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The Gulf English School has 1,600 pupils, typical class sizes of 26, instruction in English.
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
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.
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
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
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
The Gulf English School is licensed by the Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOE) in Qatar.
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
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
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
Annual tuition at The Gulf English School ranges from QAR 29,130 to QAR 56,050 for 2026/27.
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.)
Academics
The Gulf English School teaches British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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)
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 (EAL)
The Gulf English School Kuwait does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision.
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 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.
Admissions
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.
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.
FAQs
Where is The Gulf English School located and what areas does it serve?
The Gulf English School is on Al Gharrafa Street in Ar-Rayyan (Doha, Qatar), with a PO Box address of 2440. It serves students aged 3 to 18 across Pre-School to Secondary levels and offers bus transport within Doha.
What is the age range and the curriculum mix at GES?
GES welcomes students from age 3 to 18. The school follows the National Curriculum for England (2014) through KS3, uses the International Primary Curriculum for Primary foundation subjects, offers GCSE/iGCSE/BTEC at KS4, and AS/A-Level at KS5, alongside the Arabic, Islamic, and Qatar History Curriculum set by the Qatar Ministry of Education.
Is The Gulf English School co-educational and who leads the school?
Yes, GES is a co-educational international private school. The Head of School is Mona El Helbawi.
What are the main entrance and registration fees I should expect when applying?
The entrance test fee is QR 550 (non-refundable and non-transferable). For new students, a one-time registration fee of QR 4,000 applies, and a QR 4,000 re-registration fee is due to secure a seat for the next academic year.
How do tuition fees vary by year level and what other costs should families budget for?
Fees differ by year level, ranging from about QR 27,880 per year for Pre-School to QR 52,050 per year for KS5, plus book levies and occasional exam/entry charges. Additional costs include a bus fee if you use the service and non-refundable registration/re-registration fees. Textbooks are loaned to students and must be returned in good condition.
What is the admissions process and is there a waitlist?
Admissions involve submitting records, taking admissions screening (reading, math, and a writing sample), and parent interviews. Places are allocated based on age, English proficiency, previous records, and space availability. If a year group closes, an online waiting list is used and applicants may be placed in a waiting pool.
What curriculum pathways are available in KS4 and KS5 at GES?
KS4 offers GCSE, iGCSE, and BTEC pathways. KS5 includes AS and A-Level qualifications, with university guidance to support applications.
How did recent cohorts perform in IGCSE and A-Level examinations?
In 2024–2025, Year 11 achieved 5+ IGCSE passes at 90%, with a 100% pass rate in over five subjects and a 95% pass rate in 10 subjects. A notable number of students earned top grades (e.g., 10 students achieved Grades 8–9 across eight IGCSE subjects).
What support does GES offer for higher education and career planning?
University and Careers guidance supports applications to universities worldwide, including Qatar, the UK, the USA, and Canada, helping students plan pathways aligned with their aspirations.
What major facilities does the campus offer for science, ICT, and sports?
GES features four science laboratories and four ICT labs, three libraries, and a large multi-purpose hall. For sports, there is a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, learner pools, a gymnasium, FIFA-approved all-weather pitches, a padel court, and a large sports hall.
Are there dedicated spaces for arts and performance?
Yes. The campus includes Art and Media Suites, a Music Suite, Flexible Stage/Performance Facilities, and multiple libraries to support arts, drama and performances.
Do students have access to libraries and technology across campus?
There are three libraries and four computer labs, with around 350 computers on site to support study, research, and digital learning.
What extracurricular activities and trips does GES offer beyond academics?
The school offers clubs in sports, arts, music, and other creative pursuits, plus international and local trips. Opportunities include Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh, Student Council, and Service Learning projects.
How does GES support leadership, global awareness, and community work?
Leadership roles are available through the Student Council, MUN, and Duke of Edinburgh programs. Service Learning and PHSE initiatives help students develop teamwork, problem-solving, and a sense of global citizenship.
What kinds of trips or competitions does the school participate in?
GES runs international and local trips to places like the UK, Spain, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia, and participates in events such as THIMUN Qatar Foundation conferences.
What wellbeing and safeguarding supports are available to students?
GES has a Counselling Team offering confidential, short-term therapy and group work, with a focus on mental and physical wellbeing. There is a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy with designated safeguarding leads and staff training.
How does GES support students with special educational needs and English as an additional language?
The school welcomes diverse learners and provides curriculum adaptations, personalized support, and IEPs where needed. Specialised services such as ESL/ESOL are available and charged as appropriate, alongside general SEN support.
How is safeguarding implemented at GES and who are the safeguarding leads?
GES has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy detailing procedures, reporting, and escalation processes. Designated safeguarding leads are identified across campuses and staff receive safeguarding training at induction and annually.
Is there boarding at The Gulf English School?
No. GES operates as a day-school with a Doha-based bus service; there is no boarding programme and no boarding fees.
What is the uniform policy and how is it supplied?
Students are expected to wear the official school uniform or P.E. kit, with sets organized by year groups. Uniforms are supplied by Uniform Mart, and costs are separate from tuition fees.
