I have read that lots of schools in Doha say that they are full or even that there is no space on the waiting list, but does this really mean that they will be saying the same thing in September? If lots of parents put their children's names down for many different schools, then presumably there are going to be quite a few places available in September. I would be interested in reading about parents' experiences (and frustrations?) with regard to trying to find school places.

As a teacher, I think that it is a healthy thing when parents are able to make real choices about their chldren's education. However, if all of the schools say that they are full and have long waiting lists, any notion of "choice" for parents seems to be a mirage.