Royal Grammar School Guildford

Our admissions team are here to guide you through the application procedure and to make the admissions process as smooth as possible. For all admissions enquiries please contact our Admissions Officer on admissions@rgsgq.com or telephone +974 4036 0450.

Please refer to our Admission Policy document before completing your Registration Form online. We are an inclusive school, but operate a selective admissions policy, based upon the identification of pupils whose abilities appear to match the ethos and standards of the School. We look for personal qualities which suggest a child has the potential to contribute sufficiently to the school community and benefit from the many opportunities that are offered at The Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar.

The language of instruction is English and all children are required to have a good understanding of the English language in order that they are fully able to benefit from all aspects of the curriculum.

The Admissions procedure is made up of the following stages:

• Application.
• Assessment.
• Acceptance and registration.

Application

Once you have decided that The Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar is the best choice for your child, the next step is to submit an application form to us.

Please submit your completed application form with the following documents:

• A copy of your Qatari ID (for Qatari children and parents). We will require sight of the original, plus one copy;
• A copy of your passport (child and parents) showing the page with the photograph. We will require sight of the original, plus one copy;
• A copy of a valid residency permit (for all non-Qatari children and parents). We are happy to start the application process whilst the RPs are in process, but your child will not be able to start school at The RGS Guildford in Qatar without a valid RP number. This is the law in Qatar;
• A copy of your child’s birth certificate. We will require sight of the original, plus one copy;
• two recent passport sized photographs of your child;
• A health record document for children between the ages of three and six. We will require sight of the original, plus one copy;
• The latest school or Nursery report or Early Years Foundation certificate. All school reports must be translated into English;
• A non-refundable assessment fee of QAR500 for Pre-Prep & Prep and QAR750 for Senior.

Assessment Guide

Admission is by assessment, however, the process has been designed to be as informative, friendly and personal as possible and to reduce the stress of assessment for both parents and children. Whilst assessing the children is essential, we are also aware that anxious children are unlikely to be able to perform to their best ability.

We aim to ensure that all of the children are happy and relaxed throughout the assessment and start each assessment by speaking to the children about their likes and interests and getting to know them as individuals. Although this takes time, especially when assessing a large number of children throughout the year, we feel it is essential to welcome each child in this way and treat them as individuals. Building a relationship with the child and parents starts the moment they enter our school for assessment.

Assessments for children starting in September will take place individually or in small groups. These assessments will be conducted, wherever possible by Mr. Downs, Head of School or by Mrs. Anna Stuart, Deputy Head of School.

Early Years assessments will usually be 20 to 30 minutes in length and 45 minutes for Key Stage 1 and 2, while Senior School pupils should allow approximately 2 hours for assessment. Times are approximate as we understand that while some children take time to warm-up, most children quickly settle into the environment and enjoy a positive experience.

Acceptance and Registration

Following a formal offer, parents have seven days in which to confirm their acceptance of the place by returning a signed Admission Agreement, along with a non-refundable registration fee QAR2500.

Once the admissions process is complete, the Admissions Secretary will contact you to agree a start date and will send you a copy of our ‘Parent Handbook’. The Handbook should answer all of the questions that you may have regarding joining our school, including uniform, drop-off and pick-up times, lunch and snacks, our school day and school policies and rules.

Admissions Process

The aim of the Admissions Policy is to select pupils who will flourish in the particular environment the school provides and take full advantage of the opportunities available. Any parent can apply provided that they agree to take a full and active part in supporting their child’s education at the RGS Qatar and that the child is permanently living in Qatar with them.

Applications for all children who are registered will be considered in exactly the same way.

The Admissions Policy is determined by the Head of School and administered by the Head of Admissions; the Head of School’s decision on admissions matters is final. The School is not obliged to state its reasons for rejection of a candidate. The admissions process is made up of the following stages: application, assessment, acceptance and registration. Please refer to the Admissions Process section of the website.

The following criteria is considered when applications are received:

• Academic ability;
• Enthusiasm for learning and engagement with learning;
• Previous school reports or assessments;
• The ability to communicate effectively in English.