INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CHAIR OF THE BOARD
On behalf of my fellow Governors, it is my pleasure to introduce the Doha College 2023-24 Annual Report.
As we move further into 2024, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come.
This year has been one of reconnection—of rediscovering the joy of learning, the vibrancy of community, and the energy that comes from seeing our pupils thrive. From our classrooms to our sports fields, and in every corner of Doha College, we have witnessed countless moments of inspiration, creativity, and growth. This year, I am delighted to share that Doha College has been recognised as one of the top 100 best private schools in the world by the Spear’s 2024 School Index. As well as formal criteria such as academic results and preparation for university entry, schools get ranked on their unique ethos, their reputation both locally and internationally, and how adequately they prepare students for life beyond academia. Recognised as a ‘leading centre of excellence’ in the region, this accolade is a testament to our commitment to excellence. Coupled with being named the number 1 private international school in Qatar by Carfax Education in 2024, we are setting solid foundations for the future of our pupils, staff, and partners. Additionally, Doha College was also awarded the highest available ‘outstanding rating’ in all categories of the British School Overseas (BSO) inspection report. We received the maximum rating in the categories of Overall quality of education, Curriculum, Quality of teaching and assessment, Pupils’ progress, Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, and Leadership and management. These achievements reflect our continued commitment to excellence in education, enabling personal growth, instilling a passion for learning, and creating aspirational minds.
Our pupils also continued to impress, not only with their academic achievements but with their curiosity, passion, and commitment to learning. Following the return to pre-pandemic standards and grading from last year, the record results from this year’s GCSEs and A-Levels are a testament to the hard work of our pupils, teachers, and parents. Once again, Doha College has cemented its place as one of the leading British International Schools in the Middle East, having the best test results among major Primary-to-Secondary institutions in the region.
Separately, we have also seen brilliant triumphs from our pupils in BSME tournament wins, Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, Choir competitions, and many more. It is truly delightful seeing our pupils demonstrate their skills and aptitudes beyond the four walls of the classrooms.
However, it hasn’t been all triumphs this year. We were deeply saddened to witness the death of our beloved teacher, colleague and friend, Adrienne Stockley, who lost her battle with cancer. Adrienne will be sorely missed by the entire community.
On a positive note, our community continues building strong bonds, with the Friends of Doha College (FDC) playing an important part in helping make Doha College feel like a true “home” for families. This year we saw the return of our beloved Spring Fayre, an annual tradition and great catalyst to bring people together. I would encourage all parents and staff to get involved in future FDC events, as your participation plays a key role in fostering the warm, inclusive atmosphere that makes our community so special.
Doha College has been recognised as one of the top 100 best private schools in the world by the Spear’s 2024 School Index. As well as formal criteria such as academic results and preparation for university entry, schools get ranked on their unique ethos, their reputation both locally and internationally, and how adequately they prepare students for life beyond academia.
Recognised as a ‘leading centre of excellence’ in the region, this accolade is a testament to our commitment to excellence.
Coupled with being named the number 1 private international school in Qatar by Carfax Education in 2024, we are setting solid foundations for the future of our pupils, staff, and partners.
Additionally, Doha College was also awarded the highest available ‘outstanding rating’ in all categories of the British School Overseas (BSO) inspection report.
From a financial perspective, this year has continued to pose some challenges, particularly with high inflation and interest rates. As you know, Doha College made significant investments to build our state-of-the-art new campus, with the high interest rates placing an additional burden on the College. As a Board, we have closely monitored the situation and remain committed to safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the College. As a not-for-profit institution, every Riyal we receive is reinvested directly into the education and well-being of our pupils, ensuring we continue to provide them with the best possible learning environment. I am pleased to report that even with these strong headwinds, we have managed to close the gap towards breaking even and are now cashflow-positive, ensuring that the College is in a much better financial position.
This year also marked a key moment of transition in our senior leadership. In the beginning of this academic year, we welcomed our new Principal Mr. David Tongue, who brings a wealth of experience to lead the College through the next stages of its development. In Primary, at the end of the year we said farewell to Ruth Whymark, who passed the baton to Derek Watson. We remain grateful for Ms. Whymark’s contributions and the strong foundation she has helped lay for the future of Primary in Doha College. Mr. Watson was an internal promotion, which highlighted not only the bench strength of the academic team, but also the career opportunities available to the staff.
As we enter the next phase of growth, this year we launched a new three-year strategic plan. One of the focus areas of the development plan is to further integrate emerging technologies into our educational environment. As we embrace the possibilities offered by Artificial Intelligence, we believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that our pupils and staff are well-informed and equipped to engage with this transformative technology.
Looking ahead, our strategic priorities for the coming years remain focused on academic excellence, pupil well-being, and building an even-stronger community. We are committed to ensuring the longterm sustainability of the school, and we will continue to prioritise strong financial management, safeguarding practices, and the quality of education we provide. Our aim is to make sure every pupil, staff member, and parent feels proud to be part of this exceptional institution.The work of the Board of Governors is to ensure that the College’s strategy is being implemented effectively, and to hold the leadership accountable for the success of our pupils. We are a passionate group of volunteers who are committed to ensuring the continued success of Doha College. Our focus is always on transparency, communication, and good governance, and we will continue to uphold these principles as we move forward.
None of this would be possible without the dedication and hard work of our exceptional staff. Their unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our pupils is at the heart of everything we do. To our teachers, support staff, and leadership team, I want to express my deepest gratitude. The seeds we plant today will bear fruit for generations to come.
As we look ahead to another exciting chapter in Doha College’s story, we do so with optimism and confidence. With the support of our community, our fantastic teachers, the leadership of the College, and the endless potential of our pupils, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to another year of shared growth, learning, and success.
EDUARDO VIEIRA Chair of the Board
For pupils, not for profit!
As a not-for-profit British International School, Doha College develops confidence, creativity and intellectual curiosity in a safe, caring and inclusive environment for our students to make a lasting contribution to global society.
To enable personal growth, instil a passion for learning and create aspirational minds.
Excellence for all, excellence from all.
A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
As I enter my second academic year at Doha College, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the many developments that have taken place over the last twelve months. It has been a period that has seen significant successes, as the College was awarded an exceptional inspection report in November that graded the school outstanding (the highest possible grade) in all categories and described Doha College as a regional centre of excellence. This accolade was accompanied by the school achieving its highest ever A-Level grades in a year with no COVID allowances in place and numerous high achiever awards including best in Qatar, best in region and even best in the world!
The College’s commitment to innovation has been apparent in all areas of our provision as our AI strategy has seen schools from across the region visiting Doha College to see how we are adapting to this new paradigm. In addition to this we have also significantly increased our co-curricular provision to reinforce the importance of educating the whole child and focusing on the holistic character development of our students. I have taken particular pleasure from the students’ co-curricular successes, most notably the school productions, musical performances and their sporting triumphs such as the Under 13 BSME team being crowned champions. Perhaps most rewarding, however, has been the significant number of community events that have been introduced or re-introduced to the College calendar. These really have helped to bring our families together in what had the potential to be a difficult year as regional instability has been at the forefront of many of our minds.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the community - the students, teachers, support staff, governors and parents for all they have done for the College over the past year.
DAVID TONGUE Principal
GOVERNANCE
Eduardo Vieira Chair of the Board
Lisa Ethridge Governor
Joseph Macari Governor
Kati Cooper Parent Governor
Taylor Carta Vice Chair
Sarah Taylor Staff Governor
Ayeesha Lall Parent Governor
Alex Norman Governor
Matthew Heaton Governor
Rajiv Thakrar Governor
Mark Dowds Governor
Ross Banks Governor
Chris Hefford British Embassy Representative
Education Standards Committee
Taylor Carta - Chair
Rajiv Thakrar - Vice Chair
Kati Cooper
Mark Dowds
Alex Norman
Ross Banks
Sarah Taylor
Non-voting
David Tongue
David Lish
Jerome Scafe
Ruth Whymark
Chris Hefford
Resources Committee
Lisa Ethridge - Chair
Kati Cooper - Vice Chair
Joseph Macari
Ayeesha Lall
Matthew Heaton
Eduardo Vieira
Mark Dowds
Alex Norman
The Board Committees
Non-voting
David Tongue
David Lish
Elanie Fest / Merin George
Chris Hefford
Ross Banks
Safeguarding and Community Committee
Ayeesha Lall- Chair
Rajiv Thakrar – Vice Chair
Eduardo Vieira
Lisa Ethridge
Joseph Macari
Alex Norman
Ross Banks
Sarah Taylor
Non-voting
David Tongue
Uzma Zaffar
David Lish
Chris Hefford
Governance Committee
Mark Dowds – Chair
Taylor Carta
Matthew Heaton
Ayeesha Lall
Joseph Macari
Alex Norman
Ross Banks
Non-voting
David Tongue
David Lish
Chris Hefford
THE BOARD COMMITTEES EXPLAINED
Governance Committee
The role of the Governance Committee is to put measures in place to ensure the Board of Governors (BoG) act in a transparent and responsible way. The overarching document that aims to support this is the Constitution and Instruments of Governance, which details how and when Governors are recruited as well as the mechanics of how decisions are made.
The Governance Committee reviews other Board Sub-Committees’ (BSC) performance against KPIs, periodically reviews BoG-level (and certain operational) policies and procedures, and ensures meetings and decisions are recorded appropriately.
The Committee also oversees the auditing of departments within Doha College by appointing external services to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement. Continuous improvement is further achieved through keeping current with best practices by supporting the Clerk to maintain our relationships with institutions such as AGBIS and NGA. We also undergo BoG-level self-assessment to identify any gaps in our capability and competencies.
Education Standards Committee
The Education Standards Committee supports the College by focusing on areas directly impacting the quality of education provision. Specifically, the committee oversees the academic standards in both Primary and Secondary by benchmarking achievement levels, admissions, curriculum structure and attendance. The committee also oversees the Colleges digital learning strategy, and trips, visits and co-curricular activities.
The committee ensures the College adheres to a comprehensive SEND policy, provides strong pastoral care, and that the College provides professional development opportunities for staff members.
Finally, the Educations Standards Committee reviews Doha College’s overall educational philosophy including the college’s definition of learning and learning objectives.
Safeguarding and Community Committee
The role of the Safeguarding and Community Committee is to support the College’s endeavours directly related to and impacting the welfare of students and staff, as well as their relationships with the wider community.
One of its primary objectives is to review and monitor the safeguarding policy within the College to ensure the protection of all students.
The Committee also reviews and monitors the wellbeing of students, as well as staff with respect to the provision of counselling services and periodic wellbeing surveys. It also maintains oversight of the College’s facilities where there is a potential impact on student and staff welfare.
In addition, the Safeguarding and Community Committee supports the College to build, foster and maintain links with the wider local community, with the objective to raise funds, support charitable causes and nurture meaningful relationships that support its primary objective to support student and staff wellbeing.
Lastly, the Safeguarding and Community Committee monitors the College’s public profile through a periodic review of marketing and communication activities.
Resources Committee
The role of the Resources Committee is to assist the Board of Governors in ensuring that Doha College provides a world-class, internationally recognised education in a safe learning space, by focusing on the financial aspects of running a school and ensuring that resources are utilised effectively.
The Resources Committee provides advice to the Finance Team in relation to financial regulatory compliance and ensure that an external financial audit is conducted at least once per year, the results of which are shared with the Board of Governors. The Committee also ensures that policies and procedures are in place and complied with, to ensure the protection of, and efficient, accurate use of all financial, physical, and human resources and assets. The Committee reviews and monitors the annual budget, and business plans, ensures that the college has access to sufficient funds, reviews the academic fees and other charges, and provides financial advice when required. In addition, the Resources Committee oversees the operations of the College’s Appraisal process and reviews the procedures for staff discipline.
THE PAST…
Doha College - 40+ Years of Success
Doha College was granted a licence to operate in Qatar under Ministerial Decree No. 49 of 1981. This states that “Doha College Secondary School” is licensed to operate under the sponsorship of the British Embassy.
Since its establishment, Doha College has grown to accommodate almost 3,000 students from the ages of 3 to 18 and from both the local Qatari and the international community with over 86 different nationalities represented within its current student body.
Doha College is the only school in Qatar to have gained membership of the prestigious HMC - a group of the leading British independent schools. It is also an accredited member of COBIS, CIS and BSME, and the school was the world’s first ever World Class High Performance Learning School.
Doha College holds a trade licence and the necessary Ministry of Education and Higher Education licences for its activities in Qatar and operates on a not-for-profit basis with all money paid in tuition fees being reinvested back into the school.
In 2020, Doha College relocated to its iconic new campus in Al Wajba which houses its world-class academic, sporting and performing arts facilities.
Doha College has been selected to represent the region in the OECD Schools + group which is designed to bring innovative and leading schools together to shape the future of education.
THE FUTURE…
Doha College - Innovative Excellence
Doha College’s ambitious vision for the future is to ensure that the College becomes one of the leading schools globally - bringing innovative excellence in education to Qatar and improving education for all children in Doha and beyond.
Qatar’s strong and growing profile on the world stage will need schools such as Doha College to operate at the very forefront of global education.
Doha College’s students secure entrance into the most prestigious global universities in the world including Oxford, Cambridge and MIT.
Doha College is the only school in Qatar to have been identified as one of the World’s best private schools in the prestigious School Index - a position it has held and maintained in each of the last three years.
Qatar’s Leading School
Doha College is widely recognised as being Qatar’s leading school and one of the highest achieving British International Schools in the Middle East and beyond.
Education is entering a new paradigm as the impacts of artificial intelligence and the application of cognitive science on the learning process are realised. It will be vital that established schools such as Doha College leverage their years of experience and success to help the nation achieve its inspirational priorities.
AGES AND STAGES
Doha College is a welcoming, forward-thinking, not-for-profit school, working to shape an education that gives young people the life skills to help shape our world. We are proud to have a tight-knit community of almost 2700 students from 83 nationalities.
At Doha College, our inclusive approach to education ensures we consult students at every stage of their education. Our holistic approach engages every student, stimulating their interest, and working with them to shape how they learn and are taught to achieve the best outcomes.
As a world-leading British international school, academic achievement is unrivalled. Our state-of-the-art campus and facilities reflect our dedication to the pursuit of excellence in academics, sport, music, drama, art and extracurricular activities, offering an outstanding education to students between the ages of 3 and 18.
A Doha College education reaches far beyond the curriculum. Our students develop skills that serve them well as global citizens. Students develop a balanced understanding of the world around them, learning to be considerate of others, nurturing the abilities to listen, to consider other perspectives, to form opinions and to have the confidence to stand up and be heard.
Our achievements have been recognised with international awards, student entries to leading universities worldwide and outstanding alums of whom we are incredibly proud. Our success could not be achieved without our exceptional staff. We are particular about the qualities and skills we require, we only recruit the very best.
WELL-BEING
Doha college believes that well-being sits at the heart of everything it does with students. Each child is unique, and although there is no set level of what well-being should be, each child should be helped to reach their full potential.
As a school, we aim to help every child learn how to cope with the trials and experiences they will face as they move through the school to become young adults and confident members of the community. Students will have different experiences and needs at different times in their lives, and it is essential they get the right support at each stage when they need it. Life can be stressful, and learning to cope with those stresses is key to a student’s wellbeing.
Some students will do this naturally, while others will need more help, support and strategies to do this.
As a guide to what well-being should be, Doha college follows the eight well-being indicators, which are commonly referred to by their initial letters - SHANARRI. (safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included).
Well-being Wheel
The Doha College well-being wheel help all staff to appreciate a shared understanding of what can be used to ensure a child’s well-being is influenced holistically through each area.
o Is child-focused - it ensures the child or young person – and their family – is at the centre of decision-making and the support available.
o Is based on an understanding of the well-being of a child in their current situation - it takes into consideration the wider influences on a child or young person and their developmental needs when thinking about their well-being, so that the right support can be offered.
o Is based on tackling needs early - it aims to ensure needs are identified as early as possible to avoid bigger concerns or problems developing.
o Requires joined-up working - it is about children, young people, parents, and the services they need working together in a coordinated way to meet their specific needs and improve their well-being.
Primary Highlights
ELSA Programme
The ELSA programme was further embedded across the Primary School, supporting Emotional Well-being, with 15 identified children receiving weekly one-to-one support sessions from trained ELSAs, helping them build resilience and self-confidence.
Show and Share
The first Show and Share sessions of the year took place in November, enhancing Social Well-being by fostering a sense of community and collaboration between parents, students, and teachers. An additional session was introduced for native Arabic speakers, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and cultural awareness in response to parent feedback.
Trips and Visits
Trips and visits organised across Primary this term, including Year 5’s visit to the National Museum of Qatar, FS1’s trip to My Gym, Year 1’s visit to Kidzania, and Year 3’s trip to Baladna Farm, enriched Personal Growth by providing experiential learning opportunities that broadened horizons and strengthened connections to the wider world.
Celebrating Success Assemblies
‘Celebrating Success’ assemblies, held across all phases during the final week of the last term, supported Emotional Well-being by recognising achievements and fostering pride. Parents were invited to join in celebrating children receiving certificates for demonstrating school values and participating in external Arabic competitions, strengthening community bonds.
Secondary Highlights
Rebranding PSHE to PosED:
Doha College rebranded its Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) programme as PosED, reflecting a holistic approach that integrates traditional education with well-being principles. This innovative curriculum benefits students, staff, and parents by fostering self-awareness, metacognition, safeguarding, and overall wellbeing.
Key Components of PosED:
Curriculum Focus: PosED emphasises metacognition, self-awareness, and safeguarding while equipping students with strategies to enhance resilience and life skills.
Life Skills Programme: A new programme for Year 12 and 13 students addressed key life transitions offering practical training in areas such as first aid, financial literacy, and personal well-being. This iniative ensured they are prepared for life beyond school, both locally and internationally.
Student and Staff Well-Being Initiatives:
Student Well-Being: The Well-being Committee led impactful events, including activities for World Mental Health Day. The introduction of a daily lunchtime “calm space” provided a supportive environment for students seeking a quiet and restorative setting.
Staff Well-Being: Recognising the importance of staff mental health, initiatives such as weekly coffee gatherings during Thursday briefings and the establishment of an outdoor relaxation space for informal meetings have been implemented. These efforts support staff rejuvenation and encourage informal collaboration.
Positive Parenting Workshops: Dr. Mosher, Head of PosED and Psychology, conducted workshops to strengthen the home-school partnership. Topics included Third Culture Kids (TCK), The Power of Yet, and the 4Cs of Parenting, providing parents with tools to foster a positive and supportive environment for their children.
WHOLE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
F1 IN SCHOOLS - GENERATION AMAZING WITH DAVID BECKHAM
Doha College pupils had the incredible opportunity to participate in the F1 in Schools initiative during the Qatar F1 Grand Prix, an event that combined sport, education, and innovation. In collaboration with Generation Amazing (GA), whose commitment to community engagement and social impact now extends beyond football, our pupils took part in a variety of activities under the guidance of GA coaches and the F1 in Schools team.
Highlights included football-based reaction drills, car design and building exercises, and reaction speed tests, all enriched by the presence of global ambassador David Beckham
OLYMPIANS VISITING DOHA COLLEGE
Doha College had the distinct honour of welcoming Olympic athletes Kenny Bednarek and Sandi Morris to the Al Wajba campus as part of the Doha Diamond League programme. Their visit provided an extraordinary opportunity for our students to engage with world-class athletes and hear firsthand the values of dedication, perseverance, and resilience that underpin success in sports and beyond.
Through inspiring stories of their journeys to the Olympic stage, Kenny and Sandi reminded students that dreams are achievable with hard work and determination. This visit exemplified Doha College’s commitment to excellence beyond the classroom, where students are encouraged to explore their passions, set ambitious goals, and develop a growth mindset that extends into every aspect of their lives.
Doha
FDC BAKE SALE
A heartfelt thank you was extended to everyone who contributed to making the Friends of Doha College (FDC) bake sale a resounding success in honour of the UN World Day for the English Language. The event showcased the richness and diversity of the English language while highlighting the strong sense of collaboration and generosity within the Doha College community. The enthusiastic support of bakers and buyers made this celebration both meaningful and memorable.
QATAR SCHOOLS CHOIR OF THE YEAR (QSCOY)
Doha College was delighted to welcome ten schools to participate in the national Qatar School Choir of the Year 2024 competition. The event filled our auditorium with melodic tunes and concluded on a high note with the crowning of the winners.
The highlights of the event showcased exceptional talent and collaboration, reflecting the success orchestrated by our outstanding Music department and staff. This achievement underscored Doha College’s holistic educational approach, which integrates academic excellence with personal and artistic growth.
Gratitude was extended to the participating schools for their excellent performances and to everyone who attended to support and celebrate the musical achievements of our students.
FDC SPRING FAYRE
The Al Wajba campus came to life as we welcomed the Doha College community to the FDC Spring Fayre. From delicious aromas of international cuisines to the fantastic performances gracing our stage, the day was overflowing with fun, laughter, and joy. It was a memorable day that served as a heart-warming reminder of the strength and unity within our cherished community.
FDC COMMUNITY IFTAR
As the sun set, the Doha College community came together to listen to Qur’an recitations by students and presentations about the significance of Ramadan, Garangao and Eid al-Fitr. Everyone then enjoyed Ramadan poetry, followed by Adhan and communal prayer.
When the time arrived, participants broke their fast and enjoyed a meal under the open sky. Everyone brought many dishes to share, adding to the sense of communal sharing and generosity. Despite the diverse backgrounds and ages present, a sense of unity and togetherness transcended any differences. The glow of the evening lingered long after the meal ended as people hugged goodbye and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in this special way.
WELCOME FROM PRIMARY
It gives me great pleasure to present the annual report for the 2023-2024 academic year.
This report showcases the incredible dedication, hard work and drive of our fantastic students as well as their continuing strive for excellence. Our students have achieved extremely highly once again and this can only be done when our community comes together, working hand-in-hand, to support our students to become the best versions of themselves.
The academic achievements of our students were unparalleled. Our use of international and UK benchmark assessments showed that over 98% of our students were working at or beyond the expected level in English, Mathematics, and Science. Furthermore, an incredible 64% were working at greater depth, with our Year 6 students, on average, achieving a reading age of 15 years and 10 months by the end of Year 6
As well as excelling in the academic sphere, our students also showed skill, perseverance and determination when engaging in the wider life of the school. In an effort to enhance our PE and sports programme, children in Key Stage 2 took part in weekly games session.
This allowed the children to further develop and apply their learning from PE in a fun and competitive way across the year. We are also immensely proud of our QPSSA and BSME teams who represented the school superbly and carried the DC badge with pride.
As always, our students never cease to amaze me. Their achievements and accomplishments are a tremendous testament to our community and I look forward to what the future holds.
“Over 98% of our students are working at or beyond the expected level in English, Mathematics and Science.
DEREK WATSON Senior Vice PrincipalHead of Primary
Primary Highlights
CULTURE DAY
World Day of Culture saw our campus come alive with the sights and sounds of the world! Students, staff and parents alike joined in a dazzling display of colour, dance and smiles in what was an incredible display of our diverse community. In classes, children focussed on different countries around the world before presenting and sharing their learning with each other - all whilst dressed in their national colours. Meanwhile, the primary hall was alive with an incredible number of parent volunteers who really did bring the world to DC. World day of Culture reminded me that, although we hail from many different parts of the globe, we are united in our love and pride for Doha College.
YEAR 6 RESIDENTIAL
The Year 6 residential returned to Oman for the first time since the pandemic. This momentous occasion was relished by our students as they engaged in a myriad of adventure activities amidst the rugged and serene backdrop of the Oman’s mountains. It was wonderful to see our students develop the camaraderie and spirit of adventure as they pushed themselves beyond their comfort zone to take part in activities such as climbing, BMX, raft building and orienteering. A terrific adventure was had by all and we look forward to many more years of this exciting learning opportunity for our students.
GREAT ECO BAKE OFF
This was certainly the most delicious event of the year. Across the school, children worked hard to create and then showcase their ‘Meatless May’ recipes. An astonishing variety of dishes were served up in the Secondary canteen, with sweet treats forming a large part of the offering. In the end, certificates and prizes were awarded but I can’t help reflecting on the real winners being the judges who got to taste so many fantastic creations.
AL-ATTIYAH PLAYGROUND OPENING
A momentous event from last year came about due to the incredible generosity of one of our parents. The Al-Attiyah Playground has very quickly become a key feature of the campus, with a multitude of students enjoying the benefits of this generous donation. This was made even more significant as a focused play area for our Key Stage 2 students to explore the development of their gross motor skills, which had been a key area for development within the primary school. As such, we express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mr Al-Attiyah for gifting this wonderful legacy of physical activity.
HEADLINE DATA FROM PRIMARY
Standardised assessments from Years 2- 6 show that in excess of 98% of our children meet the expected level or beyond in these assessments.
64% of children at Doha College reach the upper band ‘above average’ scores on international standardised assessments.
The Year 6 cohort performed the highest when compared to International benchmarks in all subjects. This indicates DC continues to add significant value as children progress through Primary. In English, Mathematics and Science when compared to international benchmarks (higher than UK averages),DC outperformed the standardised average by:
English +11.8%
Mathematics +14.1%
Science +14.2%
141.0
121.6 maximum score DC average
The highest standardised age score a child can receive is 141.0
The DC average for Science in Years 3-6 is an astounding 121.6
WELCOME FROM SECONDARY
The 2023-24 academic year was another outstanding chapter for Doha College, reaffirming our commitment to putting students at the heart of everything we do. Our vibrant, not-for-profit community has thrived, showcasing excellence, collaboration, and innovation across all areas.
Following the exceptional examination results in 2022-2023, with many students achieving the highest marks in Qatar, the Middle East, and globally. These accomplishments highlight the hard work of our students and the expertise of our staff, exemplifying our mission to create outstanding futures.
In November, BSO inspectors praised us as “outstanding in all areas,” recognising our innovative teaching, holistic education, and dedication to nurturing every student’s potential. This accolade reflects the professionalism of our staff and their unwavering focus on delivering an exceptional learning experience.
Our students also excelled beyond the classroom, dominating sports at national and regional levels in athletics, netball, volleyball, basketball, and football. Representing Doha College with pride in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, they embodied our values of determination and teamwork.
The return of international trips saw students exploring Romania, Rome, and Oman, broadening their horizons and deepening their global perspectives. These experiences reflect our belief in the value of holistic education and cultural awareness in shaping well-rounded learners.
On World Teacher’s Day, we celebrated our dedicated educators ‘and support staff recognising their essential role in providing a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where students can thrive.
As we reflect on the achievements of 2023-24, our focus remains clear: to provide an exceptional, student-centred education that prepares young people for a bright and meaningful future. Together, we are creating outstanding futures within a caring and inclusive community.
“
A collective sum of features that each are impressive, but when blended together create our uniqueness.
JEROME SCAFE Senior Vice Principal - Head of Secondary
Secondary Highlights
SPORTING DOMINATION - U13 BSME CHAMPIONS
Our young athletes gained a transformative experience, fostering physical and mental well-being, social cohesion, and a deeper connection to our school community. This victory was a testament to Doha College’s holistic approach, empowering students to excel both in academics and sports.
We extend our gratitude to our outstanding Physical Education Department for their commitment to organising diverse sporting opportunities and promoting physical literacy. The journey to success was a collective effort, and we thank the parents, teachers, and supporters who contributed to our U13 team’s triumph.
Congratulations to all the students who participated – you truly embodied the DC sporting spirit!
SECONDARY SPRING CONCERT
Our auditorium was filled with the harmonious sounds of instruments and vocals, resonating through its walls during the Spring Concert.
The Secondary Spring Concert was a stunning showcase of our students’ outstanding talent and dedication. From the graceful notes of soloists to the stirring performances by our orchestras, every moment reflected the creativity, hard work, and excellence that define the Doha College community.
We extend our gratitude to our exceptional Music department for organising such a memorable event and to the parents who joined us to celebrate our students’ achievements.
BSME FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT HOSTED BY DC
It was an honour for Doha College to have hosted its first BSME Tournament at our Al Wajba campus. Leading the charge, our U13 boys’ team triumphed, clinching the champions’ title – a remarkable achievement that showcased their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The accolades did not stop there. Our U13 and U15 girls’ teams displayed exceptional skill and resilience, securing the 4th position in their respective categories. Equally impressive was our U15 boys’ team, who put up a solid fight to finish as BSME runners-up.
Their hard work paid off, bringing not only victory but also great pride to our school community.
DCMUN XV: EMPOWERING VOICES, BUILDING CONFIDENCE
The Doha College Model United Nations (DCMUN) conference provided an exceptional opportunity for Secondary students to engage in a simulation of the United Nations, fostering a wide range of skills and attributes. These included leadership, communication, negotiation, and a deeper understanding of global current affairs.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all the schools, students, and staff who participated in this year’s conference, contributing to its success. This event reflected Doha College’s commitment to creating outstanding futures by offering students transformative experiences beyond the classroom.
MATHEMATICS EXCELLENCE
PISA REPORT 2022
589
Doha College students achieved an average score of 589 in Mathematics, significantly higher than the 461 average score of international schools in Qatar.
International Schools
461
READING ACHIEVEMENT
The average score in reading Doha College students was well above the 467 average international schools
International Schools
In Science, Doha College students achieved animpressive average score of 594 surpassing the 474 average of other international schools.
474 International Schools
594
467
OUTPERFORMING IN CREATIVE THINKING
46
34
Doha College students achieved an average of 46, in creative thinking, far above the international schools’ average of 34 showcasing exceptional innovation. reading for 588 , average for
588
International Schools
HEADLINE DATA FROM SECONDARY
2023-24 Student Attainment
Although 2023 results were anticipated to align with those of 2019 due to grade boundaries being reset to pre-pandemic standards, Doha College remarkably surpassed the grades achieved in 2019.
A* grades nearly doubled, rising from 14.8% in 2019 to 27.3%.
A* grades nearly doubled, rising from 14.8% in 2019 to 27.3%.
UK University
7
6 Australian University Dutch University
relations Politics and International
Hajrah Yousafzai
Himani Miglani Economics Business economics
Seif Badr
Shashwat Jaguri Engineering Psychology
Laleen Mustajab
University
Abertay University
Anglia Ruskin University
Aston University, Birmingham
Birmingham City University
Brunel University London
Buckinghamshire New University
Cambridge Muslim College
Canterbury Christ Church University
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff University
City, University of London
Coventry University
Durham University
Durham University International Study Centre
Edinburgh Napier University
Glasgow Caledonian University
Goldsmiths, University of London
Heriot-Watt University
Imperial College London
Keele University
Kent and Medway Medical School
King’s College London, University of London
Kingston University
Lancaster University
Leeds Beckett University
Liverpool John Moores University
London School of Economics and Political Science
Loughborough University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Middlesex University
Newcastle University
Nottingham Trent University
Plymouth University
Queen Mary University of London
Queen’s University Belfast
Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Society of Dramatic Art
St George’s, University of London
St Mary’s University, Twickenham
Swansea University
The University of Edinburgh
UCFB
UCL (University College London)
Ulster University
University for the Creative Arts
University of Bath
University of Bedfordshire
University of Birmingham
University of Brighton
University of Bristol
University of Chichester
University of Dundee
University of East Anglia UEA
University of Essex
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
University of Greenwich
University of Hertfordshire
University of Hull
University of Kent
University of Leeds
University of Leicester
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Nottingham
University of Oxford
University of Plymouth
University of Portsmouth
University of Reading
University of Roehampton
University of Salford
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University of St Andrews
University of Stirling
University of Strathclyde
University of Sunderland
University of Surrey
University of Sussex
University of the Arts London
University of the West of Scotland
University of Warwick
University of York
Wrexham University
USA
Arizona State University
Boston College
Boston University
California State University - Fullerton
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Colorado State University
Cornell University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Howard University
Indiana University-Bloomington
John Carroll University
Kent State University at Kent
Loyola Marymount University
Michigan State University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York University
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Northeastern University
Nova Southeastern University
Ohio State University
Purdue University
Rutgers University
St. John’s University
The Pennsylvania State University
University of California-Davis
University of California-Irvine
University of California-Los Angeles
University of California-San Diego
University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Cruz
University of Central Florida
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Dayton
University of Florida
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin-Madison
AUSTRALIA
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
University of Queensland
University of Sydney
BAHRAIN
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
CANADA
Carleton University
McGill University
McMaster University
OCAD University
Simon Fraser University (SFU)
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
University of British Columbia
University of Ottawa
University of Toronto
University of Waterloo
York University
EGYPT
The American University of Cairo University of Cairo
LEBANON
Lebanese American University
MALAYSIA
Monash University Malaysia
International Medical University
QATAR
Carnegie Mellon University Qatar
Georgetown University Qatar
University of Doha for Science and Technology
Qatar University
Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar
THE NETHERLANDS
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Hotel School, The Hague
Rotterdam Business School, University of Applied Sciences
The Hague University of Applied Sciences
TU Eindhoven
University College Tilburg
University of Amsterdam
University of Twente
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
PLACED OFFER
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Doha College places great importance on a wide-ranging Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme.
Within the College, CCAs are seen as one of the pillars of a holistic education alongside strong academic and pastoral pillars.
The College views CCAs not as something additional the pupils can simply do at the end of a day, but an integral part of an all-round education.
Providers include
Total number of Primary students signed up
683
Total number of Secondary students signed up
Primary
Secondary
Average total number of CCA options for pupils
589
PUPIL BODY
At Doha College, we have a proudly diverse student community from across the globe who engage in meaningful conversation. Students enrich each other’s thinking to become global leaders of the future.
Top 10 Nationalities 2024-2025
Pupil gender ratio
Doha College acadmies aim to open as many doors and nurture as many talents as possible. Over the years, our academies offer extensive coaching and tuition to DC pupils. Whatever ignites a student’s imagination, the academies will enable them to elevate to the highest standards.
Imagination takes flight! Confidence soars!
Mockingbird is steadfast in its mission to offer a superior Performing Arts programme in Qatar, emphasising the cultivation of young talent, skill development, and confidence enhancement through professional theatre training in state-of-the-art drama studios. Our Performing Arts programme is not only a beacon of cultural enrichment for Doha College students but also serves as a vital cultural hub for the broader community. We are dedicated to fostering collaborative and creative synergies amongst our students and associates.
At Mockingbird, we provide our students with unique opportunities to unleash their imagination, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and enhance their creativity. Our comprehensive curriculum includes a diverse range of activities such as vocal techniques, role-playing, improvisation, and the study of performance texts. These experiences are designed to nurture their artistic expression and collaborative spirit.
Our focus on inclusion and quality is unwavering, and we are committed to expanding the influence of theatre in the community. Mockingbird is more than an educational institution; it is a dynamic platform where young minds are inspired, skills are honed, and a lasting impact on the arts is cultivated.
Doha College
Qatar’s largest multi-sports youth coaching provider
Since its inception under the umbrella of Doha College in 2007, Evolution Sports has grown from humble beginnings—with just a few worn-out footballs and boundless enthusiasm—into Qatar’s largest multisport coaching organisation. Driven by a passion for the transformative power of sports, our team is committed to inclusivity, ensuring every individual can achieve their personal and sporting goals.
Over the past year, we’ve expanded our offerings to include new sports such as touch rugby and volleyball, further diversifying the opportunities available to our community. Our programmes cater to all skill levels, from professional coaching to casual participation, offering sports such as football, swimming, netball, basketball, fitness, fencing, and archery. Whether it’s through team sports, fitness improvement, fostering friendships, or enjoying holiday camps, we strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Total Members in Academy Programmes: 1,880
Doha College Members in Academy Programmes: 455
Number of DC Students Engaged in Evo CCAs: 392
Number of DC Students Accessing Evo Extended School Clubs: 225
At Evo Sports, we remain dedicated to fostering growth, camaraderie, and excellence in sports while helping individuals of all ages and abilities unlock their full potential. We believe in “developing the person before the player.”
Income and Expenditure Summary
Expenditure
Staff costs are the main expenditure at Doha College, followed by rent and depreciation of assets.
Income
Doha College relies on tuition fees as the main source of income.
OUR VISION
To enable personal growth, instil a passion for learning and create aspirational minds.
OUR MISSION
As a not-for-profit British International School, Doha College develops confidence, creativity and intellectual curiosity in a safe, caring and inclusive environment for our students to make a lasting contribution to global society.
OUR CORE VALUES
• Excellence and diligence
• Respect and integrity
• Commitment and accountability
• Perseverance and honesty
• Fun and enjoyment
• Challenge and reward
