Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
865 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
45 |
| Most common nationality |
British |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
5% local : 95% international |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
No |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Arabic and French |
| Max. number of students per class |
FS1 and FS2: 24 Year 1 to 6: 24 |
| Average number of students per class |
24 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes
|
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is part of everyday learning at DESS and is used to enhance the curriculum programme. Crome books are used by our pupils from Years 1 to 6. Our interactive classrooms encourage children to become familiar with technology from an early age and are used to present to our pupils. Computing is a core subject taught at DESS, a syllabus complemented by a well-equipped, dedicated computing suite. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, we have the facilities to offer online lessons during emergencies. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
While the school does not have formal religious activities, Muslim students have access to prayer rooms for personal use. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
SATS examinations are taken at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6). |
| Results in these examinations |
Results are in the top 5% of UK schools |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Home Learning is assigned each week however it is not compulsory. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the subject and grade level. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% of our students continue their education at senior schools in Qatar, the UK, or other countries. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
DESS has a Learning Support Department, consisting of four Teachers and two Teaching Assistants. They support the needs of pupils who have moderate difficulties in learning. DESS does not have the resources to cater for children with severe learning and/or behavioural difficulties. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Yes |
| Student access to education psychologist |
While we do not have an on-site educational psychologist, our students are supported by a dedicated Learning Mentor who addresses social and emotional needs and works closely with our SEN team. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
All children are required to pass our assessment criteria. Assessments are age appropriate. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Assessments differ depending on Year Group. Please see our Admission Assessment Charter on our website: https://www.dess.org/admissions-faq |
| Waiting list |
Depends on individual Year Group |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Differs depending on Year Group. Please see our website: https://www.dess.org/admissions-faq |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes - provided it is before the Ministry of Education's admissions closure date for that academic year (this applies to all schools in Qatar). |
| School start time |
FS1: 7:20 am
|
| School finish time |
FS1: Sunday to Thursday: 12:45 pm
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
After School Club is available |
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
Yes, school-packed lunches are available to order via our onsite café. From Year 5 upwards, students can also purchase food and drinks directly from the café, which is open to staff and parents as well. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
No |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Children can choose from a wide range of extra-curricular activities including: athletics, basketball, chess, choir, cricket, dance, drama, Environmental Group, football, gymnastics, playball, pottery, sailing, science, School Council, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, and individual instrumental lessons. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education, athletics, netball, football, basketball, cross country running and swimming. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes - we take part in QPPSSA and the BISQ Games |
| Facilities at the school |
Our students have access to a wide range of facilities and after-school clubs, including school-run and externally run clubs. Offerings include Music, Science, Drama, Cookery, and many more. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Swimming pool (20m), two equipped gymnasia, tennis courts, basketball/netball courts, grass football pitch |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Outstanding Inspection Reports: Recognising Excellence In 2023, Doha English Speaking School (DESS) received Outstanding inspection reports from COBIS (Council of British International Schools) and BSO (British Schools Overseas), reflecting our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. DESS achieved the highest grading in all key areas, including: Quality of Education Spiritual, Moral, and Cultural Development Welfare, Health, and Safety Leadership and Management Premises and Accommodation Provision of Information to Parents BSO accreditation is widely recognised as the gold standard for international schools and endorsed by the British Government. It affirms DESS’s dedication to providing a world-class education. Inspection highlights include: “The quality of education provided is excellent, with a broad and balanced curriculum and well-paced, engaging lessons.” “The British nature of the school is a clear strength.” “Teachers demonstrate deep knowledge of their subjects and provide excellent assessment.” “Students are well-behaved, engaged, and take ownership of their learning.” These accolades reflect our commitment to academic rigour, holistic development, and the well-being of every student. DESS is proud to provide an exceptional educational experience that prepares students for success in a global landscape. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Curriculum and Teaching at DESS DESS delivers the English National Curriculum through UK-qualified teachers, offering a broad and balanced education that nurtures each child academically, socially, morally, physically, and creatively. The curriculum is structured into three stages according to age: Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2. Foundation Stage 1 and 2
Years 1–6
Teaching Approach
We uphold high standards of achievement while providing a supportive community where students thrive academically, personally, and socially. This approach prepares our students for academic success, leadership, and lifelong fulfilment in an increasingly globalised world. |
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