Doha English Speaking School

For over 40 years Doha English Speaking School (DESS), one of the longest established not-for-profit schools in Qatar, has provided children with an outstanding education through the British Curriculum.

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.

Following the opening of Year 7 in 2021, DESS will continue the expansion of its senior school by opening Year 8 in September 2022, to become the only non-for-profit preparatory school in Qatar.  As a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS); a UK kitemark of excellence in education, DESS will focus on providing the best possible education for children aged 3-13.

The DESS team are committed in providing a caring and well-disciplined environment as the basis for whole school community to engage in a life long love of learning. They 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, 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.