Cheltenham Muscat vs International School of Oman

	C Cheltenham Muscat Muscat, Oman	I International School of Oman Muscat, Oman
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year OMR 3,899 - 8,111	Fees / year OMR 2,631 - 4,647
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Omani Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 700	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Cheltenham Muscat is located in Al Bandar, Muscat, Oman. The campus sits on a 45,000 square metre site within the Al Bandar Masterplan, a large mixed-use development near residential areas. It is in close proximity to Muscat International Airport and City Centre Muscat, with straightforward road access.	Location ISO is located in Muscat, Oman. The campus moved to a brand-new site in the Bawsher district in September 2021, relocating from an earlier site in Madinat Al Ilam. The school serves families across the Muscat Governorate and is accessible by road within the metropolitan area.
Stages	Stages The school is structured in three bands: Pre-Prep (KG1–Grade 2), Prep (Grade 2–Grade 8), and Senior (Grade 8–Grade 12). This progression covers early years through to the end of secondary schooling.	Stages ISO offers a full K–12 program: KG1 and KG2, then Grades 1–6, Grades 7–8, Grades 9–10 (Cambridge IGCSE), and Grades 11–12 (Cambridge International AS/A level and Oman Bilingual GDE).
School type	School type Cheltenham Muscat is a co-educational British international day school.	School type International day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Enrollment is reported around 700–800 pupils with representation from about 50–60 nationalities. The most common nationalities are Omani and British. The international mix reflects the school's British international profile and its location in Muscat.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and a Learning Support Department. Pupil needs are addressed through EAL group and one-to-one provision, and every learner in need receives an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with opportunities for tailored, small-group support; some specialist EAL tuition may incur additional charges.	Additional learning support Learning Support is provided, including AL (additional learning) classes for targeted support. Pastoral care and access to a school psychologist are part of the welfare provisions.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom through the Cheltenham College family of international schools and offers a British curriculum (IGCSEs, A Levels, or GED).	Country affiliation No single country affiliation is listed. The school funds multiple curricula, including American, British, and Omani programs.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated in official materials.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated. Islamic studies are offered as part of the Grade 7–8 curriculum within the Oman-based components.
School day structure	School day structure KG1–Grade 2 start at 7:15am with 7:30am registration; collection is at 2:00pm, with after-school activities or paid academy options. Grades 3–12 start at 7:15am with 7:30am registration; collection is at 3:45pm, with optional after-school activities from 4:00pm onward.	School day structure School starts at 8:00 AM. KG1–KG2 finish at 1:30 PM; Grades 1–12 finish at 3:05 PM.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service operates for KG1 through Grade 12. Routes cover areas across Muscat including Al Mouj, Mawaleh, Al Hail, Mabella, Bawshar, Al Ansab, Qurum, Khoud, Al Athaiba, Ghubra, and Al Khuwair. A bus-tracking application allows parents to monitor journeys and request absences; for more info, contact the transport team.	Bus service details ISO provides transportation to select zones within the Muscat Governorate.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Overview (academic year 2025–26) - All fees below are charged in OMR and apply to the 2025–26 academic year. Application, assessment and deposit - Application fee (new pupils): OMR 150 — one-off, non-refundable. - Assessment fee (per applicant): OMR 200 — refundable only if a place is not offered. - Place-holding deposit to secure an offer: 40% of the first term's fees, non-refundable and payable within 10 working days of the offer; the deposit is deducted from the first term's fees. Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual total) — Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior - KG 1: Term 1 OMR 1,560; Term 2 OMR 1,560; Term 3 OMR 779; Total per year OMR 3,899. - KG 2: Term 1 OMR 1,783; Term 2 OMR 1,783; Term 3 OMR 890; Total per year OMR 4,456. - Grade 1: Term 1 OMR 2,005; Term 2 OMR 2,005; Term 3 OMR 1,003; Total per year OMR 5,013. - Grade 2: Term 1 OMR 2,005; Term 2 OMR 2,005; Term 3 OMR 1,003; Total per year OMR 5,013. - Grade 3: Term 1 OMR 2,005; Term 2 OMR 2,005; Term 3 OMR 1,003; Total per year OMR 5,013. - Grade 4: Term 1 OMR 2,207; Term 2 OMR 2,207; Term 3 OMR 1,103; Total per year OMR 5,517. - Grade 5: Term 1 OMR 2,228; Term 2 OMR 2,228; Term 3 OMR 1,114; Total per year OMR 5,570. - Grade 6: Term 1 OMR 2,419; Term 2 OMR 2,419; Term 3 OMR 1,209; Total per year OMR 6,047. - Grade 7: Term 1 OMR 2,450; Term 2 OMR 2,450; Term 3 OMR 1,226; Total per year OMR 6,126. - Grade 8: Term 1 OMR 2,640; Term 2 OMR 2,640; Term 3 OMR 1,319; Total per year OMR 6,599. - Grade 9: Term 1 OMR 2,725; Term 2 OMR 2,725; Term 3 OMR 1,363; Total per year OMR 6,813. - Grade 10: Term 1 OMR 2,725; Term 2 OMR 2,725; Term 3 OMR 1,363; Total per year OMR 6,813. - Grade 11: Term 1 OMR 3,244; Term 2 OMR 3,244; Term 3 OMR 1,623; Total per year OMR 8,111. - Grade 12: Term 1 OMR 3,244; Term 2 OMR 3,244; Term 3 OMR 1,623; Total per year OMR 8,111. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or by three instalments payable in advance of each term. - A 5% tuition discount is available for families who pay the full year's fees in a single payment at acceptance; this full-payment discount is only applicable when paying by bank transfer, cheque, or cash. - Re-enrolment fee for the 2026/27 academic year is due before the end of Term 2 (March 2026); the first term's payment for 2026/27 is required by June 2026 (re-enrolment/payment timetable described in the school's fee policy). - Failure to pay the required deposit or fees within the stated deadlines may result in an offer being withdrawn. Boarding fees - Cheltenham Muscat does not list or operate a boarding programme for pupils; there are no boarding fees published for this school. Other costs and additional charges - Tuition fees do not include school lunches, school transportation, educational trips, or extracurricular activities run by external providers; these items are charged separately. - School bus service is available for KG1 to Grade 12; routes cover a wide range of Muscat areas and transport fees and timings are published/managed through the school's transport team (transport is a separate charge). - Uniform: uniform items for Cheltenham Muscat are supplied through a specialist school uniform provider; uniform costs are separate from tuition and are purchased directly from the supplier. - Extra charges may apply for certain external-provider extracurricular programmes, optional trips, examination fees, and other services not included in tuition. Sibling discounts - A 5% discount is available for the third and subsequent child enrolled at the school; this sibling discount is applicable only when payment is made by bank transfer, cheque, or cash. Refunds and refund conditions - Refunds are processed in accordance with Ministry of Education (MoE) regulations in Oman. Tuition fee refunds are subject to specific conditions and timelines with deductions based on the length of enrolment. Deposits are non-refundable except in exceptional cases. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods referenced in the school's fee policy include bank transfer, cheque and cash. The 5% full-payment and sibling-discount conditions specify those three payment methods as qualifying options for the discounts. (Parents should use bank transfer, cheque or cash where discount eligibility is required.) Notes - All fee figures and policies above are presented in OMR and have been approved by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Fees are reviewed annually and may be adjusted with MoE approval. Payment of tuition fees confirms acceptance of the school's terms and conditions.	Fee details Application and one-time charges - New student registration fee: OMR 100.000. - New student consumables fee: OMR 150.000. - New student development fee: OMR 150.000. - Returning student consumables fee: OMR 150.000. - Returning student development fee: OMR 150.000. . Tuition fees — annual and payment instalments by year group - Kindergarten I: Annual OMR 2,587.000 — 1st payment OMR 565.000; 2nd payment OMR 565.000; 3rd payment OMR 728.000; 4th payment OMR 729.000. - Kindergarten II: Annual OMR 2,587.000 — 1st payment OMR 565.000; 2nd payment OMR 565.000; 3rd payment OMR 728.000; 4th payment OMR 729.000. - Grade 1: Annual OMR 3,271.000 — 1st payment OMR 690.000; 2nd payment OMR 690.000; 3rd payment OMR 945.000; 4th payment OMR 946.000. - Grade 2: Annual OMR 3,271.000 — 1st payment OMR 690.000; 2nd payment OMR 690.000; 3rd payment OMR 945.000; 4th payment OMR 946.000. - Grade 3: Annual OMR 3,271.000 — 1st payment OMR 690.000; 2nd payment OMR 690.000; 3rd payment OMR 945.000; 4th payment OMR 946.000. - Grade 4: Annual OMR 3,581.000 — 1st payment OMR 765.000; 2nd payment OMR 765.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,020.000; 4th payment OMR 1,031.000. - Grade 5: Annual OMR 3,581.000 — 1st payment OMR 765.000; 2nd payment OMR 765.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,020.000; 4th payment OMR 1,031.000. - Grade 6: Annual OMR 3,581.000 — 1st payment OMR 765.000; 2nd payment OMR 765.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,020.000; 4th payment OMR 1,031.000. - Grade 7: Annual OMR 4,141.000 — 1st payment OMR 870.000; 2nd payment OMR 870.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,200.000; 4th payment OMR 1,201.000. - Grade 8: Annual OMR 4,141.000 — 1st payment OMR 870.000; 2nd payment OMR 870.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,200.000; 4th payment OMR 1,201.000. - Grade 9: Annual OMR 4,141.000 — 1st payment OMR 870.000; 2nd payment OMR 870.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,200.000; 4th payment OMR 1,201.000. - Grade 10: Annual OMR 4,303.000 — 1st payment OMR 920.000; 2nd payment OMR 920.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,230.000; 4th payment OMR 1,233.000. - Grade 11: Annual OMR 4,564.000 — 1st payment OMR 970.000; 2nd payment OMR 970.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,300.000; 4th payment OMR 1,307.000. - Grade 12: Annual OMR 4,564.000 — 1st payment OMR 970.000; 2nd payment OMR 970.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,300.000; 4th payment OMR 1,307.000. . Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in four instalments. Due dates for the instalments are: 1st instalment due before April 9, 2026; 2nd instalment due before June 4, 2026; 3rd instalment due before August 27, 2026; 4th instalment due before December 3, 2026. - Parents sign a financial contract (guarantee form) and pay the required portion of annual fees at the accounts office as part of the registration process. - Instalment amounts for each grade are listed above; books, uniform and lunch are charged in addition to the tuition instalments. . Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed; boarding is not included in the published fee schedule. . Other costs and optional charges - Books, uniform and school lunch are additional to the tuition amounts and are charged separately. - Transportation (school bus) is charged in addition and varies by location. - Accelerated Learning Classes (charged per term): Grade 2 OMR 350; Grade 3 to Grade 4 OMR 400; Grade 5 to Grade 6 OMR 500. - Any additional activities, exam fees or optional services are charged separately if applicable; those items are not detailed in the published fee schedule. . Refund information - No refund policy or refund amounts are specified in the published fee schedule. . Fee payment options and contacts - The school requires payment through its accounts office as part of the registration/acceptance process; specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, cheque or card) are not specified in the published fee materials. - School contact for accounts and admissions: Tel +968 22455400; Email officemanager@isooman.com. .
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school requires all students to wear the official uniform, which can only be purchased at the school shop. Official school sportswear and sports shoes are mandatory during PE classes. Boys in grades 5 and above may wear a dishdasha.
Food options	Food options Healthy food choices are promoted as part of the Cognita Be Well Charter.	Food options There is a well-equipped cafeteria offering a diverse selection of healthy and nutritious meals. It caters to dietary preferences and cultural tastes. The cafeteria staff emphasizes food safety and hygiene.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Cognita family of Schools. It is part of the Cheltenham College Family of Schools network.	Governance and ownership The International School of Oman is operated under the management of EDUGATES International since its founding in 2008. Ownership details are not publicly disclosed on the site.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Cheltenham Muscat delivers a British-style education that blends Cheltenham College UK heritage with the Cambridge International Curriculum, adapted for Oman. The Pre-Prep covers KG1–KG2 (Pre-school and Reception) with the Curiosity Approach, and Grades 1–2 follow the Cambridge Primary Programme; classes are small and teaching includes specialist Arabic, Islamic Studies, PE and Swimming. The Prep School (Grades 3–8) uses the Cambridge International Primary Programme with a subject-specialist approach; core subjects are English, Arabic, Maths, Science, Islamic and Social Studies (for Arabic speakers), alongside Art, Music, PE, Geography, History, French and Spanish. The Senior phase (Grades 9–10) pursues IGCSEs and offers either a 2-year or a 3-year pathway, with a full range of subjects including Business Studies, Art, Music, Drama, PE, Computing, ICT, History, Geography, Philosophy, French and Spanish. The Sixth Form (Grades 11–12) provides A Levels or the Omani GED, with university guidance support and access to Cheltenham College UK colleagues for further career and university planning.	Curriculum details The International School of Oman offers a staged curriculum from early years to upper secondary, with Cambridge IGCSE for Grades 9–10 and Cambridge International AS and A Levels for Grades 11–12, alongside the Oman Bilingual GDE (Thanawiyah Amma). The early years feature KG1 with Jolly Phonics for literacy, while KG2 through Grade 6 cover core subjects including Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Grade 7–8 comprises subject blocks including Math, English and Global Perspective, Science and Computing, Arabic, Social Studies & Islamic, and Art & Design. Grades 9–10 adopt the Cambridge IGCSE framework with compulsory subjects English, Mathematics, and Arabic or French; Omani nationals also study Islamic and Arabic Social Studies, with five elective subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Management, Business Studies, Economics, History, ICT, Art & Design, and Physical Education, with examinations held at the end of Grade 10. Grades 11–12 provide Cambridge International AS and A Levels alongside the Oman bilingual GDE (Thanawiyah Amma). The school also offers other programs including sports, learning support, pastoral care and safeguarding.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	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 Pastoral care at Cheltenham Muscat focuses on nurturing happy, resilient, and adaptable learners, with dedicated teachers providing personalised support to each pupil. The school applies Cognita's Be Well Charter to promote wellbeing and social engagement, described as a six-pillars framework. Safeguarding measures ensure a safe and secure environment for pupils to thrive. Be Well emphasizes healthy food choices and regular physical activity, embedded in daily routines. The Sparkle Foundation partnership enables students and families to participate in meaningful giving and volunteering activities.	Social & emotional learning 1) Social and emotional learning (SEL): ISO supports SEL through its Student Life structure, notably the Student Society which engages students in activities that promote social and emotional development, leadership, teamwork, and positive attitudes. 2) After-school clubs extend SEL by offering diverse clubs that foster belonging, collaboration, and personal growth. 3) Pastoral care is highlighted as a mechanism to safeguard and support students' social and emotional well-being within a secure, nurturing environment. 4) The overall approach to student welfare emphasizes social and emotional development as part of a well-rounded education. 5) These elements reflect a holistic emphasis on SEL across both curricular and extracurricular activities.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Cheltenham Muscat offers Learning Support for mild-to-moderate Special Educational Needs (SEN). Each pupil requiring support has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), and specialist staff work with classroom teachers to integrate strategies into lessons. Support can include individual or small-group sessions and targeted interventions to access the curriculum. The site describes EAL separately but indicates that SEN support exists; it does not describe the school as a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) 1) ISO provides Learning Support as part of its Other Programs, including remedial instruction, accelerated learning, and differentiation within regular classes to assist learners with gaps or language needs. 2) The Learning Support description notes that support often addresses English proficiency and students who may be behind, indicating language-related learning support. 3) There is no explicit listing of a dedicated SEN department or specialist SEN facility; SEN support appears to be provided through Learning Support within the regular program. 4) Pastoral Care also supports students' social and personal growth, contributing to a holistic approach for learners with additional needs. 5) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding operating a dedicated specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Cheltenham Muscat provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme to support pupils learning in a non-native language. EAL includes group sessions, one-to-one tuition, and access to online activities and mentoring, with regular progress assessments. EAL support may be identified at admission or as a pupil progresses, and specialist EAL tuition incurs additional charges.	English as an additional language 1) EAL is not described as a separate, stand-alone program on ISO's site; English-language needs are addressed within Learning Support, which offers remedial and accelerated learning to support students with language proficiency gaps. 2) The Learning Support description notes differentiation within regular classes to assist learners, including those with language challenges. 3) This suggests that language-related support is integrated within Learning Support rather than a distinct EAL unit. 4) The curriculum and student-welfare emphasis indicate language development as part of the broader well-rounded education. 5) Therefore, ISO's publicly disclosed information indicates language support is accommodated within Learning Support rather than via a separate EAL program.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Cheltenham Muscat follows Cognita's Be Well Charter, a six-step framework for lifelong physical and mental wellbeing, and wellbeing is embedded in daily life across the school. Global Be Well Day is observed within the Cognita network to highlight wellbeing across schools. The Be Well Charter uses a Voice of the Student Survey to capture student perceptions of wellbeing and drive improvements. Digital wellbeing is addressed through Be Well Digital resources, and the Sparkle Foundation partnership broadens wellbeing through community service and volunteering.	Mental wellbeing 1) Mental wellbeing is supported through the school's pastoral care framework, which centers on social and personal growth and fostering a nurturing environment. 2) Student Life emphasizes social-emotional development and a sense of belonging, including leadership opportunities and community-building activities. 3) After-school clubs and Student Society involvement provide forums for collaboration, resilience, and emotional regulation in a social context. 4) The school's described approach to welfare and safeguarding reinforces attention to students' mental wellbeing as part of a holistic education. 5) These elements collectively indicate a structured focus on students' mental wellbeing across pastoral care, student life, and extracurricular activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Cheltenham Muscat follows Cognita safeguarding principles, which apply to all Cognita schools and promote the welfare of every child. Staff are educated to recognise abuse and to act in the best interests of the child. The safeguarding framework requires that every adult who works with pupils is safe to do so, and to uphold universal safeguarding standards. The Cognita Safeguarding Specialist Team develops safeguarding policies and ensures implementation across Cognita schools.	Safeguarding 1) Safeguarding is explicitly addressed as part of ISO's program offerings, with a formal commitment to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere and monitoring students at risk. 2) The safeguarding framework includes a systematic approach to support and protect students, and to help them express concerns and stay safe. 3) The curriculum includes tools for students to raise concerns, contributing to ongoing protection and awareness. 4) Pastoral care supports safeguarding by reinforcing healthy relationships and student safety within the school community. 5) A safeguarding-focus is publicly integrated into the school's programs alongside pastoral care and student life.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus sits on a purpose-built 45,000 square metre site in Muscat. Inside, the facilities include modern classrooms, state-of-the-art science laboratories, creative arts studios, and a theatre-in-the-round. The school provides comprehensive academic and creative spaces, including libraries, a STEM centre, an Art and Design centre, music and drama classrooms and practice rooms, and IT laboratories. Sports facilities comprise extensive outdoor pitches, an indoor gym, sports halls, and a competition-standard swimming pool (25m x 6 lanes) with an additional learner pool. The campus is designed to support a continuous learning journey from early years through to sixth form with a broad co-curricular offering.	Facilities overview ISO relocated to a brand-new campus in Bawsher in September 2021. The campus features modern, well-lit classrooms equipped with interactive smart boards. It houses science and ICT labs, a large library, a 250-seat auditorium, a cafeteria, and a clinic. The facilities include a full sports complex with a gym, outdoor football field, basketball and volleyball courts, and two temperature-controlled swimming pools. The arts and music spaces support creativity and performance.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The sports complex includes a full-size gymnasium, an outdoor football field, basketball and volleyball courts, and two temperature-controlled swimming pools.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Modern classrooms are spacious and equipped with interactive smart boards. Science and ICT labs provide hands-on opportunities for exploration. The library offers a broad collection and quiet reading spaces. The auditorium hosts presentations and events. The school uses Cambridge IGCSE for Grades 9-10 and Cambridge AS/A Level for Grades 11-12, alongside the Oman Bilingual General Education Diploma (GDE). KG1 uses Jolly Phonics.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities ISO offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs. Arts and music spaces support creativity and performance. Participation in extracurricular activities develops teamwork, communication, and a sense of community.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Cheltenham Muscat is the first overseas school in the Cheltenham College family of schools. It sits on a purpose-built 45,000 square metre campus in Muscat and provides an education grounded in the Cheltenham College tradition of more than 175 years of experience. Cheltenham Muscat opened for admissions in September 2021 and held its formal launch at a ceremonial event on 7 March 2022. The school is partnered with Cheltenham College UK, whose history dates back to 1841, and the Cheltenham College family upholds similar standards of scholarship, community, and continuous excellence. Cheltenham Muscat is part of the Cognita family of Schools.	History The International School of Oman (ISO) opened in September 2008 under the management of EDUGATES® International. It initially served Kindergarten to Grade 7 and expanded to Grade 12 in the 2013-2014 academic year. The school began at a temporary campus in Madinat Al Ilam and relocated in September 2021 to a new, purpose-built campus in Bawsher. ISO originally offered an American curriculum and shifted in 2013-2014 to the Omani Bilingual General Education Diploma, followed by the Cambridge IGCSE, AS, and A Level syllabi in 2014-2015. The school celebrated the graduation of its 10th senior cohort.
Community	Community Cheltenham Muscat places community at the heart of its ethos, guided by the Cheltenham Values which foreground Curiosity, Creativity, Character, Community, and Continuous Excellence. The value of Community emphasises belonging, responsibility, service, teamwork, and engagement in global initiatives. Public communications show active parent and community engagement through events such as a Meet & Greet coffee morning for parents on 21 January 2026 and the Festival of the World on 24 January 2026. In 2023, Cheltenham Muscat and Oman Sail undertook a Guinness World Records project—the Largest Plastic Bottle Sentence—as part of Project Earthlings, illustrating broad community outreach.	Community ISO's learning community emphasizes a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students. The school maintains regular parent and student communications through a dedicated portal that shares notices, calendars, and updates. ISO supports co-curricular and cultural activities, including events such as winter concerts and science fairs listed in official communications. These components reflect a commitment to holistic development and community belonging.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school maintains a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) as part of its Parent Essentials offerings. Public communications show a Meet & Greet coffee morning for parents on 21 January 2026, providing a forum for dialogue with senior staff and discussion of school ethos and pathways. The Festival of the World, scheduled for 24 January 2026, is promoted as a major family event with ticketing and opportunities for involvement. In 2025, Cheltenham Muscat announced inter-school activities such as the Gold Cup competition and an Academic Scholarship Programme, reflecting active parent–school collaboration and extended opportunities within the Cognita network. The PTA page is listed in the Parent Essentials section of the site, underscoring ongoing parent engagement and participation in school life.	Parent teacher association Public information about a formal PTA at ISO Oman is not published on public pages. Parent communications are organized through the internal ISO Oman portal, which provides notices, calendars, and parent circulars. The portal lists events and milestones such as Winter Concerts and Science Fairs. Public documentation does not specify PTA committees, leadership roles, or scheduled PTA activities. If you want official PTA details, I can help you request them from ISO Oman or check for any publicly released governance documents.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Academic Extension Programme invites pupils to explore subjects in greater depth, fostering intellectual curiosity beyond the classroom. The programme includes society meetings, debating, educational trips, and visits. These experiences not only instil a lifelong love of learning but also strengthen university applications. They prepare pupils for future academic success.	Academic & intellectual ISO serves students from KG1 through Grade 12. The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum is offered for Grades 9-10, while Grades 11-12 provide Cambridge International AS and A-levels, alongside the Oman Bilingual General Education Diploma (GDE/Thanawiyah Amma). KG1 uses Jolly Phonics as part of early literacy. In Grades 7-8 Arabic, Social Studies and Islamic are core subjects.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Pupils participate in a performing arts programme that encourages creativity and self-expression. They have opportunities for individual music lessons, instrumental ensembles, choir performances, and annual school productions. Pupils are encouraged to explore their talents, express themselves, and ignite their imagination. They build confidence and develop a lifelong love for the arts.	Arts & creative ISO provides arts and music education and has facilities for arts and performances, including an auditorium. The campus includes dedicated arts spaces and a 250-seat auditorium for performances. After-School Clubs include drama and choir, as well as other activities such as chess, taekwondo, coding, and creative writing.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language ISO follows the Omani Bilingual General Education Diploma curriculum (GDE) since 2013-2014, reflecting bilingual education. In Grades 7-8, Arabic, Social Studies and Islamic are taught as core subjects. The Cambridge program (IGCSE for Grades 9-10 and AS/A-level for Grades 11-12) uses English-language instruction. Placement in English, Math and Arabic is assessed via placement tests during admissions.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports for All is a core feature, with Cheltenham Muscat upholding the Cheltenham tradition of competing in over fifteen sports. The school embraces an inclusive ethos, ensuring pupils of all abilities can participate, develop, and compete. State-of-the-art facilities provide a platform to discover potential, whether they are aspiring athletes or simply active participants. Through expert coaching and competitive fixtures, pupils develop teamwork and a lifelong love of physical activity.	Social & hobbies The Student Society has student leaders and committees covering areas such as academics, discipline, management, social responsibility, and events. The Student Life Organization runs after-school clubs for grades 1 to 12, including drama, chess, choir, taekwondo, coding, and creative writing. Participation in clubs fosters teamwork, leadership and community involvement.
Community & service	Community & service Pupils are actively encouraged to support the local Muscat and Seeb community, engaging in charity work and outreach projects. Sustainability is a core value, with purpose-built school facilities designed to maintain a low carbon footprint. Through hands-on projects, pupils learn to be environmentally responsible and to make a meaningful impact.	Community & service Student Society includes committees focused on social responsibility. Pastoral Care supports students' social and personal growth, and safeguarding policies monitor well-being and provide protection. The school emphasizes community values and safe, inclusive environments.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership initiatives are part of the extra-curricular programme. Pupils have opportunities to develop leadership skills through these activities. The programme fosters teamwork, initiative, and responsible citizenship.	Leadership & professional Student leadership is fostered through the Student Society, with committees led by student presidents, vice presidents and prefects. Committees cover academics, discipline, events and social responsibility. The school is led by a Director and Deputy Director, with an administrative team supporting admissions, student life, and other functions.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport and the extensive co-curricular programme promote physical activity and wellbeing. The programme supports a lifelong love of physical activity and teamwork. State-of-the-art facilities enable active participation across sports and clubs.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school prioritizes welfare and safety with pastoral care and safeguarding. A campus clinic provides health services. The sports complex includes a gym, outdoor field, basketball and volleyball courts, and two temperature-controlled swimming pools. An auditorium hosts performances and events, contributing to students' physical and cultural wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught include English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. English and Arabic are core subjects, while French and Spanish are studied as part of the curriculum. English as an Additional Language (EAL) provides group and one-to-one support with regular progress assessments; specialist EAL tuition may incur additional charges. Learning Support is available with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and offers individual or small-group lessons integrated into classroom learning.	Language provision Grades 9–10 use the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum with compulsory subjects including English, Mathematics, and Arabic or French; Omani Nationals must also study Islamic and Arabic Social Studies. Grades 11–12 offer Cambridge International AS and A Level or Oman Bilingual GDE (Thanawiyah Amma). All subjects in Grades 11–12 are studied in English, except Arabic, Islamic and Social Studies. In Grades 7–8, Cambridge Lower Secondary English is taught as part of the program, with Arabic, Social Studies and Islamic Studies following the MOE curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Oman Bilingual GDE (Thanawiyah Amma) is offered for Grades 11-12; all subjects are studied in English, with Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies included as part of MOE requirements.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school uses an easy 5-step admissions process. 1. Make an enquiry: the Admissions Team provides a personalised and seamless experience and guides you toward joining Cheltenham Muscat. 2. Visit Cheltenham Muscat: there are personalised campus tours, opportunities to meet the Leadership Team, and daily tour availability. 3. Submit your application: complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents. 4. Assessment and offer: after submitting the application, an assessment date is scheduled; remote assessment can be arranged for overseas applicants, with results provided within a few days. 5. Secure your place: accept the enrolment offer, submit the required documents, and pay the enrolment fee within the specified timeframe. Limited availability in some year groups means families are encouraged to begin the process early to secure a place in Oman's leading British international school.	Admissions The International School of Oman (ISO) opened in 2008. In September 2021 ISO relocated to a brand-new campus in Bawsher. The address is Bosher, Al Maha Street, Way No. 257, Building No. 1-21.
Scholarships	Scholarships The scholarships and bursaries programme recognises exceptional talent and potential in key areas of school life. Scholarships are awarded in academics, sports, the arts, and leadership, and scholars receive mentoring, enrichment opportunities, and resources to support their development. Bursaries provide financial assistance to families in need, ensuring access to a Cheltenham Muscat education for students with exceptional potential. The application process involves an application, interviews with senior leaders, evaluation of previous school reports and achievements, and awards in the student's field of expertise. Details on eligibility and requirements can be requested from the admissions team.	Scholarships null
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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