Downe House Muscat
Part of Cognita, Founded 2022
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSEDowne House Muscat is a premier British international school for girls in Oman, offering a holistic education that blends 112 years of heritage from Downe House UK with local cultural traditions. It is part of the Cognita family of schools and provides a tailored, empowering learning experience for students.
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the 'Downe House DNA,' which instills core values of collaboration, resilience, creativity, aspiration, compassion, communication, being outward-looking, and being digital-ready. It aims to provide a supportive, empowering environment that nurtures academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth, preparing students to thrive in a global society.
Programmes
The school follows a British curriculum, adapted to the local context by incorporating Arabic and Islamic Studies. It serves boys and girls from ages 3 to 9 (KG1 to Grade 4) and girls from ages 10 to 18 (Grades 5–12). The academic pathway prepares students for IGCSEs, A-Levels, or the Omani General Education Diploma, supported by small class sizes and global benchmarking assessments.
Outcomes
The school reports strong academic success, with 100% of Grade 12 graduates in the past year securing places at their first-choice universities. Students have achieved prestigious Pearson Education Learner Awards, including the “Highest Mark in the World” for A-Level Arabic. Graduates are prepared for success in IGCSEs, A-Levels, or the Omani General Education Diploma.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides EAL (English as an Additional Language) and learning support services. A comprehensive pastoral system and individualised tutoring are employed to focus on each student as an individual and ensure they receive the support needed to thrive.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Downe House Muscat offer?
- Downe House Muscat offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Downe House Muscat?
- Annual tuition at Downe House Muscat is OMR 3.5K–OMR 7.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Downe House Muscat co-educational?
- Downe House Muscat is a girls school.
- Where is Downe House Muscat located?
- Downe House Muscat is an international school in Seeb, Oman.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| KG 1 | 3–4 | OMR 3.5K |
| KG 2 | 4–5 | OMR 4K |
| Grade 1 | 5–6 | OMR 4.8K |
| Grade 2 | 6–7 | OMR 4.8K |
| Grade 3 | 7–8 | OMR 4.8K |
| Grade 4 | 8–9 | OMR 5.3K |
| Grade 5 | 9–10 | OMR 5.3K |
| Grade 6 | 10–11 | OMR 5.8K |
| Grade 7 | 11–12 | OMR 5.8K |
| Grade 8 | 12–13 | OMR 6.3K |
| Grade 9 | 13–14 | OMR 6.5K |
| Grade 10 | 14–15 | OMR 6.5K |
| Grade 11 | 15–16 | OMR 7.5K |
| Grade 12 | 16–17 | OMR 7.5K |
Other fees(2)
| Application fee | OMR 150 |
|---|---|
| Placement test· Assessment fee, refundable only if a place is not offered. | OMR 200 |
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: 5%
- Sibling discount: 5%
Admissions
The admissions process begins with an enquiry, followed by a personalised school tour. Applicants must pay a non-refundable OMR 150 application fee and an OMR 200 assessment fee. To secure a place, a non-refundable deposit of 40% of the first term’s fees is required within 10 working days of receiving an offer.
Calendar
The 2025–26 academic year is divided into three terms: Winter (31 August 2025 – 21 December 2025), Spring (5 January 2026 – 22 March 2026), and Summer (5 April 2026 – 25 June 2026). The calendar includes half-term breaks in October and February, as well as winter and spring breaks.
Facilities
About the campus
The purpose-built campus features state-of-the-art facilities designed by award-winning architects. Key amenities include a cutting-edge STEM centre, a 450-seat theatre, and an elite sports academy. The school also provides science labs and dedicated spaces for early years learning.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an extended school day to facilitate a rich co-curricular programme. Students are encouraged to explore passions in music, theatre, sport, and the arts. Recent activities include house-based competitions, art showcases, and international travel opportunities, such as a 2027 ski trip to Austria.
Helen Booth-SmithPrincipalMiss Helen Booth-Smith is the Principal of Downe House Muscat, having previously served as the school's Deputy Head and Vice Principal since its establishment in 2022. She brings a rich background in British and international education, including leadership roles in Cairo and London and experience with Teach First. She is a passionate educator committed to academic excellence and fostering a supportive, ambitious school culture.
Suaad Al ZaabiVice PrincipalSuaad Al Zaabi serves as the Vice Principal of Downe House Muscat.
Graham RobertsHead of Sixth Form and Exams OfficerGraham Roberts is the Head of Sixth Form and Exams Officer at Downe House Muscat.
Nicola WardHead of Junior SchoolNicola Ward is the Head of Junior School at Downe House Muscat.
Jane DavidsonAssistant Head (Pastoral) and DSLJane Davidson serves as the Assistant Head (Pastoral) and DSL at Downe House Muscat.
Sarah KerridgeAssistant Head (Academic)Sarah Kerridge is the Assistant Head (Academic) at Downe House Muscat.
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