Doha English Speaking School

For over 45 years, Doha English Speaking School (DESS) has been at the forefront of educational excellence in Qatar, tracing its roots back to its inception in 1971. Founded as a primary school catering to British children, DESS has evolved into the esteemed institution it is today - the sole not-for-profit preparatory school in Qatar, offering education up to Year 8.

DESS boasts a rich history intertwined with royal patronage. In 1979, our school was honoured by the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, father of the present Amir, at its grand opening. Notably, the Emir of Qatar himself attended DESS for several years, further cementing our ties to royalty.

In addition to our royal connections, DESS proudly maintains strong links with the British Embassy, distinguishing us as one of the two schools in Qatar with such esteemed affiliations. This unique heritage underscores our commitment to providing a British Curriculum education of the highest standard in Qatar.

In 2023, Doha English Speaking School (DESS) proudly received two Outstanding Inspection reports from esteemed accredited bodies, COBIS (Council of British International Schools) and BSO (British Schools Overseas). These reports serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Our Mission

At Doha English Speaking School (DESS), our mission is clear: to care for the whole child and prepare successful global citizens. We achieve this by fostering a nurturing learning environment that not only challenges each pupil but also embraces innovation and critical thinking.

Responsibility, Kindness, Perseverance, and Respect are the cornerstones of our school community. These values are not just words on a page but integral principles that guide every aspect of life at DESS. Through dedicated assemblies, lessons, and the fabric of daily school life, we instil these values deeply within our students.

• Responsibility teaches our children the importance of accountability and taking ownership of their actions.
• Kindness reminds them of the power of empathy and compassion towards others.
• Perseverance instils the resilience needed to overcome challenges and achieve success.
• Respect forms the foundation of our interactions, fostering a culture of understanding and appreciation for diversity.

By embodying these values, we cultivate respectful, resourceful, and empathetic individuals who grow into well-rounded students prepared for the journey ahead. Our holistic approach to education ensures that every child at DESS not only excels academically but also develops essential life skills and character traits necessary for success in an ever-changing world.

At DESS, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and global citizens.