Welcome to Downe House Riyadh

For over 100 years, Downe House has nurtured girls from young children, through their teenage years and into adulthood. Our spectacular, school in Riyadh harnesses that heritage by offering a tailored education that combines the best of British with the tradition of, and respect for, the culture and language of Saudi Arabia.

Our all-female faculty preserves traditional values and provides a safe and caring environment for pupils between the ages of 2 and 18. We admit boys and girls in Pre-Prep and Lower Prep (ages 3-9) and girls only from Upper Prep and beyond (ages 9-18).

The Downe House DNA embraces and develops children through the core values of – Collaboration, Resilience, Creativity, Aspiration, Compassion, Communication and being Outward Looking.

We give our pupils every opportunity to develop these important skills and characteristics through all aspects of life at Downe House Riyadh. In the classroom, on the playing field, on the stage and everywhere in between, these core values are the hope, aim and challenge for every pupil. With the very best facilities of any girls’ school in Saudi Arabia, our children flourish, grow in confidence and thrive in a happy, caring community.

Join us and become a Downe House girl.

Downe House Family of Schools

Downe House Riyadh is proud to be part of the Downe House Family of Schools, sharing the rich heritage and academic excellence of Downe House UK, which has been educating and empowering young women since 1907. With a strong tradition of scholarship, leadership, and personal development, Downe House is one of the UK’s most esteemed independent schools.

In partnership with Downe House UK, we uphold the highest standards of British education, ensuring our students receive an exceptional learning experience that prepares them for success on a global stage. With expert teaching, an inspiring curriculum, and a shared vision, the Downe House Family of Schools continues to grow, delivering a world-class education enriched by a global perspective.

Unmatched Academic Success

At Downe House Riyadh, we are proud to uphold the prestigious legacy of Downe House UK, delivering an exceptional British education that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and holistic development ensures that every girl is equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and resilience to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

With a rigorous curriculum, outstanding teaching, and world-class facilities, we empower students to reach their full potential—both academically and beyond. At Downe House Riyadh, we don’t just prepare students for today; we nurture the trailblazers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.

Begin Your Daughter’s Downe House Journey

Join Downe House and secure a place at Riyadh’s premier British School.

The difference is Downe House

What does it mean to be a Downe House girl? The answer is in the key characteristics known as the Downe House DNA – Compassion, Collaboration, Resilience, Creativity, Aspiration, Communication, being Outward Looking and Digital Ready.

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Compassion

We foster kindness and empathy, encouraging our students to support and uplift those around them.

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Collaboration

Teamwork is at the heart of our learning approach, teaching girls to listen, share ideas, and achieve more together.

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Resilience

We instil perseverance, ensuring our students develop the strength to overcome challenges and thrive in any situation.

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Creativity

Innovation and imagination are celebrated, inspiring girls to think independently and express themselves confidently.

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Aspiration

Every Downe House girl is encouraged to dream big, set ambitious goals, and work towards excellence in all she does.

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Communication

We empower students with the skills to articulate their thoughts clearly, fostering confidence in speaking, writing, and presenting.

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Outward Looking

A global perspective is embedded in our curriculum, preparing students to embrace opportunities and make a difference in the wider world.

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Digital Ready

In an ever-evolving technological landscape, we ensure our students are equipped with the digital literacy and adaptability needed for the future.

A Warm Welcome from the Principal

As Head of School, I am proud to lead Downe House Riyadh, the first British international girls’ school in the Kingdom. Our approach nurtures the whole child, blending academic excellence with pastoral care and a rich co-curricular programme—including creative arts, sports, and personal development.

Rooted in the esteemed traditions of Downe House UK, we embrace both British educational values and the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia, integrating Arabic and Islamic Studies within our curriculum. At Downe House Riyadh, every girl is encouraged to discover her strengths, pursue her passions, and exceed her ambitions.

I warmly invite you to visit us and experience the exceptional opportunities we offer.

— Deborah Sharifi, Principal

Follow us on Social Media

Aspiration. Resilience. Excellence. 
It’s in our DNA. 

Congratulations to our girls on their outstanding IGCSE results!  Today, we celebrate not just the grades but the determination, hard work, and vision that made them possible. 

#IGCSE #GCSEResults #DowneHouseRiyadh #ExcellenceInEducation #FutureLeaders #GirlsWhoInspire #WorkingHardAimingHigh
🎉 You're Invited: DHR Open Day!
📅 Saturday, 30th August
🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Downe House Riyadh Campus

Join us for an exclusive Open Day at Downe House Riyadh — a unique opportunity to explore our vibrant campus, meet our exceptional faculty, and discover what makes our all-girls British curriculum school truly special.

✅ Tour our Early Years, Primary, and Secondary learning spaces
✅ Hear how we blend tradition with innovation
✅ Learn about our Sixth Form and specialised pathways
✅ Explore co-curriculars including equestrian, performing arts, and STEAM

🎓 Limited places available in select year groups for the 2025 academic year — don’t miss your chance to be part of a school where every girl is encouraged to work hard and aim high.

✨ Spaces are limited — register now via our website!
https://loom.ly/YiSYJCk

#OpenDay2025 #GirlsEducation #BritishCurriculum #AdmissionsOpen #DHRExperience #FutureReady
Congratulations to our incredible Class of 2025! Our students have passed their A-Level examinations, a testament to their dedication, resilience, and passion for learning.

At Downe House Riyadh, we believe in Working Hard and Aiming High — and today, our students have shown just what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. The first graduating class from DHR! Bravo!

Here’s to bright futures, bold dreams, and making your mark on the world.

#100PercentPass #ALevelResults #WorkingHardAimingHigh #GirlsEducation
🎉 Meet Ms. Jennifer Emslie – Our New Head of Sixth Form & PE Teacher!

We’re thrilled to welcome Ms. Jen Emslie to Downe House Riyadh this August! With a career that’s taken her from the UK to New Zealand, Doha, Sweden, and now Riyadh. Jennifer brings a truly global perspective and infectious energy to our Sixth Form and PE programmes. 

With a background in Sports Science and Education from the University of Exeter, Jennifer is passionate about student wellbeing, leadership, and creating memorable school experiences, whether it's a morning netball match, a Fika-style break, or organising fun events for the DHR community. 

When she’s not in the classroom or gym, you’ll find her coaching netball, singing classically, performing on stage, or tackling parkruns, and yes, even open-water swimming (though we agree, that might be tricky in Riyadh!).

Welcome to DHR, Jennifer we can’t wait for you to bring your spark to our Sixth Form and beyond!

#MeetTheMindsBehindDHR #HeadOfSixthForm #GirlsEducation #PEatDHR #EmpoweringYoungWomen
Meet the Minds Behind DHR | Faculty Feature Series

We’re delighted to welcome Emma Green to Downe House Riyadh as part of our growing Early Years team.

With over 14 years of experience working with children — from nursery settings to primary classrooms — Emma brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and dedication to nurturing confident, independent learners.

As both an educator and a mother, Emma understands the importance of every child feeling seen, supported, and inspired. She is passionate about creating a kind, inclusive, and engaging classroom where young minds are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and thrive. Throughout her career, Emma has remained focused on helping students grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence — values that align beautifully with our ethos at DHR.

Welcome to the community, Emma — we’re thrilled to have you join us on this exciting new journey! 

#DowneHouseRiyadh #MeetTheMindsBehindDHR #EarlyYearsEducation #WholeChildLearning #InclusiveClassroom #TeamDHR

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Downe House Riyadh

Admissions:+966 11 4666 749