Best British Schools in Doha, Qatar

Doha, the capital of Qatar, has transformed into an international education hub, attracting thousands of expat families every year. Among the most preferred choices for parents are British curriculum schools, known for their academic excellence, global recognition, and holistic development opportunities.

Choosing the right school for your child, however, can be challenging. Parents often look for institutions that provide:

  • A globally recognized curriculum

  • Highly qualified teachers

  • Excellent facilities and extracurricular activities

  • Affordable yet high-quality education

  • A safe and supportive environment

This 2025 complete guide lists the top 50 British schools in Doha, with details about their curriculum, tuition fees, ratings, locations, facilities, and unique highlights — so you can make an informed decision.

Why British Curriculum Schools Are Popular in Doha

British schools in Doha follow the UK National Curriculum, making them highly attractive to expat families. Here’s why:

1. Global Recognition

Students graduate with IGCSEs, AS, and A-Levels, which are accepted by universities worldwide, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.

2. High Academic Standards

The UK curriculum ensures structured learning, focusing on analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

3. Holistic Development

British schools don’t just focus on academics — they encourage participation in arts, sports, leadership programs, robotics, and community service.

4. Multicultural Environment

With students from 50+ nationalities, British schools in Doha provide a diverse learning experience, preparing children for a global future.

5. Strong University Placement Support

Top British schools have dedicated career counselors and partnerships with prestigious universities for smooth higher education admissions.

How to Select the Right British Schools in Doha, Qatar

Before choosing a school, consider:

  • Curriculum → Does it follow EYFS, Cambridge, or Edexcel?

  • Fees → Does it fit your budget?

  • Location → Proximity to home or workplace.

  • Facilities → Labs, sports grounds, arts, and technology.

  • Accreditation → KHDA, BSO, or international certifications.

  • Reviews → Check feedback from other parents

Top 50 Best British Schools in Doha, Qatar (2025)

Here’s the complete list of the 50 best British schools in Doha, including curriculum, tuition fees, ratings, and highlights.

School Name Location Curriculum Annual Fees (QAR) Rating
Doha College Al Wajba / West Bay British, IGCSE, A-Levels 55,000 – 75,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Qatar International School West Bay British, Cambridge, A-Levels 40,000 – 65,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sherborne Qatar Al Rayyan British, IGCSE, A-Levels 45,000 – 68,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Park House English School Abu Hamour British, IGCSE, A-Levels 40,000 – 55,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Doha British School Ain Khaled / Al Wakra British, IB, IGCSE 36,000 – 62,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Compass International School Madinat Khalifa / Rayyan / Themaid British, IGCSE, IB 42,000 – 68,300 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Newton International Academy Various Branches British, IGCSE 28,000 – 48,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Cambridge School Abu Hamour British, IGCSE, A-Levels 30,000 – 50,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Edison International Academy Al Dafna British, IGCSE 17,000 – 34,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Pearling Season International Al Mansoura British, IGCSE 28,000 – 47,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GEMS Wellington School Al Wukair British, IGCSE, A-Levels 42,000 – 63,625 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
United School International The Pearl British, Cambridge 45,000 – 63,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durham School for Girls Al Messila British, IGCSE 46,200 – 68,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Royal Grammar School Guildford Umm Salal Mohammed British, IGCSE, A-Levels 46,000 – 69,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sherborne Girls Al Rayyan British, A-Levels 45,000 – 67,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Belgravia High School Al Sadd British, Cambridge 22,000 – 35,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Oxford English School Al Mamoura British, IGCSE 19,000 – 28,000 ⭐⭐⭐
English Modern School Al Wakra British, IGCSE 25,000 – 36,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Global Academy International Al Thumama British, IGCSE 18,000 – 30,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Al Wataniya International Abu Hamour British, IGCSE 26,500 – 31,000 ⭐⭐⭐
The Hamilton International Al Waab British, IB, IGCSE 48,000 – 65,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oryx International School Mesaimeer British, IGCSE 40,000 – 62,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SEK International School West Bay British, IB, Cambridge 36,000 – 55,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mesaieed International School Mesaieed British, IGCSE 38,000 – 52,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
King’s College Doha Al Thumama British, A-Levels 50,000 – 72,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nord Anglia Global Academy West Bay British, IB, IGCSE 46,000 – 70,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gulf English School Al Messila British, IGCSE 30,000 – 48,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Doha English Speaking School Madinat Khalifa British, EYFS 36,000 – 58,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Phoenix International Al Markhiya British, Cambridge 32,000 – 46,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Newton British Academy Al Duhail British, IGCSE 28,000 – 45,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parkview International School Al Sadd British, IGCSE 22,000 – 37,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Doha Modern British School Ain Khaled British, IGCSE 30,000 – 44,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Vision International School Wakra British, Cambridge 34,000 – 49,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Step One International Al Thumama British, EYFS 26,000 – 35,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Little Gems International Al Dafna British, EYFS 25,000 – 32,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Al Jazeera Academy Abu Hamour British, IGCSE 27,000 – 38,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Falcon International School Al Mansoura British, IGCSE 20,000 – 30,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Noble International School Al Thumama British, Cambridge 22,000 – 32,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Doha International Academy Al Sadd British, Cambridge 24,000 – 37,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Eduworld International Al Gharafa British, IGCSE 21,000 – 29,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Olive International Academy Mesaimeer British, EYFS 23,000 – 33,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Noble Academy Doha Al Sadd British, Cambridge 22,000 – 31,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Star International School Al Waab British, IGCSE 24,000 – 39,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Hamilton Primary School Al Waab British, EYFS 20,000 – 28,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Crescent International School Al Mansoura British, Cambridge 23,000 – 34,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Spring Field International Al Thumama British, IGCSE 24,000 – 35,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Kids Kingdom International Al Sadd British, EYFS 21,000 – 27,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Gateway International School Al Mamoura British, Cambridge 20,000 – 32,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Aspire British Academy Aspire Zone British, Cambridge 28,000 – 40,000 ⭐⭐⭐
Elite International School Al Dafna British, IGCSE 27,000 – 38,000 ⭐⭐⭐

Admission Process for British Schools in Doha (Step-by-Step Guide)

British schools in Doha, Qatar, follow a structured admission process to ensure students are placed in the right grade based on their age, skills, and academic background. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Check Seat Availability (January to March)

  • Most British schools in Doha start their admission process between January and March.

  • Some top schools, like Doha College and Compass International School, open applications as early as November.

  • Tip: Always check the school’s official admission calendar because deadlines vary.

2. Submit Online Application

  • Parents need to fill out an online form via the school’s official admission portal.

  • Basic information required:

    • Student’s full name & date of birth

    • Parents’ details

    • Grade applying for

    • Previous school records

  • Application Fee: Most schools charge a non-refundable fee between QAR 500 – QAR 1,000.

3. Entrance Assessments (English & Math Tests)

  • For higher grades (Year 3 and above), students usually undergo assessment tests:

    • English proficiency test → To check reading, writing, and comprehension.

    • Mathematics test → To evaluate problem-solving and numeracy skills.

  • For lower grades (FS1, FS2, Year 1, Year 2), schools often conduct play-based observations instead of exams.

4. Submit Required Documents

Parents must upload or submit the following documents:

  • Student’s passport copy

  • Qatar ID (QID) for student and parents

  • Previous school transcripts and transfer certificate

  • Vaccination records

  • Passport-size photos of the student

5. Secure the Seat by Paying Deposits

  • Once your child is accepted, you must:

    • Pay a registration deposit (QAR 1,000 – QAR 5,000, depending on the school).

    • Pay a tuition deposit to confirm the seat.

  • If you delay payment, the school may offer the seat to another applicant.

Scholarships for British Schools in Doha 

British schools in Doha are expensive, but several offer scholarships and financial aid for meritorious, talented, or financially deserving students.

I’ve prepared a school-wise scholarship breakdown:

Academic Excellence Scholarships

These are awarded to high-achieving students based on their IGCSE, AS, or A-level results.

School Scholarship Type Eligibility Discount Offered
Doha College Academic Excellence High IGCSE/A-Level scores, strong extracurriculars Up to 50%
King’s College Doha Leadership & Academic Merit Top academic scores + leadership roles Up to 40%
Park House English School Merit Scholarships Exceptional entrance assessment results 30% – 50%
Royal Grammar School Guildford Outstanding Achievement Consistent top grades + talent-based performance 25% – 50%

STEM & Innovation Scholarships

For students excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

School Scholarship Name Eligibility Discount Offered
Compass International School STEM Innovator Award Exceptional results in STEM + project-based assessments 25% – 75%
GEMS Wellington Tech Talent Award Students who excel in coding, robotics, or AI 20% – 50%

Sports & Talent-Based Scholarships

For students with national or international-level achievements in sports, arts, or music.

School Scholarship Type Eligibility Discount Offered
GEMS Wellington Sports & Arts National-level representation 20% – 50%
Durham School for Girls Arts Excellence Achievements in drama, theatre, or fine arts Up to 30%
United School International Talent Awards For outstanding extracurricular portfolios Up to 25%

Need-Based Financial Aid

Some schools offer case-by-case financial assistance for families facing financial constraints:

  • Doha College

  • Compass International School

  • GEMS Wellington

  • Park House English School

Tip: These are not advertised publicly. Parents need to email the school admissions team directly.

How to Apply for Scholarships

  • Step 1: Visit the school’s official admissions page.

  • Step 2: Download the scholarship application form.

  • Step 3: Submit academic records, talent proofs, and reference letters.

  • Step 4: Prepare for interviews or portfolio reviews.

  • Step 5: Receive confirmation and adjust your tuition fees.

Top Tips for Parents

  • Apply early — scholarships close before general admissions.
  • Keep a portfolio of your child’s academic & extracurricular achievements.
  • Consider applying to multiple schools to increase your chances.
  • Ask for sibling discounts — many schools offer 10% – 20% off.

Best British Schools Admissions and Scholarship in Doha, 2025

School Typical Application Window Scholarships / Financial Aid (notes)
Doha College Applications open Nov–Mar (apply early) Yes — Academic & occasional bursaries (contact admissions)
Qatar International School (QIS) Jan – Mar (rolling) Yes — Merit awards / case-by-case (inquire)
Sherborne Qatar – Senior Nov – Mar (selective) Limited — some merit / SEN support; check school
Sherborne Qatar – Prep Nov – Mar Limited — scholarships possible at senior transition
Park House English School Jan – Mar (places limited) Yes — Academic merit awards (ask admissions)
Doha British School – Ain Khaled Jan – Mar (some rolling enrolment) Varies — contact school
Doha British School – Al Wakra Jan – Mar Varies — contact school
Compass International School – Themaid Nov – Feb (high demand) Yes — STEM/merit scholarships sometimes offered
Compass Int. – Madinat Khalifa (Primary) Nov – Feb Yes — check campus admissions
The Cambridge School, Doha Jan – Mar Some — merit / sibling discounts occasionally
GEMS Wellington School Qatar Nov – Mar Yes — sports & talent scholarships commonly available
United School International (USI) Nov – Mar (priority to Pearl residents) Varies — in-house bursaries occasionally
Durham School for Girls (Doha) Nov – Feb (girls-only intake) Limited — merit awards possible
Royal Grammar School Guildford Qatar Nov – Jan (selective) Yes — selective academic awards at times
King’s College Doha Nov – Feb Yes — leadership/academic awards (contact school)
Oryx International School Jan – Mar Varies — contact admissions
Doha English Speaking School (DESS) Jan – Mar Check — occasional local discounts
Al Jazeera Academy Jan – Mar Check — school-specific aid sometimes
Al Maha Academy (Boys) Jan – Mar Check — limited assistance
Al Maha Academy (Girls) Jan – Mar Check — limited assistance
English Modern School – Doha Jan – Mar Check — ask admissions
English Modern School – Al Wakra Jan – Mar Check
English Modern School – Al Khor Jan – Mar Check
Newton International School – D Ring Jan – Mar Varies — inquire directly
Newton International School – Lagoon Jan – Mar Varies
Newton Int. – West Bay Jan – Mar Varies
Newton British Academy – Al Dafna Jan – Mar Check
Newton British Academy – Barwa City Jan – Mar Check
Newton British School – Al Waab Jan – Mar Check
Newton British School – Al Markhiya Jan – Mar Check
Pearling Season International School Jan – Mar Occasional — merit discounts sometimes offered
Edison International Academy – Al Markhiya Jan – Mar (rolling) Limited — fee concessions possible
Edison International Academy – Aspire Jan – Mar Limited
Belgravia High School Doha Jan – Apr (secondary intake) Check — targeted scholarships sometimes
Gulf English School Doha Jan – Mar Check
Cambridge Int. School for Girls (CISG) Jan – Mar Check
Doha Academy – Al Waab Jan – Mar Check — faith-based bursaries sometimes
Doha Academy – Salwa Jan – Mar Check
Phoenix International School Doha Jan – Mar Check
Global Academy International Jan – Mar Limited
Al Wataniya International School Jan – Mar Check
Hamilton International School Jan – Mar Varies — scholarships/talent awards possible
Royal Grammar Prep (Junior) Nov – Feb Limited — ask school
Mesaieed International School (British) Jan – Mar Check
Dukhan English School Jan – Mar Check
Al Khor International School (British stream) Jan – Mar Check
Sherborne Qatar – Qetaf (SEN) Jan – Mar (specialist places) Yes — SEN scholarships/support programs possible
Newton International Academy – Secondary (Nuaija) Jan – Mar Check
Noble International School Jan – Mar Check
Olive International School Jan – Mar Check

FAQs About British Schools in Doha, Qatar (2025)

Q1. Which is the No.1 British school in Doha?

Doha College is considered the best overall for academic performance and facilities.

Q2. Are British schools in Doha expensive?

Premium schools charge QAR 55k–75k/year, but affordable options start at QAR 18k/year.

Q3. Do these schools follow UK exams?

Yes, they offer IGCSEs, AS, and A-Levels from Cambridge or Edexcel boards.

Q4. Which British school is best for girls?

Durham School for Girls and Sherborne Girls are top-ranked options.

Q5. What age do British schools in Doha accept students?

From 3 years (EYFS) to 18 years (A-Levels).

Q6. Which British school is best for STEM programs?

Doha British School and Compass International are highly recommended.

Q7. Is admission competitive in Doha’s top schools?

Yes. Apply 9–12 months before the academic year starts.

Q8. Are scholarships available?

Some schools like Doha College and QIS offer merit-based scholarships.

Q9. Are teachers UK-qualified?

Most British schools in Doha hire UK-trained and certified teachers.

Q10. Which school has the highest A-Level results?

Doha College consistently ranks highest in A-Level success.

Q11. Which school offers IB + British curriculum together?

Compass International and Doha British School offer IB integration.

Q12. Are there schools near The Pearl, Doha?

Yes — United School International is highly recommended.

Q13. Are there evening classes or after-school activities?

Yes, most schools provide sports, robotics, coding, arts, and drama clubs.

Q14. Can my child switch from CBSE to British curriculum?

Yes, but students may need a bridge program for adaptation.

Q15. Which schools have the best sports facilities?

Sherborne Qatar, GEMS Wellington, and King’s College Doha lead here.

Q16. Do these schools provide transportation?

Yes, most offer safe and supervised school bus services.

Q17. Is English proficiency required?

Yes, but many schools have English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.

Q18. Are there mixed-gender British schools?

Yes, majority are co-ed; a few like Durham School for Girls are girls-only.

Q19. How do I apply for admissions?

Apply online on the school’s website and submit required documents early.

Q20. What is the academic calendar in Doha?

Most schools start in September and end in June/July.

Q21. Which schools have lower teacher-student ratios?

Pearling Season and Durham School have small class sizes.

Q22. Which is the best British school for early childhood?

Little Gems International and Step One International are ideal.

Q23. Do British schools offer special needs support?

Yes, top schools like QIS and Compass International provide SEN programs.

Q24. Which school is nearest to West Bay?

Qatar International School is the closest high-ranked British school.

Q25. Are British schools in Doha worth the cost?

Yes — they ensure academic excellence, global exposure, and career readiness.