Downe House Riyadh Strengthens Leadership Team For 2026/27

Downe House Riyadh is strengthening its senior leadership team for the 2026/27 academic year, with new and expanded roles across secondary education, key stages, sixth form, wellbeing, inclusion and school operations.

The leadership changes come as the school enters its fifth year in Saudi Arabia. Among the key appointments is Nouf Al Eidan, who has been appointed Vice Principal after four years as part of the Downe House Riyadh community.

For families, the changes bring greater leadership focus across different stages of a student’s education. Meanwhile, the school says the expanded structure will support continuity, collaboration and the wider student experience.

Nouf Al Eidan Appointed Vice Principal

Nouf Al Eidan, a Saudi national, has been part of the Downe House Riyadh community for four years. She brings more than 15 years of experience across education, leadership and school operations.

Before taking on her new position, Nouf led strategic initiatives covering school improvement, community engagement, safeguarding and operational excellence.

As Vice Principal, she will focus particularly on operations, school culture and community. Her role will also support the school’s work with students, families and colleagues as Downe House Riyadh continues to develop in the Kingdom.

Commenting on her appointment, Nouf Al Eidan, Vice Principal of Downe House Riyadh said,

“Having been part of the Downe House Riyadh community for the past four years, I am proud to take on this new role at such an important stage in the school’s journey. Our ambition is to provide an exceptional British education that is firmly rooted in Saudi culture and values. I look forward to working closely with our students, families and colleagues to strengthen our community and create an environment where every student is supported to grow in confidence”

Her appointment also brings a Saudi perspective to the school’s senior leadership as it continues to develop its education offering within the Kingdom.

Leadership Across Key Stages And Sixth Form

Alongside the Vice Principal appointment, Downe House Riyadh has strengthened leadership across several stages of students’ education.

Clare Austin joined the school in August 2026 as Head of Secondary. She brings more than 25 years of leadership and teaching experience across the UK and Middle East.

Her experience includes curriculum development, teaching and learning, staff development and whole-school academic improvement.

Meanwhile, Merissa Edwards has taken on the role of Head of Key Stage 3. She joined Downe House Riyadh in August 2023 and will focus on supporting students during the important transition through Key Stage 3.

Michelle Robinson has also taken on the role of Head of Key Stage 4. She brings 14 years of secondary education experience across the UK and Middle East, with experience in improving student outcomes and raising attainment.

Since joining Downe House Riyadh, Michelle has also focused on high expectations, student wellbeing and an inclusive school culture.

Jennifer Emslie, who joined the school in August 2025 as Head of Sixth Form, brings more than 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience.

Her career has included work in the UK, New Zealand, Qatar, Sweden and Saudi Arabia. In addition, her experience covers curriculum development, pastoral leadership, student wellbeing and inclusive learning environments.

For students approaching sixth form, this leadership focus is particularly relevant as they prepare for the next stage of their education, university applications and future pathways.

Emma Green has taken on the role of Upper Key Stage 2 Lead. With more than 15 years of experience in education, she brings expertise in primary education and supporting students through the later years of Key Stage 2.

Together, these roles provide more defined leadership across different points in a student’s journey through the school.

What The Changes Mean For Families

For parents, one of the main implications of the expanded leadership structure is greater focus at individual stages of education.

Students have different needs as they move from primary education into secondary school and later towards sixth form. Strong leadership at each stage can help schools respond to academic, pastoral and personal development needs more closely.

The appointments also bring a combination of established knowledge and new experience to the school.

Several members of the leadership team have already worked within Downe House Riyadh, while others bring experience from schools and education systems across the UK and internationally.

Ms. Deborah Sharifi, Principal of Downe House Riyadh said,

“As we enter our fifth year in the Kingdom, these appointments mark an important next chapter for Downe House Riyadh. Nouf brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of our students, families and Saudi community, complemented by the expertise of our wider leadership team. Together, we remain focused on ensuring every student is supported to achieve her potential.”

As Downe House Riyadh enters its fifth year in Saudi Arabia, the strengthened team will oversee leadership across academic, pastoral and operational areas.

The school says the structure is intended to strengthen continuity and collaboration while supporting students across every stage of their education. It also links to the wider ambition of Saudi Vision 2030 to support educational development and prepare young people to contribute to the Kingdom’s future.

For families considering schools in Riyadh, leadership structure is one of several factors worth considering alongside curriculum, pastoral care, student wellbeing, university pathways and the wider school community.

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