For over 40 years Doha English Speaking School (DESS), one of the longest established not-for-profit Primary schools in Qatar, has provided children with an outstanding education through the British Curriculum. Our story began in 1971 when an English speaking primary school catering for British children was first built in Doha. The junior school was opened in February 1979 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the present Amir’s father.y.
At DESS we are committed to providing a caring and well-disciplined environment as a basis for our whole school community to engage in a life long love of learning. We work together for the benefit of each individual student, teaching them the importance of making friendships and to respect and care for others. Through the rigorous academic curriculum and our wide range of extra-curricular activities our children are given the best opportunity for self-development and discovery to become well rounded, happy, confident individuals who reach their full potential.
Nearly all of our teachers are British trained and with over 90% of our children being British passport holders and, together with facilities and grounds of the highest quality, we have a platform for learning which reminds our children and parents of a traditional British school yet with a truly international feel in Doha.
Our Year 6 Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) are in the top 2% of both State and Independent Schools in the United Kingdom. Our children’s academic achievements are significantly above those demonstrated in the UK national average statistics and their sporting achievements are also most impressive.
In 2017 DESS was awarded the highest grading of ‘Outstanding’ following a whole school BSO inspection by Penta International; this grading allows DESS to be favourably compared with other UK and overseas independent schools. DESS was also awarded ‘Organisation of the Year’ by the Qatar British Business Forum in 2017.
We pride ourselves as a family at DESS working with parents to nurture and educate their children on an emotional and practical level during some of the most exciting, formative, years of the children’s lives. Our students leave DESS well-prepared for a seamless transition to UK independent, grammar, state and international schools they go on to attend.
Our teaching staff are hard-working, committed, experienced UK trained specialists who deliver creative and inspiring lessons.
We have strengthened links with our parental body through our Parent Council which has assisted our Senior Leadership Team to improve areas of the school including communication, home learning and outcomes for children.
Our students’ academic results are significantly above those demonstrated in the UK national average statistics and their sporting achievements are also impressive. We are extremely proud that during our recent inspection by Penta International our school was awarded the highest grading of ‘Outstanding’. The grading allows DESS to be easily compared with other UK and overseas independent schools. Students leave DESS well-prepared to move on successfully to their next phase of education, whether in the UK or internationally.
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The innovative curriculum and dedicated staff at this school have ignited a passion for learning in my child, and I couldn't be more impressed with the leaps in progress they've made!
By H.N. (Jul, 2024) |
DESS has cared for and taught all 3 of my children from the age of 3 (fs1) to 12 (year 8). They have loved Dess as their prep school and it has become like a family to them, with a strong sense of community and support. I would recommend Dess without hesitation. They are also probably the most reasonably priced prep school in Doha when compared to other British schools.
By Louise Fitzgerald (Feb, 2024) |
Brings back to memory everything good about the old Doha. As for the school, without a doubt it is the best school in Qatar!
By Amru Elfil (Apr, 2023) |
This is our second year at the school, and we love it! My daughter has made wonderful friends and her teachers have been amazing. Administration is great. We are very happy here!
By Binu Harish (Jul, 2022) |
Excellent school offering british curriculum with qualified and experienced teachers, good outdoor space and pool, with a lovely community feel.
By Michelle S (Apr, 2021) |
Great education for children with committed staff at lovely premises. School is a Qatari British landmark. Continued investment towards further improvements though school fees are comparatively favourable.
By Ivo Vermeulen (May, 2020) |
Wonderful school with personable teachers and head teacher. Excellent facilities - certainly exceeding facilities available to me as a child. Location is excellent and reflects how long the school has been part of Qatar. Tuition fees most agreeable of the British Schools. Looking forward to sending my second child there this September.
By Ivo Vermeulen (May, 2018) |
They say old is gold and at the Doha English Speaking School, you really feel it. With decades of academic experience, they really know how to run the best school in Qatar, in my opinion. As a parent with a daughter at the school, I couldn’t be happier. Headteacher Sean has been a wonderful leader and always available for parents and students. If you are looking for a British curriculum school, DESS is the place to be. Word of advice, apply early to avoid disappointment!
By G.H. (May, 2017) |
I went to this school and it was the most friendly kind caring school I've had ever been to really recommend it! Staff are great and education is great! ☆☆☆☆☆
By Archie Abraham (May, 2017) |
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My son likes the school he says “I like the school because it is a good place to learn because you get a good standard of education and I made lots of nice friends”.
By Ian Smith (Sep, 2024) |