Compass International School Doha vs GEMS Wellington School Qatar

	C Compass International School Doha Doha, Qatar	G GEMS Wellington School Qatar Doha, Qatar
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year QAR 45,000 - 68,342	Fees / year QAR 38,250 - 63,625
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), IGCSE Curriculum, A-Levels Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,640	Pupils 1,200
Typical class size	Typical class size —	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 Compass International School Doha operates on three campuses in Doha: Gharaffa, Madinat Khalifa, and Themaid. The Gharaffa campus is on Al Abareeq Street in the Gharaffa area of western Doha. The Madinat Khalifa Campus sits on Al Baihaqi Street, opposite Landmark Shopping Mall. The Themaid Campus is located on Street 1457 in Al Themaid, near Education City.	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 school is an all-through day school for ages 3–18, offering Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form. The three campuses provide a linked through-programme structure: Gharaffa focuses on EY to Year 6, Madinat Khalifa offers Primary and Secondary up to Year 11 (including IBDP), and Themaid provides EY through Year 13 (with A-levels or IB Diploma Programme).	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 Co-educational, day school.	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 The student body includes students from more than 80 nationalities. The school describes its community as international, with no single majority nationality published; local (Qatari) representation is not disclosed.	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 school has dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) teams to support learners. It positions inclusion at the core of its approach and uses technology to aid SEN support.	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 There is no formal country affiliation; the school is in Qatar and delivers UK-aligned and international curricula as part of Nord Anglia Education.	Country affiliation The school follows the National Curriculum for England (British Curriculum), reflecting an England/UK curriculum affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Non-denominational; there is no formal religious affiliation listed.	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation listed for the school in its published materials.
School day structure	School day structure Class timings across all campuses are Sunday to Wednesday from 7:15 am to 2:00 pm, and Thursday from 7:15 am to 12:00 pm. Early years finish at 12:00 pm, with childcare available 12:00–14:00 if arranged with staff. The Madinat Khalifa campus has a front entrance for cars/pedestrians and a side entrance for cars and buses; Themaid uses a one-way drop-off system.	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 bus service is provided by Karwa (Mowasalat) for Compass families. For pricing and details, contact Karwa; inquiries can be directed to ISBS@mowasalat.com or by phone. Compass also provides a dedicated transport page for bus arrangements and policies.	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 Application and assessment fees - Standard application and assessment fee: QAR 1,190. - Early Years (EY) application fee: QAR 595 (Themaid campus shows QAR 595 for early years applicants). Seat reservation (enrolment deposit) - Seat reservation payment to hold a place: QAR 2,000. This amount is taken as a payment to secure the place and is deducted from the child's tuition balance. Resource / annual materials fees - Madinat Khalifa campus annual resource fee (in addition to tuition): QAR 3,866. - Themaid campus annual resource fee (in addition to tuition): QAR 3,980. Tuition fees (annual and per-term breakdown by campus and phase) - Madinat Khalifa campus (annual tuition and term split): QAR amounts are shown below and are invoiced per term as the term breakdown indicates. - Early Years 1: Annual QAR 45,000 — Term 1 QAR 15,000; Term 2 QAR 15,000; Term 3 QAR 15,000. - Early Years 2: Annual QAR 55,000 — Term 1 QAR 18,334; Term 2 QAR 18,333; Term 3 QAR 18,333. - Primary (Year 1–Year 6): Annual QAR 62,117 — Term 1 QAR 20,706; Term 2 QAR 20,706; Term 3 QAR 20,705. - Secondary (Year 7–Year 11): Annual QAR 68,342 — Term 1 QAR 22,781; Term 2 QAR 22,781; Term 3 QAR 22,780. - Themaid campus (annual tuition and term split): QAR amounts are shown below and are invoiced per term as the term breakdown indicates. - Early Years 1: Annual QAR 45,000 — Term 1 QAR 15,000; Term 2 QAR 15,000; Term 3 QAR 15,000. - Early Years 2: Annual QAR 55,000 — Term 1 QAR 18,334; Term 2 QAR 18,333; Term 3 QAR 18,333. - Primary (Year 1–Year 6): Annual QAR 63,943 — Term 1 QAR 21,315; Term 2 QAR 21,314; Term 3 QAR 21,314. - Secondary (Year 7–Year 11): Annual QAR 68,342 — Term 1 QAR 22,781; Term 2 QAR 22,781; Term 3 QAR 22,780. - Term structure used in the fee schedule: Term 1 (September–December) is 4 months; Term 2 (January–March) is 3 months; Term 3 (April–June) is 3 months — fees above are split according to that term structure. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented and billed on a term basis according to the three-term structure shown above (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). A seat reservation payment of QAR 2,000 is required to hold a place and is deducted from the tuition balance. Parents receive invoicing in line with the term structure. Boarding fees - Compass International School Doha is a day school and does not provide student boarding accommodation; boarding is not applicable. Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniforms and school merchandise: the school operates a uniform/merchandise provision (Leopards merchandise available via the Finance Office); the fees page and parent information indicate uniform and merchandise are separate costs. Specific uniform pricing is not listed on the public fee summary. - Transport: school bus service is provided through Karwa; transport charges and route pricing are additional and handled separately with Karwa (parents obtain pricing and booking from the bus provider). - Enrichment, trips and extracurricular activities: these activities and certain trips or premium extracurricular options can incur additional charges; the school's payment platform handles enrichment and activity payments as separate items. Annual resource fees do not replace charges for optional trips, external exam fees, or some extra-curricular programmes. - Examination fees (IGCSE/A-level/IB) and certain subject or external assessment costs may be charged in addition to tuition and resource fees; those fees are not broken down in the summary tuition table. Refund information - The published fees information confirms that the seat reservation payment of QAR 2,000 is deducted from the tuition balance. The public fees summary does not publish a full refund schedule or detailed refund calculations on the tuition-fees content page; parents should note that application and assessment payments are charged at application and may not be refundable in practice. The school's full Fees Schedule document contains the complete terms and conditions for refunds and withdrawals. Fee payment options - Payments are managed through the Zenda payment app; the school uses Zenda to allow parents to view and pay tuition, enrichment activities and other school charges. Zenda supports pay-now (credit/debit card and bank transfer) and pay-later / instalment options offered to families through the app. Use of Zenda is listed as the school's payment channel for convenience and flexible payment plans. Notes and practical items for parents (fees-related) - The amounts above are the published fee figures shown for the 2025–26 fee schedule and are shown per campus and per term where the school has published those splits. The school supplies a downloadable Full Schedule of Fees (Tuition Fees 2025–2026) that contains the complete itemised charges, payment deadlines, and the full terms and conditions for refunds, withdrawals and late payments.	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 is designed to be comfortable and modest and is a core part of Compass Doha's daily routine. A school jumper and cap are mandatory, with other uniform items purchased through Uniform Mart (online or in-store at Al Maszhabiliya Street). The 2025–2026 uniform update is in place.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Compass Doha offers two daily breaks; Gharaffa and Madinat Khalifa campuses do not have a cafeteria, so students bring a healthy lunch and snacks. The Themaid campus has a cafeteria offering healthy meals, snacks, and drinks. There is a strict no-nut policy; lunches should be labeled with the student's name.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Compass International School Doha is part of the Nord Anglia Education family, a global network of premium international schools. It is governed and owned by Nord Anglia Education and operates across three Doha campuses: Gharaffa, Madinat Khalifa, and Themaid.	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 Compass International School Doha operates across three Doha campuses—Gharaffa, Madinat Khalifa, and Themaid—and provides a continuous curriculum from Early Years (ages 3–5) through Sixth Form (ages 16–18), with English as the language of instruction and an average class size of about 12:1 plus dedicated EAL/Additional Learning Needs support. In Early Years, the curriculum combines the British EYFS framework with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC); Arabic, Islamic studies, and Qatari history are taught under the Ministry of Education, and Dutch is offered for native Dutch speakers (the school is the only one in Qatar accredited to teach Dutch) with an advanced French programme also available. Primary (Years 1–6) uses the IPC to deliver a broad programme including reading, writing, maths, art, history, geography, music, sport, technology, and science, with MoE Arabic/Islamic studies/Qatari history and Years 5–6 engaging with Global Campus projects. Lower Secondary (ages 11–14) follows the English National Curriculum (KS3), offering English, maths, science, history, geography, ICT, music, citizenship, art and design, PE, and languages, and preparing students for IGCSE. Sixth Form offers Compass PLUS, with the option to study either A-levels or the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) at the Themaid campus; Year 12 typically begins with four A-level subjects chosen from option blocks, while the IBDP covers six subject groups plus TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS.	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 Average class size around 12:1; English teachers are native speakers; EAL/ALN support is available.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results [Not provided in the source material]	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression IBDP and A-level routes lead to universities globally; the school highlights collaborations with MIT and The Juilliard School to enhance STEAM and performing arts experiences, and students access a Global Campus platform for international projects.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The school partners with Nord Anglia's global network and provides opportunities through collaborations like UNICEF and Duke of Edinburgh; Performing arts and STEAM programmes are integrated via external collaborations.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Compass International School Doha supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a strong pastoral framework and wellbeing-focused practices. A highly qualified pastoral team provides social and emotional support, and students can speak to teachers, the school nurse, or a counsellor as needed. The school places wellbeing at the center of student development and daily life. Initiatives such as The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award promote resilience and teamwork, while UNICEF collaborations foster social responsibility and global citizenship. These elements collectively contribute to SEL by developing self-awareness, social skills, and responsible participation in the community.	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 provides dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) teams to support students. This indicates inclusive support for language development and other learning needs. The school does not publicly disclose whether it is a specialist SEN institution or the exact types of SEN it can support.	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 English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided by a dedicated EAL team. The school also has Additional Learning Needs (ALN) staff to support a range of learning needs. These EAL/ALN provisions reflect a structured approach to language development and learning support.	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 Your child's health and wellbeing are the school's number one priority. A highly qualified pastoral team provides ongoing support, and students can speak to a teacher, school nurse, or counsellor. Staff safety and wellbeing are supported by training in safeguarding and health and safety. The school integrates wellbeing into daily life through pastoral care and access to counselling when needed.	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 Safeguarding and child protection are supported through school policies (including anti-bullying and behaviour policies) and comprehensive staff training. All staff complete Child Protection and Health and Safety training. These measures reflect the school's commitment to safeguarding students and maintaining a safe learning environment.	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 Compass International School Doha operates across two campuses in Doha: Madinat Khalifa and Themaid. Each campus features advanced STEAM labs and ICT suites with interactive EdTech. The campuses include soundproofed music studios, instrument rooms, and bright drama spaces, plus a 25-metre swimming pool, fitness studios, gyms, and all-weather pitches. Dedicated primary and secondary libraries serve learners across year groups. Themaid campus hosts modern performing arts spaces and a STEAM lab as part of its state-of-the-art facilities.	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 Compass International School Doha has modern sports facilities at both Madinat Khalifa and Themaid campuses. There is a 25-metre swimming pool, fitness studios, gyms, and all-weather pitches. The campuses include a modern indoor sports hall for a range of activities. Indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to support physical education and team sports. The facilities support both competitive and recreational sports for students from Early Years through to Sixth Form.	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 The school provides advanced STEAM labs and ICT suites with interactive EdTech. Soundproofed music studios, instrument rooms, and bright drama spaces support performing arts and music education. The Themaid campus hosts modern performing arts spaces and a STEAM lab. The Global Campus platform and partnerships with MIT and Apple enhance learning through technology. The language of instruction is English, and Dutch, Arabic, French, and Spanish are taught.	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 Compass offers global collaborations, trips, and clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom. The Young Innovators Club is award-winning and participates in international competitions. Your child will discover Qatar and the world on exciting trips, pursue passions at extra-curricular clubs, and develop lifelong skills. The Global Campus platform connects Compass students with peers across 81 Nord Anglia schools in 32 countries, enabling cross-school projects and events.	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 Compass International School Doha opened in September 2006 to serve Doha's international families. The school later expanded across Gharaffa and Madinat Khalifa campuses, with the Themaid campus opening for the 2019/20 academic year to host expanded secondary provision. The Compass brand originated with the WCL Group's Middle East expansion, and Compass International School Doha was established as part of that brand. In 2019, Compass International School Doha became the first IPC-accredited school in the Middle East. It joined Nord Anglia Education and operates as part of the Nord Anglia family, with access to global collaborations and an EdTech platform.	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 The school hosts a vibrant international community with families from more than 80 countries. Friends of Compass, the parent community, coordinates regular get-togethers and supports school life. The Nord Anglia Education network connects Compass Doha to a global community, with access to Global Campus and alumni networks spanning more than 30 countries. Annually, Class in Action Day invites parents to observe lessons and participate in activities to gain insight into personalised learning.	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 Friends of Compass is the school's parent community that coordinates regular get-togethers. Friends of Compass supports school life by organizing events and facilitating parent involvement. Class in Action Day is an annual event where parents sit in on lessons and take part in activities to gain insight into personalised learning. The parent network connects with staff to discuss academic progress, wellbeing, and campus life during these events. Former Compass students return to speak about life beyond school as part of the global alumni network.	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 Compass International School Doha follows a combination of British and global curricula. Students may choose between A-levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The curriculum is enhanced by collaborations with The Juilliard School and MIT, and learning is supported on Nord Anglia's Global Campus platform. In 2022, the IBDP results were best in the school's history, well above the global average.	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 Performing arts are integrated with an exclusive collaboration with The Juilliard School. The collaboration deepens dance, drama and music through specialist instructors and productions. The Summer Performing Arts with Juilliard programme immerses students in music, dance, or drama, and the school provides state-of-the-art music spaces.	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 Dutch language instruction is offered, and Compass International School Doha is the only school in Qatar accredited to teach Dutch. Students can follow an advanced French programme, as well as native and non-native Arabic language programmes. Local cultural learning is supported by trips to museums and partnerships with the Ministry of Education and Qatar Museums.	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 An award-winning Young Innovators Club challenges students to investigate, innovate and explore, including participation in global competitions. A broad range of activities, clubs and local excursions supports students' interests in arts, STEAM, sports and other pursuits. Residential trips and expeditions broaden experiences, including visits to Switzerland and Tanzania.	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 UNICEF collaboration embeds the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in teaching and learning. Students engage in beach clean-ups, outreach projects in Tanzania and other campaigns that connect local actions to global impact. The Global Challenge at the UN High Level Political Forum offers opportunities to participate in broader civic initiatives.	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 The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is encouraged, with students setting personal goals and progressing through the Award's stages. The IMG Academy collaboration provides sports and wellbeing programmes that develop confidence, resilience and leadership, with teachers benefiting from professional development from IMG. Tailored academic pathways and collaborations support access to universities in the UK, US, Qatar and beyond.	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 Pastoral support is provided by a qualified team, with access to a teacher, school nurse or counsellor. Staff complete Child Protection and Health and Safety training to ensure safety and wellbeing. Facilities include a 25-meter swimming pool, an all-weather pitch, a basketball court and a sports hall. Outdoor education and residential trips contribute to physical and mental 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 The school has native English-speaking teachers and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. It is the only school in Qatar accredited to teach Dutch. Students can follow an advanced French programme, as well as native and non-native Arabic.	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.
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Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Get in touch with the admissions team. They are the first point of contact and will talk you through the application process and answer questions. They outline the timelines and any documents required for your child's age and programme. They explain what happens next so you know what to expect. 2. Arrange a campus visit or tailored virtual discovery meeting. You can visit Compass International School Doha in person to see facilities and discuss your priorities with staff. Alternatively, you can sign up for a tailored virtual discovery meeting if visiting is not convenient. These sessions help you understand the school's personalised learning approach and curriculum pathways. 3. Send your child's application, including supporting documents. Submit the application and all required documents as part of your initial submission. The admissions team reviews the materials and may request additional information if needed. They will guide you on the next steps and any deadlines to keep you on track. 4. Your child will be invited to sit a short assessment. The assessment is part of the admissions process and helps determine suitability for the programme. The admissions team uses the results to inform the decision. You may be contacted with the outcome and next steps. 5. The admissions team confirms your child's place. Confirmation follows the assessment and review of documents. You will receive enrolment instructions and a start date.	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.
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