Downe House Muscat and Royal Flight School are both in Muscat, about 7 km apart. Both schools follow a British curriculum. Published annual fees are OMR 3,470 - 7,500 at Downe House Muscat and OMR 3,800 - 3,950 at Royal Flight School, which puts Downe House Muscat roughly 42% higher. Downe House Muscat takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Royal Flight School from 3 to 11. Both keep typical class sizes around 20.
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Downe House Muscat
Muscat, Oman
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Royal Flight School
Muscat, Oman
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Fees / year
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Fees / year OMR 3,470 - 7,500 | Fees / year OMR 3,800 - 3,950 |
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Age range
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Age range 4 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 11 years |
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Type
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Type — | Type — |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum British Curriculum | Curriculum British Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 99 | Pupils — |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 20 | Typical class size 20 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened — | Opened — |
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Bus service
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Bus service — | Bus service — |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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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 Royal Flight School is located in Muscat, Oman. The postal address is Royal Flight School, P.O. Box 301, Muscat 111, Sultanate of Oman. The school moved to its current site in May 2016 and features facilities such as a gym, a 25m swimming pool, and specialist teaching spaces. |
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Stages
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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 Classes run from Pre-School to Year 6. There are two classes in each year group, with a maximum of 22 pupils per class. |
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School type
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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 The school is co-educational and operates as a day school. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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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 Pupils come from over 32 countries. The most represented nationality is not published, and the local-to-international pupil ratio is not publicly published. |
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Additional learning support
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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 Learning Support is provided by specialist staff as part of the curriculum. |
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Country affiliation
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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 under the Patronage of Royal Court Affairs (RCA) in Oman. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation is stated by the school. | Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation is stated. |
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School day structure
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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 School hours for Pre-School to Year 6 are 7:55 am to 2:00 pm, with breaks at 10:00–10:30 and 12:00–12:30. |
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Bus service details
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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 The school does not provide transport. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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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 / Assessment fees - Assessment deposit: OMR 100 is charged at the time of the child's assessment. This OMR 100 is deducted from school fees if a place is offered. Policies on whether the assessment fee is refunded or retained in specific circumstances are stated differently on the school's published pages; the assessment charge itself is applied at assessment. Enrolment fee (one-time on acceptance) - Enrolment fee: OMR 750, payable once when a place is accepted. The published fees schedule records this Enrolment fee as non-refundable. Tuition fees (annual and per-payment amounts) — current published academic-year figures - Pre-School: OMR 3,750 per year. When paid in the school's two-payment structure, this is OMR 1,875 per payment. - Reception to Year 6: OMR 3,900 per year. When paid in the school's two-payment structure, this is OMR 1,950 per payment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing schedule: Tuition is structured around two payments per year, charged in August and January; amounts above show the per-payment split. Tuition Fees must be paid in full on or before the published due date. Instalment plans are offered under the school's published fee terms. - School Extras (annual): OMR 50 paid as a single annual payment. School Extras cover class trips, theatre productions, guest speakers, the School Year Book, School Photograph Pack, Beach Day and similar items. - Responsibility and notice: Parents are responsible for payment of all fees regardless of employer arrangements. One full term's written notice is required before withdrawing a child in order to receive school transfer documents. Boarding / day status - Boarding: Not applicable. Royal Flight School is a day primary school (no boarding provision). Other costs and regular extras - Textbooks: No charge for books is published. - Uniform: School uniform is available from the school and may be ordered through the school's uniform order process; the uniform cost is not published on the fee pages. - After-school / additional services: Some additional services (for example specific external after-school activities or extra testing) may attract separate charges; the school's published notes indicate that any additional support or testing will be agreed with parents in advance. Refund and cancellation rules (published points) - Enrolment fee: The Enrolment fee is recorded as non-refundable. If a pupil leaves before the end of a payment period, no refund of Tuition Fees or School Extras will be given. - Assessment deposit: The school's published pages show the assessment deposit of OMR 100 is charged at assessment and is normally deducted from school fees if a place is offered; the school's published pages contain slightly different wording about whether the assessment charge is retained or refunded in particular circumstances. The assessment charge is applied in the admissions process. Fee payment options - The school's publicly published fees pages set out amounts, payment schedule and how fees are applied but do not include a detailed list of accepted payment methods on those fee pages. For payment-method instructions or to arrange a payment plan, the school's published contact details should be used to confirm accepted methods (for example bank transfer or card) and any processing requirements. Summary of the key fee figures (for quick reference) - Assessment deposit (at assessment): OMR 100. - Enrolment fee (one-time, on acceptance): OMR 750 (non-refundable). - Tuition — Pre-School: OMR 3,750 per year (OMR 1,875 per payment under the two-payment schedule). - Tuition — Reception to Year 6: OMR 3,900 per year (OMR 1,950 per payment under the two-payment schedule). - School Extras: OMR 50 per year (single annual payment). If you require these fee figures formatted or integrated into a database record, use the numeric amounts above; the published school pages cited contain the full wording of the school's terms and conditions for payments, refunds and assessment handling. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement — | Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for all pupils; boys wear a polo shirt, navy blue shorts, a navy cardigan or sweatshirt in winter, white socks, and navy blue or black closed-toe shoes with a hat and the Royal Flight School book bag, while girls wear a polo shirt with navy blue skorts, white socks, and navy blue or black closed-toe shoes with a hat and the book bag. The PE kit includes a House T-shirt and navy PE shorts, and swimming kit is required for swimming; all kit items are purchased through the school uniform shop. |
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Food options
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Food options Healthy food choices are promoted under the Cognita Be Well Charter. | Food options There is no on-site cafeteria; meals are not provided. Pupils bring lunch from home and water bottles. There are two daily breaks (10:00–10:30 and 12:00–12:30), with the first ten minutes of break time dedicated to a supervised indoor snack; the school has a no nuts policy and discourages fizzy drinks. |
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House system
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House system — | House system A house system exists, as indicated by the House T-shirt in the PE kit. Specific house names, grouping, and competitions are not described on the site. |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership Downe House Muscat is part of the Cognita family of Schools. | Governance and ownership The school operates under the Patronage of Royal Court Affairs (RCA). It accepts children from the wider community but gives priority to RCA employees and the siblings of current pupils. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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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 Royal Flight School delivers a British Primary curriculum adapted to the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for children aged 3–11, with English, Maths, Science, Computing, Design & Technology, History and Geography taught by the Class Teacher and Art, Drama, Music, French, Arabic and PE/Swimming taught by specialists. Omani pupils follow Arabic and Islamic Studies in line with the Ministry of Education; expatriate pupils study Arabic as a second language. In Early Years (Pre-School and Reception) the curriculum covers Communication, Language & Literacy; Mathematical Development; Creative Development; Knowledge & Understanding of the World; Physical Development; Computing; PE/Swimming; Music; Library; Personal, Social & Emotional Development, with Learning Support and EAL as appropriate. Year 1 includes English, Maths, Science, Computing, Design & Technology, a Topic, Art & Design, Library, Arabic Omani Curriculum (Omani pupils), Drama, Music and PE/Swimming, with Learning Support and EAL as needed. Year 2 adds Geography, History, French, Islamic Studies (Omani pupils), Arabic Omani Curriculum; Years 3–6 cover English, Maths, Science, Computing, Design & Technology, Geography, History, Library, French, Arabic (Omani for Omani pupils; second language for expatriates), Islamic Studies (Omani), Art & Design, Drama, Music and PE/Swimming, with Learning Support and EAL as needed. The curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for subsequent education and does not specify external primary-level qualifications within the 3–11 range. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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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 Royal Flight School integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as part of its curriculum through Personal, Social & Emotional Development (PSHE) in the Early Years and across all year groups. In Early Years, Personal, Social & Emotional Development is listed as a core component of the curriculum. Where appropriate, Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) are provided to support students' social and emotional development. The school delivers the core curriculum with specialist staff for Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education, French and Arabic, which facilitates collaboration and peer interaction that supports SEL. The Learning Support Team includes a Deputy Head of Pastoral Care and staff such as a Speech & Language Therapist, underpinning SEL with targeted pastoral and language support. The environment is described as cheerful, secure, and inclusive, with discipline that is firm and caring and based on mutual respect and community life. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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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) Royal Flight School provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) where appropriate across the Primary range (from Early Years to Year 6). The Learning Support Team comprises the Deputy Head Pastoral Care and other staff, including Miss James, a Speech & Language Therapist, who supports speech and language needs as part of Learning Support. The curriculum specifies that Learning Support and EAL are provided where appropriate, but there is no explicit reference to a dedicated specialist SEN unit in publicly available materials. The school's SEN provision appears to be delivered through Learning Support and Speech & Language Therapy rather than a separate specialist facility. Public-facing materials describe these provisions without listing additional specific SEN categories. |
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English as an additional language
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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 English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available where appropriate for pupils across the school, including Early Years through Year 6. EAL and Learning Support are noted as offerings in the curriculum, with delivery by specialist staff where appropriate. The Early Years and Key Stage 1 sections explicitly state that Learning Support and EAL are provided where appropriate. For expatriate pupils, Arabic as a second language is offered from Year 3 to Year 6 as part of the curriculum. EAL provision is therefore integrated alongside other specialist teaching within the school. |
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Mental wellbeing
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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 a pastoral care framework and the school's ethos, described as a happy, secure, and inclusive environment. The Deputy Head (Pastoral Care) leads pastoral initiatives, and the Learning Support Team includes staff such as a Speech & Language Therapist who can support social communication and wellbeing. The environment is reinforced as a place where discipline is firm and caring, based on mutual respect and community life. These elements together provide access to pastoral and language support as part of promoting students' mental wellbeing. |
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Safeguarding
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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 The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding or child protection policies. However, publicly available materials show a pastoral care structure led by a Deputy Head of Pastoral Care and a Learning Support Team that includes a Speech & Language Therapist, indicating welfare and safeguarding-related support mechanisms. The School operates under the patronage of Royal Court Affairs with governance that includes representation from the Ministry of Education, which provides context for safeguarding practices. Public materials also describe a friendly, secure environment and a commitment to discipline based on mutual respect and community life. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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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 Royal Flight School operates on a purpose-built, modern campus that opened in May 2016. The main building houses large, well-equipped classrooms and specialist teaching rooms for Art, Music, Drama, Home Economics, French and Arabic, plus a modern Computer suite. The Pre-school and Reception occupy their own block with indoor and outdoor play areas. There are Infants and Juniors Libraries with a broad range of books. The campus features a large Multi-Purpose Hall for PE, indoor activities, assemblies and productions, plus a 25m covered competition pool with six lanes and a smaller training pool, an outdoor astro-turf pitch, basketball courts, shaded play areas and an adventure playground. |
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Sports facilities
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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 A large Multi-Purpose Hall is used for PE, indoor games and after-school activities. Adjacent to the MPH is a 25m covered competition swimming pool with six lanes and a smaller training pool, both temperature-controlled. An outdoor astro-turf pitch is available for athletics, football and PE lessons, with nearby basketball courts. Shaded play areas and an adventure playground provide additional outdoor spaces for recreation. |
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Academic facilities
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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 Infants Library and Juniors Library provide a broad range of books. The main building includes large, well-equipped classrooms and specialist teaching rooms for Art, Music, Drama, Home Economics, French and Arabic. A modern Computer suite provides dedicated computing tuition for all pupils. These specialist spaces support delivery of the British Curriculum with subject-specific teaching. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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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 The Multi-Purpose Hall supports after-school activities in addition to PE and indoor games. Outdoor facilities—the astro-turf pitch, basketball courts and adventure playground—support informal sports and recreation. The MPH also serves as a venue for assemblies and productions. There is no cafeteria on site; pupils bring food from home to eat during breaks. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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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 Royal Flight School was established in September 1975 under the Patronage of Royal Court Affairs (RCA) to educate the children of Royal Flight employees; it now accepts pupils from the wider community but priority is given to RCA employees and the siblings of current pupils. The school was originally located within the Royal Flight Housing compound and moved to its own building in 1987, with the present site opening in May 2016. It serves children aged 3–11 and follows a British curriculum, with core subjects taught by class teachers and specialists covering Arabic, Art, Drama, French, Music, P.E., and Swimming; Omani students study Arabic and Islamic Studies as required, while expatriate pupils also study Arabic as a second language. The school remains a popular, oversubscribed community and maintains waiting lists for all year groups. |
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Community
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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 The school hosts a multinational community with pupils from over 32 countries. It supports a broad program of community events and cultural celebrations, including National Day, Beach Day, Book Day and other activities visible in the school's gallery and calendar. Regular newsletters and Parents' meetings help maintain close links between families and staff. The environment is described as cheerful, energetic and secure, with a small-school atmosphere that supports individual growth. |
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Parent teacher association
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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 Parent involvement is organized through the 'Working with Parents' framework rather than a named PTA. The program emphasizes parent participation through regular newsletters and important notices via SMS, and it organizes Parents' meetings in Autumn and Spring terms. A progress report is issued at the end of Autumn Term and a full end-of-year report at the end of the Summer Term. A Parent Portal provides access to school information for parents, and the site offers resources such as Newsletters & Forms. The school also delivers After-School Clubs as part of pupil engagement, including clubs such as Aquathlon. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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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 The school runs an after-school activity program in Terms 1 and 2 (Autumn and Spring) from 2:15–3:00 pm, Sunday to Wednesday. Activities vary each term and include a mix of sporting and creative options. They are designed to foster initiative, discipline, self-motivation, leadership and teamwork. Examples of activities include Art, Badminton, Chess, Music & Movement, Choir, Netball, Circuit Training, Drawing, Construction Games, Rounders, Cricket, Sewing, Cross Country, Swimming, Dance & Drama, Tennis, Football, and Hama Beads. |
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Arts & creative
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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 Art and Design, Drama, and Music are taught by specialist staff. The school provides dedicated spaces for Art, Drama and Music. The Music program includes a large choir and planned performances. Visual arts and drama are integrated into the curriculum with opportunities to showcase work. |
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Cultural & language
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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 Arabic and French are taught by specialist staff. Omani pupils take Arabic and Islamic Studies in line with Ministry of Education requirements, while expatriate pupils study Arabic as a second language. The curriculum is based on the International Primary Curriculum. The school supports language development and cultural awareness through language study and library resources. |
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Social & hobbies
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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 The after-school program offers a wide range of clubs and activities, including Art, Badminton, Chess, Music & Movement, Choir, Netball, Circuit Training, Drawing, Construction Games, Rounders, Cricket, Sewing, Cross Country, Swimming, Dance & Drama, Tennis, Football, and Hama Beads. Programs run 2:15–3:00 pm Sunday to Wednesday, with an emphasis on initiative, teamwork and social engagement. |
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Community & service
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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 — |
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Leadership & professional
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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 after-school activities are designed to develop leadership, initiative, discipline, self-motivation and teamwork, with staff and pupils working together in a range of activities. The program explicitly aims to foster leadership skills alongside personal development. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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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 Physical education and swimming are core components of the curriculum for Preschool through Year 6. The school has a six-lane, 25-meter pool and a smaller training pool, plus a large Multi-Purpose Hall and outdoor facilities for athletics and team sports. After-school offerings include team sports such as netball, football, cricket, tennis and cross country, as well as dance and drama, all supporting physical health and well-being. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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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 for core subjects; Arabic and French are taught by specialist staff. Arabic is the first language for Omani pupils and a second language for expatriate pupils. French is taught to all pupils from Year 2 onward. English as an Additional Language (EAL) and other Learning Support are provided where appropriate to assist non-native English speakers. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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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. Applications are invited for Pre-school to Year 6. The school serves children aged 3 to 11 and uses a British Curriculum; a waiting list is maintained for all year groups. The school is consistently oversubscribed, so families should consider applying early. 2. An invitation to attend an assessment is issued when a place becomes available. The assessment takes different forms depending on the child's age and is not a stressful experience and requires no preparation. The assessment helps determine whether a place can be offered. 3. A deposit of OMR 100.000 is charged at the time of assessment. If the child is offered a place, this sum is deducted from the Enrolment Fee and is non-refundable. If a place is not offered, the deposit is refunded. 4. Enrolment Fee is OMR 750.000. Tuition Fees per annum for Pre-school to Year 6 are OMR 3750.000, and School Extras cost OMR 50.000. Tuition Fees are paid in two equal installments in September and January; instalment plans are not available. 5. Waiting Lists exist for all year groups and there is no charge to join the Waiting List. |
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Scholarships
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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 — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist — | Waitlist The School maintains waiting lists for all year groups; there is no charge to join the Waiting List. The School is consistently oversubscribed, and places are offered as available following the admissions process. |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
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