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United School International

Qatar, Doha

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees QAR 45,000 - 65,000
Ages 3 - 17 years
Pupil numbers 1200
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 24
Introduction

United School International (USI) is a British‑curriculum international school on The Pearl in Doha (Viva Bahriya Roundabout), Qatar. The school follows an enhanced British curriculum that blends the English National Curriculum with local context and serves children aged 3 to 17. English is the language of instruction and USI operates a formal English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme to support multilingual learners. Arabic and Islamic education are taught across phases and the Modern Foreign Languages provision includes subjects such as French and Spanish, which are offered at IGCSE level. The school delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage programmes, progresses students to IGCSE courses and states it runs a Sixth Form A‑level programme. Notable facilities published by the school include high‑tech science laboratories, STEAM and robotics studios, an audio‑visual/recording studio, a 25m indoor swimming pool with separate training pool, outdoor sports pitch and courts, a multi‑purpose sports hall, a modern library and a 500‑seat auditorium.

Viva Bahriya Roundabout, Doha, Qatar

The Essentials

United School International has 1,200 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location

Located on The Pearl in Doha, Qatar. The campus is at Viva Bahriya Roundabout on The Pearl. The school offers a bus service that covers The Pearl and areas beyond.

Stages

Early Years – ages 3–5; Primary School covers Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7–11); Secondary School covers Key Stage 3 (ages 11–14) and Key Stage 4/IGCSE (ages 14–16); Sixth Form – Key Stage 5 (ages 16–18).

Type

British international school on The Pearl; enhanced British Curriculum; part of the Orbital Education group.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Nationalities represented: 85. Most common nationality: British. Ratio of local to international students: 98% international.

Additional learning support

The school operates a SEND and Additional Needs Policy and provides support via a SEND and EAL departments. The SENDCo coordinates provision, a graduated intervention approach is used, and Individual Education Plans may be developed; a school counsellor is available.

Country affiliation

Affiliation with the United Kingdom; USI follows a British curriculum and is part of Orbital Education, a UK-based group.

Religious affiliation

Religious affiliation: none. There is no school-wide religious education, but prayer rooms are available for Muslim students and Islamic Studies is mandatory for Muslim students.

School day structure

Gates open at 7:00. Early Years day runs 7:40–13:45; Primary day runs 7:30–15:00 (lunch 11:05–11:50); Secondary day runs 7:20–14:00. After-school activities and bus departures follow the day's schedule.

Bus service

USI partners with New Image to provide a bus service. Service covers The Pearl and beyond, with two-way or one-way options (morning or afternoon); buses can run after ECC/ASA sessions. New Image contact: Rodylin Almonte +974 3330 3432; cstrans.usi@newimagegulfstates.com.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are supplied by Zaks Uniforms, with an on-campus shop around the start of terms and online ordering available. Students must wear plain black shoes (not trainers) at school, and PE trainers should have white or non-marking soles; a Uniform Brochure provides further details. Hair, makeup and jewellery guidelines apply, with hair tied back for safety and jewellery not worn in school.

Food Options

USI's canteen provides a varied menu of hot and cold meals, including vegetarian options. FS1 to Year 3 lunches can be pre-ordered online; Years 4 and above use a cashless canteen card to select food, and students may also bring a packed lunch. The school operates a nut-free policy and snack provisions; Genio powers the online ordering system.

Governance and Ownership

United School International is a partnership between United Development Company (UDC) and UK-based Orbital Education; it operates as part of the Orbital Education group.
Fees

Annual tuition at United School International ranges from QAR 45,000 to QAR 65,000 for 2026/27.

Application and admissions fees

- Admissions assessment (CAT4) fee: QAR 300.
- Registration fee (one-off, non-refundable) payable once a place is approved: QAR 2,500.
- Annual seat reservation fee for returning students (deducted from first term tuition): QAR 2,000.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term breakdown)

Tuition is billed termly with Term 1 = 40% of the annual fee, Term 2 = 30% and Term 3 = 30%.

- FS1 — Annual: QAR 45,000. Term 1: QAR 18,000. Term 2: QAR 13,500. Term 3: QAR 13,500.
- FS2 — Annual: QAR 45,000. Term 1: QAR 18,000. Term 2: QAR 13,500. Term 3: QAR 13,500.
- Year 1 — Annual: QAR 50,000. Term 1: QAR 20,000. Term 2: QAR 15,000. Term 3: QAR 15,000.
- Year 2 — Annual: QAR 50,000. Term 1: QAR 20,000. Term 2: QAR 15,000. Term 3: QAR 15,000.
- Year 3 — Annual: QAR 50,000. Term 1: QAR 20,000. Term 2: QAR 15,000. Term 3: QAR 15,000.
- Year 4 — Annual: QAR 50,000. Term 1: QAR 20,000. Term 2: QAR 15,000. Term 3: QAR 15,000.
- Year 5 — Annual: QAR 50,000. Term 1: QAR 20,000. Term 2: QAR 15,000. Term 3: QAR 15,000.
- Year 6 — Annual: QAR 50,000. Term 1: QAR 20,000. Term 2: QAR 15,000. Term 3: QAR 15,000.
- Year 7 — Annual: QAR 57,000. Term 1: QAR 22,800. Term 2: QAR 17,100. Term 3: QAR 17,100.
- Year 8 — Annual: QAR 57,000. Term 1: QAR 22,800. Term 2: QAR 17,100. Term 3: QAR 17,100.
- Year 9 — Annual: QAR 57,000. Term 1: QAR 22,800. Term 2: QAR 17,100. Term 3: QAR 17,100.
- Year 10 — Annual: QAR 63,000. Term 1: QAR 25,200. Term 2: QAR 18,900. Term 3: QAR 18,900.
- Year 11 — Annual: QAR 63,000. Term 1: QAR 25,200. Term 2: QAR 18,900. Term 3: QAR 18,900.
- Year 12 — Annual: QAR 65,000. Term 1: QAR 26,000. Term 2: QAR 19,500. Term 3: QAR 19,500.
- Year 13 — Annual: QAR 65,000. Term 1: QAR 26,000. Term 2: QAR 19,500. Term 3: QAR 19,500. (Year 13 provision opens subsequently.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is invoiced termly with the split: 40% in Term 1, 30% in Term 2 and 30% in Term 3.
- Parents are responsible for paying fees directly to the school.
- When a student joins during the first half of a term the full term fee is payable. When a student joins in the second half of a term, a 50% fee is charged for that period.
- No reduction in tuition is made for temporary absence or illness, or for early withdrawal.

Boarding fees

- The school does not list any boarding provision or boarding charges; no boarding fees apply. The school operates as a day school and provides bus transport as a separate, charged service.

Other costs and fees (items not included in tuition)

- School uniforms (charged separately).
- Bus transportation (separate charge).
- Lunch and snacks.
- Educational trips (invoiced separately).
- External suppliers of after-school activities (separate charges).
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) costs.
- IGCSE and A-Level/BTEC examination fees (invoiced separately).
- Before and after school care (separate charge).
- Additional special needs requirements and one-to-one learning support/shadow teachers (charged separately).

Discounts

- Sibling discount: first and second child pay full fee; third child and additional children receive a 5% discount on tuition.
- UDC employee discount: 10% discount on tuition where one or more parents is employed by UDC or its subsidiaries (proof of employment required).
- Qatar Airways employee discount: 10% discount on tuition for the third and subsequent child where one or more parents is employed by Qatar Airways (proof of employment required).

Refund and cancellation information

- The registration fee is non-refundable.
- No reduction in fees is made for temporary absence, illness, or early withdrawal; this applies to termly tuition invoices.
- The annual seat reservation fee for returning students is deducted from the first term's tuition.

Fee payment options and administration

- Fees are to be paid directly to the school; specific payment methods are managed by the school's Finance Office and are not detailed on the public fee summary page.
- The school's Finance Manager is listed as Ashika Madushani and the cashier as Edelyn Timon for financial administration.
Academics

United School International teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 17.

Curriculum

The school follows an enhanced British Curriculum that blends the English National Curriculum with local market norms. The curriculum is balanced, providing time for academic work as well as music, drama and sports, and it supports English language development. Language of instruction is English, with an EAL program that serves a student body drawing from many languages and supports learners across year groups. The curriculum progresses from Early Years through Primary (Key Stage 1–2) to Secondary (Key Stage 3–4) with International GCSE courses, and then to Sixth Form (Key Stage 5) where students follow A Level courses (with pathways including BTECs). Every student has personalised targets from baseline assessments, with regular monitoring and reporting to parents on progress.

Exam Results

The first cohort's IGCSE results show an overall pass rate of 99%, with 76% of students achieving at least one Grade 7–9 (A–A*) and 86% achieving at least one Grade 6–9 (B–A*). All Year 11 students were offered places in the inaugural Sixth Form.

Higher Education Progression

The Sixth Form offers A Levels (and BTECs) for Years 12–13. The A Level programme is closely aligned with USI's aims and is recognised by leading universities worldwide. Graduates are prepared to gain entry to prestigious universities globally.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social and emotional learning at USI is supported by dedicated wellbeing resources and a School Counsellor (a qualified psychologist) who provides counselling in a safe, confidential space, underpinning a holistic approach to student welfare.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

USI operates a whole‑school SEND policy with a UK‑based graduated approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) and three waves of support, led by a SENDCo and SEND team, with Individual Education Plans for students requiring targeted provision and ongoing parental involvement.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

EAL support is delivered by a dedicated EAL team that collaborates with class and subject teachers to plan and deliver English language interventions, follows Bell Foundation guidance for language acquisition, includes survival language for students new to English, and involves parents in planning and review.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is addressed through the wellbeing framework, including a School Counsellor and a holistic, inclusive approach to education, with PSHE and pastoral elements outlined in the safeguarding policy.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and child protection are governed by the Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024; the policy designates a Designated Safeguarding Lead (and deputies), requires staff safeguarding training, online safety measures, and clear referral pathways, including provisions for students with SEND.
Parent Experience

History

United School International opened in August 2022 on The Pearl, Doha, as a partnership between United Development Company (UDC) and UK-based Orbital Education. The school was established to deliver an enhanced British curriculum for expatriate and local families and to grow into a major international school in Doha. The campus was designed to accommodate up to 2,600 students. An official opening ceremony was held on 18 May 2023, attended by officials from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, United Development Company, Orbital Education and the British Embassy.

Community

USI emphasizes a thriving, inclusive community of students, families, teachers and leaders. A key part of community life is engagement through the USI Parent Society, which supports the parent–teacher–student collaboration and organizes opportunities for families to participate in school life. Families are encouraged to feel welcomed, valued, and connected to staff and the broader school community, with parent class representatives helping coordinate contributions to events. The Pearl Island setting and school programmes foster interactions beyond the classroom and support a sense of community among students and families.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The USI Parent Society is a formal body designed to support and develop a strong, active parent–teacher–student community. It includes dedicated parents, teachers, staff and students who help plan, organise and facilitate school events. There are Parent Class Representatives who liaise between classes to coordinate class contributions to events and to welcome new families. The Parent Society has defined terms of reference and roles, and provides resources and forms to join or to become a Class Representative. Parents can apply to join the Society or to become Class Reps, and the school provides communications such as newsletters and bulletins to support ongoing involvement. The Society works with staff to plan and run events that strengthen community ties and support student learning and wellbeing.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school is located on The Pearl and features world-class facilities designed to support a British international education. Facilities include high-tech science laboratories, STEAM and robotics studios, and an audio-visual and recording studio. The campus offers a 25-meter indoor swimming pool with a separate training pool, a football pitch, running track, and courts for volleyball, basketball and tennis. A multi-purpose sports hall, a modern library, and a 500-seat auditorium complete the core learning environment.

Sports Facilities

The sports facilities include a football pitch, running track, and courts for volleyball, basketball and tennis. A multi-purpose sports hall supports indoor physical activities. There is a 25-meter indoor swimming pool with a separate training pool. The facilities support a range of physical education and after-school sports.

Academic Facilities

High-tech science laboratories support practical learning across disciplines. STEAM and robotics studios enable hands-on, interdisciplinary work. An audio-visual and recording studio supports media production and presentation. A modern library serves students across year groups with access to a wide range of books and periodicals.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Hobby classes include karate, chess, modern art, dance and painting. The After School Activities programme includes Sustainable Fashion Club, Environmental Club and Gardening Club. The School Life section highlights activities such as Model United Nations and related events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school follows an enhanced British Curriculum that blends the English National Curriculum with local market norms to support progression from Primary to Secondary and on to universities worldwide. The curriculum includes regular assessments and personalised targets, with a focus on developing analytical thinking, creativity and academic English. The school emphasises core literacy, numeracy and ICT, with specialist teaching in languages, science, art, music and physical education as students advance. The Sixth Form offers A level programmes aligned with the school's aims.

Arts & Creative

The school provides time for music, drama and sports as part of the curriculum, supported by facilities such as an audio-visual recording studio and a 500-seat auditorium. A dedicated STEAM and robotics studio supports creative and technical learning, complemented by a modern library.

Cultural & Language

The language of instruction is English and Arabic is taught as a subject in Key Stage 2. The school serves a highly international student body with many languages spoken at home and robust English language support through an EAL programme. Bell Foundation frameworks are used to support learners of English as an additional language.

Social & Hobbies

The curriculum emphasises engagement in music, drama and sports, with extensive school facilities to support physical and creative activities. Extracurricular clubs or themes are not detailed publicly on the school pages.

Community & Service

The school promotes international-mindedness and community values as part of its ethos, emphasising kindness, respect, integrity and compassion. Specific community service programmes are not listed on the school pages.

Leadership & Professional

The school operates a British international programme with a clear progression route (IGCSE and A levels) designed to prepare students for higher education globally, alongside a framework that supports independent thinking and leadership qualities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Facilities include a 25m indoor swimming pool, a training pool, multiple sports courts and a multi-purpose sports hall, designed to support physical wellbeing and active lifestyles. The school's ethos centres on excellence and well-being within an international community.
Languages

Language Provision

The school follows an enhanced British Curriculum blending the English National Curriculum with the cultures and norms of the local market, with a focus on English language education. Arabic is taught as a subject, with specialist teaching in Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6).
Admissions

Admissions

USI's admissions follow five steps. Step 1: Compile necessary information and documentation for the online application, including the child's passport, QID (if processed), birth certificate, General Vaccination Certificate, passport photo, and the last two years of school reports (unless entering FS1, FS2 or Year 1 and never attended school); reports must be in English and include teacher comments on behaviour and attitude to learning. Step 2: Submit the online application via the Admissions Portal; before starting you should read all requirements and provide the requested information; the portal remains open year-round and you can log in to view progress, but once forms are submitted and documents signed you cannot edit them. Step 3: Assessment; applications are reviewed by the Admissions Team; for Year 2 and above, reports are reviewed and a decision is made on whether an entrance assessment is required; EYFS children are invited to a playdate observation; Primary and Secondary students will be asked to sit an online assessment. Step 4: Offer and acceptance; if a seat is available an official offer and Admissions Agreement are issued; the offer must be signed and the non-refundable Registration Fee of QAR 2,500 paid by the deadline stated in the offer. Step 5: Registration; the school registers students on behalf of parents while the Ministry of Education and Higher Education online system is open; after the MoE&HE closing date, parents provide the MOE registration form and the child's passport entry stamp, along with other listed documentation to finalise registration. The admissions portal never closes and can be used throughout the admissions journey; applicants may apply well in advance as places are in high demand. Year group allocation is based on age and requires entry by 30 September each year; MoE&HE guidelines also state that students must complete a full academic year to move to the next year group and that a child cannot be more than two years older than the age for the target year group. For new to Qatar, QID and attested report cards are required; for transfers from within Qatar, a Transfer Certificate and related health and attendance records are required.
School Events
The school has not added events