Hmm. The problems faced by parents when they try to find school places for their children seem to be getting worse, not better. I would recommend starting early and I would also suggest that you do not give up too easily, as some schools may tell you that there are no places and then, a week later, they hire an extra teacher and open an extra class.

How does anyone decided what is a "good" school? One that has charming and friendly teachers? One that has plenty of Islamic Studies and Arabic on the timetable? On that does not offer any Islamic Studies or Arabic, since they are not part of the British National Curriculum? One that has great facilities for sport? Music? Well, the answer may be some of these or all of them, but really it is all down to whether they will put you on the waiting list (some schools won't even do this!) and whether or not you can afford the fees. Then there is the little problem of the Doha traffic...