Downe House Riyadh Students Celebrate Strong A Level And GCSE Results

Downe House Riyadh results have highlighted strong academic performance across A levels, BTEC and GCSEs, with students securing university places and scholarship opportunities in Saudi Arabia and internationally.

The school recorded a 100% pass rate across AS and A levels, with almost half of all grades awarded at A*–B. Students also achieved a 100% pass rate in BTEC subjects.

At GCSE level, 86% of grades were awarded at 9–4 or above. The school also reported a 98% overall pass rate across all GCSE examination entries.

Downe House Riyadh Results Show Strong Sixth Form Performance

Students at Downe House Riyadh achieved strong results across both A level and BTEC pathways.

The school recorded a 100% pass rate across AS and A levels. Furthermore, almost half of all grades were awarded at A*–B.

Students also achieved a 100% pass rate in BTEC subjects. These outcomes reflect the range of post-16 pathways available to students, allowing them to choose options aligned with their strengths and future plans.

The results have also opened opportunities at leading universities in Saudi Arabia and overseas.

Leen Alyahyawi secured a place at the University of California, Berkeley, alongside a full Saudi scholarship.

Meanwhile, Yasmin Zaini received multiple offers and scholarships from leading institutions including IE University Madrid, Indiana University Bloomington and the University of Colorado Boulder.

For students and families, these university outcomes demonstrate how post-16 results can support applications to a wide range of higher education destinations.

GCSE Results Show Progress Across The Cohort

The Downe House Riyadh GCSE results also showed strong academic outcomes and individual progress.

Across all GCSE examination entries, students achieved a 98% overall pass rate.

In addition, 86% of grades were awarded at 9–4 or above. This represents a 20% increase on the previous year and is broadly equivalent to the former A*–C standard.

Furthermore, 74% of grades achieved the higher benchmark of 9–5 or above.

At the highest grades, nearly one third of all grades awarded were at 9–7. These grades are broadly equivalent to the former A*–A grades.

The results therefore show strong performance across standard, higher and top-grade benchmarks.

Core Subjects Deliver Strong Outcomes

Students performed particularly well across key core subjects.

All students achieved grade 5 or above in both English Language and English Literature.

Meanwhile, 95% of Mathematics grades were awarded at grade 4 or above. In Combined Science, 89% of grades reached grade 4 or above.

Arabic Language also produced strong results.

Year 10 students who took their Arabic IGCSE through early entry achieved a 100% rate at grade 5 or above. Furthermore, 80% secured grades 9–7.

These results give students a strong foundation as they progress through their secondary education and consider future academic pathways.

Individual Progress Remains A Key Focus

The school has placed particular emphasis on the individual journeys behind the results.

Downe House Riyadh describes itself as a close-knit school community where each student’s progress is closely known and supported.

The school said there is no ‘typical’ Downe House girl. Instead, students bring different ambitions, experiences and starting points to their education.

As a result, the GCSE results are being viewed alongside individual progress and achievement.

For parents, this is an important consideration when assessing school performance. Examination results provide one measure of attainment, while progress against a student’s starting point can offer additional insight.

School Leaders Highlight Student Achievement

The school’s leadership team said the results reflect the determination, ambition and individual progress of students throughout their time at Downe House Riyadh.

Ms Deborah Sharifi, Principal of Downe House Riyadh said,

“These results are a fantastic reflection of our girls’ ambition, hard work and determination. At Downe House, there is no ‘typical’ Downe House girl. We nurture individuality while challenging every student to stretch herself beyond her comfort zone, discover her strengths and pursue her own ambitions. United by our Downe House DNA, we could not be prouder of all they have achieved.”

The results also reflect the support students receive from their teachers and the wider school community. The school is part of Cognita’s global family of schools, which provides access to an international network and shared educational expertise.

Mr Darren Gale, Managing Director, GCC for Cognita Middle East added,

“These achievements reflect the high-quality education and personalised support that students receive at Downe House Riyadh. As part of Cognita’s global family of schools, Downe House Riyadh benefits from a shared commitment to educational excellence, innovation and developing confident, future-ready learners. These strong outcomes demonstrate how students are being equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive both within the Kingdom and internationally.”

The school’s focus on girls’ education also extends beyond examination results. It aims to encourage students to develop confidence, curiosity and ambition as they prepare for university and future careers.

Ms Emma McKendrick, Headmistress of Downe House UK said,

“We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of the girls at Downe House Riyadh. As a family of schools deeply committed to girls’ education, we believe in creating an environment where every girl is encouraged to be ambitious, intellectually curious and confident in her potential. These results reflect those values, and we are proud to see our girls progressing to exciting opportunities around the world.”

What The Results Mean For Saudi Families

The Downe House Riyadh results provide families with insight into both academic attainment and student progression.

For parents considering a British curriculum school, GCSE and A level outcomes can help when comparing academic pathways. However, families may also want to consider pastoral care, university guidance, subject choices and post-16 options.

The school’s results show that students are progressing through several routes, including A levels and BTEC programmes.

Moreover, university offers and scholarships demonstrate the range of opportunities available after Sixth Form.

Ultimately, the results reflect a combination of academic achievement, individual progress and preparation for future study.

For students, the next stage will involve decisions about university, further education and career pathways. The school says it remains focused on supporting each student as she moves towards her individual goals.

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