Doha, July 12 (QNA) - The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) has announced its plans to establish the Qatar Technical Secondary School for Girls - Al Shamal, in the northern region of the country during the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year.

In a statement, the Ministry said that this strategic step aims to enhance technical and vocational education opportunities for female students and provide a specialized learning environment to help prepare qualified national talents for the labor market.

It added that this initiative reflects the Ministry's strong belief in the importance of applied learning and its crucial role in equipping students with both technical and vocational skills.

The MOEHE said that the school will implement a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training, aligned with the evolving demands of the national economy.

The Qatar Technical Secondary School for Girls - Al Shamal will offer high-quality technical education in two main tracks: Information Technology and Laboratory Technician Training, alongside standard academic subjects for the secondary level.

In its inaugural year, the school will accept a maximum of 40 Grade 10 students, with registration for the 2025–2026 academic year now open through the MOEHE's "Maaref" public service portal, specifically for Grade 10 students.

Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the Ministry’s approved regulations with priority to first be given to Qatari students, followed by daughters of Qatari mothers, then to daughters of citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and finally, girls who were born in Qatar and currently reside in the country.

All applicants must meet academic and health eligibility requirements, which include passing admission tests and a personal interview, as well as providing a certified medical report confirming the absence of chronic health conditions that could impact participation in workshops or practical training sessions.

The admission portal has been active since June 25, 2025, and official registration procedures will be completed at the beginning of the new school year. Parents will be required to sign a consent form acknowledging the student’s transfer to a new technical learning environment and agreeing to the MOEHE's assessment and registration policies.

The opening of this school is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to expand access to specialized educational opportunities in underserved areas, particularly the northern region. It also supports national efforts to diversify secondary education pathways, based on feedback gathered from students and parents in the region, which indicated strong interest in establishing a technical school for girls in Al Shamal.

Currently, Qatar hosts eight specialized schools, including three for girls: Qatar Technical Secondary School for Girls in Doha, Qatar Banking Studies and Business Administration Secondary School for Girls, and this new technical school to be established in Al Shamal.

The MOEHE affirmed that this initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to broadening access to vocational and technical education in all parts of the country, which aligns with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting a knowledge-based economy and empowering national human resources, especially female students, to play an active role in comprehensive development. (QNA)