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Downe House Riyadh

Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees SAR 54,855 - 97,520
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational
Opened 2022
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Taught languages Arabic, French
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Downe House Riyadh provides a distinctive British education in the heart of Saudi Arabia, blending the heritage of its UK parent school with local culture. Opened in 2022, the school welcomes boys and girls in the early years (ages 2–9) and offers exclusively girls’ education from Year 5 through to Sixth Form. The campus features specialized facilities, including a 560-seat theatre, a semi-Olympic indoor swimming pool, and dedicated science and art laboratories. Students follow the British Curriculum, leading to IGCSE and A-Level qualifications, with a strong emphasis on Arabic and Islamic Studies to ensure cultural fluency. A standout feature is the "Impact and Competency Pathways" (ICPs), a unique programme integrated into the school day that allows students to build personalised portfolios in sports, creative arts, and academic research. With over 60 co-curricular activities, the school ensures a rich educational experience beyond the classroom.

Abi Alhasan Alhsry, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13511, Saudi Arabia

The Essentials

Downe House Riyadh has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location

Abi Alhasan Alhsry, Al Aqiq, Riyadh, 13511, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The campus is located in the Al-Aqiq district of Riyadh.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Religious affiliation

There is no formal religious affiliation. Arabic and Islamic Studies are integrated into the curriculum to reflect Saudi context.

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.

Bus service

There is no available information on school-provided bus service.

Fees

Annual tuition at Downe House Riyadh ranges from SAR 54,855 to SAR 97,520 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Downe House Riyadh teaches British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

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.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Downe House Riyadh supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a dedicated pastoral care framework aligned to the Cognita Be Well Charter. Pastoral care aims to nurture happy, resilient, and adaptable learners, with wellbeing at the heart of learning. Dedicated teachers provide personalised care, guiding each girl through her learning journey and helping build resilience and self-esteem. The school emphasises an all-girls environment and Downe House DNA values—Compassion, Collaboration, Resilience, Creativity, Aspiration, Communication, Outward Looking, and Digital Ready—to foster confidence and leadership. Be Well Charter is applied across daily routines, incorporating six pillars, healthy food choices, regular physical activity, and volunteering opportunities such as the Sparkle Foundation to support social engagement. This Be Well framework supports SEL within the school's broader wellbeing and safeguarding culture.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Learning Support for mild-to-moderate SEN is provided through a dedicated Learning Support Department. Every student requiring learning support has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) outlining specific strategies to access the curriculum. Specialist staff work closely with classroom teachers to ensure IEPs are embedded in lesson planning, with targeted support available in one-to-one or small-group sessions. The school describes its SEN provision as inclusive and delivered through the Learning Support Department rather than a specialist external centre. It does not indicate operating a dedicated specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) is supported through a comprehensive EAL programme. The EAL provision includes group sessions, one-to-one tuition, and access to online activities and mentoring. Students receiving EAL support are regularly assessed, with progress monitored and interventions adjusted as needed. EAL support may be identified at admission or as a student progresses through the school. Additional charges apply for specialist EAL tuition.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is central to Downe House Riyadh's Be Well Charter approach. The Charter guides practice across six pillars intended to support both emotional and physical health. Daily routines include regular physical activity and healthy food choices to promote wellbeing. The Sparkle Foundation partnership engages students and families in volunteering, helping build social connections and a sense of purpose. Wellbeing is embedded in the pastoral framework to ensure students are supported holistically.

Safeguarding

Downe House Riyadh commits to safeguarding by ensuring every child is protected and has a safe, inclusive environment. Safeguarding principles are universal and apply across Cognita schools, developed by the Cognita Safeguarding Specialist Team and aligned with international child-protection standards. Staff are educated about categories of abuse and their duty to act in the best interests of the child. The framework emphasises knowing the children well, offering timely support for adverse experiences, and empowering students to voice concerns. It requires that every adult who works with the school is safe to work with.

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.

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.

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