The private education sector in Oman is entering a pivotal phase—marked by rapid growth, shifting parent expectations, and a wave of new entrants into the market. As we look ahead to 2030, school owners, investors, and board members face a critical question: How can we remain competitive, innovative, and future-ready in an increasingly complex educational landscape?

At Tomalin Consulting, we’ve developed a new, data-rich report— “Unlocking Potential: Oman’s Private Schools & the Road to 2030”—that offers a comprehensive analysis of the Omani private school sector in 2024/25, with a forward-looking perspective through to 2030.

This report was created specifically for school leaders and decision-makers who want to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you manage a flagship international school in Muscat, are considering investment in a bilingual school in Sohar, or are exploring growth opportunities in Nizwa or Salalah, this report offers timely, evidence-based insights to guide strategic decision-making.

What’s Driving Growth in Oman’s Private Education Sector?

Private school enrollment in Oman has surged in recent years, reaching over 233,000 students in 2024/25, according to Ministry of Education data. That’s a significant rise from previous years, driven by population growth, increasing demand for bilingual and international curricula, and strong government support for private sector involvement in education.

But it’s not just about growth—the market is evolving. Parents today are looking for more than just academics. They want safe, well-resourced schools that develop soft skills, offer extracurriculars, and prepare their children for university and beyond. These rising expectations are pushing schools to innovate or risk falling behind.

Competitive Landscape: Opportunities and Saturation

In Muscat, Oman’s capital and educational hub, competition among private schools is fierce. High-performing international schools such as British School Muscat and ABA Oman International School often operate at full capacity. Meanwhile, many newer or mid-tier bilingual schools are working hard to differentiate themselves in a crowded field.

Outside the capital, however, the picture is different. Sohar, Nizwa, and Salalah are emerging as high-potential regions, with demand for quality education outpacing supply in several segments. The full report explores each of these cities in detail, offering location-specific recommendations for school expansion, curriculum planning, and market positioning.

What You’ll Learn in the Full Report

Our 70+ page report doesn’t just paint the picture—it equips you with the tools to act. It includes:

• A macroeconomic and demographic analysis explaining why Oman remains an attractive education market.

• Detailed benchmarking of tuition fees, curriculum types, and enrollment trends across Muscat, Sohar, Nizwa, and Salalah.

• Insights into GCC-wide comparisons, showing how Oman’s private education sector stacks up against regional peers like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

• A five-year strategic outlook (2025–2030) identifying emerging trends in digital learning, special education, teacher recruitment, and curriculum innovation.

Who Should Read This Report?

This report is essential reading for:

• School board members and directors seeking to future-proof their institutions.

• Private investors and operators evaluating the viability of new schools or acquisitions.

• Educational consultants and policy advisors needing data-backed insights to support reform and innovation.

Whether you’re a school leader looking to optimize operations or an investor exploring the next big opportunity in Oman’s growing education market, this report will provide the strategic clarity you need.