Why Choose DESS?

Our teaching staff are hard-working, committed, experienced UK trained specialists who deliver creative and inspiring lessons.

Doha English Speaking School’s inspection was conducted by PENTA in May 2017, an extract from the report reads:

'The quality of teaching is outstanding. From each different starting point, the proportion of pupils making and exceeding expected progress are high compared to UK national figures. Nearly all children make progress at least in line with their ability, many do better.'

With a maximum of four form entry in each Year Group our school remains relatively small with a true community spirit and family feel. This permits our staff to have individual knowledge of every child in our care and ensures that each child is nurtured in a secure and supportive environment encouraging them to embrace new challenges.

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.

Friends of DESS (FOD) is the fundraising forum for DESS parents and teachers. Every year FOD organises fantastic events including the Community Garden planting morning, Winter Fair, ice lolly days and bake sales for the children to enjoy.

We have a strong connection with our local community and have a special relationship with the British Embassy who are our sponsors. Our Alumni community hold dear their memories of attending DESS and still remain in contact with us.

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.

Using the Sunday Times School Guide 2018, we have compared our 2018 Year 6 Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) with both State and Independent Schools in the United Kingdom.
The Sunday Times School Guide 2018 allows us to quickly search and compare the examination performance of the leading 2,000 primary and secondary schools in the state and independent sectors. With examination results and rankings going back to 2010 in many cases, this is the most comprehensive resource covering elite school performance in the UK.

• Out of 20,925 State Primary Schools in the United Kingdom, DESS came 502. This means the school is in the top 2.4%.
• Out of 2400 Fee Paying Schools in the UK, DESS came 38^th. This puts DESS in the top 2% of UK Fee Paying Schools.

Health and well-being is a priority at DESS. We have a dedicated nurse, a Safeguarding Team and a full-time Health and Safety Officer.  We offer lessons in Personal, Social and Health Education as part of the core curriculum, and our ‘Learning Mentor’ provides a unique link between the school and home, offering children and parents guidance when needed.

DESS benefits from ‘state of the art’ facilities on a campus which is surrounded by trees, greenery and grounds where students can learn and play.

DESS facilities include an exceptional library with over 17,000 books; two fully equipped gymnasia; a covered swimming pool; a grass pitch and hard courts; a fabulous new Adventure Playground; a Trim Trail; an Eco Friendly Community Garden; a theatre (as part of the multi-purpose hall); a dedicated music and computing suite and a cookery room.

Music is a foundation subject taught to every child where pupils learn music theory, sing and play instruments as part of their lessons. Children also have the opportunity to take part in instrumental lessons after school hours.

Our choir won the 2018 Qatar Primary School Choir of the Year Competition and is well known throughout the country, performing at high profile events at the British Embassy, other local events and national competitions. In 2017 our choir was the first international choir to perform at ‘Choirfest Middle East’.

We think it’s important for children to have the opportunity to express themselves outside of the classroom in a fun environment. DESS is fortunate to have a fully equipped stage with lighting and sound equipment and the children perform in imaginative and creative fully choreographed musical productions.