Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
Capacity is for 800 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
20+ nationalities across our student body |
| Most common nationality |
Omani |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
70:30 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes. We provide a comprehensive EAL programme and our ambition is for pupils to become bilingual. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish, Arabic, French |
| Max. number of students per class |
24 |
| Average number of students per class |
20 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Each classroom is fully digital with virtual learning and online capability. The whole school is fully wifi and each classroom has interactive touchscreen panels. Our library has a blend of print copy books and a complete digital resource. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
Yes we provide students and parents with access to a Virtual Learning Environment and Parent Portal via an online login. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
We provide Islamic studies for students required to attend and also for those that wish to attend. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Downe House Muscat is a fully inclusive school, welcoming pupils from all over the world. Islamic Studies and Arabic form part of the local curriculum, however, our overall curriculum is based on the UK National Curriculum. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE and A Level |
| Results in these examinations |
N/A |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Children spend more time at school than most others so that they can complete a full extra curricular programme and much of their homework. We also encourage independent learning at home which increases as children get older and closer to major public examinations. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
We aim for 100%, and provide our pupils with all the tools and learning to access the world's top universities. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
At Downe House Muscat, we are committed to ensuring that every student can thrive, regardless of their language background or learning needs. Through our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme and Learning Support Department, we provide tailored assistance to help students fully access the curriculum and reach their full potential. As an international school, we recognise that many of our students are learning in a non-native language. To support their development, we offer comprehensive EAL programmes, designed to help students build confidence and fluency in English. Our EAL provision includes group sessions, one-to-one tuition, and access to additional resources, including online activities and mentoring. Students receiving EAL support are regularly assessed, ensuring their progress is closely monitored and interventions are adjusted to meet their evolving needs. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We have a comprehensive scholarship programme which includes recognition for academia, sport, music, art and drama. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes, we believe student mental health is an important part of successful development. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes, we are committed to ensuring that we understand each child before they join us and are able to receive the appropriate level of support. An assessment fee of OMR 200 applies to every applicant and is refundable only if a place is not offered. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
We use online and small group assessments which are age specific alongside an interview with the school principal. |
| Waiting list |
Yes, in certain year groups. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We accept registrations throughout the year, subject to local Ministry regulations. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, subject to local Ministry regulations. |
| School start time |
7.30am |
| School finish time |
3.45pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes |
| School bus service available |
Yes, based on designated pick up locations. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes, we have a full canteen offering hot and cold food. Our food is high quality and served for a healthy balanced diet. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
With a rich and varied programme of extra-curricular activities, we offer every girl limitless opportunities to pursue interests beyond the core academic curriculum in a variety of subjects, sports, and hobbies that they may not have previously experienced or considered. We are committed to supporting each girl to discover activities that challenge, stimulate and develop her. We do this by offering a tremendous diversity of enrichment opportunities, clubs, and activities, made possible through an extended school day and a passionate team of teachers. As well as enriching each girl’s experiences, extra-curricular activities also support their emotional and social development. |
| Sports activities included |
At Downe House we ensure that every student can take part and compete in a range of sporting activities. The School has a ‘Sport for All’ ethos encouraging physical fitness for life. This equips every girl to reach her potential in whatever sport she enjoys and at any age and level. This helps to instill a competitive spirit and promotes teamwork amongst the girls. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, all ages will take part in team sports. |
| Facilities at the school |
The school has a state-of-the-art library, theatre, science labs, outdoor learning spaces and common rooms. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
The Sports Academy facilities include a six-lane 25m pool, a double-sized sports hall, a dance studio, full size hockey and primary football pitches, netball, basketball and tennis courts. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
For over 100 years, Downe House has nurtured girls from young children, through their teenage years and into adulthood. Our spectacular school in Muscat harnesses that heritage by offering students a tailored education that combines the best of British with the tradition of and respect for Arabic culture. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
At Downe House Muscat, we provide an exceptional education that nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking. Our curriculum blends the rigour of the Cambridge Curriculum Programme with the proven excellence of Downe House UK, offering personalised learning pathways tailored to each student’s strengths and aspirations. Recognising the importance of Arabic Language and Islamic Studies, we integrate these subjects into our core curriculum, ensuring a well-rounded and culturally enriching education. With a strong focus on academic achievement, our programme prepares girls for success in IGCSE, A-Level or the Omani GED examinations, equipping them with the skills and confidence to excel in higher education and beyond. |