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Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
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Downe House Riyadh opened in 2022 as the Kingdom's first premium British girls' school, extending the Downe House UK ethos into Saudi Arabia. Downe House itself traces its origins to Downe House in Downe, Kent, founded in 1907 by Miss Olive Willis and Miss Alice Carver. By 1922 the school relocated to Cold Ash, Berkshire, bringing buildings from Kent and expanding facilities including classrooms, science laboratories, a library opened by the Duchess of Atholl, a gym and a swimming pool. The centenary celebrations included a service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, alumni reunions, academic conferences, and the commissioning of the opera Olive Triumphant. Downe House Riyadh is part of the Cognita family of Schools, aligning with the Downe House UK heritage while operating within Cognita's international network.
Downe House Riyadh's community is anchored in the Downe House DNA, with eight core values—Compassion, Collaboration, Resilience, Creativity, Aspiration, Communication, Outward Looking, and Digital Ready—guiding learning, play, and personal development. An all-girls environment supports tailored learning within a British curriculum while integrating Arabic and Islamic Studies reflecting local context. Pastoral care emphasizes wellbeing through the Cognita Be Well Charter, safeguarding, and a partnership with the Sparkle Foundation for volunteering. The school presents a warm, caring community focused on wellbeing and development across the classroom, playing field, and stage.
Friends of DHR is the active parent volunteer group at Downe House Riyadh. It is described as the heart of the school community, with parent representatives organizing events and initiatives that enrich school life. The group works closely with the school leadership team, with regular committee meetings to plan activities that bring families together, celebrate milestones, and support the wider school community. Through these efforts, parents enhance their children's educational experience and contribute to the warm, inclusive spirit that defines Downe House Riyadh. Members engage in coordinating community initiatives as part of the school's broader engagement strategy.
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.
