Why choose Park House English School?

Park House English School opened its doors in Doha in 1994, founded by the Brennan family with a clear vision - to provide a high-quality British education in a caring, family-oriented environment.  

The school starts with just 29 pupils and a small, dedicated team of teachers. Word of mouth spreads quickly, and Park House soon became known across Doha as a close-knit community school where every child is known, valued and encouraged to achieve their best. 

During the late 1990s, Park House English School entered an exciting phase of growth. More families across Doha were attracted by its caring ethos, supportive environment, British curriculum and reputation for academic excellence. Enrolment rose quickly, moving from the original 29 pupils to around 200 students in just a few years. 

Despite this rapid expansion, the school kept its warm, family feel. These years firmly established Park House as a friendly, community-centred school where every student was encouraged to thrive. 

The early 2000s marked an important academic milestone for Park House. In 2002, the school officially became a Preparatory School by opening Years 7 and 8. This change meant that students could continue their learning journey beyond primary within the same caring community. 

The introduction of lower secondary years brought a more specialised subject structure, with teachers increasingly focused on preparing students for future examinations. It also allowed Park House to develop a stronger progression route, supporting continuity in teaching approaches, expectations and pastoral care. 

In 2004, Park House English School relocated to its current purpose-built campus in Abu Hamour. The new buildings and specialist facilities provided a modern learning environment with spacious classrooms, dedicated areas for sport and the arts and improved outdoor spaces. 

Student enrolment continued to rise, welcoming pupils from more than 60 nationalities. This growth marked a key milestone in the school’s journey from a small villa school to one of Doha’s leading British schools, now educating over 1,000 students. 

In 2008, Park House entered a new phase of leadership. Dougie Smith was appointed Headmaster and worked alongside Business Director, Niall Brennan, to steer the school through a time of significant expansion. 

Under this leadership, Park House continued to strengthen its reputation for high‑quality teaching, strong pastoral care and a welcoming community culture. Investment in staffing, facilities and curriculum helped the school respond to increasing demand while keeping class sizes and support at a level families appreciated. 

In the 2000s, Park House English School took important steps forward in curriculum and accreditation. The school broadened its academic offer through Cambridge and Edexcel examination boards, giving students access to respected IGCSE and A Level qualifications. 

Park House was accredited by British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and British Schools Overseas (BSO), confirming the quality of its British education. This decade also saw the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and a growing programme of extra-curricular activities in arts, music and sports, enriching student experience beyond the classroom. 

By the early 2010s, Park House English School was firmly established as one of Doha’s leading British schools, with over 1,000 students and long waiting pools.  

Families described it as “more than a school, it’s a family”, reflecting the strong sense of care, connection and belonging. Park House also expanded its language offer, including Arabic, French, Spanish and Arabic & Islamic Education, supporting a diverse, multilingual community. 

Park House expanded its language offer to include Arabic, French, Spanish and Arabic & Islamic Education, supporting a diverse, multilingual community of learners. 

This was a transformative milestone for Park House English School as they became a proud member of International Schools Partnership - ISP.  

Becoming an ISP school was Park House English School's gateway to a dynamic global network of world-class schools. It provided access to unparalleled opportunities for our students to collaborate across continents, engage in innovative learning projects and develop the skills to thrive as true global citizens. The world just became our classroom. 

In August 2017, John Smith became the third Principal of Park House English School. He built on the school’s rich history while sharpening its focus on high-impact teaching and learning, student wellbeing and staff development. 

Under his leadership, Park House strengthened its identity as a modern British school with deep roots in the community, defined by ambitious outcomes, a nurturing ethos and meaningful opportunities for every student to succeed. 

The 25th anniversary in 2019 was a milestone of pride for Park House English School. The celebrations brought together past and present, with founder and first Principal, Heather Brennan, and former Headmaster, Dougie Smith, returning to mark the occasion alongside students, staff and families. 

Events throughout the year reflected on the school’s journey from a small villa near Muntazah Park to a well‑established British school serving families from many nationalities. Stories, photographs and performances highlighted the traditions, achievements and relationships that define Park House. 

In 2019, Park House English School hosted Park House Model United Nations (PHESMUN 2019). The event brought students together to represent countries, debate pressing global issues and craft resolutions in a simulated United Nations setting. 

Through PHESMUN, students strengthened their public speaking, critical thinking and collaboration skills, while gaining a deeper understanding of international affairs. The conference reflected Park House’s commitment to nurturing active, responsible global citizens.

In 2022, Park House students competed in the BSME Languages Championship, representing the school on a regional stage. Their performance highlighted both strong teaching in languages and students’ enthusiasm for communicating in Arabic, French, Spanish and other languages. 

Participation in this event underlined Park House’s commitment to multilingualism, academic excellence and giving students opportunities to challenge themselves beyond the classroom.

Park House English School underwent a major refurbishment, transforming its facilities to better support modern learning. The project added new, well-equipped science labs, a dedicated Sixth Form Centre and enhanced sports areas for students across the school. 

A key milestone was the opening of the 323-seat Heather Brennan Auditorium, creating a professional space for performances, assemblies and community events. These upgrades strengthened Park House’s ability to offer a rich, well-rounded education in an inspiring environment.

In 2024, Park House English School marked 30 years of learning and community in Doha. Celebrations included a special anniversary production of Ali Baba and the 30 Thieves in the Heather Brennan Auditorium, bringing students, staff, alumni and families together to honour the school’s heritage and founding family.  

The event showcased the strength of the Park House community and its enduring commitment to nurturing confident, creative learners. 

Park House English School successfully passed a British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection, which recognised consistently high standards across teaching, leadership and student care. The report highlighted the school’s strong culture of safeguarding, its commitment to student wellbeing, its focus on academic excellence, and its outstanding levels of progress .  

This successful inspection underlined Park House’s reputation as a high-quality British international school and confirmed the strength and stability built over three decades of growth. 

In February 2025, Park House English School hosted the COBIS Music Festival 2025, bringing together students from 16 schools across 7 countries. The festival showcased outstanding musical talent and offered rich opportunities for performance, collaboration and cultural exchange. 

Hosting this prestigious event reflected Park House’s strong international profile and commitment to the performing arts. The school continued as an active member of COBIS, BSO and BSME, and as part of the International Schools Partnership global family.

Park House English School is one of Qatar’s longest-established British schools, founded in 1994 by the Brennan family. Over three decades, it has grown from a small villa school into a respected, purpose-built campus in Abu Hamour, educating multiple generations of families in Doha.  

The school is accredited by British Schools Overseas (BSO), Council of International Schools (CIS), Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and Qatar National Schools Accreditation (QNSA). Park House combines its strong local heritage and family feel with the assurances, standards and opportunities of a global school group. 

Park House delivers the British National Curriculum through to IGCSE and A Level, providing students with internationally recognised qualifications and clear pathways to university, with recent cohorts achieving near-100% pass rates and a high proportion of top-level grades. 

Students have earned multiple Pearson Edexcel Outstanding Learner and High Achiever Awards, including Highest Mark in the World, Highest Mark in the Middle East, and Highest Mark in Qatar in several subjects. These results show that students make excellent progress and are exceptionally well prepared for competitive courses in the UK, USA, Canada, Qatar and worldwide.

The PRIDE values – perseverance, responsibility, independence, dedication and engagement – are embedded across all Key Stages at Park House. Students receive regular PRIDE awards, and inspectors note the calm, respectful atmosphere around the school.  

Behaviour expectations are clear, uniforms are worn smartly and classrooms are purposeful and welcoming. The BSO report highlights positive relationships between staff, students and families frequently describe Park House as “more than a school, it’s a family”. This values-led culture helps students feel safe, known and motivated to give their best. 

Park House is accredited by British Schools Overseas (BSO), Council of International Schools (CIS), Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and Qatar National Schools Accreditation (QNSA).  

These accreditations confirm that Park House meets rigorous benchmarks for teaching, leadership, safeguarding and student outcomes, and that its curriculum, assessment and enrichment programmes are aligned with global best practice. For families, this means the reassurance of a high-quality British education in Doha, with standards that are regularly reviewed and internationally recognised. 

The performing arts programme at Park House is designed to develop skill, confidence and ambition at every stage of the learning journey. Students perform in a refurbished 323-seat auditorium and dedicated music and performance spaces, taking part in events such as the Winter Concert, the MOVE Dance Festival and the COBIS Music Competition 2025, which Park House proudly hosted. 

Secondary students achieve regional recognition, including the Qatar School Choir of the Year 2025 title and appearances at external events like the Ukulele Festival at DESS and Qatar British Business Forum performances.

For many, performing arts become a catalyst for wider confidence – helping them present ideas clearly, collaborate under pressure and carry themselves with assurance well beyond the auditorium. 

At Park House English School, pastoral care and wellbeing are central to the school’s ethos. In a diverse, multicultural community, students feel safe, known and valued, supported by strong relationships between staff, families and learners. 

Wellbeing provision is led by the school’s Wellbeing Advisor, who delivers guidance, early intervention and whole-school initiatives such as Mental Health Week and Anti-Bullying Day. The School Counsellor offers professional counselling support for those who may need more specialised emotional or mental health care. 

Three British-trained nurses on site ensure high standards of medical care and safeguarding throughout the school day. Class teachers, pastoral leaders and these specialist teams work closely together so that each student’s emotional, social, physical and academic needs are understood and supported. 

Park House offers structured support at every stage of the journey to university. In Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form, students take part in guidance interviews, career workshops, university fairs and information evenings for families. Teachers and pastoral leaders help learners choose IGCSE and A Level subjects that keep future pathways open, while specialist staff advise on applications to universities  in the UK, USA, Canada, Qatar and worldwide.  

Support may include personal statement guidance, references and preparation for entrance requirements. Combined with strong exam results, this personalised approach ensures Park House students are well prepared for competitive higher education courses around the world. 

Our Abu Hamour campus has been extensively upgraded to support learning in all areas. Modern science laboratories enable practical experimentation and enquiry-based learning, while a dedicated Sixth Form Centre offers study and social spaces tailored to older students preparing for university.  

The 323-seat Heather Brennan Auditorium hosts school productions, musical performances, whole-school assemblies and community events, giving students a professional stage for the performing arts. Enhanced sports facilities – including a full sports hall, 25-metre swimming pool and astroturf pitch – support an active programme of PE, squads and fixtures. 

Life at Park House extends far beyond timetabled lessons. Students develop confidence, teamwork and creativity through real-world learning and more than 80 extracurricular activities, including sports, robotics, debate and Model United Nations.  

Teams regularly succeed in local and international sports tournaments, while music and drama students perform in annual concerts, showcases and inter-school festivals. These experiences, together with leadership opportunities, house activities, trips and service projects, help students grow as articulate, independent and compassionate global citizens. 

As an international British school in Doha, Park House reflects the city’s rich diversity. Linguistic diversity is central to the school’s identity and drives its whole-school approach to multilingual education.  

From Primary to Sixth Form, students follow a strong Modern Languages curriculum in Arabic, French, Spanish and German, taught by specialist teachers with protected curriculum time and supported by digital tools such as FlashAcademy, Linguascope and Language Gym. Unique provisions including the Home Language Study Hour in Years 3–6 foster biliteracy and community multilingualism, while students also have opportunities to sit for external language examinations, including IGCSEs. 

Park House prepares students not only for exams, but for life beyond school. PRIDE values – perseverance, responsibility, independence, dedication and engagement – are woven into daily routines and expectations, helping learners to build resilience, self-motivation and a strong work ethic. In lessons, teachers encourage collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and digital literacy so that students can tackle new challenges with confidence. 

The school’s approach is closely aligned with ISP’s Learning.First.™ philosophy and Life Competencies framework. Teaching is driven by visible learning, formative assessment and keeping students in the ‘challenge zone’, so they understand how they learn and can take ownership of their progress.  

Park House teachers are carefully selected to ensure they are highly trained and have significant experience in delivering the curricula on offer at the school. Many bring international experience from leading British and international schools, combining strong subject knowledge with a genuine passion for teaching.  

In each class, they know the learners well, plan engaging lessons and offer personalised feedback that moves learning forward. This blend of expertise, care and high expectations helps students feel supported, motivated and ready to stretch for their next goal. 

ISP schools are a shared ecosystem of innovation and ambition. Students embark on a dynamic and personalised learning journey, guided by the transformative Learning.First.™ approach, unique only to the ISP family of schools. They learn through 5 pillars enriched by worldwide collaborations, solving real-world problems with peers across continents.  

This powerful combination of academic achievement, multilingual learning and international opportunities creates unparalleled future pathways, preparing students for top universities and global careers.