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Doha College Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

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BOARD OF GOVERNORS REPORT 2024-2025


Doha College

INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CHAIR OF THE BOARD

On behalf of my fellow Governors, it is my pleasure to introduce the Doha College 2024-25 Annual Report. As we reflect on the past year, I am struck by how our community at Doha College has flourished — academically, socially and culturally. With over 2,700 pupils from 81 different nationalities, Doha College represents a truly international community. This year has been one of momentum and renewal — of building on our foundations, seizing new opportunities and reaffirming our commitment to outstanding education. From our early years through to 6th Form, in our classrooms, labs, sports fields and performing spaces, we have witnessed countless moments of inspiration, creativity and growth. Our purpose-built campus and facilities remain a source of pride. Uniquely, as a not-for-profit school, we invest every Riyal back into providing the best possible education, wellbeing support, and facilities for our pupils, solidifying our leadership in British international education in the region. This year, I am delighted to share that Doha College has once again been recognised as one of the top 100 best private schools in the world by the Spear’s 2025 School Index. In addition to the formal criteria such as academic results and preparation for university entry, schools are rated on their unique ethos, their reputation both locally and internationally, and how adequately they prepare pupils for life as young adults. Doha College is also the only school in Qatar in the “Top Private Schools in the Middle East” category by Carfax Education in 2024. These external accolades are something that we should all be proud of.

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Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

On the academic front, our pupils have produced excellent outcomes in both GCSEs and A-Levels — reinforcing Doha College’s position among the leading British international schools in the Middle East. We continue to post the best examination results across many major Primary-toSecondary British schools in the region. In the latest PISA 2022 (Programme for International Student Assessment) results, pupils at Doha College achieved scores above the international average across all key domains: mathematics, reading, science and creative thinking. Our co-curricular programme has continued to go from strength to strength: our pupils have excelled in competitions, expeditions, Model United Nations, music, sport and community service. These achievements are vital in developing well-rounded young people.

OUTSTANDING

AWARDED BY

THE SCHOOLS INDEX THE SCHOOLS INDEX 2023

2025

Number 1 in Qatar Top 15 in Middle East Top 125 in the World Number 1 in Qatar Top 10 in Middle East Top 150 in the World

Our vibrant alumni network (DC Alumni Network) has flourished this year, enabling our former pupils to become mentors, contributors and ambassadors of our ethos. From a financial perspective, this year has continued to pose some challenges, particularly with continuing inflation and high interest rates. Doha College took on a significant loan to build our state-of-the-art new campus, a decision taken during a period of relatively low interest rates. The current high interest rate environment is placing an additional burden on the College, and this comes on top of new regulatory and compliance requirements which bring additional costs. Despite the challenges, I am pleased to confirm we have once again managed to strengthen the school’s financial position, improved cashflow alignment, and further reduced the financial loss of the College in the interests of its long-term sustainability.

2025 MIDDLE EAST

Strategically, this year was the second year of our three-year strategic plan. One of the focus areas is to further integrate emerging technology into our educational environment. As we embrace these 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. Schools need to maintain balance by cultivating uniquely human skills such as resilience, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and compassion that machines cannot replicate.

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Doha College

In parallel, we are reinforcing our commitment to pupil wellbeing, community engagement and global citizenship. Looking ahead, our strategic priorities for the coming years remain focused on academic excellence, pupil wellbeing, and building an even stronger community. We are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the school, and we will continue to prioritise strong financial management, safeguarding practices, and the quality of the 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. We continue to ensure strong governance, transparency and accountability — the Board of Governors remains dedicated to ensuring the College’s strategy is implemented effectively and that pupils, parents and staff feel confident in our direction.

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None of this year’s success would have been possible without the remarkable dedication of our staff. To our teachers, support colleagues, leadership team and governors — thank you for your unwavering commitment to our pupils and their futures. To our parents and families — thank you for your partnership and trust. And to our pupils — your curiosity, resilience and enthusiasm inspire us every day. As we look ahead to the 2025-26 year, we do so with optimism and ambition. The foundations we have laid this year enable us to aim even higher: to foster even greater academic success, broaden our global outlook, strengthen our community and continue to make every pupil, parent and staff member proud to be part of Doha College. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to another year of shared growth, learning and success.

EDUARDO VIEIRA Chair of the Board


For pupils, not for profit! 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 pupils to make a lasting contribution to global society.

VISION

To enable personal growth, instil a passion for learning and create aspirational minds. MOTTO

Excellence for all, excellence from all.


A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

The thing that consistently makes me proudest of being the Principal of this wonderful school is the pupils we are fortunate enough to educate here. I am consistently impressed by their quiet confidence, their ambition, their success and their humility. Above all this though, they have a strong moral compass and recognise that they do not just have the potential to help to build a better world, but they have a responsibility to do so. Our Class of 2025 demonstrated this in abundance, and the outstanding universities that are now privileged to be continuing their education will be all the stronger for having them as part of their communities. The last year was, in many ways, a record breaking one. A phenomenal 36 graduating pupils secured places to read medicine. 90% of pupils heading to the United Kingdom for their university education secured a place at one of the prestigious Russell Group of universities - including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Durham and UCL. The College received more ‘Top in World’ scores at GCSE and A-Level than any other school in the world, and Doha College again appeared as one of the top 100 private schools in the world in the prestigious Spears School Index. Above and beyond these accolades, however, the College helped further expand the range of opportunities that it provides to develop pupils holistically. This included huge success on the sports field, on stage and within the supra-curriculum. Whatever a child’s interests are, we are determined to help foster these interests so they become passions, and in doing so, allow each and every child to become the best version of themselves. This success is a factor of the outstanding community of Doha College - the dedicated and talented teachers and staff who work at the College, and the parents who consistently support their children in their journey through the school.

DAVID TONGUE Principal


Doha College

GOVERNANCE Eduardo Vieira Chair of the Board

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Rajiv Thakrar

Duncan Hill

Alexandra Norman

Alexis Neeson

Vice Chair of the Board

British Embassy Representative

Governor

Governor

Ayeesha Lall

Christopher Davies

Joseph Macari

Kemi Lawson

Governor

Governor

Governor

Governor

Matthew Heaton

Roscoe Banks

Afreem Yousuf

Hasham Khan

Governor

Governor

Parent Governor

Parent Governor

Sunita Mathew

Teresa Menton

Katie Melling

Lubna Chawla

Staff Governor

Staff Governor

Staff Governor

Clerk to the BOG


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

Education Standards Committee Rajiv Thakrar - Chair

Non-voting

Alexandra Norman &

David Tongue

Christopher Davies - Vice Chair

David Lish

Ayeesha Lall

Jerome Scafe

Hasham Khan

Derek Watson

Afreem Yousuf Teresa Menton Katie Melling

Resources Committee Roscoe Banks - Chair Joseph Macari - Vice Chair Matthew Heaton Kemi Lawson

Non-voting Duncan Hill David Tongue David Lish

Eduardo Vieira

Pamela Bell

Alexis Neeson Sunita Mathew

The Board Committees Safeguarding and Community Committee Ayeesha Lall - Chair

Non-voting

Hasham Khan – Vice Chair

David Tongue

Eduardo Vieira

David Lish

Rajiv Thakrar

Uzma Zaffar

Alexandra Norman Afreem Yousuf Teresa Menton Katie Melling

Governance Committee Matthew Heaton – Chair

Non-voting

Alexis Neeson - Vice Chair

Duncan Hill

Christopher Davies

David Tongue

Roscoe Banks

David Lish

Ayeesha Lall Joseph Macari Kemi Lawson Sunita Matthew Teresa Menton

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Doha College

THE BOARD COMMITTEES EXPLAINED Governance Committee The Governance Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Board of Governors (BoG) operates with transparency, accountability and sound governance practice. Its work is guided by the Constitution and Instruments of Governance, which set out the processes for appointing Governors and the formal mechanisms through which Board decisions are made. The Committee reviews the performance of all Board Sub-Committees (BSCs), oversees periodic reviews of Board-level (and certain operational) policies and procedures, and ensures the accurate maintenance of all governance records, including meetings, decisions, and supporting documentation. The Committee also oversees external audits of key College departments, to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. It promotes continuous improvement through active engagement with organisations such as the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools, ensuring alignment with recognised international best practice. The Committee also leads Board self-assessment processes to identify capability gaps and strengthen the overall effectiveness of governance at Doha College.

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 attainment levels, curriculum structure and attendance. The committee also reviews the College’s overall learning strategy, trips and visits, and co-curricular activities. The Committee also ensures the College adheres to a comprehensive SEND policy, to ensure pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities receive the necessary provisions to achieve their full potential. The Committee also ensures the provision of professional development opportunities for staff members. Finally, the Committee reviews Doha College’s overall educational philosophy including the College’s definition of learning and learning objectives.

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Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

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 pupils 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 pupils at all times. The Committee reviews and monitors the wellbeing of pupils, as well as their welfare with respect to the provision of counselling and safeguarding, via periodic reporting and wellbeing surveys. It also maintains oversight of the College’s activities where there is a potential impact on pupil and staff welfare. In addition, the Committee supports the College to build, foster and maintain links with the wider local community, with the objective of raising funds, supporting charitable causes and nurturing meaningful relationships that support its primary objective to support pupil and staff wellbeing.

Resources Committee The Resources Committee plays a key role in supporting the Board of Governors by safeguarding the College’s financial health, through the effective management and utilisation of all its resources, ensuring the College continues to provide a world-class education within a safe and wellresourced learning environment. The Committee oversees college finances in relation to financial and regulatory compliance, and ensures an external financial audit is carried out annually. The committee ensures that admissions policies are financially sustainable, operationally viable, and aligned with broader strategic objectives. The Committee monitors financial planning and budgeting by ensuring the College maintains sufficient reserves, has sound budgetary controls, effectively manages risks, and follows effective procurement policies. The Committee also oversees the management of all assets and facilities, ensuring the appropriate and effective use of the College’s financial, physical, and human resources. In addition, the Committee maintains oversight of marketing and communication activities, reviewing them periodically to ensure clear, consistent, and purposeful engagement with the College community.

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Doha College

THE PAST… Doha College - 40+ Years of Success 1997

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. 2022

Since its establishment, Doha College has grown to accommodate almost 3,000 pupils 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 pupil 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.

2020

1987

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.

2014

2017

2020

2023

THE PR Doha College - Q

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Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

THE FUTURE… Doha College - Innovative Excellence AWARDED BY

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.

THE SCHOOLS INDEX

2025

Number 1 in Qatar Top 15 in Middle East Top 150 in the World

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.

2025 MIDDLE EAST

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.

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.

Doha College’s pupils secure entrance into the most prestigious global universities in the world including Oxford, Cambridge and MIT.

2025 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.

RESENT… Qatar’s Leading School

David Beckham with Doha College pupils as a part of our Beyond the Classroom experience.

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.

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Doha College

AGES AND STAGES Doha College is a welcoming, forward-thinking, not-for-profit school committed to shaping an education that empowers young people with the skills and attributes to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are proud to be home to a diverse and closeknit community of almost 2,756 pupils representing 81 nationalities. Our inclusive educational approach places pupil voice at the heart of every stage of their journey. Through a holistic model of learning, we engage, challenge and support each child, nurturing curiosity and equipping them with the tools to achieve exceptional outcomes. As a world-leading British international school, our academic achievement is unrivalled. Our state-of-the-art campus reflects our ambition for excellence across academics, sport, music, drama, art and our extensive co-curricular provision. We continue to invest purposefully in the development and enhancement of our facilities, ensuring that every space supports high-quality teaching, innovative learning experiences and the well-being of our pupils. This sustained investment enables us to offer an outstanding education to pupils aged 3 to 18, providing continuity, progression and personal growth from Early Years through to Sixth Form. A Doha College education reaches far beyond the curriculum. Our pupils develop the values and life skills required to become thoughtful, confident and globally minded citizens. They learn to understand the world from multiple perspectives, to listen with intent, to form considered opinions and to express themselves with assurance and integrity. Our achievements are recognised internationally, reflected in award-winning initiatives, exceptional examination results, and the impressive university destinations secured by our graduates. We take great pride in our alumni, whose accomplishments demonstrate the enduring impact of a Doha College education. This success is made possible by our exceptional staff. We are deliberate in recruiting professionals who embody our values and bring expertise, creativity and commitment to every aspect of school life. It is through their dedication that we continue to deliver an outstanding educational experience for every pupil.

FS 1 Age 3

FS2 Age 4

EYFS 14

Year 1 Age 5

Year 2 Age 6

KEY STAGE 1

Year 3 Age 7

Year 4 Age 8

Year 5 Age 9 KEY STAGE 2


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

Year 6 Age 10

Year 7 Age 11

Year 8 Age 12

Year 9 Age 13

KEY STAGE 3

Year 10 Age 14

Year 11 Age 15

Year 12 Year 13 Age 16 Age 17

KEY STAGE 4

KEY STAGE 5 15


Doha College

WELL-BEING Well-being is the foundation of our ethos at Doha College. We believe that every child must feel safe, valued, and supported in order to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As pupils grow, they face new pressures, new opportunities, and new challenges, and our responsibility is to equip them with the resilience, emotional awareness, and confidence to navigate these experiences successfully. Our pastoral approach is built on strong relationships, early identification of need, and a culture where every pupil feels seen, heard, and understood. We are intentional in teaching pupils how to manage stress, solve problems, seek help when needed, and develop a positive sense of identity and belonging. We use the STEER Adaptive Risk Profiling system to understand how pupils are thinking and feeling beneath the surface, enabling us to identify emerging social-emotional needs long before challenges escalate. Our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant provision remains a highly effective and well-used intervention throughout the school. Trained ELSAs provide structured emotional literacy sessions that support pupils with friendship skills, confidence, emotional regulation, transitions, and resilience. These interventions continue to have a demonstrable impact, with many parents noting significant improvements in their child’s self-esteem, social skills, and emotional well-being. ELSA has become a trusted and valued component of our pastoral framework.

SAFE HEALTHY

INCLUDED

RESPONSIBLE

Well-being Wheel

RESPECTED

NURTURED

Our approach to well-being also begins before ACTIVE a child even joins the school. New pupils are supported through a carefully structured transition programme which includes pre-arrival questionnaires enabling us to understand their personality, interests, worries, strengths, and previous experiences. This information helps us prepare a personalised welcome. Upon arrival, each new pupil is matched with a trained buddy to ensure that they feel settled, guided, and connected from their first day. Staff monitor transition closely to ensure that every child establishes friendships, routines, and confidence quickly and securely. The Doha College Learner Profile is woven through all aspects of school life and underpins our well-being culture. It encourages pupils to model the power of learning, see the positives in every situation, seek challenges, embrace new experiences, and grow from mistakes. It inspires pupils to strive to be the best versions of themselves, to set the highest standards for their behaviour and effort, and to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in all their forms. Above all, it guides pupils to act with kindness, honesty, and empathy towards themselves and others. This shared language shapes character, emotional health, and community culture, creating a consistent thread of expectations and values from FS1 to Year 13.

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ACHIEVING


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

Primary Highlights ELSA Programme The ELSA programme was further embedded across the Primary School, supporting Emotional Well-being, with 15 identified pupils 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, pupils, 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 pupils with strategies to enhance resilience and life skills. Life Skills Programme: A new programme for Year 12 and 13 pupils 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.

Pupil and Staff Well-Being Initiatives: Pupil 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 pupils 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. 17


Doha College

WHOLE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

PREMIER LEAGUE - A TROPHY VISIT TO REMEMBER In a thrilling and unforgettable moment for the Doha College community, the iconic Premier League Trophy made a special appearance at the college’s Al Wajba campus. The visit reflected Doha College’s vibrant and inclusive spirit, underlining the school’s ongoing commitment to holistic education and the development of well-rounded, globally-minded individuals. It also served as a powerful reminder of how sport can unite people across cultures, teaching essential values like teamwork, respect, and resilience.

SPRING FESTIVAL - BRINGING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER The Doha College Spring Festival 2025 was a wonderful celebration of community, creativity and fun! With an exciting mix of a fantastic selection of food and shopping stalls, fair activities, live music, performing arts and many more, there was something for everyone to enjoy. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the event such a success. 18


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

QATAR SCHOOL CHOIR OF THE YEAR 2025 – A HARMONIOUS TRIUMPH! Doha College proudly hosted the Qatar School Choir of the Year competition, bringing together 12 schools and 18 choirs for a spectacular 3-day celebration of music, talent, and unity. For the 7th consecutive year, the stage came alive with passion as young voices filled the air, captivating audiences with incredible performances. Congratulations to the winners of QSCOY 2025!

A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed adjudicators, Alison McNeill, Olga Protopopova, and Sonja Park, for their expertise and invaluable feedback. A special thank you to Alison McNeill, who led inspiring workshops with the participating schools during the first two days and judged the heats. To top off an unforgettable event, Alison, accompanied by Sonja Park on piano, delivered a breathtaking performance that left the audience in awe! We also extend our gratitude to the participating schools for their commitment and outstanding performances—your energy and enthusiasm made QSCOY 2025 an unforgettable event!

BRINGING QATAR’S HERITAGE TO LIFE ON CAMPUS White, maroon and traditional Qatari attire coloured our Doha College campus to celebrate Qatar National Day! Our pupils and staff proudly embraced the spirit of the day, showcasing the colours of the Qatari flag and wearing traditional Qatari attire. The campus buzzed with glee as pupils enjoyed various activities, from captivating Ardha performances — the traditional Qatari sword dance — to beautiful henna art and even the unique opportunity to meet a camel and falcon.

COMMUNITY IFTAR Under the soft glow of an early evening sky, members of the Doha College community gathered in March to mark one of the most treasured traditions in our school calendar — the annual Community Iftar. Parents, staff, and friends came together in a spirit of reflection, gratitude, and unity, honouring the values of Ramadan in a warm, welcoming setting.

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Doha College

WELCOME FROM PRIMARY “It is a privilege to share the annual report for the 2024/2025 academic year. Throughout the year, our pupils have demonstrated remarkable determination, resilience, and a genuine passion for learning. Their accomplishments reflect not only their own efforts but also the strength of the community that surrounds them. Our collective commitment to supporting every child has once again enabled our pupils to thrive and reach impressive heights. Developing our community and strengthening our opportunities for parents to engage in the learning of their children was a key feature of the year. Over the course of the year, we not only expanded and developed opportunities like ‘Show and Share’, we also relaunched our parent workshop series and developed our ‘Creating Connections’ events. All of these factors contributed to ensuring our community continues to grow and thrive. Academically, our pupils continue to set ever higher standards, not only at DC, but internationally as well. Our use of international and UK benchmark assessments shows that our pupils averaged a standardised age score of 118.1 from Y2 to Y6 including assessments in English, Mathematics and Science.

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Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

This places our pupils significantly ahead of their peers in the UK and internationally, and ensures that they have the best possible foundation to flourish in the Secondary school. We are very proud of the achievements of our pupils and of the excellent start they receive at DC Primary. Beyond their academic achievements, our pupils demonstrated exceptional skill, perseverance, and determination across all areas of school life. Our sporting teams had an extraordinary year, with Doha College once again dominating the sporting scene in Qatar, earning countless medals and podium finishes across the QPSSA tournaments. We are equally proud of our BSME squads, who represented the school with commitment, confidence, and true sportsmanship. At every event, our pupils carried the DC badge with pride, showcasing the very best of our school community. I am immensely proud of our pupils, staff, parents and all of the DC community. It is a privilege to write this report and to reflect on how special our school is.”

“

This places our pupils significantly ahead of their peers in the UK and internationally, and ensures that they have the best possible foundation to flourish in the Secondary school and beyond. DEREK WATSON Senior Vice Principal Head of Primary

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Doha College

HEADLINE DATA FROM PRIMARY Standardised assessments from Years 2- 6 show that more than

99.5% of our children meet the expected level or beyond in these 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:

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67.83% of children at

Doha College reach the upper band ‘above average’ scores on international standardised assessments.

English +13 SAS points Mathematics +13.6 SAS points Science +16.8 SAS points


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

141.0 maximum score

The highest standardised age score a child can receive is 141.0. The DC average for Science in Years 3-6 is an astounding 132.9.

132.9 DC average

Area

UK Attainment

DC Attainment

DC Difference

Percentage of pupils reaching the expected standards in reading.

75%

99.6%

+24.6%

33%

70.2%

+37.2%

72%

91.1%

+19.1%

13%

47.1%

+34.1%

74%

95.5%

+21.5%

26%

66%

+40%

Percentage of pupils meeting the higher standard in reading. Percentage of pupils reaching the expected standards in writing. Percentage of pupils meeting the higher standard in writing Percentage of pupils reaching the expected standards in mathematics. Percentage of pupils meeting the higher standard in mathematics.

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Doha College

WELCOME FROM SECONDARY It is with immense pride that I reflect on another exceptional year at Doha College. Our pupils, staff, and wider community have once again demonstrated the spirit, ambition, and values that make our school truly special. We continue to be incredibly proud of our examination results across GCSE, AS and A level. These outstanding outcomes are a testament to the hard work of our pupils and the unwavering dedication of our teachers. However, what fills me with even greater pride is that we are far more than an exam factory. Academic excellence is only one dimension of what we do; our real success lies in the culture we are building, a culture of curiosity, kindness, aspiration, and belonging. Throughout the year, parents and families have expressed great appreciation for being more deeply connected to the day-to-day learning experience. Our Sip & Stroll Secondary event, where parents had the opportunity to walk into classrooms and witness learning in action, was a particular highlight. Likewise, our Year 10 Aspirations Evening brought professionals from a wide range of industries into the college. Professionals from backgrounds in engineering, medicine, law, finance, and more helped guide pupils as they begin shaping their future career pathways. Our commitment to personal development and character education was visible in so many of our events and opportunities. We continue to offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award, whose ethos of resilience and personal growth remains truly inspiring. The year also saw an exceptional range of international trips to London, Belgium, Romania and Greece, reinforcing our belief that education extends far beyond the classroom. These culturally enriching experiences broaden horizons, spark passion, and create memories that last a lifetime. It was equally inspiring to see our pupils excel across the sporting arena. Our outstanding performance at the BSME U15 Games in Abu Dhabi, where we returned with an impressive collection of medals, showcased not only talent but dedication, teamwork, and discipline.

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Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

Our pupil leadership and performance credentials were further strengthened through flagship events such as our Model United Nations and the Medical Conference, demonstrating our pupils’ unmatched strength in oracy, critical thinking and perseverance on a global stage. Our whole-community events: Spring Festival and Community Iftar, reminded us how deeply connected our college is to its wider context and how much joy there is in celebrating together. The arts continued to flourish, with our Senior School production, “A Night at the Musicals,” wowing audiences and highlighting the extraordinary talent and confidence of our young performers. As a college, we never stand still. We are already looking forward to introducing several new whole-school initiatives and events next year, each designed to further strengthen our culture and enhance the pupil experience. I cannot wait to report on their success and the many achievements that lie ahead. The perfect finale to this remarkable year was our Annual Awards Evening at the St Regis Hotel. Celebrating pupils for their effort, academic progress, leadership, and commitment to our values was emotionally uplifting and a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Watching families, staff, and pupils come together to recognise not just achievement, but character, will remain one of my proudest moments of the year.

“

As a college, we never stand still. We are already looking forward to introducing several new whole-school initiatives and events next year, each designed to further strengthen our culture and enhance the pupil experience. JEROME SCAFE

Senior Vice Principal Head of Secondary

Together, we continue to build a college we can all believe in one where pupils flourish, families feel connected, and every individual is known, valued, and stretched to be their best.

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Doha College

HEADLINE DATA FROM SECONDARY 2024-25 Pupil Attainment

A LEVEL 2024/25 2023/24

67�� 90�� 95�� 54�� 83�� 94�� 9-7 (A*-A)

(A*-A)

9-5 9-5 (A*-B) (A*-B)

9-4 9-4 (A*-C) (A*-C)

67% 74%

90% 95%

95% 98%

A*-A A*-A

A*-B

A*-C A*-C

54% 55%

83% 81%

94% 94%

9 8 7

*A A

6 5 4

B C

3 2 1

D E F G

U

U

Old GCSE and A Level Grading System

(I)GCSE (I)GCSE 2024/25 2023/24

New GCSE Grading System

DOHA COLLEGE ACHIEVED REMARKABLE EXAM RESULTS:

Excellence Across the Board

20% 31% 26

of all A-Level grades was A*.

of all IGCSE grades were a Grade 9 (A*/Distinction)

English Language 83% ofpupils achieved a Grade 7+ achieved Grade 7 84% ofor pupils above in Mathematics

64%

of all IGCSE grades across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics were 9/8s


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

Others

Nevio Math

Aicha Mechanical Engineering

Aaron Computer Science

Sahnon Industrial Engineering & Operations Research

Haya Bachelor of Sciences - Life Sciences

We proudly recognise the exceptional pupils of the Class of 2025 who achieved the very highest results at A Level, securing four A* grades and three A* grades. Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence are an inspiration to the entire Doha College community. UK

Seri Medicine

Joseph Medicine

Arwa Philosophy, Politics & Economics

Salma Medicine

Leading the Path at World-Renowned Institutions

27


Doha College

UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 3

Canadian University

86 11

US University

UK University

23

European University

2 Australian University

12

95% 28

Qatari University

OF OUR PUPILS GO ONTO HIGHER EDUCATION AT GLOBAL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, STUDYING A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS.


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

29

90%

58%

Russell Group Universities - 90% Other UKUniversities - 10%

pupils entered into the world’s top 50 universities according to QS Rankings

STEM pathways were the most popular, with

UK Universities UKUniversities - 58% Other Universities - 42%

30 28

pupils studying Engineering pupils studying Medicine

together representing a majority of university destinations for the 2025 cohort.

11

pupils advanced to North America including: University of California, Berkeley; Tufts University; University of Southern California; University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign (UIUC); University of Toronto.

Strong progression into business-facing disciplines, with significant uptake in Business, Economics and Accounting, alongside sustained interest in Law, Politics and International Relations, highlighting clear alignment with highdemand professional pathways.

29


Doha College

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.

Proud to partner with

30


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

95% 75%

of Primary pupils participating in at least one activity

Primary CCAs

of Secondary pupils participating in at least one activity

This reflects a strong culture of holistic education and aligns with global research linking extra and cocurricular participation to increased motivation, wellbeing, and academic engagement.

Unpaid - 75% Paid - Including EVO - 24%

Secondary CCAs

Unpaid - 97% Morning CCA - 1%

Total number of Secondary pupils signed up

102

1015 905

Morning CCA - 1%

Paid - Including EVO - 2%

ls

Total number of Primary pupils signed up

146

Co-Curricular Activities engagement at our school is exceptionally high.

31


Doha College

PUPIL BODY At Doha College, we have a proudly diverse pupil community from across the globe who engage in meaningful conversation. Pupils enrich each other’s thinking to become global leaders of the future.

Top 10 Nationalities 2025-2026

Total Roll: 2756

Nationalities: 81

British-44%

Indian-12%

American-4%

Pakistani-3%

Canada-3%

Turkey-3%

Qatar-3%

Egyptian-2%

Australia-2%

Indonesia-2%

Nationalities on Roll 2025-26 78

2024-25

83

2023-24

80

2022-23 76

2021-22

71

2020-21

74

2019-20

74

2018-19

74 68

2017-18

68

2016-17 0

32

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

Pupil gender ratio

Male 50.2% Female 49.8%

33


Doha College

STAFF

Top 10 Nationalities 2025-2026

Staff Headcount: 377 British-63%

Indian-6%

Ireland-5%

Philippines-5%

South Africa-2% Pakistani-2%

Lebanon-1%

Average Age: 40 Egyptian-2%

Nationalities: 36

Gender Split Teaching staff

83 115 Education support

Breakdown by function

Jordan-1%

Australia-1%

60% 52.52% 50% 40% 30% 21.75% 20%

LG

Teaching

Education Support

Academies

71

14

25 Leadership Group ( LG )

4 34

11.67%

Business Support

Academies

1.33% 0%

19

Business support

12.73% 10%

11

34

Sri Lanka-1%

1


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

35


Doha College

Doha College academies 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 pupils but also serves as a vital cultural hub for the broader community. We are dedicated to fostering collaborative and creative synergies amongst our pupils and associates. At Mockingbird, we provide our pupils 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.

36


Board of Governors Report 2024-2025

Qatar’s largest multi-sports youth coaching provider

Evo Sports Qatar is a dynamic sports and community hub driven by growth, teamwork, and passion. Our programmes extend beyond elite player development to include grassroots initiatives, community outreach, and key partnerships that make sport accessible to all. From academy training and high-performance pathways to school collaborations and inclusive community projects, we provide opportunities for athletes of all levels to develop, compete, and thrive. At Evo, we create an environment where everyone belongs, fostering a lifelong love for sport while building character, resilience, and connections that extend beyond the game. Since its inception in 2007, Evo Sports Qatar 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. Evo continues to expand its offerings to further diversify the opportunities available to our community. Our programmes cater to all levels, from professional coaching to casual participation, offering sports such as football, swimming, netball, basketball, fitness, volleyball, and touch rugby. Whether it’s through team sports, fitness improvement, fostering friendships, or enjoying holiday camps, we strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone. Over the past year, Evo has taken steps to ensure all members have the opportunity to compete in structured games programmes, regardless of their level of competition or ability.

Total Members in Academy Programmes: 2,020 We believe in

Doha College Members in Academy Programmes: 516

“Developing the person before the player.”

Number of DC Pupils Engaged in Evo CCAs: 470

37


Doha College

Income and Expenditure Summary Particulars

2024/25 Actual

2023/24 Actual

School Income

178.3

173.0

Salaries and Other Staff Costs

-106.8

-103.7

Rent, Repairs & Maintenance

-20.0

-20.2

Educational Supplies

-2.9

-2.3

-6.0 2:08 PM

-4.6

EBITDA

42.7

42.2

Interest payment

-17.8

-20.7

Depreciation & Amortisation

-31.9

-34.4

Net Income / Loss

-7.0

-12.9

Other Income / Expenditure

Expenditure

ai176778408022_Finance-infographic_V3.pdf

1

07/01/2026

EXPENSES Salaries and Other Staff Costs: 58%

Staff costs are the main expenditure at Doha College, followed by depreciation of assets.

Interest Payment: 10% Rent: 7% Repairs & Maintenance: 4% Educational Supplies: 1% IT Expenses: 1% Other Expenses: 2%

C

Depreciation: 17%

M

Y

CM

MY

Income

Doha College relies on tuition fees as the main source of income.

CY

CMY

K

INCOMES Fees Income 96% Exam Fees 2% Registration Fees 1% Other income 1%

38


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

AWARDED BY

THE SCHOOLS INDEX THE SCHOOLS INDEX Top 125 in the World Number 1 in Qatar Top 10 in Middle East Top 150 in the World

OUTSTANDING

Doha College

+974 4407 6777

PO Box 7506, Doha, State of Qatar

enquiries@dohacollege.com

MIDDLE EAST

www.dohacollege.com

FIND OUT MORE DOHACOLLEGE.COM


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