Cognita Middle East grows to 14 schools across the region, serving nearly 22,000 students
Cognita Middle East (Cognita ME), the regional arm of the global schools group, has announced a major expansion into three new markets – Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar – through strategic partnerships with five premium schools. The milestone strengthens Cognita’s reputation for world-class education in the region while reaffirming its commitment to nurturing student wellbeing, academic excellence, and holistic development.
Cognita Middle East’s growing footprint
The new partnerships bring Cognita ME’s total portfolio to 14 schools across the region, joining its established presence in the UAE and Kuwait. The group now serves almost 22,000 students and employs over 4,000 staff across the Middle East.
The five partner schools include:
- Downe House Riyadh
- King’s College Riyadh
- Downe House Muscat
- Cheltenham Muscat
- King’s College Doha
These schools join Cognita ME’s existing portfolio, which includes the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, the Repton Family of Schools, Horizon International School, Horizon English School, Ranches Primary School, Al Ain English Speaking School, and Dasman Bilingual School.
Global expertise, local identity
Cognita operates a global network of over 100 schools across 20 countries, educating more than 100,000 students supported by 22,000 staff. Its model blends academic rigour with social, emotional, physical, and cognitive learning, enabling young people to thrive in an evolving world.
David Baldwin, Chief Executive Officer of Cognita Middle East, explained:
“This expansion marks an exciting new chapter for Cognita, strengthening our presence in the Middle East and building on the foundations we’ve established in the UAE and Kuwait. As we grow into Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, our focus remains on delivering an exceptional education that meets the needs of each community. Every Cognita school has its own unique identity, ethos, and curriculum, shaped by its students and families. We are committed to preserving the individuality of each school while sharing a collective ambition – to create inspiring learning environments that build confidence and help every student realise their full potential.”
Expansion into Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Cognita ME has partnered with Downe House Riyadh and King’s College Riyadh, both part of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s International Schools Attraction Programme.
- Downe House Riyadh: Established in 2022 as the first premium British girls’ school in Saudi Arabia, it offers a first-class education for boys and girls up to age nine, and an all-girls pathway from age 10 to 18. Its ethos focuses on wellbeing alongside academic success.
- King’s College Riyadh: The first British private school to be established in Saudi Arabia, it brings 140 years of tradition from King’s College, UK, delivering a British education for children aged three to 11.
Expansion into Oman
Cognita ME’s partnerships in Oman include Downe House Muscat and Cheltenham Muscat.
- Downe House Muscat: Opened in 2022, this was the first British international girls’ school in Oman. It achieved exceptional GCSE results in 2024, with 41% of students securing grades 9–7 (A*–A).
- Cheltenham Muscat: Established in 2021, it delivers a premium co-educational British curriculum. In 2024, its students excelled in the Pearson Learner Awards, achieving top marks in Oman for GCSE Spanish and Science.
Expansion into Qatar
In Qatar, Cognita ME has partnered with King’s College Doha, a leading British curriculum school for ages three to 18.
- In 2024, 51% of GCSE results were graded 9–7 (A*–A), while 97% were graded 9–4 (A*–C).
- 100% of A-Level graduates secured university placements in the UK, reinforcing the school’s academic strength and international reputation.
Driving educational excellence in the Middle East
By partnering with these prestigious schools, Cognita ME expands its proven success model into Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. With a blend of regional expertise and a global network of over 100 schools, the group is set to enhance student learning, build capacity among educators, and nurture thriving school communities across the Middle East.
For more information, visit the Cognita website below: