British Curriculum
A World-Class British Education, Adapted to the Context of Saudi Arabia
At Downe House Riyadh, we provide a world-class British education, thoughtfully delivered within the context, culture and values of the Kingdom. 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). Combining the academic excellence of Downe House UK with a deep understanding of Saudi culture, we prepare students to succeed with confidence both locally and globally.
Our curriculum is built on the rigour of the UK framework and enriched by the educational philosophy of Downe House UK. Through a personalised approach, every student is encouraged to build on her strengths, explore her interests and fulfil her potential. Arabic Language and Islamic Studies are an integral part of our curriculum, ensuring students remain firmly connected to their heritage while developing a global outlook.
With a strong focus on achievement and progression, our curriculum prepares students for IGCSE, BTEC and A Level examinations in Year 11 and Year 13, opening clear routes to leading universities in Saudi Arabia and across the world. At every stage, students are equipped with the confidence, skills and ambition to succeed in higher education and beyond.
Nursery (Age 2 – 3 Years)
At Downe House Riyadh Nursery, we provide a warm, nurturing and inspiring start to your child’s educational journey.
As Riyadh’s only British international nursery, we offer a carefully designed early years’ experience where children learn through purposeful play, exploration and discovery. In a safe and caring environment, every child is encouraged to grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence. From the very beginning, we focus on building strong foundations for future learning, while nurturing the values that shape the Downe House experience: confidence, kindness, and a love of learning.
Our dedicated team supports each child as an individual, ensuring they feel secure, valued, and ready to take their next steps with confidence.
Pre-Prep (Pre-School –Year 2)
In Pre-Prep, our youngest learners follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, where purposeful, play-based learning inspires curiosity, communication and confidence. These early years are carefully designed to build the essential cognitive, social and emotional foundations that support future success.
Children develop early skills in literacy and numeracy through active, hands-on experiences that bring learning to life. They are encouraged to explore, question and make meaningful connections with the world around them.
In Year 1, students begin the Key Stage 1 curriculum, which nurtures creativity, independence and a love of learning. Through engaging and varied activities, children deepen their core skills in reading, writing and mathematics while discovering new subjects that broaden their understanding of the world.
Across Pre-Prep, every child is supported to grow in confidence, develop positive learning habits and take their first steps on a lifelong educational journey.
Years 3–6
In Prep School, learning becomes more structured and engaging, while remaining creative and inspiring. Our enhanced Key Stage 2 curriculum is designed to develop strong foundations across a broad range of subjects, with personalised challenge ensuring every student progresses at the right pace.
Girls are encouraged to explore new academic interests while strengthening the core skills in literacy, numeracy and critical thinking that prepare them for future success. This breadth of experience helps each girl build confidence and discover where her strengths and passions lie.
From Year 5, students are taught by subject specialists across an increasing range of lessons, with full specialist teaching in place by Year 6. This carefully designed transition supports independence, deeper subject understanding and readiness for the demands of Key Stage 3.
By the end of Prep School, students are confident, capable learners, well prepared to take the next step in their academic journey.
Years 7 and 8
In Years 7 and 8, students experience a broad and enriching curriculum designed to strengthen core academic skills while expanding intellectual curiosity and confidence.
Girls are encouraged to think independently, collaborate effectively, and apply creativity across all areas of learning as they explore new subjects and ideas in greater depth.
The programme is grounded in an enhanced UK Key Stage 3 curriculum, complemented by Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies, ensuring students remain connected to their culture and identity while developing a global perspective.
This stage provides both challenge and breadth, laying strong foundations for the IGCSE pathways in Year 9 and supporting students to make informed choices about their future academic journey.
Years 9-11
In Years 9 to 11, students begin their IGCSE journey, a key stage that combines academic rigour with increasing personal choice. These internationally recognised qualifications are externally assessed and reflect the high standards of the British education system.
Students are supported to select a broad and balanced range of subjects, guided by their form tutors and subject teachers. This ensures each pathway reflects individual strengths, interests and future aspirations, while maintaining academic breadth. All students study core subjects, including English, Mathematics and the Sciences, alongside a carefully considered selection of optional subjects. Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies remain an integral part of the curriculum, ensuring cultural continuity and depth.
This stage provides strong preparation for A Level or BTEC study in the Sixth Form, helping students develop the knowledge, confidence and clarity needed for future academic and career pathways.
Years 12 and 13
In Years 12 and 13, students enter a pivotal stage of their education, designed to prepare them not only for A Level or BTEC qualifications, but for life beyond Downe House Riyadh.
A Levels are internationally recognised qualifications that open doors to leading universities worldwide. Students typically study three subjects in depth, developing strong academic expertise and intellectual independence through a rigorous and focused programme.
BTEC qualifications offer a more applied, career-focused pathway, combining specialist study with practical, real-world learning. This approach supports progression to university and future professional routes, equipping students with industry-relevant skills and confidence.
Alongside their chosen academic pathways, students continue to study Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies, ensuring cultural understanding remains an integral part of their education.
With greater independence in their learning, Sixth Form students are encouraged to explore ideas in depth, extend their thinking beyond the classroom, and develop the academic maturity needed for success at university and beyond.
Curriculum Booklets
Explore our curriculum in greater detail through our dedicated phase booklets.
From Early Years through to Sixth Form, each guide provides a clear overview of subjects studied, teaching approaches, assessment frameworks and enrichment opportunities.
These booklets are designed to give parents a comprehensive understanding of what pupils learn at each stage of their journey and how we support academic progress, personal development and preparation for the next phase of education.
