Doha English Speaking School

Doha English Speaking School (DESS) was founded in 1981, catering for the growing need for an English speaking school.

The history of the school dates back to 1971 when an English Primary School catering for British children was first built. The junior school was opened in February 1979 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the present Emir's father.

The discovery and subsequent exploitation of a huge gas field on its north coast has led to significant economic progress in Qatar in recent years. This in turn has led to a rapid expansion of the Doha English Speaking School, both in terms of pupil numbers and overall facilities.

This not-for-profit school caters for children between the ages of three and eleven years, with plans underway to expand in to Years 7 and 8.  Although the admissions policy prioritises British children, the school has a strong international element.

The DESS Board oversees the management and development of the school in accordance with our Constitution, the best practice of British and International schools and Qatar’s laws and regulations.

The Board works closely with the Senior Leadership Team, and proposes policy, strategy, improvement plans, use of resources and educational developments.  The Board then debates, guides and approves these as well as monitoring, by way of regular reports, the operations of the school, to help the school achieve its vision as an international beacon of excellence in education.

Doha English Speaking School
Vision, Mission and Values

OUR VISION
An International Beacon of Excellence in Education

OUR MISSION
Learning Together - High Expectations - Celebrating Success
Our mission at DESS is to:

• create a happy, secure, stimulating and supportive learning environment
• care for the whole child – prepare future citizens
• deliver the National Curriculum for England in a relevant, meaningful and rigorous way
• offer not-for-profit education
• work in partnership with our community
• welcome innovation
• provide staff with the opportunities to enhance and develop professional skills

OUR VALUES
At DESS we value:

• care and consideration which allows everyone to thrive
• the fostering of respect for, and tolerance of, others and their differing cultures
• the creation of a trusting community where honesty and integrity are the norm
• the nurturing of high self-esteem and the confidence to ‘have a go’
• a climate of enthusiasm and enjoyment in learning
• the development of skills for lifelong learning
• the desire to improve through reflective learning
• the perseverance to strive for success
• the pursuit of excellence
• the celebration of efforts and achievements