Downe House Muscat vs International School of Oman

	D Downe House Muscat Muscat, Oman	I International School of Oman Muscat, Oman
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year OMR 3,470 - 7,500	Fees / year OMR 2,631 - 4,647
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Omani Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 99	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Downe House Muscat is located in Al Bandar, Muscat, Oman. The campus is purpose-built in the western part of Muscat and includes a Performing Arts Centre, a STEM Centre, an Art and Design Centre and a Sports Academy. It opened in September 2022 as Oman's first premium British all-girls school and operates under a franchise agreement with the Oman Ministry of Defence Pension Fund.	Location ISO is located in Muscat, Oman. The campus moved to a brand-new site in the Bawsher district in September 2021, relocating from an earlier site in Madinat Al Ilam. The school serves families across the Muscat Governorate and is accessible by road within the metropolitan area.
Stages	Stages As of the 2025–26 academic year, Downe House Muscat operates KG1–KG2 and Grades 1–12. KG1 and KG2 were introduced in 2025 to provide pre-school and Reception; these early years are planned to be co-educational from August 2025, while the senior grades remain girls-only. The curriculum combines the Cambridge International Curriculum (CIC) for IGCSE and A Levels with the Omani MOE requirements for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies.	Stages ISO offers a full K–12 program: KG1 and KG2, then Grades 1–6, Grades 7–8, Grades 9–10 (Cambridge IGCSE), and Grades 11–12 (Cambridge International AS/A level and Oman Bilingual GDE).
School type	School type Downe House Muscat is a British international school for girls. From 2025, KG1 and KG2 will be co-educational, while Grades 1–12 remain girls-only. The school forms part of the Downe House family of schools and operates in Oman under Cognita.	School type International day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Downe House Muscat has a multi-national student body. The largest local representation is Omani, with international students making up a substantial portion as well; overall, about 70% local and 30% international students are reported.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Learning Support. EAL includes group and one-to-one tuition with progress monitored, and Learning Support provides Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with mild to moderate SEN, with targeted, small-group or one-to-one interventions.	Additional learning support Learning Support is provided, including AL (additional learning) classes for targeted support. Pastoral care and access to a school psychologist are part of the welfare provisions.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is stated; the school is a British international school operating in Oman and is part of the Downe House family and Cognita network.	Country affiliation No single country affiliation is listed. The school funds multiple curricula, including American, British, and Omani programs.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation is stated by the school.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated. Islamic studies are offered as part of the Grade 7–8 curriculum within the Oman-based components.
School day structure	School day structure KG1–KG2 start with arrivals at 7:15am, 7:30am registration, with after-school activities from 2:00pm and collection by 3:45pm. Grades 1–2 follow a similar pattern with after-school activities ending around 3:00pm and collection at 3:45pm. Grades 3–12 begin around 7:15am with a 7:30am Community Time, then after-school activities to 3:00pm and collection at 3:45pm.	School day structure School starts at 8:00 AM. KG1–KG2 finish at 1:30 PM; Grades 1–12 finish at 3:05 PM.
Bus service details	Bus service details A dedicated school bus service is not publicly advertised. Families typically arrange transport. Muscat's public bus system (Mwasalat) is limited, and taxis are commonly used; consider private transport arrangements and local routes when planning visits or daily commutes.	Bus service details ISO provides transportation to select zones within the Muscat Governorate.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application, Assessment & Deposit - Application fee: OMR 150 (one-off, non-refundable). - Assessment fee: OMR 200 (applies to every applicant; refundable only if a place is not offered). - Place-holding deposit: a non‑refundable deposit equal to 40% of the first term's fees is required to secure an offered place; this deposit is deducted from the first term's fees and must be paid within the school's stated timeframe. Tuition fees (per term and total by year group) - KG 1: Term 1 OMR 1,388; Term 2 OMR 1,388; Term 3 OMR 694; Total OMR 3,470. (Founding offer shown in parentheses: OMR 1,040 / OMR 1,040 / OMR 520 = OMR 2,600 for 2025-26 only). - KG 2: Term 1 OMR 1,600; Term 2 OMR 1,600; Term 3 OMR 800; Total OMR 4,000. (Founding offer shown in parentheses: OMR 1,200 / OMR 1,200 / OMR 600 = OMR 3,000 for 2025-26 only). - Grade 1: Term 1 OMR 1,900; Term 2 OMR 1,900; Term 3 OMR 950; Total OMR 4,750. - Grade 2: Term 1 OMR 1,900; Term 2 OMR 1,900; Term 3 OMR 950; Total OMR 4,750. - Grade 3: Term 1 OMR 1,900; Term 2 OMR 1,900; Term 3 OMR 950; Total OMR 4,750. - Grade 4: Term 1 OMR 2,100; Term 2 OMR 2,100; Term 3 OMR 1,050; Total OMR 5,250. - Grade 5: Term 1 OMR 2,100; Term 2 OMR 2,100; Term 3 OMR 1,050; Total OMR 5,250. - Grade 6: Term 1 OMR 2,300; Term 2 OMR 2,300; Term 3 OMR 1,150; Total OMR 5,750. - Grade 7: Term 1 OMR 2,320; Term 2 OMR 2,320; Term 3 OMR 1,160; Total OMR 5,800. - Grade 8: Term 1 OMR 2,500; Term 2 OMR 2,500; Term 3 OMR 1,250; Total OMR 6,250. - Grade 9: Term 1 OMR 2,600; Term 2 OMR 2,600; Term 3 OMR 1,300; Total OMR 6,500. - Grade 10: Term 1 OMR 2,600; Term 2 OMR 2,600; Term 3 OMR 1,300; Total OMR 6,500. - Grade 11: Term 1 OMR 3,000; Term 2 OMR 3,000; Term 3 OMR 1,500; Total OMR 7,500. - Grade 12: Term 1 OMR 3,000; Term 2 OMR 3,000; Term 3 OMR 1,500; Total OMR 7,500. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing cycle: tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments, each payable in advance of the corresponding term. - Re-enrolment and instalment timing: the school sets re-enrolment and installment deadlines in line with its published schedule; parents are required to meet the stated deadlines for re-enrolment fees and the first-term payment by the school's published dates. - Early‑payment discount: a 5% tuition discount is available for families who pay the full year's fees in a single payment at acceptance. This discount is applicable only when payment is made by bank transfer, cheque, or cash. - Sibling discount: a 5% discount is available for the third and subsequent child enrolled; this discount is only applicable if payment is made by bank transfer, cheque, or cash. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed; the published fee information identifies tuition and associated day‑school costs but does not include boarding charges. Parents should note there is no separate boarding fee schedule provided. Other costs and fees - Items not included in tuition: school lunches, transportation, educational trips, and extracurricular activities provided by external providers are charged in addition to tuition. These items will incur separate charges. - Uniform: the school requires a uniform and uniform costs are additional (uniform pricing is not itemised on the published fee schedule). - Additional optional or variable charges: fees for specific educational trips, some extracurricular programmes run by external providers, equipment, and individual exam fees (where applicable) are charged separately and are not included in the tuition totals. Refund information - Refunds are processed in accordance with Ministry of Education regulations. Tuition refunds are subject to specific conditions and timelines with deductions based on the length of enrolment. Deposits are non‑refundable except in exceptional cases. Fee payment options - Payment methods referenced for discounts and sibling offers: bank transfer, cheque, or cash. Credit card acceptance or other electronic payment methods are not specified in the published fee summary. Parents should use the payment methods specified by the school when claiming the discount or sibling relief.	Fee details Application and one-time charges - New student registration fee: OMR 100.000. - New student consumables fee: OMR 150.000. - New student development fee: OMR 150.000. - Returning student consumables fee: OMR 150.000. - Returning student development fee: OMR 150.000. . Tuition fees — annual and payment instalments by year group - Kindergarten I: Annual OMR 2,587.000 — 1st payment OMR 565.000; 2nd payment OMR 565.000; 3rd payment OMR 728.000; 4th payment OMR 729.000. - Kindergarten II: Annual OMR 2,587.000 — 1st payment OMR 565.000; 2nd payment OMR 565.000; 3rd payment OMR 728.000; 4th payment OMR 729.000. - Grade 1: Annual OMR 3,271.000 — 1st payment OMR 690.000; 2nd payment OMR 690.000; 3rd payment OMR 945.000; 4th payment OMR 946.000. - Grade 2: Annual OMR 3,271.000 — 1st payment OMR 690.000; 2nd payment OMR 690.000; 3rd payment OMR 945.000; 4th payment OMR 946.000. - Grade 3: Annual OMR 3,271.000 — 1st payment OMR 690.000; 2nd payment OMR 690.000; 3rd payment OMR 945.000; 4th payment OMR 946.000. - Grade 4: Annual OMR 3,581.000 — 1st payment OMR 765.000; 2nd payment OMR 765.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,020.000; 4th payment OMR 1,031.000. - Grade 5: Annual OMR 3,581.000 — 1st payment OMR 765.000; 2nd payment OMR 765.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,020.000; 4th payment OMR 1,031.000. - Grade 6: Annual OMR 3,581.000 — 1st payment OMR 765.000; 2nd payment OMR 765.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,020.000; 4th payment OMR 1,031.000. - Grade 7: Annual OMR 4,141.000 — 1st payment OMR 870.000; 2nd payment OMR 870.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,200.000; 4th payment OMR 1,201.000. - Grade 8: Annual OMR 4,141.000 — 1st payment OMR 870.000; 2nd payment OMR 870.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,200.000; 4th payment OMR 1,201.000. - Grade 9: Annual OMR 4,141.000 — 1st payment OMR 870.000; 2nd payment OMR 870.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,200.000; 4th payment OMR 1,201.000. - Grade 10: Annual OMR 4,303.000 — 1st payment OMR 920.000; 2nd payment OMR 920.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,230.000; 4th payment OMR 1,233.000. - Grade 11: Annual OMR 4,564.000 — 1st payment OMR 970.000; 2nd payment OMR 970.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,300.000; 4th payment OMR 1,307.000. - Grade 12: Annual OMR 4,564.000 — 1st payment OMR 970.000; 2nd payment OMR 970.000; 3rd payment OMR 1,300.000; 4th payment OMR 1,307.000. . Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in four instalments. Due dates for the instalments are: 1st instalment due before April 9, 2026; 2nd instalment due before June 4, 2026; 3rd instalment due before August 27, 2026; 4th instalment due before December 3, 2026. - Parents sign a financial contract (guarantee form) and pay the required portion of annual fees at the accounts office as part of the registration process. - Instalment amounts for each grade are listed above; books, uniform and lunch are charged in addition to the tuition instalments. . Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed; boarding is not included in the published fee schedule. . Other costs and optional charges - Books, uniform and school lunch are additional to the tuition amounts and are charged separately. - Transportation (school bus) is charged in addition and varies by location. - Accelerated Learning Classes (charged per term): Grade 2 OMR 350; Grade 3 to Grade 4 OMR 400; Grade 5 to Grade 6 OMR 500. - Any additional activities, exam fees or optional services are charged separately if applicable; those items are not detailed in the published fee schedule. . Refund information - No refund policy or refund amounts are specified in the published fee schedule. . Fee payment options and contacts - The school requires payment through its accounts office as part of the registration/acceptance process; specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, cheque or card) are not specified in the published fee materials. - School contact for accounts and admissions: Tel +968 22455400; Email officemanager@isooman.com. .
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school requires all students to wear the official uniform, which can only be purchased at the school shop. Official school sportswear and sports shoes are mandatory during PE classes. Boys in grades 5 and above may wear a dishdasha.
Food options	Food options Healthy food choices are promoted under the Cognita Be Well Charter.	Food options There is a well-equipped cafeteria offering a diverse selection of healthy and nutritious meals. It caters to dietary preferences and cultural tastes. The cafeteria staff emphasizes food safety and hygiene.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Downe House Muscat is part of the Cognita family of Schools.	Governance and ownership The International School of Oman is operated under the management of EDUGATES International since its founding in 2008. Ownership details are not publicly disclosed on the site.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Downe House Muscat is an all-girls British international school in Muscat that offers the Cambridge International Curriculum (CIC) alongside the Oman Ministry of Education curriculum for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. All teaching staff hold UK-recognised qualifications and deliver specialist subjects in an extended day to support a broad co-curricular program. The CIC pathway prepares students for IGCSE and Cambridge International A Levels, with IGCSE typically pursued in the later middle years and A Levels in the Sixth Form. In addition to CIC, Omani General Education Diploma (GED) is available as an alternative credential. The campus features a Performing Arts Centre, STEM Centre, Art and Design Centre, and a Sports Academy. The school serves ages 5–18 years.	Curriculum details The International School of Oman offers a staged curriculum from early years to upper secondary, with Cambridge IGCSE for Grades 9–10 and Cambridge International AS and A Levels for Grades 11–12, alongside the Oman Bilingual GDE (Thanawiyah Amma). The early years feature KG1 with Jolly Phonics for literacy, while KG2 through Grade 6 cover core subjects including Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Grade 7–8 comprises subject blocks including Math, English and Global Perspective, Science and Computing, Arabic, Social Studies & Islamic, and Art & Design. Grades 9–10 adopt the Cambridge IGCSE framework with compulsory subjects English, Mathematics, and Arabic or French; Omani nationals also study Islamic and Arabic Social Studies, with five elective subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Management, Business Studies, Economics, History, ICT, Art & Design, and Physical Education, with examinations held at the end of Grade 10. Grades 11–12 provide Cambridge International AS and A Levels alongside the Oman bilingual GDE (Thanawiyah Amma). The school also offers other programs including sports, learning support, pastoral care and safeguarding.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Downe House Muscat supports social and emotional learning through a comprehensive pastoral care framework. Dedicated teachers provide personalised care to guide each girl through her learning journey, helping her develop resilience and adaptability. Wellbeing is the foundation of learning, and every pupil is known, valued, and supported to reach her full potential. The Cognita Be Well Charter guides the school's wellbeing approach, promoting healthy choices and social engagement across the community. The Finding Balance programme, including regular yoga sessions, mindfulness coaching and meditation, supports balance in boarding life.	Social & emotional learning 1) Social and emotional learning (SEL): ISO supports SEL through its Student Life structure, notably the Student Society which engages students in activities that promote social and emotional development, leadership, teamwork, and positive attitudes. 2) After-school clubs extend SEL by offering diverse clubs that foster belonging, collaboration, and personal growth. 3) Pastoral care is highlighted as a mechanism to safeguard and support students' social and emotional well-being within a secure, nurturing environment. 4) The overall approach to student welfare emphasizes social and emotional development as part of a well-rounded education. 5) These elements reflect a holistic emphasis on SEL across both curricular and extracurricular activities.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Downe House Muscat provides a dedicated Learning Support Department offering support for mild to moderate Special Educational Needs (SEN). Every pupil requiring learning support has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), with specialist staff working closely with classroom teachers to integrate the plans into lessons. The school also offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme alongside Learning Support to help access the curriculum. Learning Support provisions include group or one-to-one lessons when needed. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding whether it is a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) 1) ISO provides Learning Support as part of its Other Programs, including remedial instruction, accelerated learning, and differentiation within regular classes to assist learners with gaps or language needs. 2) The Learning Support description notes that support often addresses English proficiency and students who may be behind, indicating language-related learning support. 3) There is no explicit listing of a dedicated SEN department or specialist SEN facility; SEN support appears to be provided through Learning Support within the regular program. 4) Pastoral Care also supports students' social and personal growth, contributing to a holistic approach for learners with additional needs. 5) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding operating a dedicated specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Downe House Muscat provides comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. The EAL provision includes group sessions, one-to-one tuition, and access to online resources and mentoring. Students receiving EAL support are regularly assessed to monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed. EAL support may be identified at admission or as a student progresses through the school. There are additional charges for specialist EAL tuition.	English as an additional language 1) EAL is not described as a separate, stand-alone program on ISO's site; English-language needs are addressed within Learning Support, which offers remedial and accelerated learning to support students with language proficiency gaps. 2) The Learning Support description notes differentiation within regular classes to assist learners, including those with language challenges. 3) This suggests that language-related support is integrated within Learning Support rather than a distinct EAL unit. 4) The curriculum and student-welfare emphasis indicate language development as part of the broader well-rounded education. 5) Therefore, ISO's publicly disclosed information indicates language support is accommodated within Learning Support rather than via a separate EAL program.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Downe House Muscat prioritises mental wellbeing through the Cognita Be Well Charter, guiding wellbeing across the school. The wellbeing program 'Finding Balance' includes a structured approach to balance for boarding life. Regular yoga sessions, mindfulness coaching, and meditation are key components of Finding Balance. Pastoral care focuses on nurturing happy, resilient, and adaptable learners with dedicated teachers providing personalised care. Wellbeing is described as central to learning, with an aim to enable students to reach their full potential.	Mental wellbeing 1) Mental wellbeing is supported through the school's pastoral care framework, which centers on social and personal growth and fostering a nurturing environment. 2) Student Life emphasizes social-emotional development and a sense of belonging, including leadership opportunities and community-building activities. 3) After-school clubs and Student Society involvement provide forums for collaboration, resilience, and emotional regulation in a social context. 4) The school's described approach to welfare and safeguarding reinforces attention to students' mental wellbeing as part of a holistic education. 5) These elements collectively indicate a structured focus on students' mental wellbeing across pastoral care, student life, and extracurricular activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Downe House Muscat has safeguarding measures to promote welfare and provide a safe environment. Safeguarding principles require all staff to understand categories of abuse and to act in the best interests of the child. The safeguarding framework includes universal responsibilities, empowering staff to protect children and to know the children well. All adults who work with the school are expected to be safe to do so. The safeguarding framework is applied across Cognita schools.	Safeguarding 1) Safeguarding is explicitly addressed as part of ISO's program offerings, with a formal commitment to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere and monitoring students at risk. 2) The safeguarding framework includes a systematic approach to support and protect students, and to help them express concerns and stay safe. 3) The curriculum includes tools for students to raise concerns, contributing to ongoing protection and awareness. 4) Pastoral care supports safeguarding by reinforcing healthy relationships and student safety within the school community. 5) A safeguarding-focus is publicly integrated into the school's programs alongside pastoral care and student life.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Downe House Muscat is housed on a purpose-built campus in Al Bandar, Muscat, opened in September 2022. The Muscat campus consists of four interconnected buildings providing state-of-the-art teaching facilities. The facilities include a Performing Arts Centre with a theatre as its centrepiece, a STEM Centre, an Art and Design Centre, and a Sports Academy. The campus supports the Cambridge International Curriculum with an extended day to support co-curricular activities.	Facilities overview ISO relocated to a brand-new campus in Bawsher in September 2021. The campus features modern, well-lit classrooms equipped with interactive smart boards. It houses science and ICT labs, a large library, a 250-seat auditorium, a cafeteria, and a clinic. The facilities include a full sports complex with a gym, outdoor football field, basketball and volleyball courts, and two temperature-controlled swimming pools. The arts and music spaces support creativity and performance.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus includes a dedicated Sports Academy that anchors the school's physical education and sports programmes. There are additional sports facilities noted, including a six-lane 25m swimming pool, a double-sized indoor sports hall, a dance studio, a full-size hockey pitch, seven-a-side football pitch, and courts for netball, basketball, badminton, volleyball and tennis.	Sports facilities The sports complex includes a full-size gymnasium, an outdoor football field, basketball and volleyball courts, and two temperature-controlled swimming pools.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities STEM Centre and Art and Design Centre provide dedicated spaces for science, technology, engineering, arts and design. These facilities are housed within the four interconnected buildings that comprise the Muscat campus.	Academic facilities Modern classrooms are spacious and equipped with interactive smart boards. Science and ICT labs provide hands-on opportunities for exploration. The library offers a broad collection and quiet reading spaces. The auditorium hosts presentations and events. The school uses Cambridge IGCSE for Grades 9-10 and Cambridge AS/A Level for Grades 11-12, alongside the Oman Bilingual General Education Diploma (GDE). KG1 uses Jolly Phonics.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular opportunities include sport, music, performing arts, dance and creative arts, supported by the school's co-curriculum offerings.	Extra curricular facilities ISO offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs. Arts and music spaces support creativity and performance. Participation in extracurricular activities develops teamwork, communication, and a sense of community.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Downe House Muscat opened in September 2022 as the first Downe House international campus and the first British all-girls school in Oman. The campus is purpose-built in Al Bandar, Muscat, and houses a Performing Arts Centre, a STEM Centre, an Art and Design Centre and a Sports Academy. It operates under a franchise agreement with the Oman Ministry of Defence Pension Fund. Downe House International (DHI) was established in 2015 to manage international partnerships for Downe House, including the Oman campus.	History The International School of Oman (ISO) opened in September 2008 under the management of EDUGATES® International. It initially served Kindergarten to Grade 7 and expanded to Grade 12 in the 2013-2014 academic year. The school began at a temporary campus in Madinat Al Ilam and relocated in September 2021 to a new, purpose-built campus in Bawsher. ISO originally offered an American curriculum and shifted in 2013-2014 to the Omani Bilingual General Education Diploma, followed by the Cambridge IGCSE, AS, and A Level syllabi in 2014-2015. The school celebrated the graduation of its 10th senior cohort.
Community	Community Downe House Muscat sits within a global Downe House community that links Oman with sister campuses in the UK and other international sites. The campus is equipped for performing arts and cultural activities, including a 400-seat theatre, arts studios and dedicated spaces for music and drama. Public reports show student participation in community events such as the T Quiz League, illustrating active engagement with local schools and involvement in competitions. The Downe House Society provides a framework for alumni, parents and staff to connect through social and professional activities across the global Downe House network.	Community ISO's learning community emphasizes a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students. The school maintains regular parent and student communications through a dedicated portal that shares notices, calendars, and updates. ISO supports co-curricular and cultural activities, including events such as winter concerts and science fairs listed in official communications. These components reflect a commitment to holistic development and community belonging.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Publicly available information describes parent engagement at Downe House Muscat as integrated into pastoral care and cocurricular programs rather than through a dedicated PTA. The Downe House Society functions as the global alumni network and includes current and former parents in its membership. The Downe House Society offers social and professional activities for its members, and its community numbers over 4,000 individuals including pupils, alumnae and parents. Alumni and parent events are organized through the Society, providing networking, mentorship and social engagement opportunities. Public information also notes cross-campus programs and internships that involve families and students, reflecting ongoing parent and family involvement in the Downe House network. Cocurricular and pastoral programs at Downe House Muscat support family engagement as part of the broader Downe House community.	Parent teacher association Public information about a formal PTA at ISO Oman is not published on public pages. Parent communications are organized through the internal ISO Oman portal, which provides notices, calendars, and parent circulars. The portal lists events and milestones such as Winter Concerts and Science Fairs. Public documentation does not specify PTA committees, leadership roles, or scheduled PTA activities. If you want official PTA details, I can help you request them from ISO Oman or check for any publicly released governance documents.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Enrichment at Downe House Muscat extends learning beyond the classroom through a rich programme of activities, clubs, and opportunities within an extended school day. The programme includes lectures, workshops, master-classes, debates, trips, and cultural days that broaden intellectual horizons. These activities support emotional and social development as part of a holistic education.	Academic & intellectual ISO serves students from KG1 through Grade 12. The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum is offered for Grades 9-10, while Grades 11-12 provide Cambridge International AS and A-levels, alongside the Oman Bilingual General Education Diploma (GDE/Thanawiyah Amma). KG1 uses Jolly Phonics as part of early literacy. In Grades 7-8 Arabic, Social Studies and Islamic are core subjects.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art, music, and drama are central to the creative offering. Art facilities include painting and ceramics studios, a kiln room, a photography studio, and a jewellery and product design lab, enabling hands-on creative work. Music opportunities include private lessons, ensembles, concerts, and a recording studio within a 450-seat theatre and a dedicated music academy with practice rooms. Drama develops communication and confidence, with a Performing Arts Centre and private lessons in music, dance, speech, and drama.	Arts & creative ISO provides arts and music education and has facilities for arts and performances, including an auditorium. The campus includes dedicated arts spaces and a 250-seat auditorium for performances. After-School Clubs include drama and choir, as well as other activities such as chess, taekwondo, coding, and creative writing.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Enrichment includes cultural days that broaden students' intercultural understanding. The programme encourages engagement with the local Muscat and Seeb communities through projects and charity work. These activities complement the curriculum and help students develop a global perspective.	Cultural & language ISO follows the Omani Bilingual General Education Diploma curriculum (GDE) since 2013-2014, reflecting bilingual education. In Grades 7-8, Arabic, Social Studies and Islamic are taught as core subjects. The Cambridge program (IGCSE for Grades 9-10 and AS/A-level for Grades 11-12) uses English-language instruction. Placement in English, Math and Arabic is assessed via placement tests during admissions.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports form a central part of life at Downe House Muscat, supported by a Sport for All ethos that promotes lifelong physical fitness. The campus features a six-lane 25m pool, a double-sized sports hall, a dance studio, full-size hockey and primary football pitches, and nets for netball, basketball, and tennis. A range of sports is offered for all ages, including hockey, netball, basketball, cricket, football, cycling, tennis, swimming, sailing and athletics.	Social & hobbies The Student Society has student leaders and committees covering areas such as academics, discipline, management, social responsibility, and events. The Student Life Organization runs after-school clubs for grades 1 to 12, including drama, chess, choir, taekwondo, coding, and creative writing. Participation in clubs fosters teamwork, leadership and community involvement.
Community & service	Community & service Enrichment includes opportunities to support the Muscat and Seeb communities through projects and charity work. Students are encouraged to contribute to community life as part of their personal development. These activities foster social responsibility and civic engagement.	Community & service Student Society includes committees focused on social responsibility. Pastoral Care supports students' social and personal growth, and safeguarding policies monitor well-being and provide protection. The school emphasizes community values and safe, inclusive environments.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership and professional development are supported through enrichment activities such as debates, lectures, workshops, and master-classes. Trips and cultural days provide real-world contexts for developing confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving. These experiences prepare students for future study, careers, and leadership roles.	Leadership & professional Student leadership is fostered through the Student Society, with committees led by student presidents, vice presidents and prefects. Committees cover academics, discipline, events and social responsibility. The school is led by a Director and Deputy Director, with an administrative team supporting admissions, student life, and other functions.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport supports wellbeing through a Sport for All ethos that promotes lifelong physical fitness. Facilities include a six-lane pool, a double-sized sports hall, a dance studio, hockey and football pitches, and extensive netball, basketball, and tennis courts. The extracurricular programme also supports emotional and social development through arts, drama, music, and community activities.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school prioritizes welfare and safety with pastoral care and safeguarding. A campus clinic provides health services. The sports complex includes a gym, outdoor field, basketball and volleyball courts, and two temperature-controlled swimming pools. An auditorium hosts performances and events, contributing to students' physical and cultural wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Arabic is taught as part of the core curriculum, with Arabic Language and Islamic Studies integrated. Specialist Arabic teaching is provided in Lower & Middle Junior School. In Grades 7 and 8, students study Arabic within the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework alongside Islamic Studies and Social Studies. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native English speakers with group sessions and one-to-one tuition, and a Learning Support Department provides Individual Education Plans for students needing additional help.	Language provision Grades 9–10 use the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum with compulsory subjects including English, Mathematics, and Arabic or French; Omani Nationals must also study Islamic and Arabic Social Studies. Grades 11–12 offer Cambridge International AS and A Level or Oman Bilingual GDE (Thanawiyah Amma). All subjects in Grades 11–12 are studied in English, except Arabic, Islamic and Social Studies. In Grades 7–8, Cambridge Lower Secondary English is taught as part of the program, with Arabic, Social Studies and Islamic Studies following the MOE curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Oman Bilingual GDE (Thanawiyah Amma) is offered for Grades 11-12; all subjects are studied in English, with Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies included as part of MOE requirements.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Make an Enquiry: Connect with our Admissions Team, who are dedicated to providing a personalised and seamless experience. They will reach out to understand your needs and guide you through the next steps toward joining Downe House Muscat. With limited availability in some year groups, families are encouraged to begin the process early to secure a place. This initial contact helps tailor the process to your family's circumstances. 2. Visit Downe House Muscat: Experience Downe House Muscat firsthand with a personalised campus tour. Explore our world-class facilities and meet our Leadership Team. Our Admissions Team offers daily tours at convenient times, giving you the opportunity to discover the exceptional learning environment and welcoming community that set us apart. Tours can be arranged to suit your schedule. 3. Submit your application: Complete our online application form and upload the required supporting documents to take the next step toward joining Downe House Muscat. The Admissions Team will review the submission and guide you through the next steps toward assessment. You will receive confirmation of receipt and information about the upcoming assessment by email. 4. Assessment & Offer: After submitting your application, we'll schedule an assessment date and keep you informed by email. If you're applying from overseas, a remote assessment can be arranged. You'll receive the results within a few days. 5. Secure your place: To confirm your child's place, accept the enrolment offer, submit the required documents, and complete the enrolment fee within the given timeframe. We look forward to welcoming you to the Downe House Muscat community. This final step completes enrollment and secures your place in Oman's leading British girls' school.	Admissions The International School of Oman (ISO) opened in 2008. In September 2021 ISO relocated to a brand-new campus in Bawsher. The address is Bosher, Al Maha Street, Way No. 257, Building No. 1-21.
Scholarships	Scholarships 1. Celebrating Talent and Potential: At Downe House Muscat, we believe in recognising and nurturing exceptional talent. Our Scholarships Programme is designed to support students who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential in key areas of school life. Scholars are not only high achievers but also role models, setting the standard for excellence and inspiring their peers. 2. Scholarships are awarded in academics, sports, the arts, and leadership. Scholars receive mentoring, enrichment opportunities, and resources to help them excel. In return, they are expected to contribute actively to school life with dedication and a drive for continuous improvement. 3. How to Apply: Scholarships involve an application, interviews with members of the school's Senior Leadership Team, evaluation of previous school reports and accolades, and awards in a student's field of expertise. This is a prestigious opportunity for students eager to push boundaries and excel in their chosen fields. Details on eligibility and application requirements can be requested from the school's admissions team. Interested students should focus on developing their skills, achievements and leadership in their chosen discipline.	Scholarships null
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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