school help
We are moving to Qatar in the summer and I am trying to arrange a school place for my daughter who will be starting reception (early years 2) in September.
I have called around the main British schools - DESS, Doha British School, Park House, DC, Sherborne and Compass. We are British passport holders but getting into the first 4 is nearly impossible.
Compass has offered us a place and we are still waiting on Sherborne to respond to us. Can anyone offer any insight into the school as it is likely I will need to accept before seeing the school. I have searched and read various articles and there is nothing bad mentioned apart from the cost and generally the feedback is good. Any comments on facilities, teaching standards etc etc would be appreciated.
Any thoughts on Sherborne?
Many thanks
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many accomodations availble . It's easier for you to find an accomodation near the school than find a school near your accomodation . Best of both worlds is to find a place in the middle of your work place & school.
With a very young child it would be better if you chose a school close to your home. Traffic in Doha during the school run is a nightmare, not to mention the drivers. You really don't want your child spending too much time on the roads.
Agree with Simonsmithy, Compass & Sherbourne are less popular because their fees are much higher compared to other Brit schools. Advise is to grab whatever school that is available & then move them when your preferred school becomes available. I was told that Compass needs to pay the whole year's fees in advance should you choose to accept it. Is it true ?
My experience is I have to wait 1 yr later to get into my preferred school. The 1st 4 schools are indeed very good schools & DESS being the best so far. Prob is DESS compound is small & has limited classes.
Your child is very young and either school is good. It won't make or break her education at this point. So grab the place offered that is nearest to your home. Then, once you are here, view ALL the schools you are interested in and decide where you would like your child eventually. Apply for that school immediately--with a start day of the next year. Sometimes coming for a look-see is impossible.
To be honest you won't get a place at any of the top 4 schools this september - The usual wait is about 1-2 years minimum to get your first kid in, them you will get sibling priority which means that you might only have to wait another year for the second kid.
Sherborne and Compass are good schools, but less popular simply because their fees are significantly higher.
Most people grab any place they can to start with and wait until a place in their preferred school comes up. it does mean having kids in different schools - but thats what we all do.
Try Doha British School as well
I would suggest hopping on a flight and coming for a couple days to tour and interview. It's a very important decision and one that would be difficult to make from afar.
Mandi