Downe House Riyadh vs King’s College Riyadh - Sedra Campus
Downe House Riyadh and King’s College Riyadh - Sedra Campus are both in Riyadh, about 15 km apart. Both schools offer British, BTEC Qualification and EYFS programmes, and Downe House Riyadh also offers Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are SAR 54,855 - 97,520 at Downe House Riyadh and SAR 58,363 - 108,675 at King’s College Riyadh - Sedra Campus, which puts King’s College Riyadh - Sedra Campus roughly 10% higher. Downe House Riyadh takes pupils from 2 to 18, and King’s College Riyadh - Sedra Campus from 3 to 18.
British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), BTEC Qualification
Pupils
Pupils
300
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2022
Opened
2027
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Abi Alhasan Alhsry, Al Aqiq, Riyadh, 13511, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The campus is located in the Al-Aqiq district of Riyadh.
Location
The Sedra Campus is located in the Sedra area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It opens in August 2027 as a through school from Pre-School to Year 13, initially offering Pre-School to Year 9 and expanding year by year to Year 13. For current King's families, the Diriyah campus will continue as a primary school, while Sedra supports students through all stages of education. The campus is part of King's College Riyadh, which is part of the Cognita family of schools and partnered with King's College UK.
Stages
Stages
The school serves pupils aged 2 to 18. It admits boys and girls in Pre-Prep and Lower Prep (ages 3-9) and is girls-only from Upper Prep (ages 9-18).
Stages
Pre-School to Year 13; initially Pre-School to Year 9, opening August 2027, with expansion to Year 13 planned year by year.
School type
School type
Downe House Riyadh is a British international day school. It operates as co-educational in Pre-Prep and Lower Prep and becomes girls-only from Upper Prep onward.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
There is an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme and a dedicated Learning Support Department. EAL supports language development through group and one-to-one sessions, with additional resources and regular progress assessment. Learning Support provides Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and targeted, small-group support as needed; some specialist EAL tuition may incur additional charges.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom as a British international school and follows a British curriculum as part of the Downe House international family.
Country affiliation
UK affiliation through a partnership with King's College UK and Cognita.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation. Arabic and Islamic Studies are integrated into the curriculum to reflect Saudi context.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Nursery, KG1 and KG2 begin with a drop-off at 7:30 am, start at 7:45 am, and are collected at 2:30 pm. Year 1 to Year 13 have a drop-off at 7:30 am, start at 7:45 am, and finish at 3:45 pm.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
There is no available information on school-provided bus service.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Tuition fees — per term and annual
- Nursery: Term 1: SAR 19,080 Term 2: SAR 19,080 Term 3: SAR 9,540 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 54,855
- Pre‑School: Term 1: SAR 19,080 Term 2: SAR 19,080 Term 3: SAR 9,540 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 54,855
- Reception: Term 1: SAR 19,080 Term 2: SAR 19,080 Term 3: SAR 9,540 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 54,855
- Year 1: Term 1: SAR 23,320 Term 2: SAR 23,320 Term 3: SAR 11,660 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 67,045.
- Year 2: Term 1: SAR 23,320 Term 2: SAR 23,320 Term 3: SAR 11,660 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 67,045.
- Year 3: Term 1: SAR 27,560 Term 2: SAR 27,560 Term 3: SAR 13,780 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 79,235.
- Year 4: Term 1: SAR 27,560 Term 2: SAR 27,560 Term 3: SAR 13,780 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 79,235.
- Year 5: Term 1: SAR 27,560 Term 2: SAR 27,560 Term 3: SAR 13,780 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 79,235.
- Year 6 Term 1: SAR 27,560 Term 2: SAR 27,560 Term 3: SAR 13,780 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 79,235.
- Year 7: Term 1: SAR 29,680 Term 2: SAR 29,680 Term 3: SAR 14,840 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 85,330.
- Year 8: Term 1: SAR 29,680 Term 2: SAR 29,680 Term 3: SAR 14,840 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 85,330.
- Year 9: Term 1: SAR 29,680 Term 2: SAR 29,680 Term 3: SAR 14,840 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 85,330.
- Year 10: Term 1: SAR 31,800 Term 2: SAR 31,800 Term 3: SAR 15,900 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 91,425.
- Year 11: Term 1: SAR 31,800 Term 2: SAR 31,800 Term 3: SAR 15,900 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 91,425.
- Year 12: Term 1: SAR 33,920 Term 2: SAR 33,920 Term 3: SAR 16,960 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 97,520.
- Year 13: Term 1: SAR 33,920 Term 2: SAR 33,920 Term 3: SAR 16,960 Annual (inc. 15% VAT where applicable): SAR 97,520.
Application, assessment, registration and deposit fees
- Application (administration) fee: SAR 500 (one‑off, non‑refundable). - Assessment (professional evaluation) fee: SAR 1,000 (one‑off, non‑refundable). - Registration (enrolment administration) fee payable after an offer is made: SAR 3,500 (one‑off, non‑refundable). - Acceptance deposit to secure a place: 50% of Term 1 fees, payable within 7 days of the offer; this deposit is non‑refundable and is deducted from the first term's invoice. - Note: VAT (15%) is applied to admissions fees for non‑Saudi families where applicable.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- All tuition invoices are payable in advance of each term. Indicative invoice issue and payment months for Academic Year 2025–26 are: Term 1 — invoice issued May, payment due June; Term 2 — invoice issued October, payment due November; Term 3 — invoice issued February, payment due March. - Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments, payable in advance of each term. A 5% discount is applied to full‑year payment when paid at acceptance (discount only applies where payment is made by bank transfer, cheque or cash). - There is a late payment fee of SAR 2,000 per month (or part thereof) for overdue invoices. Post‑dated cheques may be accepted by arrangement to avoid late fees. - Re‑enrolment / seat reservation: a SAR 5,000 seat reservation deposit is payable by the published deadline, followed by 20% of the annual tuition for the year group the child will enter; both payments are non‑refundable and will be credited against Term 1. Places unpaid after the deadline will be released.
Boarding fees
- There is no boarding provision listed for Downe House Riyadh. Boarding fees do not apply.
Other charges and typical additional costs
- School lunches, transportation, educational trips, and extracurricular activities delivered by external providers are not included in tuition and may incur additional charges. Minimum transport/excursion charge for class trips is SAR 50 plus any entrance/activity fees; residential trip charges vary and will be notified in advance. Public/external examination fees (e.g., IGCSE, A‑level) are charged to parents. - Learning support and EAL/AAL charges where required: one‑to‑one learning support SAR 120 per lesson; small group learning support SAR 60 per lesson; EAL one‑to‑one SAR 4,100 per term; EAL small group SAR 3,100 per term; AAL one‑to‑one SAR 4,100 per term; AAL small group SAR 3,100 per term. - Breakfast Club and After School Care: a 20% discount is available when a child registers for both provisions in the same term (charges apply; standard session cost is for one hour/5 days a week). - Uniform: the school shop supplies uniform items; parents must purchase items listed as parent‑purchased on the uniform list from the specified sources.
Refund information
- Refunds are processed in accordance with Ministry of Education regulations and the school's fee policy. Deposits are non‑refundable except in exceptional circumstances. - If fees were paid annually in full before the due date, a refund of remaining term(s) will be given provided one term's written notice of withdrawal is provided; the 5% annual payment discount will not be applied to any refund. No refund is given for casual absences, sickness, holidays, or periods of exclusion. - Fees for pupils who join in‑term are calculated pro‑rata to the number of days remaining in the term but will not be less than 50% of the first term's fees.
Fee details
Application, Assessment and Deposit
- Application fee (one-off, non-refundable): SAR 550. - Professional evaluation fee: SAR 1,100 per applicant (refundable only if a place is not offered). - Enrolment administration fee (one-off, non-refundable) due on accepting an offer: SAR 3,800. - Place-holding deposit to secure a place: 50% of the first term's fees, payable within 7 days of the offer and deducted from the first term's fees. Failure to pay within the timeframe may result in the offer being withdrawn. Deposits are non-refundable except in exceptional cases.
Sedra Campus — Founding Family Tuition Fees (amounts shown in Saudi Riyal, SAR)
- These founding-family figures apply to the Sedra campus during its initial years: - Pre-School & Reception: Term 1 SAR 20,300; Term 2 SAR 20,300; Term 3 SAR 10,150; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 50,750; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 58,363. - Years 1 & 2: Term 1 SAR 22,500; Term 2 SAR 22,500; Term 3 SAR 11,250; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 56,250; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 64,688. - Years 3 & 4: Term 1 SAR 26,400; Term 2 SAR 26,400; Term 3 SAR 13,200; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 66,000; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 75,900. - Years 5 & 6: Term 1 SAR 26,800; Term 2 SAR 26,800; Term 3 SAR 13,400; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 67,000; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 77,050. - Years 7–9: Term 1 SAR 28,600; Term 2 SAR 28,600; Term 3 SAR 14,300; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 71,500; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 82,225. - Years 10 & 11: Term 1 SAR 30,400; Term 2 SAR 30,400; Term 3 SAR 15,200; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 76,000; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 87,400. - Years 12 & 13: Term 1 SAR 32,100; Term 2 SAR 32,100; Term 3 SAR 16,050; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 80,250; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 92,288.
Sedra Campus — Standard Tuition Fees (regular fee structure shown for future years, amounts in SAR)
- These standard rates apply following the founding period: - Pre-School & Reception: Term 1 SAR 23,940; Term 2 SAR 23,940; Term 3 SAR 11,970; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 59,850; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 68,828. - Years 1 & 2: Term 1 SAR 26,460; Term 2 SAR 26,460; Term 3 SAR 13,230; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 66,150; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 76,073. - Years 3 & 4: Term 1 SAR 31,080; Term 2 SAR 31,080; Term 3 SAR 15,540; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 77,700; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 89,355. - Years 5 & 6: Term 1 SAR 31,500; Term 2 SAR 31,500; Term 3 SAR 15,750; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 78,750; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 90,563. - Years 7–9: Term 1 SAR 33,600; Term 2 SAR 33,600; Term 3 SAR 16,800; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 84,000; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 96,600. - Years 10 & 11: Term 1 SAR 35,700; Term 2 SAR 35,700; Term 3 SAR 17,850; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 89,250; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 102,638. - Years 12 & 13: Term 1 SAR 37,800; Term 2 SAR 37,800; Term 3 SAR 18,900; Annual (excl VAT) SAR 94,500; Annual (inc VAT) SAR 108,675.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments: 40% due for Term 1, 30% for Term 2, and 30% for Term 3. Instalment payments are payable in advance of each term. - A 5% tuition discount is available for families who pay the full year's fees in a single payment at the time of acceptance (discount applies only when payment is made via bank transfer, cheque, or cash). - A 5% sibling discount is available for the third and subsequent child; this sibling discount is only applicable if payment is made by bank transfer, cheque, or cash. - For pupils joining mid-term, tuition is calculated pro rata for remaining days, with a minimum charge equal to 50% of the first term's fees. - No capital fee is charged. All fees are charged in SAR.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable to the Sedra campus; no boarding fees are listed.
Other costs and exclusions
- Tuition fees do not include school lunches, transportation, educational trips, or extracurricular activities provided by external providers; these are charged separately. Uniform costs, specialist equipment, and optional activity fees are additional and charged as applicable.
Refund information
- Refunds are processed in accordance with Ministry of Education regulations. Deposits are non-refundable except in exceptional cases. The professional evaluation fee (SAR 1,100) is refundable only if a place is not offered. The enrolment administration fee (SAR 3,800) and the application fee (SAR 550) are non-refundable.
Fee payment options
- Payment methods explicitly referenced for discounts and sibling discounts: bank transfer, cheque, or cash. A single full-year payment made by one of these methods qualifies for the 5% payment discount. Other payment methods are not specified in the fee schedule.
Tax and regulatory notes
- A 15% VAT is charged on admissions fees for non-Saudi (expatriate) families in line with ZATCA requirements; Saudi nationals are exempt. All fees are subject to Ministry of Education approval and annual review.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Downe House Riyadh delivers a seamless British education from Nursery to Year 13, combining the UK National Curriculum with the Downe House UK academic approach. Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies are embedded in the core curriculum to provide cultural and linguistic balance. From Year 5 onward, lessons are taught by subject specialists across the curriculum. In Years 9–11, students follow the IGCSE programme with core subjects (English, Mathematics and the Sciences) and a range of options, with Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies continuing to be taught. In Years 12–13, students typically pursue A Levels, with BTEC qualifications also available as a pathway. Timetables are structured to encourage increasing independence in learners' study throughout the senior years.
Curriculum details
The school delivers a British education rooted in King's College UK, combining the English National Curriculum with the King's ethos. Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are central to the programme. Early Years covers Pre-School and Reception (ages 3 to 5); Pre-Prep covers Years 1 and 2 (ages 5 to 7); Prep School covers Years 3 to 8 (ages 7 to 13), with specialist teaching from Year 5. The curriculum emphasizes strong academic foundations alongside character development, leadership and creativity, with a broad co-curricular programme that extends learning beyond the classroom. From August 2027, Sedra Campus will operate as a through school from Pre-School to Year 13, initially admitting Pre-School to Year 9 and expanding to Year 13 over time.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
Academic Outcomes describe an outstanding British education from EYFS to Year 8. Early Years Excellence shows strong holistic development and performance above international norms. Arabic language outcomes are rated Very Good by ABT, a leading benchmarking body in the Middle East. Curriculum progression through Pre-Prep, Prep, and Senior School continues to develop academic strengths, personal values and global citizenship.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
From Pre-School through Senior School, students progress toward Year 13 and onto a world-class university.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Make an Enquiry. Connect with the Admissions Team, who provide a personalised and seamless experience. They will reach out to understand your family's needs and guide you through the next steps toward joining Downe House Riyadh. With limited availability in some year groups, families are encouraged to begin the process early to secure a place. The Enquiry Form can be completed online to start the process.
2. Visit Downe House Riyadh. Experience Downe House Riyadh firsthand with a personalised campus tour. The Admissions Team offers daily tours at convenient times, giving you the opportunity to explore facilities and meet the Leadership Team. Book a School Tour to arrange your visit.
3. Submit your application. Complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents to take the next step toward joining Downe House Riyadh.
4. Assessment & Offer. After submitting the application, an assessment date will be scheduled and communicated by email. If 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. A deposit of 50% of the first term's fees is required and is deducted from the first term's fees.
Admissions
1. Make an Enquiry. The Admissions Team provides a personalised and supportive onboarding experience and takes the time to understand the child's needs. They guide families through the next steps toward joining King's College Riyadh. With limited availability in some year groups, families are encouraged to begin the process early. Admissions for the SEDRA Campus are open now, and priority consideration is given to existing King's College Riyadh families.
2. Visit King's College Riyadh. A personalised campus tour helps families experience life at King's, with tours available throughout the week. Visitors see the school's facilities and can meet the Leadership Team during the visit. Tours provide a sense of the school community and learning environment. Tours are available throughout the week at convenient times.
3. Submit your application. Complete the online application form and upload the required documents. The Admissions Team is on hand to assist if needed. After submission, the school reviews the application and prepares for the next step.
4. Assessment & Offer. An assessment is arranged to understand the child's learning needs and potential; remote assessments can be arranged for families outside the country. Assessment outcomes are shared within a few days, and offers are issued to successful applicants. If additional information is required, the Admissions Team will contact the family.
5. Secure your place. To confirm the place, accept the offer, provide the requested documents, and pay the enrolment fee within the specified timeframe. The Admissions Team will provide next steps and due dates for documentation and payment. Once confirmed, families receive enrolment reminders and information about start dates.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Downe House Riyadh recognises exceptional talent through a Scholarships Programme. Scholars receive mentoring, enrichment opportunities, and resources to help them excel. Applications involve an interview with members of the Senior Leadership Team, evaluation of previous school reports and accolades, and awards in the student's chosen field. Details on eligibility and application requirements can be requested from the admissions team.
