CONTENTS
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
INTRODUCING OUR TEAM
KEY INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND PUPILS
Academic Assessment
Attendance & Absence Reporting
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD Years 3-6 only)
Communication
Drop off & Collection
Key Policies
Medical forms
Canteen
Ramadan
Enrichment
School Fees
Term Dates
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The School Day
Transport
Uniform
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY
LOCATION
Dear Parents,
As the new Principal of Sherborne School, Qatar, it is my absolute honour and privilege to welcome you to our school for the Academic Year 2025 | 2026. We are delighted that you have become members of the ever-growing Sherborne community.
It is also a very warm welcome to our new Vice Principal, Mr Rob Turner, who is also joining the school. Rob and his family are excited about the next part of their journey and he brings a wealth of experience in international education with a keen focus on the Prep School, the Pastoral systems, as well as whole school initiatives. Rob has lived and worked in region for nearly twenty years. .
The Sherborne Schools group prides itself on upholding the six values that originate from Sherborne School, Dorset: Respect, Honesty, Kindness Perseverance, Responsibility & Teamwork. These values are at the very core of the learning and teaching that takes place across the school on a daily basis. Sherborne School, Mall of Qatar is blessed with new facilities that support and enhance the learning in and out the classroom. With now over 1,100 pupils at the school, it is very much a thriving community, where learning is at the heart of all activities. We take great pride in the holistic nature of education; bringing skills and knowledge together with a positive blend of belief and structure in the learning model; we like to go beyond the classroom to gain knowledge.
As we start this academic year, it is important to inform you that there has been a huge amount of preparation and planning for the next two years. Our staff is highly qualified and raring to go in terms of subject knowledge; however, it goes beyond that in that the experience the staff bring to the school in terms of supporting the pupils’ with our pastoral system and this year we have allocated more time to ensure that our PSHE programme is compassionate, caring and focuses on the wellbeing of our students.
To be a member of the Sherborne group of schools is a path and gateway to learning and preparing for life after the school. In an ever changing world that is fast paced, Sherborne School Qatar aims to ensure that the learning and teaching is of a high calibre and this is proven by our outstanding track record of university placements as well as bringing student agency and inquiry into the learning at the school. Skills and how we use them, whether is be through AI or on the sports pitch are vital to how we progress and progress is much more important than perfection.
Traditions forged from Sherborne School in the UK are replicated here in Doha and we have a house system that is ever growing in terms of bringing pupils together and creating that zest of pupil competition and interaction.
We look forward to welcoming you as Sherborne families and part of the community in September and one area that will be working in ‘joining the dots’ between the pupils; the school and the parents in terms of communication and collaboration. I look forward to welcoming you onto our wonderful campus in the near future.
Yours faithfully,
David Butcher Principal
INTRODUCING OUR TEAM
At Sherborne Qatar Prep School, your child’s experience is shaped by a dedicated and experienced leadership team.
The school is led by our Principal, Mr David Butcher, who brings a clear vision and deep commitment to every pupil’s growth and wellbeing.
He is supported by Mr Robert Turner, Vice Principal; Mrs Sameena Boota, Deputy Head Academic; and Mr Borby Eybrrahim, Deputy Head Pastoral.
Together with our exceptional Form Teachers, they ensure that every pupil feels known, valued, and heard — every single day.
ACADEMIC
Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England (2014), providing a strong and structured foundation.
What sets us apart is how we personalise learning to meet the needs of every pupil, ensuring lessons are engaging, enriching, and meaningful.
Our Values and Learning Dispositions are woven into every subject, helping pupils grow in character as well as knowledge.
We follow trusted British programmes, including Read Write Inc., White Rose Maths, White Rose Science, and Talk for Writing.
These ensure consistency, and a clear British identity — evident in both our teaching style and the themes explored across the school.
David Butcher Principal dbutcher@sherborneqatar.org
Robert Turner Vice Principal rturner@sherborneqatar.org
Sameena Boota Deputy Head (Academic) sboota@sherborneqatar.org
Borby Eybrrahim Deputy Head (Pastoral) beybrrahim@sherborneqatar.org
Borby
ASSESSMENT
Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England (2014), providing a strong and structured foundation.
What sets us apart is how we personalise learning to meet the needs of every pupil, ensuring lessons are engaging, enriching, and meaningful. Our Values and Learning Dispositions are woven into every subject, helping pupils grow in character as well as knowledge.
We follow trusted British programmes, including Read Write Inc., White Rose Maths, White Rose Science, and Talk for Writing.
These ensure consistency, and a clear British identity — evident in both our teaching style and the themes explored across the school.
Senior Leadership Team
David Butcher Principal
Sameena Boota Deputy Head (Academic)
Robert Turner Vice Principal
Eybrrahim Deputy Head (Pastoral)
ATTENDANCE & ABSENCE REPORTING
We place great importance on regular attendance, as it plays a key role in each pupil’s success and sense of continuity. Our target attendance is 90 percent, in line with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s requirements for pupils attending Qatari Independent Schools.
Attendance is closely monitored by Form Teachers and the Senior Leadership Team. While we understand that occasional illness or authorised absences are sometimes unavoidable, we take sustained low attendance seriously. If a pupil’s attendance falls significantly below the expected level, a letter will be sent home to inform parents of the current percentage and to request improvement.
We hope that this early communication is sufficient to support positive change. However, if attendance does not improve, further letters will be issued and concerns may be escalated to the Ministry as required. All requests for leave of absence must be made in writing and in advance to the Deputy Heads. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee approval. Leave is only granted in exceptional circumstances, and unauthorised absences may affect a pupil’s progress and standing.
BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE
(BYOD YEARS 3 - 6 ONLY)
As new technologies continue to change the world in which we live, they also provide many new and positive educational benefits for learning.
Sherborne Qatar Prep School Bani Hajer is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) School for Years 3 to 6 inclusive. We encourage pupils in Years 3 to 6 to use laptops with a Windows operating system. This is for them to participate effectively in classroom learning and develop their skills in presenting media, safely exploring the digital world and computer science.
As part of our continued commitment to digital learning and a secure, productive educational environment, we would like to share the recommended laptop specifications for pupils at Sherborne Qatar School.
These specifications are carefully selected to ensure compatibility with the school’s secure systems, such as Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), Microsoft Intune, and other Microsoft 365 services that we use to manage and protect student devices.
Why Windows Professional / Education / Enterprise Editions Are Required
Using Windows Professional, Education, or Enterprise editions allows us to provide your child with a safe, secure, and distraction-free learning experience.
These editions support the following essential features:
• Remote Device Management: Through Azure AD and Intune, we can remotely configure settings, install applications, apply updates, and support students.
• Web & App Restrictions: We can block access to inappropriate websites, games, and unauthorized software to ensure a focused learning environment.
• Security Enforcement: Devices can be encrypted (BitLocker), antivirus protection can be enabled, and secure user policies enforced (e.g., screen lockouts, strong passwords).
• Learning Tool Deployment: Essential school applications such as Microsoft Teams, Word, OneNote, and PowerPoint can be automatically installed and managed.
**Please note that laptops running Windows Home Edition are not compatible with our school’s security and management systems and are therefore not supported.
Why not an iPad or Apple Mac?
For the purpose of learning, we are encouraging the use of laptops because although Apple devices provide learning facilities, we have noticed that they do not support the use of Microsoft software as easily as laptops with a windows operating system. Additionally, the use of iPads has affected our curriculum provision because not all software we use in the classroom is available for both iOS and Windows.
We appreciate your support in helping us create a digitally safe and academically focused environment. If you have any questions or require assistance, please feel free to contact the IT department at itn@sherborneqatar.org.
COMMUNICATION
Now that you are part of the Sherborne Qatar family, open and honest communication is at the heart of everything we do. We believe it is vital to maintain strong links between home and school, ensuring you always feel informed, involved, and supported.
Your child’s Form Teacher will be your main point of contact throughout your time with us, providing a consistent and familiar connection. We greatly value face-to-face conversations and create regular opportunities — both formal and informal — for these to take place.
All key school policies can be found on our website for your reference. To keep you updated day-today, we use the Class Dojo application, sharing information via Class Story and School Story.
In addition, important letters and our weekly Parents’ Notices are sent via email, offering reminders and details about upcoming events and other helpful updates. We are proud to be an open and approachable school. If you ever have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to call, email, or drop by.
We are always here to help
DROP OFF & COLLECTION
For the safety of the whole community we ask you to please take a note of the information listed below, so that at the busy times of the day, we are all working together.
All visitors should enter through Gate 1 and report to reception.
For families of children across all key stages, parents and children should enter through the gate of the youngest child.
Please respect the instructions of teaching staff on duty and our security team.
KEY POLICIES
At Sherborne Qatar we have a comprehensive range of policies which cover all facets of school life. Many of these are readily available on our website or on the Parent Portal. Other useful information, including up-to-date inspection reports can also be found on the website.
Parents will be asked to complete and submit an online Home School Agreement and relevant ICT Child & Parent User Agreement before their children start school. Our Admissions Department will send you the link separately.
MEDICAL FORMS
Now that you are part of the Sherborne Qatar family, open and honest communication is at the heart of everything we do. We believe it is vital to maintain strong links between home and school, ensuring you always feel informed, involved, and supported.
Your child’s Form Teacher will be your main point of contact throughout your time with us, providing a consistent and familiar connection. We greatly value face-to-face conversations and create regular opportunities — both formal and informal — for these to take place.
All key school policies can be found on our website for your reference. To keep you updated day-today, we use the Class Dojo application, sharing information via Class Story and School Story.
In addition, important letters and our weekly Parents’ Notices are sent via email, offering reminders and details about upcoming events and other helpful updates.
We are proud to be an open and approachable school. If you ever have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to call, email, or drop by. We are always here to help
CANTEEN
Our canteen is available as a convenient alternative to packed lunches for pupils in Years 2 to 6. We operate a cashless system, with pupils using cards to purchase food and drink.
Parents can top up these cards online, and pupils are also able to add credit before or after school. Each pupil will receive their card from their Form Teacher at the beginning of the year. Should a card be lost or damaged, new or replacement cards can be purchased directly from the cafeteria team.
If your child brings a packed lunch, please ensure it supports our health-promoting school ethos. Sweets, chocolate, and fizzy or energy drinks are not permitted.
Due to the serious nature of allergies, all nuts and seeds are strictly forbidden in school. Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our school environment safe and inclusive for every pupil.
RAMADAN
Ramadan is the Holy Month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims around the world as a time of fasting, reflection, and generosity. Fasting—known as sawm—takes place daily from dawn to sunset for approximately 29 or 30 days. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.
The dates for Ramadan vary each year, based on the sighting of the new moon. The start and end of Ramadan are usually confirmed the evening before. Parents are advised to watch for official school announcements and local updates.
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours, and the focus is also on acts of kindness, self-discipline, and community spirit. Fasting is not required for non-Muslims, pregnant women, those with medical conditions, or young children. However, all members of the community—whether fasting or not—are expected to show respect by avoiding eating, drinking, or chewing gum in public during the day. Many public spaces will have screened areas for those who need to eat discreetly.
School Hours During Ramadan
The school day is shortened during Ramadan, in line with Ministry of Education guidelines. These hours are confirmed shortly before the Holy Month begins.
In recent years, the Prep School has operated from 8:30am to 12:45pm, though this remains subject to annual approval.
We appreciate your support in helping all pupils and families celebrate Ramadan with sensitivity and understanding .
ENRICHMENT
We believe that every pupil should have the opportunity to discover their interests, develop their talents, and build confidence in new areas.
Our enrichment programme takes place outside of the regular timetable and offers a wide range of activities designed to support holistic growth and personal resilience. Whether a pupil is pursuing a known passion or trying something entirely new, each experience is an opportunity to learn, grow, and shine.
Sessions are led by our dedicated school staff as well as carefully selected external specialists, ensuring a high-quality and varied offer. Through enrichment, pupils are encouraged to view their learning in a new light, broadening their horizons and developing valuable life skills in a fresh and inspiring context.
SCHOOL FEES
All parents will be asked to read and sign the Fees Policy when they register their child. This policy can be found on our website. Sherborne Qatar Schools have 3 terms per year. Invoices will be emailed to parents no later than one month prior to the payment due date. The Finance Office is open Sunday to Thursday, from 7.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Holiday opening hours may differ. For any queries relating to the payment of fees and the Qatari education voucher scheme, kindly email Daika Lagang on dlagang@sherborneqatar.org
TERM DATES
The first day of the Autumn Term will be Sunday 31st August.
All remaining term dates will be shared with parents in due course and published on the school website as soon as they are confirmed.
THE PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
Dear Parents,
On behalf of the Sherborne Qatar Parent Teacher Association (PTA), I am delighted to introduce you to the PTA. We are a group of parents and teachers, whose priority is the well-being of our children and supporting the school community.
Throughout the year we have various fundraisers and events, designed to provide funds to enrich our children’s educational experience, over and above what the school would be expected to provide from fees.
We are excited to build community across all the schools within the Sherborne Qatar family. We are proud to bring those schools together and create connections across the schools and foster community amongst our parents and children.
In March 2024, we were thrilled to welcome more than 2,000 people from the Sherborne Qatar community to the Spring Fair, hosted at the Sherborne School, Mall of Qatar. This is just one of the events we have planned for the year to come.
Your involvement and support are highly valued and greatly appreciated. If you would like to know more then please contact us on SherborneqatarPTA@gmail.com. Please keep an eye on regular notices from the PTA.
Kind Regards
Lucy Fowlie Chair Sherborne Qatar PTA
THE SCHOOL DAY
6.50am 7.00 - 7.30am 12.30 or 1.35pm (parents can choose either time)
6.50am 7.00 - 7.30am 1.45pm 2.45pm Years 1 - 6 6.50am 7.00 - 7.10am 1.45pm 2.00pm 2.45pm
Please note:
• The times have been designed for curricular needs and to help with traffic flow
• Pupils must be in their classrooms in time for Registration
• Pupils who arrive late for Registration must ensure they register with their Form Teacher. This is to ensure that we have an accurate record of who is in school
• Activities for Reception pupils take place in the Summer Term
Group Gates open Registration Depart Activities End
TRANSPORT
UNIFORM
We believe that wearing our school uniform is a visible reflection of the high standards we set for ourselves and our pupils.
Our uniform:
• Promotes pride in The Sherborne Penny.
• Fosters a sense of community and belonging, connecting pupils to the school and to each other.
• Identifies pupils as part of our school family, with the Penny symbolising the Values and Learning Dispositions we uphold.
We expect all pupils to attend school dressed appropriately and ready for learning. Parents play a vital role in this by ensuring their child is wearing the correct uniform each day, and that it is clean and in good condition.Thank you for supporting this shared responsibility.
EYFS
GIRLS’ DAYWEAR
Pre School / Reception
YEAR 3 TO YEAR 6
GIRLS’ DAYWEAR
YEAR 1 TO YEAR 2
GIRLS’ DAYWEAR
PRE-SCHOOL TO YEAR 6
In line with new Ministry guidelines:
• Boys in Year 4 and above wearing shorts must ensure they are not above the knee.
• Girls’ skirts must fall below the knee.
• For PE kit, girls must wear non-transparent
All items on our uniform list are available to purchase from Noble House at www.noblehouse.qa and our unique school code is SG0805
Here is the uniform list and Noble House’s items can be viewed here
EYFS
BOYS’ DAYWEAR
Pre School / Reception
PRE-SCHOOL TO YEAR 6 HOUSE SHIRT
YEAR 1 TO YEAR 2
BOYS’ DAYWEAR
YEAR 3 TO YEAR 6
BOYS’ DAYWEAR
WHAT TO EXPECT
ON YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY?
On your child’s first day, we ask that you meet us in the Main Reception where our School Receptionist, a member of the team will welcome you and take you to your child’s class so you can see the environment and briefly meet your child’s Form Teacher – helping to put your mind at ease! We will then talk with you about morning and afternoon routines and answer any questions you may have. At the end of the first day and indeed every day, your child’s Form Teacher will be on hand to meet with you let you know how the day has gone. Please ensure your child brings in plenty of water and a healthy packed lunch.
LOCATION MAP
www.sherborneqatar.org
Contact us at office@sherborneqatar.org
School office opening hours are: Sunday - Thursday 7:00am - 3:00pm
Phone: +974 4459 6400
