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Qatar International School

Qatar, Doha

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees QAR 29,543 - 50,978
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2148
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 13
Introduction

Qatar International School (QIS) is an English‑medium British international day school in Doha, located on United Nations Street, offering Early Years Foundation Stage through Year 13 (typically ages 3–18). QIS follows the English National Curriculum adapted to meet Qatar's Ministry of Education requirements; provision includes EYFS in the early years, Key Stages 1–3, International GCSEs (Key Stage 4) and AS/A‑Levels and BTEC options in the Sixth Form. The school states that the main language of instruction is English, with Arabic, Islamic Studies and Qatari History taught to meet national mandates; Arabic is offered as both first and foreign language and modern languages such as French are available. Onsite facilities described by the school include a library/Learning Resource Centre, ICT and design technology rooms, cookery room, swimming pool, sports courts, playgrounds, school garden and a licensed clinic. QIS also describes a bespoke “Curriculum for Life” across Years 7–13 and a broad extra‑curricular programme (for example Model United Nations and The International Award).

United Nations St, Doha, Qatar

The Essentials

Qatar International School has 2,148 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English.

Location
Qatar International School is located on United Nations Street in the Al Dafna district of Doha, Qatar. The campus address is United Nations Street, Doha, Qatar, PO Box 5697. The school moved to Al Dafna in 2001.

Stages
QIS offers Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary (Years 1–6), Secondary (Years 7–13) and a Sixth Form. The school provides education from Early Years up to Year 13, including a dedicated Sixth Form.

Type
QIS is a private, English-speaking day school located in Doha.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body is international, with representation from over 70 nationalities. The site does not publish a single most common nationality or a precise local-to-international ratio.

Additional learning support
The school provides Learning Support to help students access the curriculum, with in-class support and targeted interventions. There are dedicated roles such as an Early Years Learning Support Practitioner and an Arabic Learning Support Teacher as part of the provision.

Country affiliation
QIS follows the British educational system, broadly adhering to the national curriculum of England (a British-patterned international school).

Religious affiliation
There is no explicit religious affiliation stated for QIS. Islamic Studies is included as a subject in the curriculum for Muslim students as part of Qatar's national framework.

School day structure
School timings show that the day begins with lessons at 6:50 a.m. and ends at 12:45 p.m. for Early Years, 1:00 p.m. for Years 1–6, and 1:15 p.m. for Years 7–13. The Administration Office operates 6:20 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursday.

Bus service
A daily school bus service is not publicly published in QIS materials. The fees note transport for school excursions, and for specifics on regular transport arrangements, contact the Admissions team.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Qatar International School is a private day school in Doha. Boarding is not offered. There are no on-site housing facilities or dormitories provided by the school.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required for all students. Uniform items are available from ZAKS or Uniform Mart in Doha, with online ordering options available.

Food Options
School meals are provided by Grand Central Bakery across Primary and Secondary canteens. A range of healthy hot and cold options is offered, including sandwiches, hot meals, pastries, salads and fresh fruits. A cashless payment system is used for all meals.

House System
Students are allocated to one of six Houses: Aspiration, Collaboration, Diversity, Integrity, Loyalty, and Perseverance. House points are tracked monthly, with Class Dojo used in Primary and achievement points recorded in SIMS in Secondary; monthly assemblies declare the winner.

Governance and Ownership
Qatar International School is privately owned by Sheikh Khalid bin Ali bin Ahmad Al Thani. It is governed by a six-member Governing Board responsible for strategic leadership, policy oversight and school improvement; the Chairman is Sheikh Khalid bin Ali bin Ahmed Al-Thani and the Principal is Deane Baker. The leadership is described as being led and managed entirely by British professionals.
Fees

Annual tuition at Qatar International School ranges from QAR 29,543 to QAR 50,978 for 2026/27.

Application and assessment fees

- Assessment (one‑off): QAR 214 per student. There is no assessment fee for students entering FS1 or FS2.
- Registration (one‑off): QAR 3,213 per student (non‑refundable). A separate deposit to secure a place (QAR 2,000) is requested and is deducted from Term 1 fees; the deposit is not refundable.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and per year)

- Pre‑School (FS1): Per term QAR 9,633 — Per year QAR 28,900.
- Pre‑School (FS2): Per term QAR 9,633 — Per year QAR 28,900.
- Primary (Year 1 to Year 6): Per term QAR 10,868 — Per year QAR 32,606.
- Secondary (Year 7 to Year 9): Per term QAR 14,329 — Per year QAR 42,989.
- Secondary (Year 10 & Year 11): Per term QAR 15,900 — Per year QAR 47,700.
- Sixth Form (Year 12 & Year 13): Per term QAR 16,350 — Per year QAR 49,050.

Consumable/stationery levy (per term and per year)

- FS1 (Pre‑School): Per term QAR 214 — Per year QAR 643.
- FS2 (Reception) to Year 6: Per term QAR 428 — Per year QAR 1,285.
- Year 7 to Year 13: Per term QAR 642 — Per year QAR 1,928. (This levy covers art, science and DT consumables, photocopying and transport for school excursions.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing frequency: Fees are invoiced termly at the beginning of each term. Parents are invoiced for the full term if the student joins at the start of that term.
- Invoice / term start dates for the 2025–2026 academic year: Term 1 — Sunday 31 August 2025; Term 2 — Wednesday 24 December 2025; Term 3 — Tuesday 24 March 2026. Fees are payable on or before the first day of each term.
- Late / non‑payment: The school may restrict access to portals and reports, suspend participation in activities or place the student on a hold list for re‑enrolment if payment remains pending (actions may include termination of enrolment consistent with the school's policy). The full fees for each term become a legal obligation after one month from the due date.

Boarding fees

- Not applicable: there are no boarding or boarding fee lines in the official fee schedule or admissions/fee documents for the 2025–2026 fee schedule. No boarding accommodation or boarding fees are listed.

Other costs and fees

- External examinations and certain textbooks: Charges for external examinations (e.g., IGCSE, A‑levels) and books for Arabic and Qatari History are invoiced separately and are not included in the tuition figures above.
- Uniforms: Uniform items must be purchased externally (suppliers include Zaks and Uniform Mart); uniform costs are paid to those suppliers and are not included in tuition.
- Excursions and consumables: The consumable/stationery levy covers art, science and DT consumables, photocopying and transport for school excursions; additional extracurricular or optional activity fees may be invoiced separately as required.

Refund information

- Registration fee (QAR 3,213): not refundable under any circumstances.
- Assessment fee (QAR 214): not refundable under any circumstances.
- Term fees: partially refundable only as follows — the full fees for each term become the school's right and a legal obligation on the parent after one month from the due date; if a student withdraws before the end of the first month of a term, fees are charged for the number of days attended. The deposit paid to reserve a place is deducted from Term 1 fees and is not refundable.

Fee payment options

- Accepted methods: cash, credit/debit card, or bank transfer. Payment in person by card or cash at the administration building during working hours is accepted.
- Bank account (for transfers): Account name: Qatar International School; Account number: 4090 719971 001; SWIFT: CBQAQAQA; IBAN: QA51 CBQA 0000 0000 4090 719971 001.
Academics

Qatar International School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Qatar International School follows the British educational system, broadly adhering to the English national curriculum, with Qatar MOEHE subjects (Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qatar History) integrated into the programme; instruction is in English. Early Years Foundation Stage (Foundation Stage 1 to 5) uses the British EYFS framework, emphasizing prime areas and development across literacy, numeracy, and understanding of the world. QIS Primary (Foundation Stage to Year 6) delivers a thematic England-based curriculum with specialist lessons in Arabic A, Islamic Studies, PE, Music, and French, with phonics taught in Years 1–2. In Secondary (Years 7–9, Key Stage 3), students study English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic, Islamic Studies (Muslim students) or Qatar History, IT, Art & Design Technology, Geography, and History, with Non-Muslim students offered French; Year 9 selects IGCSE options. Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) leads to IGCSE in each subject, with BTEC qualifications available; subjects include Arts, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English First Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics, and more, with ESL and Arabic as a Foreign Language available as optional IGCSE. Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13) offers AS/IAS courses across a wide range of subjects, with exams run by CAIE, Edexcel, and AQA; Year 12 may re-sit IGCSEs and can continue AS to A Level in Year 13.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
QIS provides a holistic approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) through a staff-wide focus on wellbeing, a formal pastoral care system, and an embedded PSHE program. The school states that professionally staffed services support students' social, emotional and physical wellbeing, with all staff playing an active role in this support network. Pastoral care is organized via a year-group tutor system, led by a head of progress for each year, emphasising the responsibility of the whole community for student welfare. The Primary PSHE curriculum permeates the whole curriculum and includes weekly lessons on health and wellbeing, relationships, and living in the wider world, alongside dedicated mental health content for Years 1–6. School counselling is available with fully qualified staff who provide counselling, assess learning and behaviour, and liaise with external agencies to support students' wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
QIS provides learning support to help students access the curriculum within a mainstream education framework. Where needed, external agencies can be engaged to aid with assessments, and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and a Pupil Passport are created to set targets and track progress. A BPS Registered Test User is on staff to enable access arrangements for KS4/KS5 examinations when required. School counselling is available to support academic, personal/social and behavioural needs, with services that include assessment and liaison with external agencies. The school emphasises that all students access mainstream education and is not described as a specialist SEN institution; SEND support operates within the general school structure.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is described within the English Department as English as a Second Language (ESL). The department states that English is an integral subject and includes ESL, with the curriculum also offering a Speaking and Listening qualification. ESL/ESL provision is described as part of the English Department rather than as a separate, standalone EAL program.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed through the PSHE program, which includes annual focus on health and wellbeing, relationships, and living in the wider world, and specifically includes mental health lessons for Years 1–6. The school emphasises personal, social and emotional development as a core part of its ethos and PSHE curriculum. Fully qualified school counselors provide counselling, assess learning and behaviour, and liaise with external agencies to support students' wellbeing. Pastoral care reinforces a whole-school commitment to wellbeing, with tutors and heads of progress supporting students daily.

Safeguarding
QIS has a formal safeguarding framework, including Safeguarding Policy, E-Safety Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, Behaviour Policy and Clinic Policy. Staff receive safeguarding training and there are designated safeguarding leaders to whom concerns should be reported. The school promotes a climate where students and adults feel confident about sharing concerns, and anyone with concerns can speak to designated safeguarding leaders. Contact details and safeguarding resources are listed on the safeguarding page, including procedures for reporting concerns.
Parent Experience

History
Qatar International School (QIS) was founded in 1977 by Sheikh Ali bin Ahmed bin Thani Al Thani, with Joyce Griffin serving as the first Principal. The school began in a modest setting and moved to its current Al Dafna site on United Nations Street in 2001. It grew into one of Qatar's largest international schools, now welcoming around 2,000 students under the leadership of British professionals, including Executive Principal Deane Baker, who joined in 2013. In 2020, QIS achieved two major international accreditations: British Schools Overseas (BSO) Outstanding in all categories and Council for International Schools (CIS) accreditation via a fast-track process; it became the first school in the world to receive CIS accreditation through that route and later became the only school in the Middle East to deliver OLEVI training from the UK.

Community
The student body is international, with over 70 nationalities represented. Parent involvement is supported through direct teacher–parent engagement and learning events, with parents invited to progress meetings and to engage in curriculum discussions. The school hosts community events and competitions, including Eco Code initiatives, a Sheikh Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani Quran Memorization Competition, and the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. Annual trips, sports days, and art exhibitions are part of school life and provide opportunities for families to participate.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
QIS does not publish a separate PTA on its official pages; parent involvement is described through engagement channels rather than a named PTA. Parents are invited into progress meetings and learning events to discuss student progress and curriculum. The Extra-Curricular Activities program involves a wide range of activities and clubs, with opportunities for parental participation and support. Families may contribute to school life by volunteering or supporting events and activities such as Eco Code initiatives, Quran memorization competitions, and art contests. QIS emphasizes a collaborative culture and regular communication with families, reflecting its ABC motto: Aspiring to excellence, Building futures, Celebrating diversity.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
QIS has a Primary Library and a Secondary Learning Resource Centre. The Secondary Learning Resource Centre provides private and group study spaces, comfortable reading areas, a Maker Space, and computer access, and opens from 6:30 am each morning. Reading Cloud manages the library catalogue, enabling 24/7 online access to resources. Pastoral care and wellbeing are supported by a school counselling service and a dedicated Learning Support department.

Academic Facilities
QIS follows the national curriculum for England as a British International School. Examinations are taken at GCSE, IGCSE and A Levels; IGCSE is offered through Cambridge Assessment International Examinations and Pearson Edexcel, while AS and A Levels are offered through CAIE, Pearson Edexcel and AQA. Key Stages are taught across Early Years to Year 13, with Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) and Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13). Six Form offers 20 AS and A Level courses, including ICT, Computer Science, Business and Art & Design. In 2022, Year 12 AS results included 85% achieving three AS grades A–E (37% A–B) and Year 13 achieved 98% with 60% at A–B; graduates typically apply to universities worldwide, with representation at over 77 universities. The school also offers BTEC International Level 2 & 3 as part of its Sixth Form offerings.

Extra Curricular Facilities
QIS provides a broad range of extra-curricular opportunities, including Student Senior Leadership, Prefects, Experience Ambassadors, Model United Nations (MUN), International Award (IA) and World Scholar's Cup (WSC). An official Secondary Extra Curricular Activities Handbook is published. The Sixth Form emphasizes extensive extra-curricular opportunities and leadership development.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school follows the British educational system, broadly adhering to the national curriculum for England. It operates at all key stages from Early Years through Year 13 and uses GCSE/IGCSE and A Levels for examinations. The school also offers BTEC qualifications as of 2019.
Languages

Language Provision
Qatar International School is a British International School that follows the national curriculum of England and serves students from Early Years through Year 13 (ages 3–18). The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum underpins the foundation stage, with seven areas of learning and development, including three Prime Areas and four Specific Areas. In Secondary, Year 7–9 study English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic, Islamic Studies (Muslim students), Qatar History, Information Technology, Art & Design & Technology, Geography, and History; Non-Muslim students may study French. In Years 10–11, the IGCSE programme is pursued across a broad range of subjects, with English First Language, English Literature, French, Arabic First Language, and Arabic as a Foreign Language available as IGCSE options. In Years 12–13, the school offers AS and A Level courses (about 20 subjects are available), with strong university progression, including a history of applying to around 77 universities worldwide.
Admissions

Admissions
The school follows the English National Curriculum and operates from Early Years through Year 13. Admissions priorities are given to siblings already in the school, applicants with an excellent English background, and students with outstanding previous school reports. All applicants must have a valid Qatar Residency Permit before starting school in Qatar, and the most recent school report must be attached (reports not in English require translation). The pre-application form is free of charge, and applicants should ensure the attached report is in pdf/png/jpg format; if no report is attached, the submission will be rejected. The school is currently full, so names are placed on a waiting list until a place becomes available.

Waitlist
There is a waiting list for admissions when vacancies are not available. Your child's name will be on the waiting list until a place becomes available.
School Events
The school has not added events
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