Arab International Academy vs The Gulf English School

	A Arab International Academy Doha, Qatar	T The Gulf English School Doha, Qatar
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year QAR 35,296 - 54,465	Fees / year QAR 29,130 - 56,050
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 408	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size 19	Typical class size 26
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Arab International Academy is located in Doha, Qatar, in the Al Sadd area near the Sports Signal roundabout. The campus sits along Al Ghadeeriyat Street in a mixed residential and commercial area. It is accessible from central Doha via major roads, with nearby public transit stops within a short walk.	Location The Gulf English School is located on Al Gharrafa Street in the Ar-Rayyan district of Doha, Qatar (Al Gharrafa St, Ar-Rayyan 2440). The campus is accessible by road and serves families in Doha. A bus service operates in Doha for student transport.
Stages	Stages The school operates an IB programme across all stages: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for KG to Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. The campus is organized into Kindergarten, Elementary, and Secondary sections.	Stages The Gulf English School serves students aged 3 to 18, from early years through secondary education. The curriculum follows the National Curriculum for England (2014) from EYFS through KS3, with GCSE/iGCSE and BTEC pathways at KS4 and AS/A-Level qualifications at KS5.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and functions as a day school; there are no boarding facilities.	School type The Gulf English School is an international private day school and is co-educational, teaching a British curriculum to boys and girls aged 3–18.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school lists 42+ nationalities represented. Public materials do not publish a breakdown by nationality or the local-to-international student ratio.	Pupil nationality mix The school hosts a diverse student body with hundreds of nationalities represented. The International Schools Database lists about 1,650 students across 45 nationalities, with the most represented nationality being Qatari and a local-to-international ratio of roughly 70% Qatari to 30% international. In 2022, 95 graduates from 11 nationalities completed the year, and in 2025, 108 graduates reflected the school's diverse intake.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Support Services include differentiated instruction, English and Arabic as second language support, college/counseling services, speech-language therapy, and a behavior therapist. The program uses individualized education plans (IEPs) and provides in-class support with pull-out sessions where needed.	Additional learning support The school provides Learning Support to maximise learner potential, including in-class support, personalized learning programs, curriculum modification, alternative assessment frameworks, and individual education plans (IEPs); support is coordinated with parents as partners.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No official country affiliation is listed; the school operates as an international IB World School in Doha, Qatar.	Country affiliation The Gulf English School is licensed by the Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOE) in Qatar.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed for the school.	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; the curriculum includes Arabic, Islamic, and Qatar History content as required by the MOE.
School day structure	School day structure Public materials do not publish daily start and end times; exact hours should be confirmed with the school.	School day structure The normal school day runs Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with a start time of 7:15 for Pre-School and for Reception/KS1, and 7:30 for KS2/Secondary. End times vary by year group (e.g., Pre-School 12:45, Reception/KS1 13:30, KS2 13:50, KS4/KS5 around 13:45 on regular days). On Tuesdays the day is shorter to accommodate staff development (e.g., Pre-School 12:30, KS4/KS5 12:50).
Bus service details	Bus service details There is no published information about a school-run bus service on the public materials. Nearby transit options include Doha Metro stations (e.g., Al Saad, Joaan) and local bus stops such as Jawaan St.	Bus service details GES provides a bus service in Doha. Upon admission you complete a bus form to apply. Buses run on the second day of school, and on the first day it is the parents' responsibility to bring their child to school. Bus safety rules and punctuality are emphasized.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - Application fee: QAR 500, payable when you submit an application. This fee is one-off and non‑refundable. - Registration (enrolment) fee: QAR 2,000, payable at the time of registration. This fee is one‑off and non‑refundable. - Seat reservation / booking fee: QAR 2,000. This fee is payable as a seat reservation (the school states it is due within the second semester) and is non‑refundable; the seat reservation fee is deductible from tuition. Tuition fees (per grade) — per installment and annual total (all amounts in QAR) - Preschool: First installment QAR 17,648; Second installment QAR 17,648; Annual total QAR 35,296. - KG1: First installment QAR 17,648; Second installment QAR 17,648; Annual total QAR 35,296. - KG2: First installment QAR 17,648; Second installment QAR 17,648; Annual total QAR 35,296. - Grade 1: First installment QAR 20,888; Second installment QAR 20,888; Annual total QAR 41,776. - Grade 2: First installment QAR 20,888; Second installment QAR 20,888; Annual total QAR 41,776. - Grade 3: First installment QAR 20,888; Second installment QAR 20,888; Annual total QAR 41,776. - Grade 4: First installment QAR 20,888; Second installment QAR 20,888; Annual total QAR 41,776. - Grade 5: First installment QAR 20,888; Second installment QAR 20,888; Annual total QAR 41,776. - Grade 6: First installment QAR 20,888; Second installment QAR 20,888; Annual total QAR 41,776. - Grade 7: First installment QAR 23,744; Second installment QAR 23,744; Annual total QAR 47,488. - Grade 8: First installment QAR 23,744; Second installment QAR 23,744; Annual total QAR 47,488. - Grade 9: First installment QAR 23,744; Second installment QAR 23,744; Annual total QAR 47,488. - Grade 10: First installment QAR 27,232; Second installment QAR 27,232; Annual total QAR 54,465. - Grade 11: First installment QAR 27,232; Second installment QAR 27,232; Annual total QAR 54,465. - Grade 12: First installment QAR 27,232; Second installment QAR 27,232; Annual total QAR 54,465. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in two instalments (semester 1 and semester 2). Semester 1 payment window: August 25 – September 10. Semester 2 payment window: January 5 – January 31. Families may pay each semester or pay the annual tuition in full. - If a student joins during the first half of a semester, application, registration, and books fees plus full semester tuition are due. If a student joins during the second half of a semester, application, registration, and books fees plus 50% of that semester's tuition are due. The school may reassign a seat if tuition is not paid by the deadlines. A written one‑month notice is required to withdraw a student. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school. No boarding fee is listed. Other costs and typical additional charges - Academic books are sold at the school store and are charged separately from tuition. - Uniforms are provided through the school's uniform supplier / uniform shop; uniform purchase is an additional cost paid by parents. The school confirms that uniforms are available from a supplier or the school uniform shop. - Participation in educational trips is charged to parents (transportation, entrance fees, etc.). Additional optional or co‑curricular costs (activities, trips, consumables) are paid by parents as required. Refund information and fee rules - Application fee (QAR 500) and registration/enrolment fee (QAR 2,000) are non‑refundable. The seat reservation fee (QAR 2,000) is non‑refundable but is deductible from tuition when paid. The school may reassign a place if fees are not paid by the published deadlines. A written one‑month notice is required for withdrawal. Specific refund mechanics beyond these rules are not published on the school fee page. Fee payment options and bank details - The school accepts payment by cheque delivered to AIA premises or by bank transfer (wire). The school requests that the student's name be clearly marked on bank transfer documentation and that the full amount be transferred. Provided bank details on the school's admissions information are: Account Name – Arab International Academy; Bank Name / Branch – Qatar National Bank, Sharq Village Branch; Account Number – 0213 – 046357 - 001; Account Currency – QAR; SWIFT – QNBAQAQA; IBAN – QA85 QNBA 0000 0000 0213 0463 5700 1. Payments by other methods (credit card, online card payments) are not listed in the published admissions/payment instructions. Notes - Books, uniforms, trips, and other consumables are additional to the tuition figures listed above. All tuition and additional fees are subject to change pending approval by the Ministry of Education; the school publishes payment windows and the non‑refundable nature of application and registration fees as part of its fee regulations.	Fee details Entrance / Application Fees - Entrance test (application) fee: QAR 550. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable and is payable before each entrance test. Registration and Re‑registration - Registration fee (one-time, for each child): QAR 4,000. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. - Re-registration (re-enrolment) fee (to secure a place for the next academic year): QAR 4,000, payable at re-enrolment. Tuition fees by year group — amounts shown per term and total per year (academic year 2025/2026) - Pre‑School: First term QAR 11,180; Second term QAR 8,350; Third term QAR 8,350; Fees per year QAR 27,880; Book levy QAR 1,250. - Reception: First term QAR 11,180; Second term QAR 8,350; Third term QAR 8,350; Fees per year QAR 27,880; Book levy QAR 1,250. - Year 1–6: First term QAR 13,120; Second term QAR 9,900; Third term QAR 9,900; Fees per year QAR 32,920; Book levy QAR 1,500. - Year 7–8: First term QAR 17,230; Second term QAR 12,850; Third term QAR 12,850; Fees per year QAR 42,930; Book levy QAR 2,500. - Year 9: First term QAR 17,810; Second term QAR 13,250; Third term QAR 13,250; Fees per year QAR 44,310; Book levy QAR 2,750. - Year 10 (IGCSE): First term QAR 19,180; Second term QAR 14,200; Third term QAR 14,200; Fees per year QAR 47,580; Book levy QAR 2,750. - Year 11 (IGCSE): First term QAR 19,180; Second term QAR 14,200; Third term QAR 14,200; Fees per year QAR 47,580; Book levy QAR 3,000. - Year 12 (IB 1 & AS): First term QAR 20,850; Second term QAR 15,600; Third term QAR 15,600; Fees per year QAR 52,050; Book levy QAR 4,000. - Year 13 (IB 2): First term QAR 20,850; Second term QAR 15,600; Third term QAR 15,600; Fees per year QAR 52,050; Book levy QAR 4,000. Examination and assessment fees (additional to tuition) - Year 11 (IGCSE): QAR 650 per subject. - Year 12 (AS‑Level): QAR 800 per subject. - Year 13 (IB): IB Certificate fee QAR 4,500 per year; IB Diploma fee QAR 6,000 per year. Bus / Transport fees - 1‑way bus: First term QAR 1,600; Second term QAR 1,200; Third term QAR 1,200. - 2‑way bus: First term QAR 2,800; Second term QAR 2,100; Third term QAR 2,100. - Bus service is provided on fixed routes and is subject to seat availability and location. Boarding - No boarding fees are listed. The school operates as a day school with an organised bus service; there is no boarding provision shown in the published fee schedule. Other potential or occasional charges - Book levy / Stationery / Laboratory fees are charged as shown above per year group (labelled as Book Levy / Stationery / Lab. Fees). - Additional support services (ASL, ESL, SEN) are provided where required and are chargeable at an additional fee. - Uniform is not included in tuition; the school's uniform is available from the named supplier (Uniform Mart) and parents purchase uniforms from that supplier. Individual uniform prices are set by the supplier. Billing schedule and payment terms - Term due dates for the 2025/2026 academic year: First term due 1 September 2025; Second term due 1 December 2025; Third term due 1 March 2026. - Billing frequency: tuition is billed on a yearly basis for company‑sponsored students and on a quarterly/term basis for individual payers. - Full‑term tuition fees are charged regardless of the date of admission within a term. To reserve a place for a full term while the student is absent, half of that term's fees will be charged. - If payments are not made within six weeks of the due date, students will not receive their progress reports, per school policy. Refunds and cancellations - Registration, re‑registration and entrance test fees are non-refundable. No refund of tuition is given if a student withdraws from the school mid-term. Accepted payment methods and how payments are processed - Credit and debit card transactions are supported and processed via third‑party payment processors; the school does not itself store card data. - Other common payment channels used in practice include bank transfer, cheque, cash and point‑of‑sale (POS) systems; specific payment options and instructions are provided by the school's accounts office when completing enrolment or re‑enrolment. Evidence of cash/cheque/bank transfer/POS being used appears in published school fee information and local school listings. Notes for parents - Examination fees, book levies and any additional support charges (ASL/ESL/SEN) are charged on top of the tuition figures quoted above and should be budgeted for separately. (Amounts and policies above apply to the 2025/2026 fee schedule as published for the current academic year.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements AIA Doha operates as a day school; no boarding is offered. Students attend on-site daily and there are no residential facilities provided by the school. The IB programme information for the Doha/Lusail campuses indicates boarding facilities as DAY.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for all students. They can be purchased at the on-site uniform shop located at AIA, with the school store also selling uniform items.	Uniform requirement From Pre-school to Year 11, pupils are expected to be smartly dressed at all times, wearing their school uniform or P.E. kit as appropriate. The uniform is available on sale at Uniform Mart, Al Maszhabiliya St, Near Al Meera Izghawa and Garrafa Sports Club Doha; Tel: +97444115925, +97444691459; from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
Food options	Food options AIA provides a canteen with a healthy daily menu. A local catering company prepares meals and snacks, and the menu is shared with students and parents periodically.	Food options There is an on-site cafeteria. The Primary School building includes a cafeteria, and Cafeteria is listed among the school's facilities.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Arab International Academy is governed by a Board of Trustees. The current board includes Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani as Chair, along with other trustees who oversee the school's governance.	Governance and ownership The Gulf English School is governed by a Board of Trustees that sets broad school policy, maintains long-term financial stability and hires and evaluates the Leadership Team. The Board consists of five appointed members in addition to the Leadership Team and meets three times a year. Ownership details are not disclosed on the site.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Arab International Academy offers the IB continuum across the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is bilingual in English and Arabic, with Arabic, English and French taught at different levels. In the English track, grades 1-5 use English as the language of instruction with Arabic as an advanced second language and French or Spanish as a third language; in grades 6-8, Mathematics and Sciences are taught in English, with History taught in Arabic or English and continued language study in English, Arabic and French. The school is accredited by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Council for International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The campus is located in AL Sadd Area, Sports Signal, Doha, Qatar; the school serves Kindergarten through Secondary; class sizes are capped at 25 students and the student body represents 42+ nationalities, with 23+ nationalities among teachers. Online applications are accepted for the 2026/2027 school year.	Curriculum details The Gulf English School Qatar delivers a British-style curriculum framework taught in English, combining the National Curriculum for England (2014) from EYFS through KS3 with the International Primary Curriculum for Primary foundation subjects. KS4 offers GCSE, iGCSE, and BTEC pathways; KS5 provides AS and A-Level qualifications. All students study Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qatar History in line with Qatar MOE requirements. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), is an approved Edexcel examination centre, is a member of British Schools in the Middle East, and is licensed by the Qatar Ministry of Education. In practice, EYFS through KS3 follow the English National Curriculum, KS4/KS5 provide progression routes, with IPC in Primary and MOE-mandated subjects across all year groups.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma Programme results are published for recent cohorts, including the Class of 2024 and Class of 2025.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The Arab International Academy emphasizes a high-quality, international educational program designed to support students' academic and personal growth. The leadership messages describe a focus on creating a healthy, effective learning environment with collaboration among educators, families, and specialists.	Social & emotional learning Gulf English School Kuwait supports social and emotional learning through a safe, caring, and happy community and a strong emphasis on the Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural aspects of education, with a culture of mutual respect and open communication with families.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The site does not specify details about special education services.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides extra care for vulnerable students including those with SEND or mental health needs, and maintains a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and deputy DSLs with annual safeguarding training for all staff; there is no indication of a dedicated SEN department or specialist SEN facility.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The site does not specify language-support programs for English as an additional language.	English as an additional language The Gulf English School Kuwait does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The site highlights a healthy and effective learning environment but does not provide specific mental-wellbeing programs.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through pastoral care and safeguarding practices, with explicit attention to vulnerable students including those with SEND or mental health needs.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school presents a governance structure (Board of Trustees and Superintendent) and leadership messaging aimed at maintaining a safe, structured educational setting.	Safeguarding Safeguarding follows UK guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025); there is a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and deputy leads, annual safeguarding training for all staff, and a secure RecordMy system for recording concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview AIA in Doha operates a modern educational facility designed to support diverse learning styles. The school has highly equipped classrooms, small group areas, multi-purpose rooms, a theatre, a common multi-purpose space, locker areas, science labs, indoor and outdoor sports fields, libraries, dedicated music, drama, and art rooms, educational gardens, clinics, assembly halls, and dining areas. These facilities support a range of learning modalities including independent learning, peer tutoring, teamwork, one-on-one instruction, lectures, project-based inquiry, research, interdisciplinary study, drama, seminars, learning through design, and art-based learning. The campus also includes educational gardens and clinics to support student well-being and hands-on exploration.	Facilities overview Gulf English School occupies a large campus designed to support the National Curriculum. The facilities include three fully furnished ICT suites and interactive panels in all classrooms, plus three music rooms and a drama studio. The campus provides sports facilities with indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a gymnasium, and an indoor 25-meter heated swimming pool. Practical learning is supported by breakout areas, a large hall for productions and assemblies, and a spacious playground with climbing equipment. On-site amenities include a canteen, a mosque, and a clinic to support daily student needs.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Indoor and outdoor sports fields are available for physical education and school sports.	Sports facilities Indoor and outdoor basketball courts and a gymnasium provide spaces for team and recreational sports. The campus also features an indoor 25-meter heated swimming pool for swimming and aquatic activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities AIA is an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme (DP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The IB programs aim to develop the whole person cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically. The school emphasizes language instruction in English and Arabic, with French or Spanish as additional languages, and provides learning support services including English and Arabic as second languages, counseling, and individualized education plans. It also adopts the STEAM approach to integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, and offers music and arts education.	Academic facilities Interactive panels are installed in all classrooms, and there are three ICT suites to support technology-enabled learning. Fully equipped classrooms are designed to deliver all aspects of the National Curriculum.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The AIA offers a wide range of activities and programs to complement the school curriculum and develop students' skills. Weekly enrichment classes provide creative, scientific, artistic, and sports activities. Optional after-school activities are available for a fee in various fields.	Extra curricular facilities Extra-curricular activities are described as a diverse range of clubs and activities, including PE, music, arts and crafts, and more, offering opportunities beyond the regular curriculum.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Arab International Academy was founded in Doha, Qatar in 2016. It is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). It is accredited by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Council for International Schools (CIS), and the New England Association for Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The school is bilingual in English and Arabic and offers French at different levels. The campus is located in AL Sadd Area, Sports Signal, Doha, Qatar.	History Founded in 1993, Gulf English School (Qatar) began as an international co-educational school offering a UK-aligned program. It developed into one of Qatar's most respected international schools, expanding its curriculum and student body over time. In 2005 the school joined the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and gained IB accreditation for its Diploma Programme. In 2012 Gulf English School achieved Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation, signaling adherence to international standards. CIS reaccreditation was earned in 2019, confirming ongoing commitment to international best practices.
Community	Community The school offers a broad program of social, educational, cultural, and sports activities, with weekly enrichment classes and optional after-school activities for a fee. The News & Events section lists events such as Learning Without Walls, International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, English Literacy Week, Arabic Literacy Week, and Arabic Language and Culture Day. Sports and community events include the Football League finals with parent participation. A Book Fair is held as part of Languages Month.	Community GES maintains a strong, inclusive community that celebrates diversity and encourages collaboration. The school runs a broad extracurricular programme in sports, the arts, leadership, and community service, including participation in national and international events and sustainability initiatives. The alumni network reflects the school's global orientation, with graduates progressing to universities worldwide.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA is active for the 2024-2025 school year and works in collaboration with teachers and staff to support students. In the past, PTA activities have included International Week, Book Week, Qatar National Day celebrations, silent auctions, book clubs, and the GES careers' fair. This year the PTA plans to create purposeful activities across Infants, Juniors, and Secondary and to collaborate with teachers on annual school events. Parent volunteers help organize events, contribute to communications, and support student development. Membership and participation are encouraged to ensure the PTA makes a meaningful impact on the school community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Arab International Academy is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). There are two language tracks: an English-language track (instruction in English; Arabic taught as a second language and French or Spanish as a third language) and an Arabic-language track (instruction in Arabic; English taught at an advanced level and French or Spanish as a third language). In Grades 6–8, Mathematics and Sciences are taught in English; History is taught in Arabic or English depending on the student's first language; students continue to learn English, Arabic, and French or Spanish at different levels. The school emphasizes a bilingual environment with a diverse, international student body and small class sizes (maximum 25 students).	Academic & intellectual The Gulf English School Doha follows the National Curriculum for England (2014) from EYFS through KS3, the International Primary Curriculum in Primary, GCSE/iGCSE and BTEC pathways in KS4, and AS/A‑Levels in KS5. Arabic, Islamic Studies, and the Qatar History Curriculum are provided in line with the Qatar Ministry of Education. Enrichment is delivered through programs such as Model United Nations (MUN), the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and a Student Council that develops debate, diplomacy, and leadership skills. The Gifted and Talented program offers enriched opportunities beyond the classroom, including short-term projects, enrichment groups, clubs and trips, and participation in internal, regional and international competitions; university preparation and career guidance also support post‑secondary planning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school provides dedicated music and art rooms and other arts-related facilities as part of its modern educational facilities (including labs, libraries, and dining spaces).	Arts & creative The campus provides arts and performance spaces, including a Music Suite and Art and Media Suites, plus a multi‑purpose stage for productions. The facilities support music, visual arts and drama, including spaces for rehearsals and school productions. Students can engage in arts and creative pursuits through the Extra-Curricular program and school productions.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school operates as a bilingual English–Arabic environment. In the English-language track, instruction is English with Arabic as a second language and French or Spanish as a third language; in the Arabic-language track, instruction is Arabic with English taught at an advanced level and French or Spanish as a third language. In Grades 6–8, history is taught in Arabic or English; a world history curriculum is taught in Arabic for the middle years. Students continue learning English, Arabic, and French or Spanish at different levels.	Cultural & language Arabic, Islamic Studies, and the Qatar History Curriculum are provided as part of the MOE framework. Model United Nations exposes students to international issues and diplomacy, with weekly meetings and participation in national/international conferences such as THIMUN. International and Local Trips broaden intercultural understanding, with destinations including the UK, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Spain and other locations.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Student Life includes a full complement of social, educational, cultural, and sports activities.	Social & hobbies The Extra-Curricular program includes sports, arts, music, and other creative pursuits, with offerings evolving each term. The Student Council fosters leadership and runs community outreach events such as charity fundraisers, wellbeing days, awareness campaigns, food drives and environmental projects. Social clubs and hobby groups provide additional opportunities for informal student engagement beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Service learning is a core component of the school ethos, linking classroom learning with community service. Students undertake hands-on projects that address local and global issues, developing teamwork, problem‑solving, empathy and leadership. Projects include environmental initiatives and social outreach in collaboration with local organizations.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Student leadership is developed through the elected Student Council, which represents each year group and helps shape school policies and events. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is an official licensed Independent Award Centre at GES, offering Bronze, Silver and Gold levels for students aged 14 and above, focusing on teamwork, resilience and personal development. University preparation and career guidance provide tailored support to help students navigate higher education and career options.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and fitness activities are part of student life, supported by modern facilities such as gyms and sports fields.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus provides extensive sporting facilities including a 25‑meter indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and all‑weather pitches for outdoor activities. A large multipurpose hall supports PE and school productions, while dedicated arts facilities support wellbeing through performance and creativity. Pastoral care and wellbeing services are available and integrated with the PHSE curriculum to support student health and resilience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All children in Kindergarten learn in both English and Arabic. In the English track for grades 1–5, instruction is in English, Arabic is taught as an advanced second language, and French or Spanish is offered as a third language. In the Arabic track, instruction is in Arabic, English is taught at an advanced level, and French or Spanish is a third language. In grades 6–8, Mathematics and Sciences are taught in English; History is taught in Arabic or English; students continue to learn English, Arabic, and French at different levels.	Language provision The school follows the National Curriculum for England (2014) from EYFS through KS3. The International Primary Curriculum is used to teach foundation subjects in Primary. KS4 offers GCSE, iGCSE, and BTEC pathways. KS5 includes AS and A-Level qualifications. All students follow an Arabic, Islamic, and Qatar History Curriculum as set by the Qatar Ministry of Education.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Arab International Academy is a bilingual school using English and Arabic as languages of instruction. All Kindergarten students learn in both languages.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Arab International Academy accepts online applications for Preschool through Grade 8. The school is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). It is bilingual in English and Arabic, with French taught at different levels. The school has students from 42+ nationalities and a maximum class size of 25, with teachers from 23+ nationalities. To apply, submit an online application via aia.qa and attach the following documents: Student Qatar Identification Card; Parents' Qatar Identification Cards; Student's birth certificate; Student passport-size photo; Most recent student school report; Student passport; Parents' passports; Referral letter from the last school (to be sent directly by AIA). After seat availability is confirmed, a non-refundable application fee of 500 QAR is due, payable by cheque at the AIA premises or by bank transfer (Account Name: Arab International Academy; Bank: Qatar National Bank – Sharq Village Branch; Account Number: 0213 – 046357 – 001; IBAN: QA85 QNBA 0000 0000 0213 0463 5700 1; Swift: QNBAQAQA). The application is reviewed once all required documents are received, and you will be contacted to arrange an entrance test and/or interview. Admissions are granted in accordance with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education regulations regarding admission and the equivalency of educational systems. A decision is communicated one business day after the interview and/or entrance test. Upon acceptance, the following are required: Registration Fees 2,000 QAR; Seat reservation fees 2,000 QAR; Student medical file; A completed medical form; Letter of employment from the parents' workplace; End-of-year report; Signed copies of fee schedules; Signed copy of the regulations form; Signed copy of the AIA school registration guidelines.	Admissions 1. The Gulf English School offers the National Curriculum of England and Wales, taught in English, for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. The school accepts students of all nationalities who meet age and language requirements, and space is needed. The language of instruction is English, and the campus is located at Al Gharrafa St, Ar-Rayyan, Doha, Qatar. 2. The first step toward enrollment is completing the online application and uploading all relevant documents, including previous school records and a reference form from the previous school before entrance testing. If shortlisted, you will be notified of the entrance exam date; admissions testing occurs throughout the year as places are available or during Spring (March/April). The entrance test includes reading, mathematics, and a writing sample. 3. Admission decisions can be full acceptance, conditional acceptance, or denial, and parents will be notified of the decision. If a year group closes, a waiting pool is established and parents/students will be notified if an opening becomes available; the school does not accept applications or testing if places are unavailable. 4. Documentation and evaluation: Applicants must provide the previous two years of school reports and any additional information to assist the evaluation. All records must be submitted in English; translated copies with official stamps are acceptable, and records from local government schools may be in Arabic. The Gulf English School can refer to the Student Support Team for assessment of special needs, and parental disclosure of any learning or behavioural needs is required. Priority for pre-school is given to siblings already at GES. Attendance, progress, and behaviour are considered for progression to the next year; the school welcomes campus tours. For progression from year to year, students must meet specified expectations in core subjects, attendance, and behaviour as outlined by the school.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting lists are online and managed as a pool when a year group closes. A waiting pool is established if places become unavailable mid-year, and parents and students are notified if an opening becomes available. Submitting an online application or initiating an entrance assessment does not guarantee placement.
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