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Downe House Muscat

Oman, Muscat

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees OMR 3,470 - 7,500
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 99
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 20
Introduction

Downe House Muscat is a British-curriculum international school in Al Bandar, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, operating as an all-through day school from kindergarten to Grade 12 and serving ages 4 to 18. The school follows the Cambridge primary and lower-secondary programmes, progressing to IGCSEs and then offering A Levels or the Omani General Education Diploma (GED) in Sixth Form. English is the principal language of instruction and the school provides structured English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and a dedicated Learning Support department; Arabic language and Islamic Studies are taught as integral parts of the curriculum. Facilities include a Performing Arts Centre with a 450‑seat theatre and music academy (recording studio and practice rooms), purpose-built art and design studios (kiln and jewellery/product design lab), and a Sports Academy with a six‑lane 25m pool, double-sized sports hall, pitches and courts. Downe House Muscat is linked to the Downe House UK family and positions its programme around the Downe House educational values and personalised pathways to local and international qualifications.

Downe House Muscat, Al Bandar, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

The Essentials

Downe House Muscat has 99 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Religious affiliation
No explicit religious affiliation is stated by the school.

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.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Healthy food choices are promoted under the Cognita Be Well Charter.

Governance and Ownership
Downe House Muscat is part of the Cognita family of Schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Downe House Muscat ranges from OMR 3,470 to OMR 7,500 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Downe House Muscat teaches British Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.
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.

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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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