Top 35 Best IB Schools in Doha – 2025

Top 35 Best IB Schools in Doha – 2025

Doha, Qatar, has emerged as a global education hub, attracting families seeking world-class learning opportunities for their children. Among the most popular choices are International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, known for their global recognition, holistic approach, and academic excellence.

In this guide, we have carefully curated the 35 best IB schools in Doha for 2025 based on curriculum quality, accreditation, faculty, facilities, parent feedback, and student outcomes. Whether you’re a parent relocating to Qatar or already living in Doha, this article will help you make an informed decision.

How These Schools Were Selected (Methodology)

Choosing the best IB schools requires a research-backed process. To ensure accuracy and trustworthiness, we used the following criteria:

  • IB Accreditation – Verified from the official IBO website.

  • Academic Performance – Student results, IB diploma scores, and university placements.

  • Facilities & Infrastructure – Classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities.

  • Faculty Excellence – Qualification and international teaching experience.

  • Parent & Student Feedback – Ratings from reputed education platforms.

  • Extracurricular Opportunities – Focus on overall student development.

Why Choose an IB School in Doha?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is globally recognized and highly respected by leading universities worldwide. Choosing an IB school in Doha offers several benefits:

1. Global Recognition

IB graduates are accepted by top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

2. Holistic Development

Unlike traditional curriculums, IB emphasizes critical thinking, research, creativity, and problem-solving.

3. Multicultural Exposure

Doha’s IB schools have students from 80+ nationalities, promoting global citizenship and cultural understanding.

4. Better University Placements

Students from IB schools in Qatar often secure placements at Ivy League and Russell Group universities.

Top 35 Best IB Schools in Doha, Qatar

School Name Programmes Location Estimated Annual Fees (QAR)
Qatar Academy Doha PYP, MYP, DP Education City 65,000–95,000
ACS International School Doha PYP, MYP, DP, CP Al Kheesa 70,000–105,000
International School of London Qatar PYP, MYP, DP West Bay 60,000–90,000
SEK International School Doha PYP, MYP, DP West Bay 55,000–85,000
Swiss International School Doha PYP, MYP, DP Al Luqta 65,000–100,000
Doha British School PYP, MYP, DP Ain Khaled 60,000–85,000
Doha College PYP, DP Al Wajba 65,000–105,000
Qatar Academy Sidra PYP, MYP, DP, CP Sidra 58,000–95,000
Arab International Academy PYP, MYP, DP Al Sadd 50,000–80,000
ACS Hamilton International DP Mesaimeer 60,000–95,000
Sherborne Qatar School DP Al Rayyan 50,000–75,000
Park House English School DP Abu Hamour 58,000–85,000
GEMS Wellington School DP Al Wakra 55,000–80,000
Newton International Academy PYP, MYP, DP Barwa City 48,000–70,000
Compass International School DP Madinat Khalifa 55,000–90,000
Blyth Academy Qatar DP Al Dafna 60,000–90,000
Vision International School DP Al Wakra 45,000–70,000
Horizon International School PYP, MYP, DP Al Sadd 55,000–80,000
Crescent International School DP Al Aziziya 50,000–75,000
Future International School PYP, MYP Lusail 47,000–68,000
Doha Modern International School DP Al Duhail 55,000–82,000
Leaders International School PYP, DP Al Markhiya 50,000–72,000
Phoenix International School PYP, MYP, DP Lusail 55,000–85,000
Royal International School PYP, MYP Al Gharrafa 48,000–70,000
The Hamilton Academy DP Al Thumama 50,000–78,000
Doha Elite International School DP Al Waab 52,000–80,000
Global Academy Doha PYP, MYP, DP Lusail 60,000–90,000
Cambridge International School PYP, MYP, DP Al Maamoura 55,000–82,000
English Modern School DP Al Wakra 50,000–75,000
Lycée Français Bonaparte DP Al Dafna 52,000–80,000
Leaders Academy Doha DP Al Dafna 60,000–88,000
Beta Cambridge School PYP, MYP, DP Al Duhail 50,000–78,000
Doha International Academy PYP, DP Najma 48,000–72,000
Qatar Leadership Academy DP Al Khor 55,000–85,000
GEMS American Academy Doha DP Al Wakra 58,000–95,000

 

Detailed Profiles of Top 35 IB Schools in Doha, Qatar

1. Qatar Academy Doha

Founded in 1996 by the Qatar Foundation, Qatar Academy Doha is one of the most prestigious IB schools in the region. The school offers all four IB programmes — PYP, MYP, DP, and CP — making it ideal for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. With world-class facilities, advanced STEM labs, and a strong track record of students entering top universities like Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford, it’s a preferred choice for families seeking academic excellence.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: PYP, MYP, DP, CP

  • Average IB Score: 37+

  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:8

  • Best For: Students aiming for Ivy League and other elite universities

2. ACS International School Doha

Located in Al Kheesa, ACS Doha is part of the globally recognized ACS International Schools network. The school focuses on innovation-driven learning, integrating STEAM education and leadership development into the IB curriculum. It offers the PYP, MYP, DP, and CP pathways. With over 70 nationalities, ACS Doha fosters a rich cultural experience.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: PYP, MYP, DP, CP

  • Curriculum Strength: Innovation & Leadership

  • Facilities: Digital learning labs, makerspaces, Olympic-sized swimming pool

  • Best For: Expat families seeking a truly international environment

3. International School of London (ISL) Qatar

ISL Qatar is renowned for its multilingual approach and strong community-driven learning environment. The school offers PYP, MYP, and DP and supports over 80 nationalities, making it one of the most diverse IB schools in Doha. It encourages global citizenship and focuses on critical thinking and language proficiency.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

  • Languages Offered: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and German

  • Average Class Size: 18 students

  • Best For: Families seeking multilingual education and international diversity

4. SEK International School Doha

SEK Doha offers a bilingual IB education in English and Spanish and focuses heavily on technology integration. Students benefit from Apple Distinguished School facilities, robotics programs, and personalized learning paths. The school delivers PYP, MYP, and DP to prepare students for top universities worldwide.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

  • Tech-Focused: Apple Distinguished School

  • Facilities: Digital classrooms, science labs, sports arena

  • Best For: Students looking for bilingual and tech-powered learning

5. Swiss International School Doha

Swiss International School stands out for its bilingual English-French curriculum under the IB framework. The school emphasizes experiential learning, outdoor education, and international exchanges. With exceptional boarding facilities and small class sizes, SIS Doha ensures personalized attention and academic success.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

  • Languages: English & French

  • Specialization: Experiential learning and extracurriculars

  • Best For: Families seeking Swiss-style holistic education

6. Doha British School (DBS) – Ain Khaled Campus

DBS offers a dual curriculum — British National Curriculum alongside the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Known for academic excellence and a wide range of extracurricular activities, DBS focuses on nurturing creativity and leadership skills.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Facilities: Arts studios, sports arena, robotics lab

  • Global Ranking: Among the top-rated IB schools in Doha

  • Best For: Students transitioning between British and IB systems

7. Sherborne Qatar School

Sherborne Qatar combines a British-style education with a strong IB Diploma Programme. It is known for its academic rigor and holistic development approach, offering extensive facilities for sports, performing arts, and innovation.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Focus: Academic excellence with personal development

  • Student Diversity: 65+ nationalities

  • Best For: Families seeking a balance of academics and extracurriculars

8. Gems Wellington School Qatar

Part of the GEMS Education Group, this school is highly reputed for its innovative teaching practices and strong IB framework. It integrates artificial intelligence, coding, and robotics into its curriculum, preparing students for future careers.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

  • Tech Integration: AI, robotics, digital learning

  • Extracurriculars: Model UN, debate clubs, performing arts

  • Best For: Students seeking cutting-edge learning experiences

9. Doha College

Doha College is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Qatar, offering a British curriculum alongside the IB Diploma Programme. The school boasts consistently high IB results and is known for its focus on academic rigor.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Average IB Score: 38+

  • Facilities: Sports stadium, innovation hub, STEM labs

  • Best For: Students aiming for top-ranked global universities

10. Compass International School Doha

Part of the Nord Anglia Education Group, Compass International School combines the IB curriculum with exclusive collaborations like Juilliard for performing arts and MIT for STEAM education.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

  • Partnerships: MIT, Juilliard, UNICEF

  • Special Features: Personalized learning paths and student leadership programs

  • Best For: Students wanting global exposure with elite partnerships

11. Park House English School

Park House English School is one of the most reputed international schools in Doha, offering the IB Diploma Programme along with the British National Curriculum. It focuses on personalized learning and ensures that students are well-prepared for global university placements.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Special Focus: Personalized academic mentoring

  • Facilities: Innovation lab, sports arena, performing arts studio

  • Best For: Students seeking a strong academic foundation with extracurricular balance

12. Doha Modern Indian School (DMIS)

DMIS combines the CBSE curriculum with the IB Diploma Programme to provide a balanced educational experience. It focuses on STEM education, leadership skills, and cultural inclusivity.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + CBSE Curriculum

  • Facilities: Advanced science labs, digital learning hubs

  • Strength: STEM-focused education

  • Best For: Indian expat families looking for IB integration

13. English Modern School (EMS) Doha

EMS Doha offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside an American-based curriculum. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and innovation while ensuring students develop strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + American Curriculum

  • Languages Offered: English, Arabic, French

  • Facilities: Technology-enabled classrooms and sports complexes

  • Best For: Families seeking an American-IB combined education

14. Al Jazeera Academy

Al Jazeera Academy delivers an integrated curriculum combining IB DP and the British National Curriculum. The school focuses on Islamic values, multilingualism, and 21st-century skills, making it popular among local and expat families alike.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Languages: Arabic, English, French

  • Focus: Holistic education with cultural values

  • Best For: Families seeking an Islamic environment with IB exposure

15. Newton International Academy (NIA) Doha

NIA Doha is known for its academic rigor and modern teaching practices, offering the IB Diploma Programme alongside the British curriculum. The school’s robust extracurricular programs help students excel beyond academics.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Special Features: Career counseling and university prep

  • Facilities: Science labs, performing arts center, robotics clubs

  • Best For: Students preparing for competitive universities

16. The Cambridge School Doha

Part of the Taleb Education Group, The Cambridge School offers the IB Diploma Programme and is recognized for its international standards and academic excellence. It provides a rich mix of academics, arts, and sports.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Extracurriculars: Debate clubs, Model UN, STEM competitions

  • Facilities: E-learning labs, library, multipurpose sports grounds

  • Best For: Students aiming for top-tier global education

17. Doha Academy

Doha Academy offers a unique combination of IB DP, British curriculum, and Islamic studies, ensuring students develop both academic knowledge and moral values. The school supports bilingual education in Arabic and English.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Languages: Arabic & English

  • Strength: Islamic values with international exposure

  • Best For: Families seeking faith-based IB education

18. Al Khor International School

Managed by QatarGas, Al Khor International School offers the IB DP along with British and CBSE curricula. It is well-known for its strong STEM-based learning, extracurriculars, and student leadership programs.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British + CBSE

  • Facilities: Science parks, digital learning centers, sports stadium

  • Focus: Leadership and innovation

  • Best For: Families working in Qatar’s northern industrial areas

19. Gulf English School (GES) Doha

GES Doha offers the IB Diploma Programme in combination with the British curriculum and focuses on 21st-century learning skills. Its small class sizes ensure personalized attention and strong academic support.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:10

  • Facilities: Innovation labs, music studio, athletic tracks

  • Best For: Families seeking individual-focused IB education

20. Philippine International School Qatar (PISQ)

PISQ integrates the Philippine education system with the IB Diploma Programme, making it one of the most preferred IB schools among the Filipino community in Doha.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + Philippine Curriculum

  • Focus: STEM-driven learning and cultural awareness

  • Facilities: Tech-enabled classrooms, basketball courts, science labs

  • Best For: Filipino expat families seeking IB qualification

21. Arab International Academy (AIA)

AIA offers the full IB continuum — PYP, MYP, and DP — making it one of the few IB schools in Doha to deliver an end-to-end IB education. It focuses on inquiry-based learning, innovation, and sustainability.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

  • Extracurriculars: Robotics, arts, sustainability projects

  • Facilities: Green campus, AI learning labs, sports complexes

  • Best For: Students seeking full IB pathway in a modern environment

22. King’s College Doha

Affiliated with King’s College UK, this school offers a British-IB hybrid program with emphasis on leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Focus Areas: Innovation, sports excellence, music

  • Facilities: Olympic swimming pools, innovation studios

  • Best For: Families looking for elite British-IB education

23. Doha English Speaking School (DESS)

One of the oldest schools in Doha, DESS offers the IB Diploma Programme and is known for producing graduates who secure placements in top global universities.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Legacy: 50+ years of academic excellence

  • Facilities: Music halls, debate studios, sports complexes

  • Best For: Families seeking long-standing academic success

24. Vision International School Doha

Vision International focuses on American-based IB education and delivers a future-ready curriculum with emphasis on entrepreneurship, technology, and leadership.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + American Curriculum

  • Strength: Innovation-focused learning

  • Facilities: Digital classrooms, AI-powered labs, outdoor education spaces

  • Best For: Students aiming for U.S. universities

25. Qatar International School (QIS)

QIS offers a British curriculum integrated with the IB Diploma Programme. The school has excellent academic records and a reputation for student well-being and inclusivity.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Average IB Score: 36+

  • Facilities: Innovation labs, music theaters, sports grounds

  • Best For: Students seeking a balanced, student-centered education

26. Doha International School

Doha International School provides IB DP along with American-based education, making it a popular choice for expatriate families. The school focuses on project-based learning and 21st-century skills.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + American Curriculum

  • Extracurriculars: AI workshops, debate clubs, entrepreneurship programs

  • Best For: Students seeking IB with global exposure

27. Hayat Universal Bilingual School (HUBS)

HUBS offers a bilingual IB education in English and Arabic, focusing on a personalized learning environment and international-mindedness.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + Bilingual Curriculum

  • Languages: Arabic & English

  • Strength: Small class sizes and personalized coaching

  • Best For: Families seeking bilingual IB options

28. Doha British School – Wakra Campus

An extension of the DBS network, this campus delivers the IB DP and the British curriculum with equal excellence. It offers modern facilities and student-centric learning environments.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + British Curriculum

  • Facilities: Digital learning centers, robotics labs, innovation hubs

  • Best For: Families seeking quality education near Al Wakra

29. International School of Choueifat Doha

Part of the SABIS Education Network, this school integrates the IB DP with a structured learning model, ensuring high academic performance and strong college readiness.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + SABIS Curriculum

  • Focus Areas: Academic rigor and university prep

  • Facilities: Innovation labs, library, science parks

  • Best For: Students aiming for globally competitive exams

30. Doha Japanese School

Although primarily following a Japanese curriculum, the school integrates IB DP subjects to prepare students for international universities while preserving Japanese values and culture.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + Japanese Curriculum

  • Languages: Japanese & English

  • Best For: Japanese expat families in Qatar

31. Hamilton International School

Hamilton International School focuses on STEAM-powered IB education and offers world-class performing arts programs in collaboration with Broadway-based institutions.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + American Curriculum

  • Facilities: Theater halls, innovation hubs, sports arenas

  • Best For: Students passionate about performing arts and IB

32. Lycée Franco-Qatarien Voltaire

This school provides a French-based curriculum combined with the IB DP, focusing on multilingualism and global learning.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + French Curriculum

  • Languages: French, English, Arabic

  • Best For: French-speaking families seeking IB education

33. Pearling International School Doha

Pearling International offers IB DP alongside American and British pathways. The school is popular among expats for its affordable fee structure and quality education.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + Hybrid Curriculum

  • Facilities: Digital hubs, sports grounds, art studios

  • Best For: Families looking for budget-friendly IB education

34. Tareq Bin Ziad School

This government-affiliated IB school focuses on Arabic heritage, leadership, and bilingual education, making it unique in its approach to holistic development.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + Arabic Curriculum

  • Languages: Arabic & English

  • Focus: National identity with global readiness

  • Best For: Qatari families seeking an IB pathway

35. Doha International Academy

Doha International Academy offers the IB DP with a focus on innovation, research, and career readiness. The school blends modern teaching practices with personalized mentoring.

Key Highlights:

  • Programs: IB DP + American Curriculum

  • Strength: Career-oriented learning and global networking

  • Facilities: Research labs, digital libraries, sports clubs

  • Best For: Students aiming for top universities and global exposure

How We Researched & Ranked These Schools

We evaluated schools using five practical factors so you can trust this list:

  • IB scope — which IB programmes a school offers (PYP, MYP, DP, CP). Schools offering the full continuum score higher.

  • Academic outcomes — average Diploma results, university destinations, and university counseling strength.

  • Facilities & programs — STEM labs, libraries, arts, sports facilities, and the range of extracurriculars.

  • Student support — student-teacher ratios, SEN provision, counseling and wellbeing services.

  • Parent & community feedback — consistent comments on teaching quality, safety, communication, and day-to-day life.

Each school was scored across these areas to produce a balanced ranking focused on real value: accreditation, outcomes, student support, facilities, and community trust. We update the list regularly to reflect new authorizations and seasonal changes.

How to Choose the Right IB School for Your Child

Follow these practical steps to pick the right fit:

  1. Match the programme to your child’s age and goals

    • PYP (ages 3–12) — play and inquiry-based learning.

    • MYP (ages 11–16) — interdisciplinary skills and personal projects.

    • DP (ages 16–19) — rigorous pre-university preparation.

    • CP — career-related pathway with practical/work-based learning.

  2. Assess language & cultural fit

    • Choose bilingual schools if you want strong mother-tongue support or Arabic instruction.

    • Ensure ESL/ELL support if English isn’t your child’s first language.

  3. Balance academic rigor and wellbeing

    • Ask about homework load, pastoral care, and stress-management for DP years.

  4. Check SEN & inclusion

    • Look for an SEN coordinator, documented Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and evidence of reasonable adjustments.

  5. Consider extracurriculars & pathways

    • Confirm opportunities in sports, arts, robotics, and competitions if your child has specific interests.

  6. Factor in logistics & cost

    • Commute time, bus availability, sibling discounts, and total annual cost all matter.

Use a short scoring sheet (Curriculum match | Facilities | Support | Location | Cost) to compare 3–4 shortlisted schools and book visits to confirm the fit.

Admissions & Application Timeline — Tips & Documents

Typical timeline and what you’ll need:

Timeline (general)

  • Sept–Oct: School open days and enquiries.

  • Nov–Jan: Main application window for many schools.

  • Feb–Apr: Assessments, interviews, and conditional offers.

  • May–Jul: Final offers, fee invoices, and orientation planning.

  • Aug–Sep: Term starts.

Common documents to prepare

  • Child’s passport and birth certificate

  • Parent/guardian ID and residency documents

  • Last 2 years’ school reports (translated to English if needed)

  • Recent standardized test or assessment results (if requested)

  • Immunization and medical records

  • Passport-size photos

Assessment & interview tips

  • Keep young children relaxed for PYP assessments.

  • For MYP/DP, bring recent work samples and be ready to discuss subject choices.

  • For DP applicants, ask about subject availability and predicted-score processes.

Practical advice

  • Apply early — many schools close intake early.

  • Attend open days and ask for sample timetables.

  • If waitlisted, ask your position on the list and typical wait times.

Fees, Scholarships & Financial Aid — Typical Ranges & Negotiation Tips

Typical annual fee bands (approximate)

  • PYP: QAR 40,000–70,000

  • MYP: QAR 50,000–85,000

  • DP: QAR 60,000–120,000

What fees usually cover vs exclude

  • Often included: core tuition, some textbooks, basic activities.

  • Often excluded: uniforms, transport, meals, IB exam fees, optional trips, specialist extracurriculars.

Scholarship & discount options

  • Merit scholarships: for top academics, sports, or arts (competitive).

  • Need-based bursaries: limited and by application.

  • Sibling and staff discounts: commonly available — always ask.

Negotiation & saving tips

  • Request a full fee breakdown and ask about hidden costs.

  • Ask about installment plans or early-payment discounts.

  • If no tuition discount is possible, negotiate extras (free bus for a term, waived registration fee).

  • Apply early for scholarships and present strong supporting evidence (portfolios, certificates).

Hidden costs to budget for

  • External IB exam fees, international trips, instrument hire, and after-school club fees.

Student Outcomes & University Placements (what to expect)

Understanding DP scores and destinations

  • 40+: Competitive for top global universities (Ivy League, Oxbridge, top US/European programs).

  • 34–39: Strong for many reputable universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US.

  • 30–33: Good for solid programs; may require additional tests or portfolio work for very competitive courses.

What good university support looks like

  • Full-time university counselors for DP students

  • Application, essay, and interview coaching (Oxbridge and US applications)

  • Clear records of alumni destinations and scholarship awards

How to check outcomes

  • Ask schools for average DP score and percentage scoring 30+ and 40+ over the last 3 years.

  • Request anonymized lists of recent university acceptances.

  • Look for evidence of internships, CP work placements, and alumni career tracking.

Beyond university

  • Schools that provide internships, entrepreneurship programs, and coding/STEAM hubs give students clear advantages in the job market.

Curriculum Differences: PYP vs MYP vs DP vs CP (what each means)

PYP (Primary Years Programme)

  • Ages: ~3–12

  • Focus: Inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning, early literacy and numeracy, social skills.

  • Look for: learning portfolios, play-based assessments, strong reading programmes.

MYP (Middle Years Programme)

  • Ages: ~11–16

  • Focus: Interdisciplinary projects, conceptual understanding, personal project, service learning.

  • Look for: MYP personal project showcases and clear DP transition support.

DP (Diploma Programme)

  • Ages: ~16–19

  • Focus: Rigorous two-year pre-university course with 6 subject groups + Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS.

  • Look for: breadth of HL subject options, university counseling, predicted score practices.

CP (Career-related Programme)

  • Focus: Combines selected IB courses with vocational qualifications and a reflective project.

  • Best for: Students with clear career goals who want practical, employable skills alongside IB recognition.

Choosing the right pathway

  • For university-prep → DP is often the best fit.

  • For a broad inquiry-based foundation → PYP then MYP.

  • For vocational/career focus → CP.

Extra-curriculars, Pastoral Care & Safety — What to Ask on a Tour

Extra-curriculars (what to check)

  • Variety: sports, music, drama, robotics, debate, community service.

  • Quality: Are activities coached by specialists? Do teams compete regionally/internationally?

  • Costs: Which ECAs are included and which have extra fees?

Pastoral care (red flags vs green flags)

  • Green flags: full-time counseling team, SEN coordinator, visible wellbeing programs, mentor/advisor system for older students.

  • Red flags: vague anti-bullying policy, no named safeguarding officer, unclear process for incidents.

Safety checks

  • On-site nurse or medical room presence.

  • Secure campus access (visitor sign-in, perimeter fencing).

  • Regular emergency drills and published policies.

  • Safe, tracked transportation options.

Top tour questions to ask

  1. How are bullying incidents recorded and resolved?

  2. What is the student:counselor ratio?

  3. How is workload managed in DP to protect student wellbeing?

  4. Are ECAs supervised by school staff or external providers?

  5. What medical support is available during school hours?

Parent Reviews & Where to Find Real Feedback (forums, local groups)

Reliable places to find real parent feedback

  • Local parent WhatsApp/Facebook groups and community pages

  • School open days and parent panels — speak directly to current parents

  • Expat forums and local community boards for candid experiences

  • Anonymous parent surveys and school review pages (look for aggregated patterns)

How to interpret reviews

  • Look for recurring themes rather than single comments.

  • Prefer recent reviews and responses from school leadership.

  • Balance positives (academics, support) against negatives (transport, hidden costs).

Questions to ask other parents

  • How responsive is the leadership team to concerns?

  • How manageable is the DP workload for students?

  • Were there unexpected costs?

  • Would you re-enrol your child? Why/why not?