-campus kitchen.

House System

IPS Oman operates a four-house system: Lions, Tigers, Cheetahs, and Panthers. The school assigns student leadership by house through the Student Council, with house-based roles such as captains named for each house.

Governance and Ownership

The school is privately owned and Cambridge Assessment International Education affiliated. The Chairman is Mr. Ghazi Mohammed Alabadi Al Rawas.
Fees
Application / Registration Fees
- The school requires completion of an IPS application/registration form and submission of supporting documents; specific one-time application or registration fee amounts are set out in the school's parent contract/fee schedule.

Tuition fees by year group / term
- The school's parent contract contains a full table of Total Fees by class and the term‑by‑term installment amounts (the contract presents Total Fees in Omani Rials and breaks each Total into four installment payments). The fee table itself is embedded in the official parent contract/fee schedule. Exact numeric totals per year group and the per‑term split are provided in that contract.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are billed as a single Total Fee for the academic year and payable in four installments. The installment due dates in the parent contract are: on or before 31 August (first installment / upon registration), on or before 31 October (second), on or before 31 January (third), and on or before 30 April (fourth).
- The contract states that tuition fees do not include uniform, transportation, or the cost of field trips.
- The contract clarifies that a student's absence does not entitle the parent/guardian to any reduction of fees due.
- The contract states that parents/guardians must pay fees according to the fees policy and that non‑compliance with school rules may require payment of a full semester's expenses as specified by the school's fees policy.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not referenced in the parent contract or on the admissions pages; there are no boarding fees listed or described. The school operates as a day school.

Other costs and additional fees
- Uniform: stated as not included in tuition; uniform costs are charged separately.
- Transport: stated as not included in tuition; transport is charged separately when used.
- Field trips / excursions: costs are not included in tuition and are charged separately.
- Any exam, assessment or support program fees (where applicable) would be additional; such items are handled through the school's admissions/fees documents.

Refund information
- The parent contract does not contain an explicit refund schedule or a clear statement of refunds for tuition in the body text available in the contract; no specific refund amounts or automatic refund rules are listed in the contract text that is accessible. Parents are bound by the contract's payment and withdrawal obligations.

Fee payment options and methods
- The contract specifies that no cheques will be accepted; payment is by cash or Visa card only. (The contract text states: “No cheques will be accepted for tuition payment. Strictly cash/visa card payment only.”)
Academics

International Pioneers School Salalah teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

International Pioneers School Salalah offers a bilingual curriculum from Playgroup through Grade 12, pairing the Oman Ministry of Education curriculum with a Cambridge Assessment International Education program. The school is Cambridge affiliated and provides a framework that aligns with Cambridge IGCSE and AS‑level pathways within the MOE high school system. Grade 9 career counseling helps students select their pathway for upper secondary. Admissions tests include assessments for Nursery, KG‑1 and KG‑2 and written entrance tests for Grades 1–12. ESL support and a bilingual approach support diverse learners. Co‑curricular activities and competitions form an integral part of IPS's program.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

IPS Oman provides a full-time school nurse on campus and a dedicated Guidance Officer who delivers services across educational, behavioural, personal, social, family, and mental health areas. The Guidance Officer contributes to a comprehensive student support and wellbeing program that is responsive to the needs of the school community. The role involves collaboration with teachers, families, and external providers to support students' social and emotional development. This framework underpins the school's social and emotional learning (SEL) approach.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs SEN, including the types of SEN supported or whether IPS is a specialist SEN institution. A Guidance Officer delivers broad student support and wellbeing services, but published SEN specifics are not available.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school is described as bi-lingual, reflecting IPS Oman's bilingual curriculums. Specific EAL programs or staff roles are not publicly documented beyond the bilingual character of the school. No explicit EAL policy or program details are published.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported by a full-time school nurse and a Guidance Officer who provides counseling on educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, and mental health and wellbeing issues. The Guidance Officer contributes to the school's comprehensive student support and wellbeing program, designed to respond to the needs of the school community. Staff collaboration with families and teachers supports students' mental health and wellbeing.

Safeguarding

IPS Oman states that it has extensive safeguarding measures to provide a safe and secure environment, including 86 surveillance cameras and 24-hour security on campus. A designated Security In-charge oversees visitor access and campus safety. The Guidance Officer also supports safeguarding and wellbeing as part of the school's student support framework.
Parent Experience

History

International Pioneers School-Salalah opened in 2010, born from founder Mohammed Alabadi Al Rawas' vision to provide quality education for Salalah's children. The school is privately owned and co-educational, and it aligns with Cambridge Assessment International Education along with the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Education curriculum. IPS was recognized as an international private school by the Ministry of Education Oman in 2015. The school serves Playgroup to Grade 12, offering a bilingual environment and a mix of international and MOE curricula. Over time IPS has grown into an international center of excellence with a diverse staff and student body.

Community

The IPS community is international in makeup, with students representing more than 22 nations. The administration and teaching staff come from multiple countries, including Oman, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, the United States, Egypt and India. Co-curricular activities are varied and include English Calligraphy, English Recitation, Story Telling, and arts and science offerings. IPS participates in external events such as the Young Learners Art Competition, WWF Nature Carnival, Wetlands Gala Festival and the DAWN in Education Annual Spelling Bee.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

IPS has a Parent Teachers Association as part of its governance framework. The PTA is elected by parents through a voting process; voting was conducted by fellow parents. The PTA membership is announced publicly on the IPS Team page after the election. Parents can express interest and sign up to join the PTA using the 'Sign Up' option on the page. The page thanks those who expressed interest in joining the PTA, indicating ongoing parental involvement. The PTA is presented within the IPS Team section alongside administration and academia, underscoring its role in school life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus features an on-site cafeteria with meals prepared daily in a modern kitchen located in the Administration Block. IPS provides an air-conditioned transport system with bus-duty staff supervising students on the journey to and from school. A full-time nurse is on site during school days to provide medical care and coordinate health services. Security is provided by a 24-hour security team and a campus-wide system of 86 surveillance cameras. On-campus support includes an Information Advice & Guidance service and a Teacher Resource Center for staff. Academic facilities include a Library, ICT Lab, Language Lab, Science Wing, and Robotics.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include a Library for research and study; an ICT Lab and a Language Lab to support technology-enabled learning and language development; a Science Wing for science teaching; and Robotics resources to support hands-on exploration. A Teacher Resource Center provides instructional resources for staff.

Extra Curricular Facilities

IPS offers a broad range of co-curricular activities, including English Calligraphy, English Recitation, Story Telling, Wealth Out of Waste, Solo Song, Painting, Memory Game, Poster Making, Collage, Sand Art, Clay Modelling, Origami, Digital Painting, and Sudoku.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

IPS Salalah emphasizes learning beyond the classroom through a broad range of co-curricular activities. The school lists activities such as English Calligraphy, English Recitation, Story Telling, Wealth Out of Waste, Solo Song, Painting, Memory Game, Poster Making, Collage, Sand Art, Clay Modelling, Origami, Digital Painting, and Sudoku to foster creativity and critical thinking. A Robotics program is indicated as part of the campus offerings, alongside an ICT Lab and Language Lab to support STEM learning. IPS also participates in external academic competitions, including the Kangaroo International Mathematics Contest, WSPA Quiz/Speech Competition, Alliance Française French Singing Competition, UK Young Learners Art Competition, WWF Nature Carnival, and the DAWN in Education Annual Spelling Bee; field trips to historical and geographical sites in Oman are part of the program.

Arts & Creative

The school offers a range of arts and creative activities, including painting, origami, digital painting, poster making, collage, sand art, clay modelling, and memory-related activities such as Sudoku and memory games. Other listed pursuits include English calligraphy, English recitation, solo song, and storytelling, which foster expression and creativity. These activities are part of IPS's co-curricular program designed to develop artistic skills and imaginative thinking.

Cultural & Language

IPS Salalah operates as a bilingual school with Cambridge Assessment International Education alignment and shares a diverse, international student body (more than 22 nationalities). The campus offers French language study and a language lab, reflecting its emphasis on multilingual learning. The combination of Cambridge affiliation, a bi-lingual environment, and a multicultural student community supports cultural awareness and global-mindedness.

Social & Hobbies

IPS provides a variety of club activities and informal groups run during grade-specific periods, aimed at fostering creativity, teamwork, and social engagement. The school highlights that club activities supplement formal curriculum and that students participate in performances and presentations as part of co-curricular life. A Student Council structure and house system (Lions, Tigers, Cheetahs, Panthers) offer peer leadership opportunities and team-based activities.

Leadership & Professional

IPS runs a formal Student Council with roles such as Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy, and Deputy Head Girl, alongside a house system with captains and vice-captains for Lions, Tigers, Cheetahs, and Panthers. These leadership positions give students governance experience and opportunities to lead peers in school activities. The arrangement indicates structured opportunities for student leadership, public speaking, and organized service within the school community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The campus includes an Outdoor Play Area and an Indoor Play Area, supporting active breaks and recreation during the school day. A cafeteria serves meals on site, and a Nurse's Room provides health support as needed. The IPS campus also lists facilities such as a Library, ICT Lab, and other student support services that contribute to a well-rounded, healthy school day.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught include English (via ESL support) and French as a language subject; the site describes bilingual curriculums but does not list other languages in the bilingual program. ESL support is available for non-native speakers. The school's language programs operate within the Oman Ministry of Education framework and Cambridge Assessment International Education structure.

Bilingual Teaching

IPS Salalah operates a bilingual school with bilingual curriculums. The school describes itself as a dynamic, private bilingual school providing education of an international standard. ESL (English as a Second Language) support is available for students who require language assistance, and a French language option exists as part of the campus language program. The school serves students from Playgroup to Grade 12.
Reputation

Awards

The school does not publish information on past awards won by the school.

Accreditations

1) Recognition as an international private school by the Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Education in 2015. This marks official MOE recognition of IPS Salalah as meeting national standards for international private schooling.

2) Cambridge affiliation, with IPS described as a Cambridge affiliated school and offering Cambridge Assessment International Education programs alongside the Oman Ministry of Education curriculum. This indicates IPS operates Cambridge programs (via a Cambridge Assessment Center) in addition to the national curriculum. IPS also states that it offers international programs affiliated with Cambridge Assessment Center along with the MOE curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1 — Inquiry and appointment: The Registration Office is open Sunday through Thursday from 08:30 to 13:00. Families may contact the office by telephone or email to arrange an appointment to discuss the requirements for registering a prospective student. The initial meeting provides an overview of IPS Oman, clarifies which documents will be needed, and outlines the next steps in the admission process.

Step 2 — General requirements collection: You must prepare and submit a set of general documents. These include the Registration Form, a School Medical Form (or immunization certificate), six passport-size photographs of the student, a copy of the child's valid passport or birth certificate, and a valid passport or ID card of the parent. You also need report cards, transcripts, or certificates from previous years (attested if from outside Oman), and assessments for Nursery, KG-1, and KG-2 or written entrance tests for Grades 1–12. A personal interview with the prospective student is required as part of the process. The school reserves the right to obtain a behavior and academic report from the previous school on a confidential basis.

Step 3 — Download and complete required forms: Download the IPS Application Form and the IPS MOE Form, then complete them as instructed. These forms are the primary documents used to initiate the registration and to provide formal information about the student and the family. After filling them out, you should upload the soft copies to the designated submission area.

Step 4 — Online submission of documents: Upload the soft copies of the filled forms through the school's submission interface. Ensure all attachments are legible and clearly labeled. This step consolidates the application materials for the admissions review.

Step 5 — Assessments and interview: For Nursery, KG-1, and KG-2, assessments are conducted to evaluate the student's readiness. For Grades 1–12, written entrance tests are used. A personal interview with the student is also part of the assessment process. The outcomes of these assessments, along with the previous school reports, inform the admission decision.

Step 6 — Admission decision and next steps: Families will be notified as soon as possible of the admission decision. If a place is offered, the registration process may proceed after notification, subject to the school's formal agreement with the family. Parents must sign the school's rules and regulations as part of registering the child.

Scholarships

IPS Oman does not publish any scholarship or rebate program.

Waitlist

IPS Oman does not publish a waitlist or pool system in the admissions information.
School Events
The school has not added events