Downe House Muscat vs Knowledge Gate International School

	D Downe House Muscat Muscat, Oman	K Knowledge Gate International School Muscat, Oman
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year OMR 3,470 - 7,500	Fees / year OMR 2,904 - 5,893
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 99	Pupils 765
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Downe House Muscat is located in Al Bandar, Muscat, Oman. The campus is purpose-built in the western part of Muscat and includes a Performing Arts Centre, a STEM Centre, an Art and Design Centre and a Sports Academy. It opened in September 2022 as Oman's first premium British all-girls school and operates under a franchise agreement with the Oman Ministry of Defence Pension Fund.	Location Knowledge Gate International School (KGIS) is located in Muscat, Oman, in the Al Hail South neighbourhood. The campus address is Way 2947, Al Marafah Street, Al Hail, Muscat. The area is a busy residential district with good road access in central Muscat, and the school is supported by a dedicated bus service that serves multiple neighbourhoods. The campus itself hosts modern facilities appropriate for a UK-applied international programme.
Stages	Stages As of the 2025–26 academic year, Downe House Muscat operates KG1–KG2 and Grades 1–12. KG1 and KG2 were introduced in 2025 to provide pre-school and Reception; these early years are planned to be co-educational from August 2025, while the senior grades remain girls-only. The curriculum combines the Cambridge International Curriculum (CIC) for IGCSE and A Levels with the Omani MOE requirements for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies.	Stages KGIS operates from Kindergarten through Sixth Form, with divisions for Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School and Sixth Form. It offers Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, alongside the Omani Bilingual GED as academic pathways, enabling progression to international or Oman-based higher education.
School type	School type Downe House Muscat is a British international school for girls. From 2025, KG1 and KG2 will be co-educational, while Grades 1–12 remain girls-only. The school forms part of the Downe House family of schools and operates in Oman under Cognita.	School type Co-educational day school. There are no on-site boarding facilities, but the school participates in Inspired Education Group arrangements that provide guaranteed entry to premium boarding schools and flexible overseas boarding options for some senior students.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Downe House Muscat has a multi-national student body. The largest local representation is Omani, with international students making up a substantial portion as well; overall, about 70% local and 30% international students are reported.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Learning Support. EAL includes group and one-to-one tuition with progress monitored, and Learning Support provides Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with mild to moderate SEN, with targeted, small-group or one-to-one interventions.	Additional learning support KGIS provides inclusive education with SEND support and Gifted & Talented provision. The school has dedicated facilities and resources for some learners needing additional learning support and works with families and professionals to assess suitability before admission.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is stated; the school is a British international school operating in Oman and is part of the Downe House family and Cognita network.	Country affiliation The school is a British international school in Oman and offers British curricula (IGCSE/A Levels) within Oman. It is part of Inspired Education Group, but it does not have a formal country affiliation beyond its Oman location and international curriculum offerings.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation is stated by the school.	Religious affiliation The school operates with universal Islamic values embedded in its pastoral approach; it is not described as a faith-based school.
School day structure	School day structure KG1–KG2 start with arrivals at 7:15am, 7:30am registration, with after-school activities from 2:00pm and collection by 3:45pm. Grades 1–2 follow a similar pattern with after-school activities ending around 3:00pm and collection at 3:45pm. Grades 3–12 begin around 7:15am with a 7:30am Community Time, then after-school activities to 3:00pm and collection at 3:45pm.	School day structure KGIS follows term dates published for 2025/26, with Term 1 starting August 31, 2025, and Term 2 starting January 4, 2026; there are mid-term and other breaks outlined in the academic calendar. Exact daily start and end times are not publicly published.
Bus service details	Bus service details A dedicated school bus service is not publicly advertised. Families typically arrange transport. Muscat's public bus system (Mwasalat) is limited, and taxis are commonly used; consider private transport arrangements and local routes when planning visits or daily commutes.	Bus service details KGIS offers a School Bus Service with routes to multiple Muscat neighbourhoods. Bus routes include Al Hail South, Al Hail North, Al Khoudh, Al Mawaleh, Seeb, Al Khuwair, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Bousher, Ghala, Azaiba, and Al Ghubra, among others. Bus fees are zone-based and published for the 2024–25 academic year; registration is via operations@kgis-edu.com, and a bus schedule is available through the school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application, Assessment & Deposit - Application fee: OMR 150 (one-off, non-refundable). - Assessment fee: OMR 200 (applies to every applicant; refundable only if a place is not offered). - Place-holding deposit: a non‑refundable deposit equal to 40% of the first term's fees is required to secure an offered place; this deposit is deducted from the first term's fees and must be paid within the school's stated timeframe. Tuition fees (per term and total by year group) - KG 1: Term 1 OMR 1,388; Term 2 OMR 1,388; Term 3 OMR 694; Total OMR 3,470. (Founding offer shown in parentheses: OMR 1,040 / OMR 1,040 / OMR 520 = OMR 2,600 for 2025-26 only). - KG 2: Term 1 OMR 1,600; Term 2 OMR 1,600; Term 3 OMR 800; Total OMR 4,000. (Founding offer shown in parentheses: OMR 1,200 / OMR 1,200 / OMR 600 = OMR 3,000 for 2025-26 only). - Grade 1: Term 1 OMR 1,900; Term 2 OMR 1,900; Term 3 OMR 950; Total OMR 4,750. - Grade 2: Term 1 OMR 1,900; Term 2 OMR 1,900; Term 3 OMR 950; Total OMR 4,750. - Grade 3: Term 1 OMR 1,900; Term 2 OMR 1,900; Term 3 OMR 950; Total OMR 4,750. - Grade 4: Term 1 OMR 2,100; Term 2 OMR 2,100; Term 3 OMR 1,050; Total OMR 5,250. - Grade 5: Term 1 OMR 2,100; Term 2 OMR 2,100; Term 3 OMR 1,050; Total OMR 5,250. - Grade 6: Term 1 OMR 2,300; Term 2 OMR 2,300; Term 3 OMR 1,150; Total OMR 5,750. - Grade 7: Term 1 OMR 2,320; Term 2 OMR 2,320; Term 3 OMR 1,160; Total OMR 5,800. - Grade 8: Term 1 OMR 2,500; Term 2 OMR 2,500; Term 3 OMR 1,250; Total OMR 6,250. - Grade 9: Term 1 OMR 2,600; Term 2 OMR 2,600; Term 3 OMR 1,300; Total OMR 6,500. - Grade 10: Term 1 OMR 2,600; Term 2 OMR 2,600; Term 3 OMR 1,300; Total OMR 6,500. - Grade 11: Term 1 OMR 3,000; Term 2 OMR 3,000; Term 3 OMR 1,500; Total OMR 7,500. - Grade 12: Term 1 OMR 3,000; Term 2 OMR 3,000; Term 3 OMR 1,500; Total OMR 7,500. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing cycle: tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments, each payable in advance of the corresponding term. - Re-enrolment and instalment timing: the school sets re-enrolment and installment deadlines in line with its published schedule; parents are required to meet the stated deadlines for re-enrolment fees and the first-term payment by the school's published dates. - Early‑payment discount: a 5% tuition discount is available for families who pay the full year's fees in a single payment at acceptance. This discount is applicable only when payment is made by bank transfer, cheque, or cash. - Sibling discount: a 5% discount is available for the third and subsequent child enrolled; this discount is only applicable if payment is made by bank transfer, cheque, or cash. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed; the published fee information identifies tuition and associated day‑school costs but does not include boarding charges. Parents should note there is no separate boarding fee schedule provided. Other costs and fees - Items not included in tuition: school lunches, transportation, educational trips, and extracurricular activities provided by external providers are charged in addition to tuition. These items will incur separate charges. - Uniform: the school requires a uniform and uniform costs are additional (uniform pricing is not itemised on the published fee schedule). - Additional optional or variable charges: fees for specific educational trips, some extracurricular programmes run by external providers, equipment, and individual exam fees (where applicable) are charged separately and are not included in the tuition totals. Refund information - Refunds are processed in accordance with Ministry of Education regulations. Tuition refunds are subject to specific conditions and timelines with deductions based on the length of enrolment. Deposits are non‑refundable except in exceptional cases. Fee payment options - Payment methods referenced for discounts and sibling offers: bank transfer, cheque, or cash. Credit card acceptance or other electronic payment methods are not specified in the published fee summary. Parents should use the payment methods specified by the school when claiming the discount or sibling relief.	Fee details Application / Registration Fee - Initial registration fee: OMR 300 per student (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition and Related Annual Charges by Year Group (Academic Year 2025–26) Each entry lists: Material Fund (annual), Tuition Fee (annual, excluding material and cafeteria), Cafeteria Meals (annual), Total Annual Fee; followed by the three-term instalment amounts (July / November / March). - KG 01: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 2,519; Cafeteria OMR 275; Total OMR 2,904. Instalments: OMR 1,162 (July), OMR 871 (Nov), OMR 871 (Mar). - KG 02: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 2,544; Cafeteria OMR 275; Total OMR 2,929. Instalments: OMR 1,171 (July), OMR 879 (Nov), OMR 879 (Mar). - Grade 01: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 3,208; Cafeteria OMR 300; Total OMR 3,618. Instalments: OMR 1,448 (July), OMR 1,085 (Nov), OMR 1,085 (Mar). - Grade 02: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 3,375; Cafeteria OMR 300; Total OMR 3,785. Instalments: OMR 1,513 (July), OMR 1,136 (Nov), OMR 1,136 (Mar). - Grade 03: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 3,506; Cafeteria OMR 300; Total OMR 3,916. Instalments: OMR 1,566 (July), OMR 1,175 (Nov), OMR 1,175 (Mar). - Grade 04: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 3,511; Cafeteria OMR 300; Total OMR 3,921. Instalments: OMR 1,569 (July), OMR 1,176 (Nov), OMR 1,176 (Mar). - Grade 05: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 3,511; Cafeteria OMR 300; Total OMR 3,921. Instalments: OMR 1,569 (July), OMR 1,176 (Nov), OMR 1,176 (Mar). - Grade 06: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 3,992; Cafeteria OMR 350; Total OMR 4,452. Instalments: OMR 1,780 (July), OMR 1,336 (Nov), OMR 1,336 (Mar). - Grade 07: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 3,992; Cafeteria OMR 350; Total OMR 4,452. Instalments: OMR 1,780 (July), OMR 1,336 (Nov), OMR 1,336 (Mar). - Grade 08: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 3,992; Cafeteria OMR 350; Total OMR 4,452. Instalments: OMR 1,780 (July), OMR 1,336 (Nov), OMR 1,336 (Mar). - Grade 09: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 4,797; Cafeteria OMR 375; Total OMR 5,282. Instalments: OMR 2,112 (July), OMR 1,585 (Nov), OMR 1,585 (Mar). - Grade 10: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 5,037; Cafeteria OMR 375; Total OMR 5,522. Instalments: OMR 2,208 (July), OMR 1,657 (Nov), OMR 1,657 (Mar). - Grade 11: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 5,408; Cafeteria OMR 375; Total OMR 5,893. Instalments: OMR 2,357 (July), OMR 1,768 (Nov), OMR 1,768 (Mar). - Grade 12: Material OMR 110; Tuition OMR 5,408; Cafeteria OMR 375; Total OMR 5,893. Instalments: OMR 2,357 (July), OMR 1,768 (Nov), OMR 1,768 (Mar). Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Standard annual billing is split into three instalments due in July, November and March. Instalment amounts by year group are listed above. - The material fund (OMR 110 per student) is payable annually with Term 1 (the July instalment). - A surcharge of OMR 20 applies where fees remain unpaid after the due date. Fees and stipends are non-refundable. Written notice of withdrawal is required with a minimum notice period of one full term (in advance). Tuition fees are subject to a published increase (5% applicable for the 2026–2027 academic year). Boarding Fees - Boarding is not applicable. Knowledge Gate International School operates as a co-educational day school; no boarding fees are listed. Other Costs and Compulsory Charges - Cafeteria/meals: Annual tuition totals shown above include the cost of daily school meals; a separate cafeteria charge is included in the fee breakdowns above and a cafeteria fee is compulsory for all students. - School transport: Available at additional monthly cost. Transportation fees range from OMR 60 to OMR 84 per month depending on area. - International examination fees: Mandatory for Grades 4 to 12 and typically approximately OMR 250–300 (paid in addition to the annual tuition). - AI & VR fees: OMR 21 for Grades 3–6; OMR 42 for Grades 7–11; OMR 21 for Grade 12 (annual). - Uniforms and overseas travel: School fees do not cover the cost of uniforms, transport (transport is additional) or overseas travel. Refund Information - School fees and stipends (including the material fund stipend) are non-refundable. The initial registration fee (OMR 300) is non-refundable. The school requires written notice of withdrawal and a minimum of one full term's notice. A late-payment surcharge is applied where applicable. Fee Payment Options - Accepted payment methods and arrangements are handled by the Admissions Office. Contact the Admissions Office by email at admissions@kgis-edu.com or by phone at +968 2407 3500 to confirm the currently accepted payment methods and to arrange payment. Notes - All amounts above are shown in Omani Rial (OMR) and reflect the published fee schedule for Academic Year 2025–26. The school publishes instalment amounts and the components of each grade's total as listed above.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements KGIS provides access to boarding opportunities through Inspired's network. Senior students can pursue guaranteed entry to premium boarding schools overseas. Flexible boarding options support relocation for personal reasons and cultural immersion, with staff at boarding locations and access to campus facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Healthy food choices are promoted under the Cognita Be Well Charter.	Food options Fresh and healthy meals are prepared daily. Cafeteria meals are included in the fees and available to all students. The meals offer balanced options with vegetables and fruit, and special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Downe House Muscat is part of the Cognita family of Schools.	Governance and ownership KGIS is an Inspired School. Inspired is a global group of premium international schools with more than 110 member schools, and is the only international premium education group operating in Oman.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Downe House Muscat is an all-girls British international school in Muscat that offers the Cambridge International Curriculum (CIC) alongside the Oman Ministry of Education curriculum for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. All teaching staff hold UK-recognised qualifications and deliver specialist subjects in an extended day to support a broad co-curricular program. The CIC pathway prepares students for IGCSE and Cambridge International A Levels, with IGCSE typically pursued in the later middle years and A Levels in the Sixth Form. In addition to CIC, Omani General Education Diploma (GED) is available as an alternative credential. The campus features a Performing Arts Centre, STEM Centre, Art and Design Centre, and a Sports Academy. The school serves ages 5–18 years.	Curriculum details The school provides a British curriculum that progresses from Kindergarten to Sixth Form. Academic pathways include Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels, and the Omani Bilingual GED. There is bilingual learning for native Arabic speakers. English-medium instruction is delivered by native English-speaking teachers. The school emphasises global perspectives and prepares students for higher education and international opportunities.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In recent published results, 41% of A Level grades were A* to B; the Oman GED pass rate is 100%. These results reflect strong performance across the Cambridge IGCSE/A Level and GED pathways.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates progress to leading universities worldwide, with many receiving Grade A scholarships.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Specialist university counselling is available as part of the Inspired affiliation, and students have access to overseas exchanges and summer camps to support advanced study and broader opportunities.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Downe House Muscat supports social and emotional learning through a comprehensive pastoral care framework. Dedicated teachers provide personalised care to guide each girl through her learning journey, helping her develop resilience and adaptability. Wellbeing is the foundation of learning, and every pupil is known, valued, and supported to reach her full potential. The Cognita Be Well Charter guides the school's wellbeing approach, promoting healthy choices and social engagement across the community. The Finding Balance programme, including regular yoga sessions, mindfulness coaching and meditation, supports balance in boarding life.	Social & emotional learning KGIS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a comprehensive pastoral program underpinned by universal Islamic values in a safe, inclusive environment. A tutor-group, class-group, and year-group structure helps build small, supportive communities where students can seek help from peers and staff. Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is delivered as part of the pastoral curriculum, and there is a Student Counselling Service available. A dedicated Safeguarding Team supports wellbeing and safety, with safeguarding training provided to staff annually. The school also emphasises inclusive education and provides SEND and Gifted & Talented provisions as part of its student-support framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Downe House Muscat provides a dedicated Learning Support Department offering support for mild to moderate Special Educational Needs (SEN). Every pupil requiring learning support has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), with specialist staff working closely with classroom teachers to integrate the plans into lessons. The school also offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme alongside Learning Support to help access the curriculum. Learning Support provisions include group or one-to-one lessons when needed. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding whether it is a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) KGIS welcomes students with a range of learning needs and operates inclusive education with SEND and Gifted & Talented provision. Prior to placing a child, families are advised to speak with the Admissions Team to confirm the school's ability to meet the child's needs. The school can provide Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and facilitates access to educational professionals if required, including sharing information from Educational Psychologists or speech, language, or occupational therapy reports. The admissions process outlines steps to assess and plan support in collaboration with families. KGIS is a mainstream international school with dedicated resources, but it is not described as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Downe House Muscat provides comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. The EAL provision includes group sessions, one-to-one tuition, and access to online resources and mentoring. Students receiving EAL support are regularly assessed to monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed. EAL support may be identified at admission or as a student progresses through the school. There are additional charges for specialist EAL tuition.	English as an additional language KGIS supports English language development through instruction delivered by native English-speaking teachers across the school. The school emphasises English fluency as a foundation for learning and provides a bilingual dimension for native Arabic speakers within its British curriculum. This bilingual approach is part of the school's dual British-Omani education offering. Students benefit from extensive language instruction to support English proficiency and academic study in English. These provisions are publicly stated in the school's admissions and school-life sections.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Downe House Muscat prioritises mental wellbeing through the Cognita Be Well Charter, guiding wellbeing across the school. The wellbeing program 'Finding Balance' includes a structured approach to balance for boarding life. Regular yoga sessions, mindfulness coaching, and meditation are key components of Finding Balance. Pastoral care focuses on nurturing happy, resilient, and adaptable learners with dedicated teachers providing personalised care. Wellbeing is described as central to learning, with an aim to enable students to reach their full potential.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the Student Counselling Service and the pastoral, PSHE-enabled curriculum, along with a safeguarding framework that protects student welfare. A tutor/group system and strong staff-student relationships are designed to help students feel safe sharing difficulties. The safeguarding policy includes annual staff safeguarding training to reinforce protective measures. The school promotes a caring, inclusive culture where mental and emotional development is part of everyday learning.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Downe House Muscat has safeguarding measures to promote welfare and provide a safe environment. Safeguarding principles require all staff to understand categories of abuse and to act in the best interests of the child. The safeguarding framework includes universal responsibilities, empowering staff to protect children and to know the children well. All adults who work with the school are expected to be safe to do so. The safeguarding framework is applied across Cognita schools.	Safeguarding KGIS maintains a safeguarding policy with designated safeguarding leads and a safeguarding team. Staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training annually, and concerns can be directed to the Head of School or designated safeguarding leads. The Safeguarding Leads listed are Ian Lohan (Designated Safeguarding Lead), James O'Reilly (Deputy DSL), and Katie Dillane (Deputy DSL). The school emphasises a proactive, protective approach to safeguarding as part of its commitment to student welfare.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Downe House Muscat is housed on a purpose-built campus in Al Bandar, Muscat, opened in September 2022. The Muscat campus consists of four interconnected buildings providing state-of-the-art teaching facilities. The facilities include a Performing Arts Centre with a theatre as its centrepiece, a STEM Centre, an Art and Design Centre, and a Sports Academy. The campus supports the Cambridge International Curriculum with an extended day to support co-curricular activities.	Facilities overview The campus in Muscat is newly built with spacious classrooms and state-of-the-art digital technology. The Early Learning division has exclusive access to the Early Learning Centre, an Early Learning Garden, and a Jungle Gym. The school operates a bilingual dual British and Oman education model. The facilities include a library, a drama studio, specialist music rooms, art studios, modern science laboratories, and ICT suites.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus includes a dedicated Sports Academy that anchors the school's physical education and sports programmes. There are additional sports facilities noted, including a six-lane 25m swimming pool, a double-sized indoor sports hall, a dance studio, a full-size hockey pitch, seven-a-side football pitch, and courts for netball, basketball, badminton, volleyball and tennis.	Sports facilities The school has an on-site swimming pool and a multi-purpose sports court. These facilities support physical education and a wide range of sports programmes.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities STEM Centre and Art and Design Centre provide dedicated spaces for science, technology, engineering, arts and design. These facilities are housed within the four interconnected buildings that comprise the Muscat campus.	Academic facilities The school provides a well-resourced academic infrastructure including a library, modern science laboratories, and ICT suites. These facilities support a bilingual British-Omani education model.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular opportunities include sport, music, performing arts, dance and creative arts, supported by the school's co-curriculum offerings.	Extra curricular facilities KGIS offers Oman's No.1 extracurricular activities programme. The school provides extensive opportunities in sports and arts, supported by dedicated spaces such as a drama studio, music rooms, and art studios.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Downe House Muscat opened in September 2022 as the first Downe House international campus and the first British all-girls school in Oman. The campus is purpose-built in Al Bandar, Muscat, and houses a Performing Arts Centre, a STEM Centre, an Art and Design Centre and a Sports Academy. It operates under a franchise agreement with the Oman Ministry of Defence Pension Fund. Downe House International (DHI) was established in 2015 to manage international partnerships for Downe House, including the Oman campus.	History Knowledge Gate International School (KGIS) is a private international British school in Muscat, Oman, offering a British-style curriculum from Kindergarten to Sixth Form, with Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels or the Omani Bilingual GED. The school joined Inspired Education Group on September 15, 2019, becoming part of a global network of premium schools. It is described as an Inspired School and benefits from Inspired's international collaborations, including access to overseas summer camps and student exchanges. The Muscat campus is the first within Inspired's network to offer bilingual dual British and Oman education. In 2023, the British School Overseas (BSO) rated KGIS as Good with many outstanding features, reflecting strong provision, and COBIS accreditation is among its current international standards.
Community	Community Downe House Muscat sits within a global Downe House community that links Oman with sister campuses in the UK and other international sites. The campus is equipped for performing arts and cultural activities, including a 400-seat theatre, arts studios and dedicated spaces for music and drama. Public reports show student participation in community events such as the T Quiz League, illustrating active engagement with local schools and involvement in competitions. The Downe House Society provides a framework for alumni, parents and staff to connect through social and professional activities across the global Downe House network.	Community Knowledge Gate International School describes a diverse, international community in Muscat, with English-medium instruction delivered by native English-speaking staff and a bilingual program that supports Arabic speakers. The campus hosts Open Days for prospective families, including Whole School Open Day on January 21, 2026 from 15:00 to 17:00, offering facility tours and interactions with staff. KGIS participates in Inspired's Global Camps and Global Exchange Programme, providing overseas student exchanges and international camps that connect families to a global network. Extra-curricular offerings include drama coordinated with the LAMDA program and participation in the International Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Publicly available information describes parent engagement at Downe House Muscat as integrated into pastoral care and cocurricular programs rather than through a dedicated PTA. The Downe House Society functions as the global alumni network and includes current and former parents in its membership. The Downe House Society offers social and professional activities for its members, and its community numbers over 4,000 individuals including pupils, alumnae and parents. Alumni and parent events are organized through the Society, providing networking, mentorship and social engagement opportunities. Public information also notes cross-campus programs and internships that involve families and students, reflecting ongoing parent and family involvement in the Downe House network. Cocurricular and pastoral programs at Downe House Muscat support family engagement as part of the broader Downe House community.	Parent teacher association Public information on the KGIS site does not publish a dedicated PTA page; however, parent involvement is supported through Open Day events, personalized tours, and general School Life communications. The Whole School Open Day on January 21, 2026 (15:00–17:00) offers a platform for parents to meet staff and discuss the program. Through Inspired Education Group, KGIS provides access to overseas student exchanges and summer camps that involve families in an international context. Inspired's university counselling and other resources also support parent engagement in planning students' futures. For detailed information about any formal PTA groups or committees, contact the school.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Enrichment at Downe House Muscat extends learning beyond the classroom through a rich programme of activities, clubs, and opportunities within an extended school day. The programme includes lectures, workshops, master-classes, debates, trips, and cultural days that broaden intellectual horizons. These activities support emotional and social development as part of a holistic education.	Academic & intellectual KGIS provides access to international competitions through Inspired Education. The school offers Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels, and the Oman Bilingual GED as core qualification pathways. Senior students receive Specialist University Counselling to support university applications in Oman and internationally.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art, music, and drama are central to the creative offering. Art facilities include painting and ceramics studios, a kiln room, a photography studio, and a jewellery and product design lab, enabling hands-on creative work. Music opportunities include private lessons, ensembles, concerts, and a recording studio within a 450-seat theatre and a dedicated music academy with practice rooms. Drama develops communication and confidence, with a Performing Arts Centre and private lessons in music, dance, speech, and drama.	Arts & creative From Kindergarten to post-16, there is a holistic performing arts program with a specialist curriculum. Students study Music, Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre and may perform in school and inter-school productions. Qualifications include LAMDA and ABRSM certificates, with industry workshops and collaborations with organisations such as the Royal Opera House. Audition support and opportunities for school and inter-school productions are provided.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Enrichment includes cultural days that broaden students' intercultural understanding. The programme encourages engagement with the local Muscat and Seeb communities through projects and charity work. These activities complement the curriculum and help students develop a global perspective.	Cultural & language KGIS offers bilingual dual British and Oman education. Bilingual learning is provided for native Arabic speakers. Native English-speaking teachers support fluent English language development.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports form a central part of life at Downe House Muscat, supported by a Sport for All ethos that promotes lifelong physical fitness. The campus features a six-lane 25m pool, a double-sized sports hall, a dance studio, full-size hockey and primary football pitches, and nets for netball, basketball, and tennis. A range of sports is offered for all ages, including hockey, netball, basketball, cricket, football, cycling, tennis, swimming, sailing and athletics.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Enrichment includes opportunities to support the Muscat and Seeb communities through projects and charity work. Students are encouraged to contribute to community life as part of their personal development. These activities foster social responsibility and civic engagement.	Community & service The school is affiliated with the International Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership and professional development are supported through enrichment activities such as debates, lectures, workshops, and master-classes. Trips and cultural days provide real-world contexts for developing confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving. These experiences prepare students for future study, careers, and leadership roles.	Leadership & professional The International Duke of Edinburgh Award affiliations provide leadership and service opportunities. Specialist University Counselling supports students with admissions planning and university applications. Overseas exchanges and summer camps offer leadership and cultural immersion experiences.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport supports wellbeing through a Sport for All ethos that promotes lifelong physical fitness. Facilities include a six-lane pool, a double-sized sports hall, a dance studio, hockey and football pitches, and extensive netball, basketball, and tennis courts. The extracurricular programme also supports emotional and social development through arts, drama, music, and community activities.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Comprehensive student support creates a safe, inclusive environment underpinned by universal Islamic values. A pastoral curriculum includes Personal, Social and Health Education. There is a Student Counselling Service and a dedicated Safeguarding Team. Diversity is celebrated and education is personalised to meet individual needs.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Arabic is taught as part of the core curriculum, with Arabic Language and Islamic Studies integrated. Specialist Arabic teaching is provided in Lower & Middle Junior School. In Grades 7 and 8, students study Arabic within the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework alongside Islamic Studies and Social Studies. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native English speakers with group sessions and one-to-one tuition, and a Learning Support Department provides Individual Education Plans for students needing additional help.	Language provision English is the language of instruction across pathways; IGCSE lessons are delivered in English. KGIS has 100% native English-speaking teaching staff and language tuition to promote bilingualism. Arabic is taught as a subject, with the Oman Bilingual GED delivered in English and Arabic. Modern Foreign Languages offered include Arabic, Spanish, German, and French.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching KGIS offers bilingual learning for native Arabic speakers. The British curriculum is supplemented by bilingual education. KGIS is the first in Muscat to offer bilingual dual British and Oman education. Academic pathways include Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels, and the Oman Bilingual GED.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Make an Enquiry: Connect with our Admissions Team, who are dedicated to providing a personalised and seamless experience. They will reach out to understand your needs and guide you through the next steps toward joining Downe House Muscat. With limited availability in some year groups, families are encouraged to begin the process early to secure a place. This initial contact helps tailor the process to your family's circumstances. 2. Visit Downe House Muscat: Experience Downe House Muscat firsthand with a personalised campus tour. Explore our world-class facilities and meet our Leadership Team. Our Admissions Team offers daily tours at convenient times, giving you the opportunity to discover the exceptional learning environment and welcoming community that set us apart. Tours can be arranged to suit your schedule. 3. Submit your application: Complete our online application form and upload the required supporting documents to take the next step toward joining Downe House Muscat. The Admissions Team will review the submission and guide you through the next steps toward assessment. You will receive confirmation of receipt and information about the upcoming assessment by email. 4. Assessment & Offer: After submitting your application, we'll schedule an assessment date and keep you informed by email. If you're applying from overseas, a remote assessment can be arranged. You'll receive the results within a few days. 5. Secure your place: To confirm your child's place, accept the enrolment offer, submit the required documents, and complete the enrolment fee within the given timeframe. We look forward to welcoming you to the Downe House Muscat community. This final step completes enrollment and secures your place in Oman's leading British girls' school.	Admissions 1. Register your interest with us. The admissions team welcomes inquiries and applications from local and international candidates, and accepts students throughout the academic year. Knowledge Gate International School's admissions policy embraces diversity and does not discriminate based on nationality, ethnicity, or religion. The school provides a British-style global education and invites families to visit the campus to learn more. 2. Complete the Enquiry Form. Register your interest by completing the Enquiry Form and arranging a visit to the school if possible. The admissions team is available to answer questions and provide further information. 3. Submit an Application Form. All online applications must be submitted with a registration fee receipt. The registration fee is 300 OMR per child and is non-refundable and non-transferrable. Applications cannot be processed without the required documents, including birth certificate; parents' marriage certificate; copies of parent's passport and residence card (if available); child's passport; a recent passport-style photo; latest school report (if applicable); and a letter from the previous school confirming that no fees are outstanding. 4. Assessment. After receiving the application, the school will contact you to arrange English, maths and verbal reasoning assessments. Entry assessments may take place at the child's current school, and placement tests will be delivered by courier with costs borne by the parents. 5. Interview & Entry Assessment. Kindergarten entrants to the UK Foundation Stage are required to sit an entry assessment. Applicants for Grades 1-5 (UK Primary), Grades 6-10 (UK Secondary), and Grade 11 (UK Post 16, Year 12) are required to attend a short interview and undertake a Cognitive Ability Test, as scheduled by the school. The vast majority of teaching is conducted in English, so language fluency at an age-appropriate level is required. 6. Acceptance Offer. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter from the school. After you have accepted a place, you will be informed of your child's start date and additional enrolment details. 7. Admissions for SEND. The school welcomes students with SEND and staff are committed to educating all students in a common learning environment. Parents should share details of SEND, Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), and any Educational Psychologist, Paediatric, or other specialist reports before a place is offered so the school can arrange appropriate assessment and support; in very rare cases it may not be in the child's best interests.
Scholarships	Scholarships 1. Celebrating Talent and Potential: At Downe House Muscat, we believe in recognising and nurturing exceptional talent. Our Scholarships Programme is designed to support students who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential in key areas of school life. Scholars are not only high achievers but also role models, setting the standard for excellence and inspiring their peers. 2. Scholarships are awarded in academics, sports, the arts, and leadership. Scholars receive mentoring, enrichment opportunities, and resources to help them excel. In return, they are expected to contribute actively to school life with dedication and a drive for continuous improvement. 3. How to Apply: Scholarships involve an application, interviews with members of the school's Senior Leadership Team, evaluation of previous school reports and accolades, and awards in a student's field of expertise. This is a prestigious opportunity for students eager to push boundaries and excel in their chosen fields. Details on eligibility and application requirements can be requested from the school's admissions team. Interested students should focus on developing their skills, achievements and leadership in their chosen discipline.	Scholarships KGIS Elite Scholarships are offered for exceptional learners in academics or swimming. Benefits include tuition fee remission renewed annually, opportunities for advanced development, and recognition as ambassadors of excellence within and beyond the school. Eligible applicants are Students from 3 years onwards with exceptional ability in academics or swimming. Applications are submitted online to admissions@kgis-edu.com, and candidates showcase their talent via assessment or portfolio and attend an interview. The deadline for applications was 30 December 2025, with the announcement of selected scholars expected in February 2026. The scholarship process includes submitting the application, showcasing talent, interviewing, and receiving ongoing support if awarded.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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