Downe House Riyadh, the Kingdom’s first premium British girls’ school, has achieved a major milestone on the global stage, being named one of the top performing schools worldwide in the Arabic Benchmark Test (ABT International Benchmark Tests). This distinction places the school among an elite group selected from more than 1,200 schools across 14 countries, highlighting its exceptional Arabic language provision and student achievement.
A Benchmark of Excellence
Administered by ABT Assessments, the ABT International Benchmark Tests measure student growth and attainment in the Arabic language, providing rigorous and comparative insights for schools around the world. Downe House Riyadh’s outstanding results earned it an invitation to the Annual Excellence Awards Ceremony, held on Saturday, 15 November 2025, at the Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai.
Representing the school was Ms Rabab, a valued member of the Arabic Department, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in achieving this international honour.
Recognition Rooted in Commitment
Ms Deborah Sharifi, Principal at Downe House Riyadh said:
“This recognition reflects not only the dedication of our teachers, but the strength and pedagogical rigour of our Arabic Department. Our commitment to immersing every child in the language and culture of our host nation is shaping confident learners and it is inspiring to see this impact recognised on an international stage.”
A School Built on Heritage and Vision
Rooted in more than a century of British educational heritage through its sister school, Downe House UK, Downe House Riyadh blends global values with Saudi identity. Opened in 2022 under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s International Schools Attraction Programme, the school offers a full educational journey from Nursery to Year 13. Boys and girls are welcomed in the early years from Pre School to Year 4, with an all girls environment from Year 5 onwards.
Empowering the Next Generation
With state of the art facilities, a values driven curriculum and a strong emphasis on wellbeing, Downe House Riyadh is a school where every child is nurtured to flourish. From Year 5, the all girls environment is purposefully designed to empower each student to thrive in a changing world, in her own way. At Downe House Riyadh, the future is hers, and it begins with who she becomes today.
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