Artemis Education: The Brennan Legacy

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Brennan family arrived in Qatar in 1990, bringing with them a passion for education that would leave a lasting impact on the country's academic landscape. Driven by her dedication to teaching and learning, Heather Brennan founded Park House English School with just 27 students in a 14-room villa. Over the next two decades, her commitment transformed Park House into a thriving institution that now serves over 1,500 students from 67 nationalities.
In an interview with Gulf Times, Heather Brennan and her son, Niall Brennan, shared insights into their remarkable educational journey.
Niall joined Park House English School in 2008 and became Chief Executive in 2011.
Niall secured and co-led the exit from Park House in 2016. In 2019, he founded Artemis Education, a dedicated school operator, which quickly expanded its footprint. By 2020, Artemis had established operations across multiple countries in Europe and the Middle East.
As the CEO of Artemis Education, Niall continues to uphold the family's educational legacy. He said:“We were born in Qatar, for Qatar. Artemis Education operates three schools here. While our instruction is in English, we have a deep-rooted understanding of Qatar's unique educational needs. What sets us apart from other international school operators is our holistic approach to education. It's not just about school hours from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM-we extend learning from 6am to 6 or even 8pm. We provide a complete education for the whole child.”
Discussing Qatar's evolving education sector, Niall added:“As the country grows and the Qatari population expands, there is an increasing demand for high-quality international education. We are meeting this demand by opening new schools-starting with one, and now operating three.”
On the subject of innovation, Niall highlighted Artemis Education's forward-thinking approach:“Education is increasingly intertwined with AI technology, robotics, and digital learning. However, at its core, education remains about human interaction-students learning from professional teachers in a secure environment. While we integrate cutting-edge advancements like maker spaces, virtual reality, and augmented reality, our foundation is rooted in traditional, high-quality education. We continuously future-proof our schools to stay ahead of industry changes.”
Regarding Artemis Education's expansion plans, he revealed:“We are growing in Europe and the GCC. This September, we will launch in Portugal, followed by Muscat, Oman, next year. In Qatar, we aim to open two additional schools within the next six to nine months, focusing on improving education quality while making it more accessible.”
Striking a balance between academic excellence and holistic development is a priority for Artemis Education.“You have to set clear expectations from the outset,” Niall explained.“Every person in the organisation - staff, parents, and students - must be aligned with this vision. It requires an immense, daily commitment. We are responsible for children's futures, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
Heather Brennan, a visionary educator, reflected on her early days in Qatar.“I arrived as a teacher looking for a job and was delighted to quickly secure a position at Doha College in 1990.” She opened Park House English School with just 27 students in a 14-room villa.
Recalling her educational journey, she shared,“It was a privilege and a joy every single day. We started with 27 students, and as demand grew, we had to expand. Eventually, the government required schools to move into purpose-built facilities. Designing and constructing our own school was another milestone. We moved into a state-of-the-art building, designed by renowned Italian architect Domingo Nigri, in just ten months. We started with 500 students, and each year, we enhanced the school's facilities and staff. It was an incredible journey.”
Discussing Qatar's evolving educational landscape, Heather remarked,“Doha expanded rapidly, and new schools emerged. Children educated here are incredibly fortunate, as most schools maintain high standards.” She praised Qatar's achievements in the education sector, stating,“The biggest milestones include Education City, the expansion of Qatar University, and the improved facilities available to students. Qatar has excelled in education, alongside its progress in many other sectors.”
Sharing her philosophy on teaching, Heather emphasized,“I always wanted every child in my class to reach their full potential. This requires strong communication between teachers, students, and parents. Education is a three-way partnership. When all three work together, the child is sure to succeed. That is the key to progress.”
The Brennan family's impact on education in Qatar continues through Artemis Education, ensuring future generations receive innovative, high-quality learning experiences tailored to the country's evolving needs.

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