Downe House Riyadh is a A-Levels / BTEC Qualification / British / EYFS / Pearson Edexcel IGCSE school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2022. Annual tuition ranges from $14,628 to $26,005 USD.
Location & Getting There
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Key Details
Scholarships Available
Downe House Riyadh offers a Scholarships Programme recognising exceptional talent. Scholars receive mentoring, enrichment opportunities, and resources to excel. Applications involve an interview with the Senior Leadership Team, evaluation of previous school reports and accolades, and recognition of awards in the student's chosen field. Eligibility and application details are available from the admissions team.
Key facts
About
Downe House Riyadh is a British international day school in the Al-Aqiq district of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, opened in 2022 as part of the Cognita and Downe House international family. The school is co-educational from Nursery through Lower Prep (ages 2–9) and transitions to girls-only from Year 5 through Sixth Form (Year 13), following the British Curriculum through to IGCSE and A-Levels with Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies embedded throughout. The campus features a 560-seat theatre, semi-Olympic indoor swimming pool, and a unique 'Impact and Competency Pathways' programme supporting students in building personalised portfolios across sports, creative arts, and academic research.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Downe House Riyadh is the Kingdom's first premium British girls' school, extending the Downe House UK ethos into Saudi Arabia. The campus was designed by leading Saudi female architects and features a 560-seat theatre, semi-Olympic indoor swimming pool, and dedicated science, art, and music facilities. A unique 'Impact and Competency Pathways' (ICP) programme allows students to build personalised portfolios in sports, creative arts, and academic research. Over 60 co-curricular activities are offered. The school combines British curriculum rigour with Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies for cultural fluency.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | SAR 17,879~$ 4,768 |
| Year 2 | SAR 17,879~$ 4,768 |
| Year 3 | SAR 21,129~$ 5,634 |
| Year 4 | SAR 21,129~$ 5,634 |
| Year 5 | SAR 21,129~$ 5,634 |
| Year 6 | SAR 21,129~$ 5,634 |
| Year 7 | SAR 22,755~$ 6,068 |
| Year 8 | SAR 22,755~$ 6,068 |
| Year 9 | SAR 22,755~$ 6,068 |
| Nursery | SAR 14,628~$ 3,901 |
| Year 10 | SAR 24,380~$ 6,501 |
| Year 11 | SAR 24,380~$ 6,501 |
| Year 12 | SAR 26,005~$ 6,935 |
| Year 13 | SAR 26,005~$ 6,935 |
| Reception | SAR 14,628~$ 3,901 |
| Pre-School | SAR 14,628~$ 3,901 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: SAR 54,855 - 97,520. Application fee: $133.
Admissions Process
- 1Make an Enquiry via online form. 2. Visit the campus on a personalised tour. 3. Submit online application with supporting documents. 4. Attend an assessment (remote assessment available for overseas applicants); results provided within a few days. 5. Accept enrolment offer, submit required documents, and pay 50% of Term 1 fees as a deposit within 7 days to secure the place.
Admissions Details
School Day
Nursery, KG1 and KG2: drop-off at 7:30 am, start at 7:45 am, collected at 2:30 pm. Year 1 to Year 13: drop-off at 7:30 am, start at 7:45 am, finish at 3:45 pm.
Student Life
The school has a uniform requirement. Items are supplied through the school shop; some items on the uniform list must be purchased by parents from specified sources.
Healthy food choices are embedded into the daily routine as part of the Be Well Charter. School lunches are not included in tuition fees and incur additional charges.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
Mental wellbeing is supported through the Cognita Be Well Charter across six pillars covering emotional and physical health. Daily routines include regular physical activity and healthy food choices. The Sparkle Foundation partnership engages students and families in volunteering to build social connections and a sense of purpose. Wellbeing is embedded in the pastoral care framework.
Safeguarding is governed by the Cognita Safeguarding Specialist Team and aligned with international child-protection standards. Staff are trained on categories of abuse and their duty to act in the best interests of the child. The framework emphasises knowing children well, providing timely support for adverse experiences, and empowering students to voice concerns. All adults working with the school are vetted as safe to work with children.
Student Demographics
School Background
Part of the Cognita group of schools; operates under Cognita's Be Well Charter and Safeguarding Specialist Team frameworks.