Downe House Riyadh | A Leading British International School for Girls

Welcome to Downe House Riyadh

For more than 100 years, Downe House has empowered young women to achieve their ambitions with confidence, character and purpose. At Downe House Riyadh, we bring that exceptional heritage to the Kingdom, combining the best of British education with a deep respect for the culture, values and language of Saudi Arabia.

As the first premium British girls' school in Riyadh, we provide an environment where students are inspired to excel academically, develop as leaders and pursue pathways that reflect their individual strengths and aspirations.

Our all-female faculty creates a nurturing and inspiring environment where girls feel confident to participate, lead and excel. We welcome boys and girls in Pre-Prep and Lower Prep (ages 3 to 9), with girls continuing through Upper Prep, Senior School and Sixth Form (ages 9 to 18).

Our students are guided by the values that define the Downe House DNA - Collaboration, Resilience, Creativity, Aspiration, Compassion, Communication and being Outward Looking. These values are embedded throughout school life, shaping confident, capable young women who are prepared to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

From their earliest years through to graduation, our students benefit from an education that opens doors to both local and international opportunities. Every lesson, leadership opportunity, and co-curricular experience is designed to develop confidence, ambition, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Join a community where girls thrive, ambitions grow and futures take shape.

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Our Campus Transformation

Our campus transformation reflects a significant investment in our students and the future of premium British education in Saudi Arabia. New developments include an Arabic Centre of Excellence, enhancements to the Early Years Atrium, an outdoor creative play area, and a Secondary Library and Learning Centre.

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Downe House Family of Schools

Downe House Riyadh is proud to be part of the Downe House Family of Schools, building on more than 100 years of educational excellence. Rooted in the heritage of Downe House UK, we share a commitment to nurturing confident, ambitious young women who are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Through our close partnership with Downe House UK, students benefit from an exceptional British education enriched by a deep understanding of the culture, values and aspirations of Saudi Arabia. Combining academic excellence with personalised pathways and outstanding pastoral care, we empower every student to discover her strengths, pursue her ambitions and shape a future filled with possibility.

Unmatched Academic Success

At Downe House Riyadh, we bring the excellence of Downe House UK to the Kingdom, offering a premium British education designed specifically for girls.

Our students benefit from rigorous academic teaching, personalised guidance and a clear focus on future pathways, supporting progression to leading universities in Saudi Arabia and across the world. Every student is encouraged to build on her strengths and make confident, informed choices about her future.

Alongside academic excellence, we nurture confidence, character and leadership, empowering young women to grow into capable, ambitious and globally minded individuals.

Rooted in Saudi values and enriched by a global outlook, a Downe House education equips every girl to thrive and make a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.

Begin Your Daughter’s Downe House Journey

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

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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.

A Warm Welcome from the Principal

As Head of School, I am proud to lead Downe House Riyadh, the first premium British girls’ school in the Kingdom. Our commitment is to provide an outstanding education that combines academic excellence with exceptional pastoral care and a rich co-curricular programme, including creative arts, sport and personal development.

Rooted in the heritage of Downe House UK, we offer a rigorous British education enriched by Arabic and Islamic Studies, reflecting the culture, values and identity of Saudi Arabia. This balance ensures every student feels a strong sense of belonging while being fully prepared for a global future.

At Downe House Riyadh, every girl is supported to discover her strengths, develop her confidence and pursue clear, personalised pathways to future success.

I warmly invite you to visit our school and experience the spirit of Downe House Riyadh for yourself.

Deborah Sharifi, Principal

We asked our students and staff one simple question… and their answers say it all. From friendships and inspiring teachers to a community where every girl is encouraged to thrive, it’s the people who make DHR truly special.

What would your answer be?

#DownHouseRiyadh #InspiredToThrive #SchoolCommunity #GirlsEducation #LifeAtDHR

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We asked our students and staff one simple question… and their answers say it all. From friendships and inspiring teachers to a community where every girl is encouraged to thrive, it’s the people who make DHR truly special.

What would your answer be?

#DownHouseRiyadh #InspiredToThrive #SchoolCommunity #GirlsEducation #LifeAtDHR

A bright beginning starts here.

Our new Early Years Atrium is thoughtfully designed to inspire exploration, creativity and confidence. A welcoming space where our youngest students can discover, learn and thrive from the very start of their educational journey.

#DowneHouseRiyadh #EarlyYears #BritishEducation #RiyadhSchools

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A bright beginning starts here.

Our new Early Years Atrium is thoughtfully designed to inspire exploration, creativity and confidence. A welcoming space where our youngest students can discover, learn and thrive from the very start of their educational journey.

#DowneHouseRiyadh #EarlyYears #BritishEducation #RiyadhSchools

More than just a British telephone box, it became a magical time machine.

One moment, they were our youngest learners. The next, they were the Class of 2026.

A powerful reminder that every great journey starts with a single step.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

#DownHouseRiyadh #ClassOf2026 #BritishEducation #FutureBeginsHere #GraduationJourney

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More than just a British telephone box, it became a magical time machine.

One moment, they were our youngest learners. The next, they were the Class of 2026.

A powerful reminder that every great journey starts with a single step.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

#DownHouseRiyadh #ClassOf2026 #BritishEducation #FutureBeginsHere #GraduationJourney

Introducing our Arabic Centre of Excellence.

A dedicated space where girls will deepen their connection with the Arabic language, celebrate the rich heritage of the Kingdom and grow into confident, globally minded young women.

#DowneHouseRiyadh #ArabicCentreOfExcellence #BritishEducation #ArabicLanguage

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Introducing our Arabic Centre of Excellence.

A dedicated space where girls will deepen their connection with the Arabic language, celebrate the rich heritage of the Kingdom and grow into confident, globally minded young women.

#DowneHouseRiyadh #ArabicCentreOfExcellence #BritishEducation #ArabicLanguage

We are delighted to share that Downe House Riyadh has been recognised with the Edarabia Parents’ Choice Award.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the trust, experiences and recommendations of the families at the heart of our school community. Thank you to every parent who has chosen Downe House Riyadh and for your continued confidence and support.

This achievement belongs to our exceptional students, our dedicated teachers and staff, and the families who partner with us every step of the way. Together, we continue to nurture confident, compassionate young women who are inspired to fulfil their potential.

#DowneHouseRiyadh #Edarabia #ParentsChoiceAward #BritishEducation #GirlsEducation

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We are delighted to share that Downe House Riyadh has been recognised with the Edarabia Parents’ Choice Award.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the trust, experiences and recommendations of the families at the heart of our school community. Thank you to every parent who has chosen Downe House Riyadh and for your continued confidence and support.

This achievement belongs to our exceptional students, our dedicated teachers and staff, and the families who partner with us every step of the way. Together, we continue to nurture confident, compassionate young women who are inspired to fulfil their potential.

#DowneHouseRiyadh #Edarabia #ParentsChoiceAward #BritishEducation #GirlsEducation

As the school year comes to a close, our Principal, Deborah Sharifi, and members of our staff share their warmest wishes for a happy, restful, and well-deserved summer break.

Thank you to our students for a year filled with curiosity, resilience, and achievement. We look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting chapter.

#DownHouseRiyadh #BritishEducation #SchoolCommunity #SummerBreak #HomeOfCuriousMinds

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As the school year comes to a close, our Principal, Deborah Sharifi, and members of our staff share their warmest wishes for a happy, restful, and well-deserved summer break.

Thank you to our students for a year filled with curiosity, resilience, and achievement. We look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting chapter.

#DownHouseRiyadh #BritishEducation #SchoolCommunity #SummerBreak #HomeOfCuriousMinds

As one chapter comes to a close and another begins, our Principal and staff share their heartfelt wishes with the students who have made this year so memorable.

Whether you’re taking your next step beyond Down House Riyadh or preparing for an exciting new stage of your school journey, know that you leave with the encouragement, pride and support of an entire community.

We wish you every success in the exciting journey ahead.

#DownHouseRiyadh #BritishEducation #StudentJourney #SchoolCommunity #FutureReady

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As one chapter comes to a close and another begins, our Principal and staff share their heartfelt wishes with the students who have made this year so memorable.

Whether you’re taking your next step beyond Down House Riyadh or preparing for an exciting new stage of your school journey, know that you leave with the encouragement, pride and support of an entire community.

We wish you every success in the exciting journey ahead.

#DownHouseRiyadh #BritishEducation #StudentJourney #SchoolCommunity #FutureReady

A joyful start to the summer celebrations.

Our Early Years children welcomed the season with a fun-filled summer party, enjoying games, laughter, creative activities, and special moments with friends.

A wonderful way to celebrate the end of a fantastic year and create lasting memories before the summer break.

#DowneHouseRiyadh #EarlyYears #SummerCelebration #BritishEducation #SchoolLife

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A joyful start to the summer celebrations.

Our Early Years children welcomed the season with a fun-filled summer party, enjoying games, laughter, creative activities, and special moments with friends.

A wonderful way to celebrate the end of a fantastic year and create lasting memories before the summer break.

#DowneHouseRiyadh #EarlyYears #SummerCelebration #BritishEducation #SchoolLife

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