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.

img
Compassion

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

img
Collaboration

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

img
Resilience

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

img
Creativity

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

img
Aspiration

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

img
Communication

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

img
Outward Looking

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

img
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 Head of School

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, Head of School

Follow us on Social Media

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
📖✨ At Downe House Riyadh, language and cultural understanding are not just subjects — they’re experiences that shape our students’ identities and worldviews.

Our Arabic Language curriculum is thoughtfully tailored for both native and non-native speakers, offering every learner a chance to build fluency, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the language. From storytelling and poetry to grammar games and real-life conversation practice, lessons are designed to be interactive, joyful, and academically rigorous.

🕌 In Islamic Studies, students go beyond memorization. They engage in meaningful discussions, explore values that guide daily life, and connect teachings to their personal growth — fostering both spiritual development and critical thinking.

🌍 Through Social Studies, students gain a rich understanding of the world around them — past and present. They ask big questions, engage with historical narratives, and explore cultural and civic identity, making each lesson both thought-provoking and relevant.

In every classroom, we aim to create a sense of purpose and joy in learning. Our goal is not only knowledge retention, but a lifelong connection to language, faith, and community.

#ArabicForAll #MeaningfulLearning #IslamicStudies #SocialStudies #GlobalCitizenship #LanguageAndCulture #DowneHouseRiyadh #DoingWellBeingWell #WorkingHardAimingHigh
☀️ That’s a wrap! School’s out for summer! 🎉

As we say goodbye (for now) and head into a well-deserved break, we just want to say THANK YOU for being part of our amazing Downe House Riyadh community this year 💜

Have the best summer ever — rest, recharge, make memories... and we’ll see you back on 27th August to kick off another incredible year together! 📚💫

#LastDayOfSchool #HelloSummer #DowneHouseRiyadh #SeeYouInAugust #SchoolBreakVibes #ThankYouFamilies #DHRCommunity #GirlsWhoThrive
✨ Wishing our DHR family a joyful and blessed Eid! ✨
May this season bring peace, happiness, and togetherness to all.
Eid Mubarak from all of us at Downe House Riyadh! 🌙💛
#EidMubarak #DowneHouseRiyadh #DHRCommunity #Eid2025

Latest News

Downe House Riyadh

Admissions:+966 11 4666 749