Qatar International School

Here’s a comprehensive overview of Qatar International School (QIS) in Doha:

🎓 History & Accreditation

Established in 1977 by Sheikh Ali bin Ahmed bin Thani Al Thani, QIS is one of Qatar's earliest British-patterned international schools
Currently enrolls around 2,000 students aged 3–18, representing over 70 nationalities
Relocated to a purpose-built campus in Al Dafna in 2001
In 2020, QIS was rated “Outstanding” in every category under the UK British Schools Overseas inspection, and also became the first school globally fast-tracked by the Council of International Schools (CIS)

📚 Curriculum & Academics

Follows British National Curriculum, from Early Years/EYFS through to IGCSE and A‑Level qualifications
Offers 20+ AS/A‑Level subjects, with a track-record of high achievement—students have earned “Best in World” accolades in IGCSE and A‑Level exams
Graduates typically secure places at top universities across the UK, US, Canada, UAE, and Qatar

🏫 Facilities & Campus Life

Campus includes a swimming pool, two sports halls, specialist art/music/science rooms, ICT suites, libraries, and interactive whiteboards with campus-wide Wi‑Fi
Class sizes average around 22 students (maximum 25), with extensive staff support (teaching assistants available)

🌱 Pastoral Care & Community

Co-educational, integrating Arabic culture and Islamic values alongside British-led instruction by UK-trained staff
Offers extracurriculars and leadership opportunities: MUN, Duke of Edinburgh Award, sports, arts clubs, international trips from Year 5, etc.

💰 Fees & Admissions

Annual tuition for 2024–25 ranges from QAR 28,900 (EYFS) to QAR 49,050 (Years 12–13), plus a one-off application fee around QAR 214
Admission is competitive, involving placement exams and interviews; the student community includes both local and expat families

🗣️ Community Feedback & Insights

Parents praise QIS for its academic performance, caring staff, and “small pupil classes”
One Reddit educator-led recommendation noted QIS among reputable British schools in Doha
That said, another Reddit thread raised concerns over staff treatment, advising prospective teachers to “stay away”

✅ Strengths & Considerations

✅ Strengths	⚠️ Considerations
Outstanding BSO & CIS accreditations	High demand—admission is competitive
Excellent academic results & university placements	Concerns from some regarding staff culture
Modern campus with diverse facilities	Fees are in the upper mid-to-high range
Broad extracurricular and leadership pathways	Mixed reviews on certain teaching consistency

📝 Final Thoughts

Qatar International School offers an outstanding British-style education, validated by top-tier accreditations and exceptional exam achievements. It's a compelling choice for families seeking academic rigor, quality facilities, and a well-rounded student experience. However, interested teachers should investigate staff culture firsthand, and parents should consider early application due to strong demand.