DOHA: Children of expatriates working in the private sector can be enrolled in Independent schools in a number of areas outside Doha city where private schools are not available, the Supreme Education Council (SEC) has said.
SEC had earlier announced that education in Independent schools will be free for expatriate students from the next academic year. Currently only Qatari students get free education at the state-run schools.
The SEC has issued a circular to Independent schools with a list of 28 schools where expatriate students can be enrolled. They are located in areas including Al Shamal, Dukhan, Rawdat Al Rashid, Al Karana, Al Shahania, Al Ghuwairia, Al Kharsaa, Al Kaaban, Al Ghashamia, Al Jameelia, Semaisma and Al Dakheera.
The SEC used to enroll children of expatriates employed in the public sector in Independent schools irrespective of where the school is located. A limited number of expatriate children with parents working in the private sector were also allowed in some remote areas where private schools are not available. Now this privilege has been expanded to more schools.
Expatriate children are required to fulfil all the admission criteria set by the SEC and enrolment will be subject to availability of seats, said the SEC. Admission will be strictly restricted to children residing in the area where the school is located.
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Enrolment is restricted to schools in areas where private schools are not available. Once enrolled in one of the 28 Independent schools, the student will not be allowed to transfer to another Independent school in an area where a private school exists, Al Sharq reported, quoting the SEC circular.
Admission to all Independent schools will begin on May 10 and continue until June 2. Online registration will be open from May 10 to May 12.
After registration, parents are required to visit the schools concerned and submit all the required documents. This will be on May 13 and May 14. Those who have not registered online can visit the schools directly for registration on May 17 and May 19 during the morning working hours, said the SEC.