Compass is a really good school IMHO. I know of lots of savvy, educated international parents who send their kids there, and the comments I've heard have all been positive.
ISL, on the other hand, had a rocky start in 2008, and though it is getting better from what I have heard, I'd still choose Compass over ISL.
Two other good schools I'd recommend (although I am sure they both probably have really long waiting lists) are the American School of Doha and Qatar Academy. I doubt you'd want the American curriculum, but Qatar Academy is IB (not British) so maybe that would be okay for you. Though I am not British, over the years most Brits I have known have sent their kids to Doha English Speaking School (DESS).
Sherbourne is similar to ISL: more recently started up, lots of staff turnover, still needs more time to become a good school if that is their goal.
Generally speaking, if you get one kid in, any siblings will take priority over another newcomer. So even if you don't get your second child into Compass right away, it'd be worth the gamble I think if you've got one a secure spot there.
You should try to negotiate that school fees for your children be included in the job contract for you or your husband (if not entirely than at least partially/ a lump sum amount). As you've found out, it's very pricey in Doha, and paying out of pocket means you're going to take a huge financial hit.
For what it is worth, I would avoid any place without a proven track record of several years. Many new schools have popped up in recent years to try and fill the void, but most are for-profit. Many have high turnover of staff, which is a red flag for any school (if your staff aren't happy, then the students can't be getting a solid education).
Compass is a really good school IMHO. I know of lots of savvy, educated international parents who send their kids there, and the comments I've heard have all been positive.
ISL, on the other hand, had a rocky start in 2008, and though it is getting better from what I have heard, I'd still choose Compass over ISL.
Two other good schools I'd recommend (although I am sure they both probably have really long waiting lists) are the American School of Doha and Qatar Academy. I doubt you'd want the American curriculum, but Qatar Academy is IB (not British) so maybe that would be okay for you. Though I am not British, over the years most Brits I have known have sent their kids to Doha English Speaking School (DESS).
Sherbourne is similar to ISL: more recently started up, lots of staff turnover, still needs more time to become a good school if that is their goal.
Generally speaking, if you get one kid in, any siblings will take priority over another newcomer. So even if you don't get your second child into Compass right away, it'd be worth the gamble I think if you've got one a secure spot there.
You should try to negotiate that school fees for your children be included in the job contract for you or your husband (if not entirely than at least partially/ a lump sum amount). As you've found out, it's very pricey in Doha, and paying out of pocket means you're going to take a huge financial hit.
For what it is worth, I would avoid any place without a proven track record of several years. Many new schools have popped up in recent years to try and fill the void, but most are for-profit. Many have high turnover of staff, which is a red flag for any school (if your staff aren't happy, then the students can't be getting a solid education).
Good luck!