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.
Compassion
We foster kindness and empathy, encouraging our students to support and uplift those around them.
Collaboration
Teamwork is at the heart of our learning approach, teaching girls to listen, share ideas, and achieve more together.
Resilience
We instil perseverance, ensuring our students develop the strength to overcome challenges and thrive in any situation.
Creativity
Innovation and imagination are celebrated, inspiring girls to think independently and express themselves confidently.
Aspiration
Every Downe House girl is encouraged to dream big, set ambitious goals, and work towards excellence in all she does.
Communication
We empower students with the skills to articulate their thoughts clearly, fostering confidence in speaking, writing, and presenting.
Outward Looking
A global perspective is embedded in our curriculum, preparing students to embrace opportunities and make a difference in the wider world.
Digital Ready
In an ever-evolving technological landscape, we ensure our students are equipped with the digital literacy and adaptability needed for the future.
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Meet the Minds Behind DHR | Faculty Feature Series
At Downe House Riyadh, our Early Years educators lay the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and joyful learning.
We’re thrilled to welcome Assia Itani to the team as an Early Years Teacher, bringing with her a passion for hands-on, child-led learning and a deep commitment to nurturing young minds.
Assia’s journey into education began with a sensory play business, where she championed creative, exploratory learning for little ones. She went on to work as a Teaching Assistant in Early Years and crèche at the British International School in Jeddah, before earning her PGCE in Primary Education, gaining valuable experience in Year 2 and Year 4 classrooms. Most recently, Assia taught Grade 2 in Riyadh, and now brings her experience, warmth, and energy to our DHR community.
She’s passionate about creating engaging, inclusive spaces where children feel safe, seen, and inspired to grow — and we’re so excited for our youngest learners to experience the magic she brings.
Welcome to DHR, Assia — we’re so glad you’re here!
#MeetTheMindsBehindDHR #EarlyYearsEducation #ChildLedLearning #RiyadhEducators
Meet the Minds Behind DHR | Faculty Feature Series
At Downe House Riyadh, we believe that great schools are built by great people — educators who lead with passion, precision, and purpose.
We’re delighted to welcome Michelle Robinson, our new Head of Mathematics, to the DHR community!
With over a decade of teaching experience across Key Stages 3–5, Michelle brings both depth and drive to her role. A proven leader, she is deeply committed to raising attainment at GCSE, developing meaningful curriculum, and delivering outstanding outcomes for every learner.
Michelle is known for the strong, supportive relationships she builds with students, parents, and colleagues — believing that a collaborative and positive team culture is at the heart of any thriving school.
Beyond the classroom, she’s passionate about student enrichment, having led Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, international trips, and student leadership programmes that help young people grow in confidence and character.
When she’s not solving equations, you’ll find her happiest outdoors — in a pair of muddy walking boots, hiking hills and exploring new places.
Welcome to DHR, Michelle — we’re thrilled to have you leading our Mathematics faculty and shaping the next chapter of academic excellence.
Meet the Minds Behind DHR | Faculty Feature Series
At Downe House Riyadh, our educators are the heartbeat of our community — inspiring, supporting, and shaping every child’s journey. We’re thrilled to kick off our "Meet the Minds Behind DHR" series by welcoming the wonderful Hayley Hill to our team!
Hayley joins us in Riyadh with her husband and two sons, Ralph and Rory — both excited to be part of the DHR family too. She brings deep expertise in Special Educational Needs (SEN), having started her journey as a Business & Economics teacher at Portsmouth Grammar School before specialising in SEN at Milton Abbey School and Reddam House. She also worked with the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity as a specialist assessor — championing young learners with care and compassion. Hayley is passionate about building confidence in every student and helping them thrive both academically and personally.
Welcome to the DHR community, Hayley!
#SENSupport #BritishEducation #RiyadhSchools #ConfidenceInLearning #NewBeginnings
📚✨ Throwback to a magical World Book Day at DHR! From Cinderella and Harry Potter to Tom & Jerry and so many more — our campus came alive with stories, sparkles, and imagination!
Events like these do more than bring books to life — they nurture a love for reading, fuel creativity, and help shape a growth mindset in every learner. 💡💬 Every costume, every page turned, and every smile was a step toward becoming curious, confident, and compassionate thinkers. 💫
🎥 “Every day, my boys come home with stories of what they explored, built, and discovered — and that tells me they’re in the right place.” – Mother of Aidan and Aaron 💬
In this video, Mother of Aidan and Aaron shares her family’s journey at Downe House Riyadh, where Early Years is all about personalized learning, inquiry through play, and giving every child the space to explore and be curious. 🌍🔍
Our teachers know that no two learners are the same — and that’s why our classrooms are full of questions, imagination, and joyful discovery. 🧠🎨
At DHR, we celebrate every ‘why,’ ‘what if,’ and ‘how’ — helping each child grow with confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for learning.
💡 See how curiosity comes to life at DHR.
#PersonalisedLearning #CuriousMinds #DowneHouseRiyadh #DHRDNA #InquiryAtPlay
📚✨ Summer School Tours: Because Every Decision Matters ✨📚
Choosing the right school for your precious child is one of the biggest decisions a parent will ever make. We know it’s not just about buildings—it’s about belonging, belief, and becoming.
That’s why, even during the quiet of summer, we bring our campus to life. From mock classrooms set up with student work, to displays showcasing the best of last year’s achievements—both academic and beyond—we ensure every family walks away with clarity, confidence, and connection.
When families walk through our doors, our sole purpose is to help them make informed, heartfelt decisions. Because school isn’t just a place—it’s a promise. 💫
🔔 Book your tour today and see the difference for yourself.
#SchoolTours #AdmissionsJourney #ParentExperience #LifeAtDHR
“When the foundations are strong, everything else flows — especially communication, confidence, and curiosity.” – Ms. Louise Kelbie, Head of Early Years at Downe House Riyadh 🌱
In this inspiring video, Ms. Louise shares how the Early Years programme at DHR sets the tone for a lifetime of learning. With a strong emphasis on clear communication, secure relationships, and purposeful play, young learners at DHR develop the habits that shape future success. 📚✨
She reflects on the joy of leading a dedicated team that nurtures resilience, independence, and a love of discovery — the very essence of lifelong learning.
Watch how Early Years at DHR is more than just a beginning — it`s a foundation for everything that follows. 💫
#StrongFoundations #LifelongLearningStartsHere #DowneHouseRiyadh #EYLeadershipInAction
downehouseriyadh
🎥 “At Downe House Riyadh, they don’t just teach — they care, they connect, and they build confidence.” – Mother of Mona 💙
In this touching video, Mother of Mona shares her experience as part of the DHR Early Years community — a place where every child is known, supported, and celebrated. From warm welcomes at drop-off to the thoughtful care of teachers and staff, her daughter Mona has blossomed into a confident, happy learner. 🌈✨
At DHR, we believe in working with our families. Our Early Years are rooted in collaboration, nurtured through resilience, fuelled by creativity, and shaped by an outward-looking approach — all part of the DHR DNA.
💬 Watch her story. Feel the difference.
#EarlyYearsWithHeart #DHRCommunity #ConfidenceStartsYoung #DHRDNA
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