Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
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COBIS (Council of British International Schools) – Member (Compliance): The school was awarded this status in July 2025, demonstrating that it meets rigorous international standards for safeguarding, student welfare, and governance.
BSME (British Schools in the Middle East): The school is a member of this leading network, which connects high-quality British international schools in the region and supports staff development and student enrichment.
AoBSO (Association of British Schools Overseas): Membership in this association connects the school with the UK government's Department for Education, ensuring it aligns with British educational standards overseas.
Pearson BTEC Approved Centre: This accreditation authorizes the school to deliver BTEC vocational qualifications, providing students with practical, career-focused learning pathways alongside traditional academics.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Centre: The school is an authorized provider of this prestigious youth achievement award, allowing students to gain recognition for their personal development, skills, and community service.
Cognita Family of Schools: Being part of the Cognita network ensures the school operates under a global framework of educational excellence and rigorous quality assurance.
Top Global School in Arabic Benchmark Test (ABT) (2025): The school was recognized by ABT International as one of the top-performing schools worldwide for its exceptional provision and student achievement in the Arabic language.
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.