Head of Upper School Years 6,7

**Job type**:
Full Time, Permanent

22 February 2025

**Job overview**:
Head of Upper School required to join our SLT at DESS from 26/08/25
- Doha English Speaking School is Doha's leading not-for-profit school, renowned for its outstanding reputation in teaching and learning. In March 2023, DESS was rated Outstanding by PENTA International. The school is a proud member of prestigious organisations such as IAPS, COBIS, and BSME._
- As a dynamic preparatory school with a clear vision, we place learning at the heart of our mission. Our students represent 45 nationalities (with 62% being British), creating a vibrant culture of success and enjoyment. Led by a dedicated and talented team of educators, we work collaboratively to uphold the highest academic standards while fostering a joyful and supportive working environment._
- We have an exciting opportunity for a highly accomplished school leader to join our prestigious organisation as the Head of our Upper School._
- The upper school encompasses Years 6, 7 and 8. Upper school is a large phase of our school, with 204 students currently enrolled._
- Having just received Outstanding judgements in all 7 areas of our recent BSO (British Schools Overseas) inspection, you would be joining a fast-paced, dynamic senior leadership team, with the ability to exercise influence and impact across the whole school. You would also join a thriving organisation in Doha, Qatar with highly supportive and collaborative structures to promote ongoing growth and development._
- This fantastic opportunity would suit either an experienced Head of a Primary or a Secondary school, a highly ambitious and aspirational Deputy Head or people with other leadership experience._

**About**Doha English Speaking School**:
**Doha English Speaking School**
- PO Box 7660, Al Maarri Street No 940, Zone 35, Fareej Kulaib
- Doha
- Qatar

+974 459 2750

**For over 45 years, Doha English Speaking School (DESS) has been at the forefront of educational excellence in Qatar, tracing its roots back to its inception in 1971. Founded as a primary school catering to British children, DESS has evolved into the esteemed institution it is today - the sole not-for-profit preparatory school in Qatar, offering education up to Year 8.**

DESS boasts a rich history intertwined with royal patronage. In 1979, our school was honoured by the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, father of the present Amir, at its grand opening. Notably, the Emir of Qatar himself attended DESS for several years, further cementing our ties to royalty.

In addition to our royal connections, DESS proudly maintains strong links with the British Embassy, distinguishing us as one of the two schools in Qatar with such esteemed affiliations. This unique heritage underscores our commitment to providing a British Curriculum education of the highest standard in Qatar.

In 2023, Doha English Speaking School (DESS) proudly received two Outstanding Inspection reports from esteemed accredited bodies,
- COBIS

(Council of British International Schools) and
- BSO

(British Schools Overseas). These reports serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Our Mission

**At Doha English Speaking School (DESS), our mission is clear: to care for the whole child and prepare successful global citizens. We achieve this by fostering a nurturing learning environment that not only challenges each pupil but also embraces innovation and critical thinking.**

**Responsibility, Kindness, Perseverance,** and **Respect** are the cornerstones of our school community. These values are not just words on a page but integral principles that guide every aspect of life at DESS. Through dedicated assemblies, lessons, and the fabric of daily school life, we instil these values deeply within our students.
- **Responsibility** teaches our children the importance of accountability and taking ownership of their actions.
- **Kindness** reminds them of the power of empathy and compassion towards others.
- **Perseverance** instils the resilience needed to overcome challenges and achieve success.
- **Respect** forms the foundation of our interactions, fostering a culture of understanding and appreciation for diversity.

By embodying these values, we cultivate respectful, resourceful, and empathetic individuals who grow into well-rounded students prepared for the journey ahead. Our holistic approach to education ensures that every child at DESS not only excels academically but also develops essential life skills and character traits necessary for success in an ever-changing world.

At DESS, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and global citizens.