Doha British School - Al Wakra vs GEMS Wellington School Qatar

	D Doha British School - Al Wakra Doha, Qatar	G GEMS Wellington School Qatar Doha, Qatar
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year QAR 38,000 - 68,520	Fees / year QAR 38,250 - 63,625
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 445	Pupils 1,200
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 23
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Al Wakra campus is located on Umm Shahrain Street in Al Wakra, Qatar. Al Wakra is a southern town of Doha connected by major road networks, with the campus situated in a residential area of the town. The address places the campus within easy reach from central Doha by car or taxi.	Location GEMS Wellington School, Qatar is located in Al Wukair, Al Wakrah, in the Doha metropolitan area. The campus address is Mian Street, Al Wukair, Al Wakrah, Doha, Qatar, PO Box 81071. This places the school within the Al Wakrah district with access from central Doha via local roads.
Stages	Stages The Wakra campus offers Early Years (Pre-School and Reception), Primary (Year 1–Year 6), Secondary (Year 7–Year 13), and Sixth Form.	Stages The school offers education from Foundation Stage (Foundation Stage 1 and Foundation Stage 2) through Year 13, covering primary and secondary education. The Primary section encompasses Key Stage 1 and 2 (Years 1–6) and the Senior School covers Key Stages 3–5 (Years 7–13).
School type	School type The school is co-educational. It operates as part of Doha British School and does not list boarding facilities for any year group.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school. It follows the English National Curriculum (British Curriculum) and serves students from Foundation Stage to Year 13.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix The school maintains a diverse international student body with many nationalities represented. An exact current breakdown of nationalities and the local-to-international student ratio is not publicly published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The campus has a Learning Support Policy and an EAL Policy to guide provision for pupils with additional learning needs and for English as an additional language.	Additional learning support GEMS Wellington School Qatar uses an inclusive education approach and offers additional learning opportunities to meet the needs of its diverse learners. Details of specific SEN provisions are described as part of the inclusive education offering.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows a British curriculum and is classified as a British overseas school (British Schools Overseas).	Country affiliation The school follows the National Curriculum for England (British Curriculum), reflecting an England/UK curriculum affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated for the school.	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation listed for the school in its published materials.
School day structure	School day structure A typical day starts at 7:00 am for all students. Early Years finish at 1:00 pm; Primary finishes at 2:00 pm; Secondary finishes at 2:00 pm. Breaks occur in the day (9:30–9:50) and lunch is from 11:50–12:30. The school week runs Sunday to Thursday, with potential Friday/Saturday events as needed.	School day structure The school follows the British three-term calendar. For the 2025–2026 academic year, Autumn Term runs 31 August 2025 to 17 December 2025; Spring Term runs 12 January 2026 to 12 March 2026; Summer Term runs 30 March 2026 to 2 July 2026, with scheduled breaks throughout the year. Daily start and end times are not published in the public materials.
Bus service details	Bus service details A publicly listed DBS Wakra bus service is not published on the campus pages; families should contact the admissions team for transport options.	Bus service details Bus transport is provided by School Transport Services (STS). STS buses feature GPS monitoring, surveillance cameras, electronic attendance, and other safety measures; each route has a dedicated bus driver and a bus guardian. For inquiries, contact Tharaka Madushan at +974 6625 8535 or [email protected] The two-way transport fees shown include 4,310 QR within Al Wukair, 7,530 QR for other areas in Doha, and 9,150 QR for Lusail.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Admission and registration fees - Application fee: QAR 350. - Assessment fee: QAR 500 (payable at assessment). - Registration fee (one-off, due on acceptance of a place): QAR 3,650. This registration fee is non-refundable. Tuition fees (per term, by year group) - Pre‑School: QAR 12,840 per term. - Reception to Year 6: QAR 14,267 per term. - Year 7 to Year 9: QAR 16,050 per term. - Year 10 to Year 11: QAR 17,446 per term. - Year 12 to Year 13: QAR 22,173 per term. Resources levy and other recurring charges - Resources Levy (annual, per child): Pre‑School QAR 2,000; Reception–Year 6 QAR 2,000; Year 7–Year 13 QAR 2,000. The Resources Levy is charged annually and is payable along with the term fees in the term in which the child starts. Billing schedule and payment terms - All fees are invoiced termly. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to approval by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The Resources Levy is levied with the first term tuition fees payable for each academic year. - Application and assessment fees are payable at the time of application/assessment; the registration fee is payable on acceptance of an offered place. Overseas applicants may pay application fees by bank transfer; application fees are to be paid to the Finance Office. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable to DBS Al Wakra. The campus operates as a day school (no boarding provision listed). Other costs and typical additional charges - School uniform: a DBS uniform is required. Uniform items are specified by year group and are available from the supplier Zaks Uniform Store (contact details provided by the school). Prices for uniform items are charged separately by the supplier. - Other potential additional costs (not listed with fixed amounts on the fee summary): exam fees, external activity or ECA charges, specialised trips, and individual instrument or specialist rental/purchase may be invoiced separately or charged as extras. Fees are described as subject to school policy and MOEHE approval. Refund information and withdrawal notice - The registration fee is explicitly described as non-refundable. Application and assessment fees are described as non-refundable where specified in the admissions process. Parents are required to give one term's notice prior to withdrawing a child from the school. Terms and conditions around refunds and any pro‑rata arrangements are governed by the school's admissions policy and the school's stated terms and conditions. Fee payment options (how fees are handled in practice) - Fees are invoiced termly through the school's finance process and the school uses its parent portal and Finance Office for invoicing and collections. Overseas application fees may be paid by bank transfer; application fees are payable to the Finance Office at application, and assessment fees are payable at assessment. The school's Admissions Process directs applicants to the Finance Office for payment of application fees. Specific payment methods accepted for termly tuition (for example, which card processors or online payment gateways are used) are handled by the school's Finance Office and parent portal procedures. Notes: figures above are stated in Qatari Riyals (QAR) and reflect the campus fee schedule published for DBS Al Wakra for the 2025–2026 fee listing; registration, application and assessment fees are described in the admissions material and the Resources Levy and term invoicing are described on the school fee summary.	Fee details Application and Assessment Fees - Registration (one-time, payable when a place is offered): QR 3,500 (non-refundable, non-transferable, non-adjustable). - Assessment fee: Foundation Stage 1 — Free. Foundation Stage 2 to Year 13 — QR 200 (non-refundable, non-transferable; payable on day of assessment). Bank transfer details are provided for assessment payments (Account Name: Premier Schools International Qatar; DOHA BANK; IBAN and SWIFT details available). Tuition Fees (annual and per-term by year group) - The following annual tuition fees apply for the current academic year and include tuition, books and stationery. Annual fee followed by the per-term amount (equal installment calculated by dividing the annual fee by three, based on the school's three-term calendar). - Foundation Stage 1 — Annual: QR 38,250. Per term: QR 12,750.00. - Foundation Stage 2 — Annual: QR 42,250. Per term: QR 14,083.33. - Year 1 — Annual: QR 44,250. Per term: QR 14,750.00. - Year 2 — Annual: QR 44,875. Per term: QR 14,958.33. - Year 3 — Annual: QR 44,875. Per term: QR 14,958.33. - Year 4 — Annual: QR 45,500. Per term: QR 15,166.67. - Year 5 — Annual: QR 45,500. Per term: QR 15,166.67. - Year 6 — Annual: QR 45,500. Per term: QR 15,166.67. - Year 7 — Annual: QR 53,500. Per term: QR 17,833.33. - Year 8 — Annual: QR 53,625. Per term: QR 17,875.00. - Year 9 — Annual: QR 53,625. Per term: QR 17,875.00. - Year 10 — Annual: QR 58,625. Per term: QR 19,541.67. - Year 11 — Annual: QR 58,625. Per term: QR 19,541.67. - Year 12 — Annual: QR 58,625. Per term: QR 19,541.67. - Year 13 — Annual: QR 63,625. Per term: QR 21,208.33. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is due prior to the start of the academic year and is payable in advance of attendance at the start of each term. The school follows a British three-term calendar (Autumn, Spring, Summer); invoices are issued from the time of admission so payments can be processed before term start. Per-term amounts above are shown as equal third installments for convenience and clarity. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school and provides an organised bus transport service for students. Transport (Bus) Fees - Two-way bus transport fees (STS Group operated) are charged separately from tuition: - From within Al Wukair: QR 4,310 (annual). - All other areas of Doha: QR 7,530 (annual). - Transport for Lusail: QR 9,150 (annual). Other costs and fees - The stated tuition explicitly includes tuition, books and stationery; costs not listed in the tuition line (for example: school uniform, optional external extracurricular providers, some examination fees or certain trips) are additional and charged separately where applicable. Specific uniform sourcing, external ECA charges or examination fees are not detailed on the published fee notice. - Registration and assessment fees are additional and, where noted above, non-refundable. Refund information - The registration fee is non-refundable. The assessment fee is non-refundable for applicable year groups. No detailed tuition-refund schedule (for mid-term withdrawals or returns of paid tuition) is published on the school's fees notice; parents should note the registration and assessment fees are explicitly non-refundable. Fee payment options - Online payments: The school uses the GEMS Connect parent portal which provides a facility to pay fees online. - Bank transfer: Bank transfer details are provided for assessment payments (Account Name: Premier Schools International Qatar; DOHA BANK; IBAN and SWIFT provided for transfers). Bank transfer is an accepted payment channel for admissions/assessment payments as shown. - Contact for payment queries: telephone +974 4041 7444 / +974 4041 7445 and email registrar_wsq@gemsedu.com or the admissions/accounts contacts listed by the school. Notes for parents - Annual fees above are shown in Qatari Riyal (QR) and the tuition lines specify inclusion of books and stationery. Registration and assessment fees are payable in addition to the annual tuition. Transport and other optional services are charged separately.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform: The DBS Al Wakra uniform is phase-based. EYFS wear a polo shirt with skorts/shorts; Years 1–6 wear a shirt with skirts/trousers; Years 7–13 wear a shirt with skirts/trousers, a compulsory House tie, and blazer is optional. The two-year rollout was completed by August 2024/25, and uniforms can be purchased at Zaks Uniform Store in Doha.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Food options: The campus has a cafeteria on site. The School Day schedule shows a secondary lunch from 11:50 to 12:30 within a 7:00–2:00 daily timetable.	Food options —
House system	House system House system: There is a house system, with a compulsory House tie for Years 7–11 as part of the School Uniform; specific house names and competition formats are not listed on the pages reviewed.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Governance and ownership: Doha British School Al Wakra is part of the Doha British School group owned and operated by ACES (Artan Consulting and Educational Services). Governance is conducted by a Board of Governors comprising the Board of Directors and the Senior Leadership Team, with the DBS Constitution and Instrument of Governance guiding policy and direction.	Governance and ownership The school is part of the GEMS Wellington group of schools. GEMS Safeguarding Policy for Qatar Schools 2025-2026 applies to WSQ.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Doha British School Al Wakra follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form. Primary consists of a two-year Early Years Foundation Stage, a two-year Key Stage 1, and a four-year Key Stage 2, with a broad, skills-focused program, PSHE and character education. In Secondary, the curriculum is aligned with the British National Curriculum and emphasises a growth mindset; KS5 is designed to prepare students for higher education globally. Key Stage 4 qualifications are IGCSE courses. The Sixth Form currently offers International AS Levels with subjects including English Language AS, Maths AS, Physics AS, Chemistry AS, Biology AS, ICT AS, Business AS, Geography AS, History AS, Arabic AS and Spanish AS, requiring a minimum of three AS or A-level subjects for entry. DBS Ain Khaled campus offers four pathways including AS/A Levels, BTEC, and the IB Diploma, illustrating broader post-16 options within the DBS cluster.	Curriculum details The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England with English as the language of instruction. Early Years Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2, ages 3–5) uses the UK EYFS framework with seven areas of learning: Communication and Language; Physical Development; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design. Primary School (Year 1–6) uses the English National Curriculum with modifications for international students and includes an Arabic language strand reflecting the host culture. Senior (Secondary) School (Year 7–13) follows Key Stages 3–5 based on ENC; Year 9–11 prepares for IGCSEs with core IGCSEs in English, Mathematics and Science and typically 9–11 IGCSEs in total. In Years 12–13 students study Edexcel International Advanced Levels (AS in Year 12, up to four subjects) with final A-level examinations. The curriculum is complemented by a High Performance Learning framework (ACPs and VAAs) that develops meta-thinking, creativity and 21st‑century skills.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Doha British School Al Wakra places holistic wellbeing and personal growth at the core of its approach to SEL. The mission states a focus on wellbeing to prepare pupils to become lifelong learners who contribute positively to a global community. The Character Development page explains that the school provides substantive support for character development and centers on values such as Respect, Honesty and Integrity, and Inquisitiveness. Policies include a Wellbeing Counselling Policy and a School Counselling Policy, indicating formal structures to support student wellbeing. The School Life section notes ECAs and activities like MUN, which provide social development opportunities that complement the academic programme.	Social & emotional learning WSQ places personal wellbeing at the heart of its approach and defines wellbeing using the OECD framework as the psychological, cognitive, social and physical functioning and capabilities students need to live a happy and fulfilling life. A Wellbeing Framework drives SEL across the school, including active staff wellbeing, a positive culture around emotional health, ongoing professional development for staff, and broad engagement with the whole school community. The Personal Development curriculum includes programmes from The Happy Confident Company and Upstrive Education to support student wellbeing and SEL across all school phases. WSQ has been awarded the Wellbeing in Schools Award by Optimus Education, reflecting a formal commitment to integrating wellbeing into daily school life. The Wellbeing Award process lasted 16 months and involved self-assessment and collaborative planning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school maintains a DBS Learning Support Policy and an EAL Policy, indicating formal approaches to supporting students with additional learning needs and those requiring English language support. The specific kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support are not publicly disclosed. Doha British School Al Wakra is not described as a specialist SEN institution. The existence of Learning Support and EAL policies underpins inclusive practice, though detailed provisions are not publicly listed on accessible pages. For precise information on SEN provision, direct inquiry is recommended.	Special educational needs (SEN) WSQ publicly states an inclusive education approach with additional learning opportunities to meet learners' needs in an international setting. This is indicated in the Admissions page under Inclusive Education At WSQ. Specific kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support and whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution are not publicly disclosed. Public pages do not list dedicated SEN staff roles such as a SENCO. Therefore, explicit details on SEN provision beyond inclusivity are not publicly disclosed.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school has an EAL Policy, indicating formal provision for pupils who require English as an Additional Language support. The EAL Policy suggests a structured approach to supporting multilingual learners. The EAL Policy is listed among the policies for the Wakra campus. Public pages do not disclose specifics of programmes, staffing, or withdrawal arrangements for EAL. Details about exact EAL provision can be obtained by contacting the school.	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information about English language support beyond general inclusive education. The available public pages do not describe EAL programs, staff or targeted strategies. The language of instruction is English.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is a stated priority in the school's Mission and Vision, which emphasises wellbeing as part of preparing pupils to thrive. Character Development reinforces wellbeing by focusing on developing well-rounded individuals and core values. The policies include a Wellbeing Counselling Policy and a School Counselling Policy, indicating formal access to counselling and wellbeing resources. These elements together reflect a structured approach to supporting students' mental wellbeing. The overall framework aligns with the school's emphasis on holistic development.	Mental wellbeing WSQ operates a Wellbeing Framework that promotes staff wellbeing, a positive culture of emotional wellbeing and mental health, and a clear, school-wide wellbeing strategy. It provides ongoing professional development for staff and engages the whole school community in wellbeing initiatives. The Personal Development curriculum includes programmes from The Happy Confident Company and Upstrive Education to support mental wellbeing and SEL. WSQ has been awarded the Wellbeing in Schools Award by Optimus Education, recognizing its holistic wellbeing work. The wellbeing approach aligns with OECD definitions of wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The Policies page lists a Safeguarding Policy and a Child Protection Policy for Doha British School Al Wakra. This indicates formal safeguarding arrangements across the campus. The presence of these policies shows that safeguarding and child protection are governed by explicit policy documents. The policies underpin procedures and standards designed to protect pupils while at school. These safeguarding provisions are part of the school's overall welfare framework.	Safeguarding WSQ has safeguarding and child protection policies, with safer recruitment procedures aligned to the International Task Force on Child Protection. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and provide Police Certificates or Good Conduct Certificates from the country of last residence. The school emphasizes safeguarding practices across its community.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Al Wakra campus is a state-of-the-art facility opened in September 2024. It serves Pre-school to Sixth Form and features spaces designed for collaborative, interactive learning. The campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced science and computer labs, dedicated STEAM facilities, music and art studios, and performance areas. Specialist primary and secondary libraries, design and technology workshops, an indoor pool, a gymnasium and a contemporary auditorium are included. The facilities also comprise a library, music room, science laboratory, indoor gymnasium, computer room, outdoor games courts, EYFS adventure playground, padel courts, swimming pool, cafeteria and nurses clinic, plus an auditorium and sport hall and football ground.	Facilities overview The school has a modern campus designed to support student life with wide corridors and outdoor spaces. It provides a broad suite of general facilities including art, textile and 3D sculpture rooms, music rooms, science laboratories, libraries for primary and secondary, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and an Innovation CREATE Zone. The campus features a full-size Astro football pitch, outdoor sports courts, and a multipurpose sports hall, plus a dance studio. It also includes shaded outdoor Foundation Stage learning zones, an ICT Apple Mac Suite, a drama studio, a design technology room and a food technology room. Digital technology is embedded across the curriculum with connected classrooms and devices.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school provides extensive sports facilities including an indoor gymnasium, a sport hall, outdoor games courts, a football ground and a swimming pool. Padel courts are available for student use, supporting a range of physical education and competitive activities.	Sports facilities The school has tennis, netball and basketball facilities. It features a substantial astro playing area for football, rugby, rounders and athletics. There is an indoor multi-purpose sports hall. A dance studio is available for dance and PE activities. The facilities support an active, team-based approach to physical education.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Pupils have access to modern learning environments with classrooms, science laboratories, computer rooms and STEAM facilities. The primary and secondary libraries support reading and research. Design and technology workshops, music and art studios, and spaces for performances support interdisciplinary learning.	Academic facilities The school provides science laboratories for practical science learning. Primary and secondary school libraries support reading and research across ages. An ICT Apple Mac Suite enables computing and digital learning. Design Technology, Food Technology rooms and a Drama Studio support practical subjects. Art, textile and 3D sculpture rooms support creative subjects.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Music and performing arts are supported by a Music Room, Art interactive studios and an auditorium for performances. Arabic and Spanish language studies are offered, with Arabic instruction for native speakers and Spanish as a second language; ESL language support is available for learners of English. The school's facilities enable a broad range of extracurricular activities across arts, sports and languages.	Extra curricular facilities The school offers more than 50 extra-curricular activities as part of its ECA curriculum. It has international partnerships in performing arts and entrepreneurship, including West End Stage and 8billionideas. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is available. The Magpie Initiative and The Voices of Wellington are part of the extra-curricular program. External and internal activities complement on-campus offerings.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History DBS began with the Ain Khaled campus in 1997 as the first Doha British School campus. The Al Wakra campus was established in 2014 as part of the network's expansion. In September 2024, DBS Al Wakra relocated to a new, purpose-built site with state-of-the-art facilities. The DBS cluster now comprises Ain Khaled, Al Wakra, and Rawdat Al Hamama campuses, offering the National Curriculum of England and IB programmes. The schools are owned and operated by Artan Consulting and Educational Services (ACES) and hold accreditations from CIS, British Schools Overseas (BSO), Qatar National Schools Accreditation (QNSA) and the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME).	History GEMS Wellington School – Qatar opened in 2015 as the second GEMS Education school in Qatar, located in Al Wakrah. It is modeled on GEMS Wellington International School in Dubai and offers the English National Curriculum adapted for an international student body. The school is owned and operated by GEMS Education in Qatar, forming part of the GEMS Wellington network. The campus sits alongside the GEMS American Academy on the same site, creating a linked school community. The school's opening was followed by a formal inauguration in 2016 with notable attendees including Prince Michael of Kent.
Community	Community DBS is presented as a leading British international school in Qatar with a diverse, multinational community dating back to 1997. Arabic language and Islamic Studies are prioritized, reflecting the school's emphasis on Islamic values and its pastoral ethos. Pastoral care and character development are central to the DBS ethos across campuses, complemented by a calendar of events such as performances and sustainability initiatives. A cross-campus community event in 2022 celebrated the 25th anniversary with a carnival that involved students, staff and parents from Ain Khaled, Al Wakra and Rawdat Al Hamama.	Community The WSQ community is described as aspirational and globally minded, with a focus on high performance learning and strong parental involvement. Close communication with guardians is a core principle, including regular updates and accessible staff. The school hosts and participates in cultural and community events, such as International Day and other celebrations that reflect its diverse student body. Community activities also emphasize social and environmental responsibility, contributing to a broader sense of global citizenship.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The DBS community engages parents through organized events that span all campuses. The 25th anniversary carnival on 29 October 2022 offered parent involvement as vendors. The carnival was hosted at the Ain Khaled campus and drew participants from all three DBS campuses, including Al Wakra and Rawdat Al Hamama. During the event, parents sold homemade goods, while students and teachers performed musical pieces and staff organized activities. Student leaders from across the cluster acted as ambassadors, illustrating collaboration across campuses. These activities illustrate how parent and school collaboration is integrated into the DBS culture.	Parent teacher association The school has a Parent Association known as WESPA (GEMS Wellington School Parents' Association), described as a proactive and driven body that supports the school in many ways. WESPA organizes social, academic, performance, sporting and fundraising events for the whole school community. For The Parents, WESPA runs guest speakers, social events, coffee mornings, meet-and-greet sessions for new families, adult sporting events and volunteer opportunities. For The Students, WESPA encourages participation in International Day, the Winter Fair, Diwali performances, Ramadan events, event ticket sales, and National Day celebrations. For The Staff, WESPA supports class functions, displays, reading programs, sport, school development and excursions, and volunteers may serve as Communication Coordinators to keep parents updated. Contact for WESPA is [email protected].
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Al Wakra campus is part of Doha British School, which operates three campuses and offers the National Curriculum of England and IB programmes. The Al Wakra campus moved to a new site with state‑of‑the‑art facilities in September 2024.	Academic & intellectual The school offers after-school activities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Examples include Mindfulness and Student Wellbeing; Learn to Play the Ukulele; Math Strategy Games; Multi Skills Through Body Movement; Lego Construction; Business Design; Volleyball; Table Tennis; Boxing Fitness; Sporting Games; Ball Sports; Arts and Crafts; DNA Extraction; and Video Editing. The school partners with 8billionideas to run enterprise competitions for Years 1–6 and to provide a WSQ MBA programme for Years 10–13. For Years 5–9, 8billionideas provides a live service platform with 24/7 access to Live Experiences, Courses and Mentors.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts and Crafts are offered as after-school activities. Learn to Play the Ukulele is available. Video Editing and Lego Construction are provided as creative pursuits.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school prioritises Arabic language and Islamic Studies and promotes Islamic values and Arabic customs.	Cultural & language The Voices of Wellington organizes cross-phase events and cultural activities. Ramadan Islamic Calligraphy competitions were organized as part of the WSQ community events during Ramadan 2025. The competition invites students to create Islamic calligraphy with an English translation, promoting cultural understanding. The event was run by the WSQ Year 12 Committee as part of the community events programme.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies The school offers sports clubs including Volleyball, Table Tennis, Boxing Fitness, Sporting Games, and Ball Sports. It also provides creative and recreational activities such as Arts and Crafts, Lego Construction, and Video Editing. The Extracurricular Activities page lists these options for students from Year 1 upwards.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The school offers the Duke of Edinburgh International Award for ages 14-24, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Areas of participation include Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills, Adventurous Journey, and Gold Residential Project; completing the Award develops resilience, confidence and communication. The Voices of Wellington organizes cross-phase community events, such as Ramadan Islamic Calligraphy competitions.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Innovation is woven across the curriculum with a partnership with 8billionideas. Years 1–6 participate in annual enterprise competitions; Years 10–13 undertake the WSQ MBA program to develop business and entrepreneurial skills. The 8billionideas platform provides Live Experiences, Courses and mentor support for Years 5–9. Leadership opportunities are complemented by the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, The Magpie Initiative, and The Voices of Wellington.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Mindfulness and Student Wellbeing are offered as an after-school activity. The school provides a range of physical activities, including Volleyball, Table Tennis, Boxing Fitness, and Ball Sports. Additional active options include Sporting Games and Multi Skills Through Body Movement. These programs support both physical and mental health and wellbeing throughout the year.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French, Spanish, and Arabic are available for study. Arabic is strongly emphasised, and Islamic Studies is taught in both Arabic and English at the primary level.	Language provision The school teaches in English. The National Curriculum for England is the framework used across the school. The Early Years Foundation Stage follows the UK EYFS, the Primary School uses the English National Curriculum, and the Senior School serves Year 7 to Year 13. The Senior School prepares students for IGCSEs with core subjects including English, Mathematics and Science.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The DBS cluster is recognised by British Schools Overseas (BSO) as excellent with outstanding features.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The DBS cluster is accredited by CIS, BSME, QNSA and BSO.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions DBS Al Wakra provides education from Pre-School to Sixth Form. The admissions options include a School Tour, Admissions Process, Fees, and Apply Now.	Admissions 1. Open for Enrolments for Academic Year 2026-27. Places in GEMS Wellington School, Qatar are limited per class and demand is high. Parents are encouraged to apply early to maximise the chance of securing a place. If a place is not available, applicants are advised to consider GEMS American Academy on the same campus. 2. Entrance Assessments. GEMS Wellington School, Qatar admits pupils in line with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education regulations and the GEMS admission policy. This ensures that admissions align with national requirements for entry. 3. Admission Process. The school is accepting admission applications for Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13 for the 2025-2026 academic year, with open enrolments for 2026-27 as well. An online Enquiry is used to start the process. 4. Admission Age and Fees. Admission ages are: 3 years old for Foundation Stage 1, 4 years old for Foundation Stage 2, and 5 years old for Year 1. Registration is 3,500 QR (non-refundable, non-transferable) and the assessment fee is 200 QR for Foundation 2 to Year 13; Foundation Stage 1 assessments are free. 5. To Apply For Admission. To apply, you must fill out an Enquiry, which is an online application. 6. Application Process (Part 1). Step 1: click to be taken to the Enquiry page. Step 2: the first part requires Parent/Guardian's name, relationship to the applicant, valid email, contact number, applicant's name, date of birth, and Year Group. Step 3: Submit the information to create an Enquiry. Step 4: Check the email inbox for your Enquiry reference number and keep it safe. Step 5: Return to the Enquiry page and complete the admission application. Step 6: You may include siblings in the application and you have the option to Save and Continue Later. 7. Documents to Upload. After completing the Enquiry, you will receive an email detailing documents to upload or email to the registrar. Required documents include the applicant's Qatar ID card or Residence Permit, passport, birth certificate, parent's passport, residency permits, vaccination records, transfer certificate, two recent photographs, two school reports, and any reports relating to SEND or medical needs. 8. Interview and Assessment. The Admissions team will call you for an interview and/or assessment. This interview/assessment determines the appropriate entry points and supports planning for the curriculum. 9. Assessment Tests. Assessment tests vary by year: Foundation Stage uses a stay-and-play session; Year 1–Year 2 involves basic phonics, letters, numbers, shapes and writing tasks; Year 3–Year 6 uses a Cognitive Ability Test (CAT) and written English; Year 7–Year 13 uses CAT. 10. Remote Assessment (Overseas Applicants). Remote assessments are available for overseas applicants, with specific procedures for Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and Years 3 onwards. 11. Offer Letter. Following a successful assessment you will receive an Offer letter. 12. Term Dates. The school follows the British calendar of three terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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