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

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At Downe House Riyadh, every student gets the chance to discover what excites them, every single day. Our Impact and Competency Pathways, or ICPs, are not just extra activities. They are part of the school day, shaping confidence, curiosity, and purpose.

From sports to academics to the arts, our students explore, experiment, and grow. They become Mad Scientists, try Medhal equestrian, take on Superhero Training, and tackle the Duke of Edinburgh programme. Along the way, they build leadership, resilience, and teamwork skills that last a lifetime.

The best part? They make friendships that go beyond the classroom. These connections become a network of support, encouragement, and shared growth, a foundation that carries them far into the future.

ICPs are where passions become purpose, where learning becomes a journey, and where students grow into confident, capable individuals ready to make their mark.

#StudentsWithPurpose #HolisticEducation #PassionMeetsPurpose #LifeSkills #FutureLeaders #STEMandArts #SportsAndLeadership
At Downe House Riyadh, learning goes beyond textbooks. Ms. Naomi Egan, Head of Primary and Early years sharing our vision and proposition.

Our Primary students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and solve problems creatively - preparing them for a world that’s changing faster than ever. 

Every child is cared for, valued, and safe, empowered to explore their curiosity and discover their unique voice. 

Because the future belongs to those who think differently. 

#DowneHouseRiyadh #BritishEducation #GirlsInEducation #FutureReady #InnovativeLearning #CuriosityDriven #ProblemSolving #PrimaryEducation
At Downe House Riyadh, care goes beyond the classroom -
Every student is seen, heard, and supported, not just academically, but personally and emotionally.

As Ms Nina Tank, our Deputy Head of Pastoral and Safeguarding Lead, beautifully shares: it’s a privilege to walk alongside each girl’s journey of growth and wellbeing. 

Every voice matters. Every child belongs.

#DowneHouseRiyadh #DoingWellBeingWell #GirlsEducation #WellbeingInAction #PastoralCare #EveryVoiceMatters
Where confidence finds its voice and talent takes center stage!

At Downe House Riyadh, every beat, every note, and every performance tells a story of Working Hard and Aiming High. From classroom melodies to show-stopping stage moments, our pupils aren’t just learning music, they’re living it! 🎤

And the excitement is building… 🎺
Join us for the Music Fair on Thursday, 16th October, where students, teachers, and our partners at @artickle.sa will bring the magic of music to life! Discover how private lessons, performances, and creative experiences empower our pupils to shine brighter every day. 

Could you see why every day at Downe House Riyadh feels like a standing ovation? 

#DowneHouseRiyadh #MusicFair #PerformingArts #StudentTalent #CreativityInAction #AimingHigh #BritishEducationInRiyadh #MusicMatters #ViralInspiration #ParentPride
Every meaningful experience at Downe House Riyadh begins with our teachers, the everyday heroes who make magic happen (no capes required!). 
From curating Parents in Partnership sessions to guiding every child’s journey with care and purpose, their dedication shines through in everything they do.
This Teacher Appreciation Day, we celebrate our incredible educators who champion connection, curiosity, and community. 
Thank you for inspiring not just our students, but our parents, too. One thoughtful conversation at a time.
Here’s to all the teachers at Downe House Riyadh and around the world, the real difference-makers! 

#TeacherAppreciationDay #DowneHouseRiyadh #DoingWellAndBeingWell #WorkingHardAndAimingHigh #EverydayHeroes #ThankATeacher #SchoolCommunity

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Downe House Riyadh

Admissions:+966 11 4666 749