Sherborne Qatar School

A Philosophy Rooted in Heritage and Aspiration

Sherborne Qatar draws its educational philosophy from one of England's oldest independent schools — Sherborne School UK, founded over 500 years ago. Since launching in Doha in 2009, Sherborne Qatar has worked to transplant that centuries-old tradition into a modern, multicultural Middle Eastern context.

The school's mission is unambiguous:

"Our Mission is to produce well-educated, well-rounded individuals, who have high aspirations and achieve their potential, in a happy and nurturing school."

This single sentence encapsulates three intersecting priorities:

• Academic excellence: A rigorous British curriculum (National Curriculum for England, IGCSE, A-Levels) taught by UK-qualified teachers
• Holistic development: Character formation, sport, arts, and leadership activities woven into daily school life
• Wellbeing: Small classes (~20 students), dedicated Form Tutors, and a robust pastoral care structure

The Sherborne WAY

The 'Sherborne WAY' is the school's pedagogical framework, underpinning how teaching and learning happen across all five campuses. It combines:

• Inquiry-based and STEM-orientated pedagogy
• Exploration of each pupil's unique strengths and interests
• Community responsibility and service to others
• Cross-cultural respect and intercultural understanding

Core Values in Practice

The school's six core values — Teamwork, Perseverance, Responsibility, Respect, Honesty, and Kindness — are not merely displayed on corridor walls. They are actively reinforced through the House System, extracurricular activities such as Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Model United Nations, and the school's approach to pastoral support.

The House System in particular is central to the Sherborne philosophy. Students are divided into named houses (each inspired by a remarkable figure), fostering inter-year-group bonds, healthy competition, and a sense of belonging that mirrors a family environment.

Respecting Qatar's Identity

Uniquely among international schools in the region, Sherborne Qatar makes Arabic Language and Islamic Studies compulsory subjects for all students — reflecting a genuine commitment to honouring the host nation's culture and identity, not simply tolerating it. This integration of Qatari cultural values alongside a British academic framework is central to what makes Sherborne Qatar distinctive in Doha's international school landscape.

Why It Matters for Families

For expatriate families, the philosophy offers the reassurance of a familiar British structure with high academic standards. For Qatari families, it provides world-class international education without severing cultural and linguistic roots. The result is a genuinely inclusive learning community where over 60 nationalities learn alongside one another — a living embodiment of the school's values.

A Vision Planted in 2009

Sherborne Qatar's story began with a visionary partnership. In 2009, Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Thani — Chairman of Sharaka Holdings — joined forces with Sherborne School UK to bring one of England's most storied independent schools to the Qatari capital. The ambition was bold: to establish a school that would offer genuine British educational excellence within the cultural context of Qatar.

The first campus opened in the autumn of 2009 with a junior section, welcoming its inaugural cohort of students. The reception from Doha's international community was immediate and enthusiastic.

Rapid Expansion Across a Decade

Over the next ten years, Sherborne Qatar expanded methodically:

• Boys-only Prep School (Al Rayyan): catering to boys aged 3–14 in a focused single-sex environment
• Girls-only School (Al Ebb): providing a dedicated learning environment for girls
• Co-educational School (Mall of Qatar): a full through-school for ages 3–18, combining primary and senior provision on a modern campus
• Additional preparatory campus (Bani Hajer)

By 2019, when the school celebrated its 10th anniversary, it had grown to serve over 1,200 pupils from 54 nationalities — a remarkable achievement in just one decade.

First British School in Qatar's Outstanding Programme

The school's 10th anniversary was marked not only by celebration but by a significant milestone: Sherborne Qatar became the first British independent school to be recognised in Qatar's Outstanding Schools Programme — a national initiative identifying schools of exceptional quality within the Qatar education system.

This recognition reflected the school's consistent academic results, which — as confirmed by the 2026 British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection — surpass UK national averages in both IGCSE and A-Level examinations.

The 2026 BSO Inspection

In February 2026, Sherborne School, Mall of Qatar, underwent a formal BSO inspection — the UK Department for Education's international school quality framework. The results were strong:

• 3 out of 8 categories rated Outstanding
• Overall quality of education rated Good
• Accreditation valid for three years (until 2029)

This result places Sherborne Qatar firmly among the top-performing British international schools in the Middle East.

Where the School Stands Today

Today, Sherborne Qatar operates as a family of five schools under the Sharaka Holdings umbrella, with a combined enrolment of approximately 1,090 students. Its leadership team includes four Principals — one per campus — overseeing a staff of around 250. The school is a member of both BSME (British Schools in the Middle East) and AoBSO (Association of British Schools Overseas), connecting it to a global network of British international education providers.

More Than Just Houses

At Sherborne Qatar, pastoral care is not an add-on — it is woven into the fabric of daily school life. The centrepiece of this approach is the House System, in which every student is assigned to a named house inspired by a remarkable historical or inspirational figure.

Houses bring together students from different year groups, creating vertical communities that mirror a family structure. Through house competitions, charity fundraising, leadership roles, and inter-house events, students develop:

• A strong sense of belonging and identity
• Leadership skills (particularly for senior students serving as House Captains)
• Empathy, teamwork, and community responsibility
• Resilience and healthy competitive spirit

Form Tutors: The Pastoral Anchor

Each class group is assigned a dedicated Form Tutor who serves as the primary pastoral contact for both students and parents. The Form Tutor monitors academic progress, wellbeing, and social development — acting as an early warning system for any difficulties and a consistent point of care throughout the school year.

This tutor system is particularly valued in a school community where families frequently relocate; it ensures that every child has a trusted adult advocate, regardless of how long they have been at the school.

Health and Counselling Support

Sherborne Qatar invests meaningfully in on-site health provision. At the Mall of Qatar campus alone:

• 3 full-time school nurses provide day-to-day health management
• 1 school counsellor offers emotional and psychological support

This level of staffing exceeds what many international schools of comparable size provide, and reflects the school's commitment to holistic wellbeing.

Anti-Bullying and Safeguarding

The school maintains a published anti-bullying policy (SQPS Policy on the Prevention of Bullying), ensuring that all students have a clear framework of protection and recourse. Safeguarding is taken seriously across all five campuses, with regular staff training and transparent reporting channels for students and parents.

Learning Support

For students with mild learning differences such as dyslexia, dedicated support staff are available to provide targeted assistance. The school is transparent that it does not accommodate severe or complex special educational needs, helping families make informed decisions before applying.

A Rigorous British Academic Framework

Sherborne Qatar's academic programme is built on the National Curriculum for England (2014), progressing through internationally recognised qualifications:

• Key Stage 1–3: National Curriculum for England (ages 5–14)
• Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): IGCSE examinations (Cambridge/Edexcel)
• Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13): A-Level qualifications

This pathway provides students with globally portable credentials that are recognised by universities across the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, and beyond.

Results Above the UK Average

The 2026 British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection confirmed that Sherborne Qatar's IGCSE and A-Level results consistently exceed UK national averages — a significant benchmark for an international school operating outside the UK education system.

In 2024, the school also produced a student who achieved a Pearson Outstanding Personal Learner Award (OPLA) — a recognition given to the world's top scorers in Pearson/Edexcel examinations. This reflects the calibre of academic aspiration the school cultivates.

University Destinations

Approximately 95% of Sherborne Qatar graduates proceed to university, with students gaining places at prestigious institutions including:

• Imperial College London
• University of Bristol
• University of Manchester
• Qatar University and Qatar Foundation partner universities
• Other prestigious institutions worldwide

Small Classes and STEM Integration

With an average class size of approximately 20 students, Sherborne Qatar maintains the conditions necessary for personalised attention and meaningful teacher-student relationships. STEM is integrated throughout the curriculum, supported by dedicated IT labs, a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy at the boys' prep school, and partnerships with external facilities including the Lusail Circuit for cycling and Education City golf facilities for sport.

Sixth Form (Years 12–13): University Preparation

The dedicated Sixth Form Centre at the Mall of Qatar campus — comprising individual study areas, small-group learning spaces, and a large social lounge — reflects the school's understanding that Years 12 and 13 require a different environment. Students are progressively given greater autonomy, preparing them for the independence expected at university.

Languages Beyond English

Arabic is compulsory for all students, with differentiated pathways for native and non-native speakers. French and Spanish are available as additional modern foreign languages from Year 7, broadening students' linguistic range and university application competitiveness.

A Genuinely International Community

Sherborne Qatar's community encompasses students from over 60 nationalities, creating a richly diverse environment in which cultural exchange is part of the everyday experience. Approximately 75% of students are international expatriates, with the remaining 25% Qatari nationals — a balance that gives the school a genuinely bicultural character.

60+ Extracurricular Activities

The school offers more than 60 extracurricular activities across four main enrichment pathways:

Sports

• Football, Netball, Basketball, Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball
• Rugby, Athletics, Cross Country, Rounders
• Cycling (Lusail Circuit partnership), Climbing, Golf
• Inter-school competitive leagues through the QUESS programme

Arts and Performance

• School musicals (e.g., productions of Matilda)
• Sherborne's Got Talent showcase
• Music Concerts (choral and instrumental ensemble)
• Art Club, Drama Club

Academic and STEM

• Chess Club
• Robotics and Technology projects
• Coding/Programming Club
• Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) — covering volunteering, skill development, and expeditions

Leadership and Service

• Model United Nations (MUN)
• Student Council
• House Captain roles
• Animal Rescue Volunteering
• Warhammer Club and other niche hobby groups

Welcoming to All Levels

A key principle of Sherborne Qatar's enrichment programme is that all activities are open to beginners. Students are not required to have prior experience or exceptional ability to participate — the emphasis is on discovery, growth, and enjoyment. Competitive sports teams are available for those who wish to progress to league and tournament level, while recreational participation is equally valued.

Community Events and Traditions

The school calendar includes a range of community events that build a shared sense of identity: inter-house competitions, charity fundraisers, end-of-term performances, and the annual Sports Day. These events bring together students, parents, and staff, reinforcing the school's ethos that education is a community endeavour, not merely an individual one.

Transport and Accessibility

For families navigating Doha, the Mall of Qatar campus is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Al Riffa station on the Doha Metro Green Line — one of the most accessible locations of any international school in the city. School bus services are also available across multiple routes throughout greater Doha.