Cities / Doha / SEK International School Qatar
SEK International School Qatar
The only Spanish-heritage international school in Qatar, running the full IB continuum - PYP, MYP, and Diploma - from Preschool through Grade 12 on a West Bay campus. Part of SEK Education Group (founded 1892), NEASC-accredited, with English and Spanish…
In brief
The Qatar arm of SEK Education Group, a Spanish family of schools with a 130-year history. Opened in West Bay in September 2013 and runs the full IB continuum from PYP through MYP to Diploma. Around 500 students aged 3 to 18.
NEASC accredited and IB authorised at all three levels. Instruction is in English, with Arabic and Spanish taught from Preschool 3, which is a distinguishing feature in the Doha market. Marta Rodger leads the school day-to-day, with Nieves Segovia as the group's overall figurehead.
Parent voice is split. The teaching staff and the IB programme earn warm comments, and families who like the trilingual setup stay. The harder criticism centres on management and admin organisation, with consistent mentions of teacher turnover and policies that families say move around. Best fit for families who specifically want a Spanish-curriculum thread alongside the IB and are willing to weather administrative variability for the trilingual benefit.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool 3 | 3 | Annual | QAR 30,650 |
| Preschool 4 - Preschool 5 | 4 | Annual | QAR 45,891 |
| Grade 1 - Grade 6 | 6 | Annual | QAR 50,000 |
| Grade 7 - Grade 10 | 12 | Annual | QAR 55,676 |
| Grade 11 - Grade 12 | 16 | Annual | QAR 63,099 |
| Application fee (non-refundable) | One-time | QAR 502 | |
| Reservation fee | One-time | QAR 2,000 | |
| Registration fee | One-time | QAR 2,508 | |
| IB exam fees (Grade 11-12, additional) | One-time | QAR 2,800 |
Reviews
- Reviews split sharply: parents praising the IB continuum and individual teachers, others flagging admin disorganisation and turnover.
- Positive reviews describe the IB programme as preparing students well for university through research, academic writing and critical thinking, and credit dedicated staff for their children's growth.
- Critical reviews repeatedly describe management as treating teachers poorly and driving high turnover, which parents tie back to learning continuity.
- A former employee describes a head of school who micromanages staff, and notes ongoing resignations.
- A Reddit comment in r/qatar recommends SEK to a Spanish-speaking family relocating to Al Khor as a sensible holding place before the children move to Spanish-medium universities.
Head of school
Dr. Maripaz Aguilera
Dr. Maripaz Aguilera is the Head of School at SEK International School Qatar, having joined in September 2024. She previously held leadership positions at St. Dominic’s International School in Portugal, where she served as Secondary Principal for three years. With a doctorate and extensive background as an IB educator and evaluator, Dr. Aguilera is committed to fostering a community of learners that strives for excellence and innovation. She leads the school in delivering the International Baccalaureate continuum, emphasizing critical thinking and international-mindedness.
Accreditations
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges 01
Academic results
- IB Diploma 2023 average 32 points
- World average mark in IB Diploma 2023 30.24 points