Can a female single-parent teacher get a visa for their child?

I'm looking to move countries and really, really want to work in Oman. (I'm British with an iPGCE, BA and 14 years experience with CIE curriculum overseas).

However, before I start applying, I need to be sure that I can bring my 17-year-old son with me.

I've been told that single parent-mother-who has not been married will not qualify for a family visa. Has anyone had any experience with this?