Doha College Celebrates Prestigious Double Recognition at MENA School Excellence Awards 2026
There are milestones in a school’s journey that define an era. Being awarded Highly Commended for both School of the Year and Principal of the Year at the MENA School Excellence Awards 2026 is one such moment for Doha College.
This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary commitment of our pupils, staff and families. I am personally honoured to have received the Highly Commended Principal of the Year Award, but this achievement truly reflects the collective strength, dedication and shared vision of our entire community. At Doha College, academic excellence is inseparable from character education and wellbeing, and we remain deeply committed to preparing our young people not only for university, but for life.
David Tongue, Principal
A Year of Exceptional Achievement
This award follows an extraordinary year for Doha College pupils and staff.
Our students achieved some of the strongest GCSE and A-Level results in the region, securing an impressive 34 international examination awards across Pearson Edexcel, Cambridge International and Oxford AQA qualifications — more than any school globally. Ninety per cent of graduates progressed to Russell Group universities, with 36 pupils earning places on competitive medical degree programmes.
These outcomes are not achieved by chance. They are the result of ambition, expert teaching, sustained investment and a culture that expects excellence while nurturing wellbeing.
As an independent, not-for-profit school, every success is reinvested into facilities, innovation and professional development, ensuring sustainable, long-term impact for every pupil.
A Holistic Model of Excellence
While academic results are exceptional, what truly sets Doha College apart is its holistic philosophy.
The DC Learner Profile underpins our curriculum, encouraging pupils to develop confidence, creativity, resilience, intellectual curiosity and ethical awareness. The Positively DC initiative promotes kindness, gratitude and inclusivity, while our unified House System fosters belonging and connection across all age groups.
With over 300 co-curricular activities, participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and regional Model United Nations conferences, pupils are empowered to lead, collaborate and serve. Learning extends far beyond the classroom — nurturing principled, globally minded young people ready to contribute positively to society.
Innovation continues to shape our future, with investment in artificial intelligence education and forward-thinking teaching strategies ensuring pupils are prepared for an evolving world.
We're all incredibly proud to have heard the news of our Highly Commended Awards for School and Principal of the Year. There are so many elements to both of these awards, but central to both is the wonderfully aspirational and supportive community we have. What we do and achieve - who we are - is the culmination of a great deal of work throughout the year and we'll strive to keep going on our pursuit of excellence.
David Lish, Chief Operating Officer
A Collective Achievement
Awards matter because of what they represent.
This double recognition at the MENA School Excellence Awards affirms that excellence at Doha College is not defined solely by outcomes, but by culture — a culture of ambition balanced with empathy, innovation grounded in values, and success shared across a united community.
To be recognised for both School of the Year and Principal of the Year is a moment of immense pride. More importantly, it is a reaffirmation of our responsibility: to continue raising standards, nurturing potential and delivering an education that shapes confident, compassionate and capable global citizens.
And this is only the beginning.
