More and more families are choosing to move to Qatar for work, or simply to enjoy the culture and a different lifestyle. Of course, when you have children, you need to know that there are adequate schooling options available.
The good news is that Qatar has some fantastic schools, and Doha in particular has some of the best British schools outside of the UK itself. No matter what your child’s age, you’ll find a quality school that fits the bill. But of course, demand is high.
For that reason, you need to do your research and check options available to you. You’ll want to choose the best you possibly can, which means reading reviews and understanding the best British schools in the Doha area. It also means knowing that if you want to secure a place, not only do you need to do it ahead of time, but your child will certainly need to pass an entrance assessment test. As a result, you’ll need to help them prepare carefully before the test itself. Doing so gives you the best chance of securing a place in a top school.
The calibre of international schools in Doha is high, and most of the top quality ones are British-based, offering an English National Curriculum education, along with iGCSEs and A-Levels. So, how are you supposed to know the best schools in the Doha area so you can give your child the best education possible in their new home?
Handily for you, we’ve done the research for you. Here are the best British schools in Doha.
King’s College Doha is one of the most in-demand and highly acclaimed British schools in the Doha area, and every year it receives countless applications. The school offers a British education to children from 3 to 18 years, with a dedicated sixth form centre available.
The beauty in this school is that although it is prestigious, there is a limit on the number of student places, to ensure the very best education possible; currently this stands at 600 students. King’s College Doha is a co-ed day school that is privately owned and charges yearly fees.
This school prides themselves on producing confident, creative, committed, caring, and curious children, and the staff dedicate themselves to the cause. This is made easier by the top quality campuses on offer. The first is Al Thumam Campus which is located just 20 minutes outside of the city centre. This campus is for children aged 3 to 7 years and is packed with facilities, including a large library, atrium, arts and design centre, music and drama rooms, sports hall, swimming pool, and outdoor sports courts.
In August 2023, the new campus, called Mesaimmer, will open its doors, dedicated to children aged 7 to 18 years. This is a state of the arts centre which includes a swimming pool, sports centre with stadia seating, dance and fitness suits, outdoor courts, arts and designs centre, and spacious classrooms.
It goes without saying that such an in-demand school requires early registration for places, and these places are limited. To apply, you need to make an online application and then attend a taster day. Age-appropriate tests are then conducted, and if successful, the offer of a place is given. This can be secured with a deposit that is deducted from your child’s first year fees.
Address: King’s College Doha, Building 14, Umm Al Shuwail Street, Zone 47, Al Thumama, Doha
Telephone: +974 4496 5888
Park House English School is another highly regarded British School in Doha, and this one has been in operation since 1994. Offering an English National Curriculum education, including A levels and IGCSE, the school teaches co-ed children from ages 3 to 18 years. There are currently 1460 children in the school.
Park House English School has a rich history and has helped many Doha-based families over the years. It goes without saying that places are highly sought after, thanks to the solid British approach to learning with a modern twist.
The school focuses upon developing reflecting and curious learners who enrich the lives of the local community and progress to reach their potential. The campus recently underwent a renovation, leaving behind top quality facilities, including spacious and well-lit classrooms, a huge sports hall, auditorium that can seat over 300 people, a digital learning centre, and a sixth form centre which contains areas for older children to relax and socialise.
Applications for places should be made as soon as possible, as spots are limited. Age-appropriate application tests will be carried out, and if a place is offered, this can be secured with a deposit fee.
Address: 990 Mesaimeer Rd, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4468 3800
Nord Anglia International School Al Khor
Another highly regarded school is Nord Anglia International School Al Khor. This is a co-ed school which offers a top quality education to children from 3 to 18 years.
The lower school accepts children from 3 to 11 years, the middle school accepts children from 12 to 15 years, and senior school is for ages 16 to 18. Currently, here are 1200 children in the school, which is a day school only and doesn’t offer boarding services.
Nord Anglia International School Al Khor limit classes with a ratio of 15 students to 1 teacher. This is to ensure the best level of attention for each child and the best education overall. Class sizes are limited to 22 children and are all taught in English, however due to the large number of different nationalities that attend the school, classes in Arabic, French, and Hindi are also available.
Extra-curricular activities are strongly recommended, with a keen focus on sports, including football and swimming, music, and languages. The entire school day is structured to help children feel like they have a strong routine, while introducing new experiences in a slow and smooth way.
Places are limited and it is encouraged to apply for a place as early as possible. Upon registering your interest, you will be asked to attend the school for an open day. Then, entrance assessments will be arranged. However, the school make sure this is a friendly and enjoyable process for your children, to encourage them to perform to the best of their ability. Once a place is offered, this can be secured with a deposit.
Address: Nord Anglia International School Al Khor, Taimiyah Street, Building 5, Zone 74, Al Khor, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4437 9600
Doha College is a not-for-profit school in the heart of Doha itself. The school prides itself on helping children of all ages to reach their academic potential, while ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment every day of term.
The school teaches co-ed children between the ages of 3 to 18, with a lower school for children aged 3 to 10 years, a middle school for children aged 11 to 13 years, and a senior school for children from 14 to 18 years. Currently, there are 2050 children in the school, which is a day school and doesn’t offer boarding services.
Doha College follows the English National Curriculum, along with IGCSEs and A-Levels. The school has been open for more than 40 years and prides itself on top quality education and supportive care.
All students are encouraged challenge themselves by taking part in a huge number of extra-curricular activities during their term times. Such activities include sports, drama, trips to local areas, and even international trips. Many competitions take place throughout the school year and the school has won many awards as such.
The school year runs from September to June and applications for places to begin in September, usually start in November of the previous year. This means you need to register your interest early and then wait to be called for a tour. After that, entrance assessment tests are arranged, which determine your child’s academic ability and progress. If offered a place, this can be secured with a deposit. However, if there are no places left for your child’s age group, you will be placed on a waiting list and called should a place become free. The outcome of assessments tests is communicated to parents 14 days after the test is completed.
Address: Al Niser Street, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4407 6777
