The Future is Hers: How Downe House Riyadh is Redefining Girls’ Education in Saudi Arabia

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Mrs Deborah Sharifi, Head of School at Downe House Riyadh, to discuss the school’s vision for the future and its commitment to providing world-class education to young women. Mrs. Sharifi shared her insights on key areas such as academic priorities, challenges in education, pupil well-being, and strategies for ensuring all pupils feel welcome and have equal opportunities for success.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

At Downe House Riyadh, we are committed to shaping the next generation of confident, compassionate, and ambitious young women. In 2025, our focus is on expanding academic excellence, enhancing leadership opportunities, and strengthening our ties with Downe House UK to bring world-class education to our pupils. Our Aspiration drives us to continue developing a curriculum that fosters intellectual curiosity and global awareness, ensuring our girls are prepared to take on the world with confidence. We are also enhancing our pastoral care programs to support well-being and resilience, ensuring every pupil thrives.

2. How do you decide what to focus on academically each year, and which new ideas are you pursuing?

Our academic priorities are guided by our commitment to excellence, innovation, and personal growth. Each year, we carefully evaluate our curriculum to ensure it aligns with the latest research on girls’ education. Creativity is at the heart of our approach—we explore new teaching strategies that inspire a love of learning, from STEAM initiatives and digital literacy to global perspectives and leadership programs. By integrating Collaboration into our lessons, we encourage pupils to engage in discussions, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.

3. What challenges do you anticipate in the field of education over the next five years?

Education is evolving rapidly, and we anticipate challenges such as keeping pace with technological advancements, nurturing emotional resilience in pupils, and ensuring education remains relevant to future careers. At Downe House Riyadh, we address these challenges by instilling Resilience, Creativity, and Communication in our pupils. We equip them with problem-solving skills, adaptability, and confidence so they can thrive in a dynamic world. Another key focus is pupil well-being as we recognize the increasing pressures young people face. Through our pastoral care and mindfulness programs, we ensure that our girls are not just academically prepared but also emotionally strong.

4. How do you keep pupils interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?

Every pupil at Downe House Riyadh is unique, and we celebrate their individual strengths and learning styles. Our approach is deeply rooted in Compassion, ensuring that every girl receives the support she needs to flourish. We use interactive, inquiry-based learning, where pupils engage in real-world problem-solving, debates, and collaborative projects. By making lessons meaningful and linked to real-life applications, we foster a sense of purpose and enthusiasm for learning. We also emphasize a Growth Mindset, helping pupils develop Resilience by embracing challenges and learning from setbacks.

5. How does the school ensure all pupils feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?

Inclusivity, respect, and support are at the heart of our school culture. As an all-girls school, we create a space where every pupil feels empowered to express herself, take risks, and achieve her personal best. Our House system, a cherished tradition at Downe House, fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Through Collaboration and Compassion, we ensure that no girl feels left behind—our mentorship programs, leadership opportunities, and personalized learning support provide every pupil with the tools to succeed.

6. How proactive is the school in matters of pupil stress and bullying?

At Downe House Riyadh, well-being comes first. We take a proactive stance on mental health, stress management, and anti-bullying initiatives. Our Resilience-focused approach teaches pupils to manage pressure and build emotional strength through mindfulness, self-reflection, and open dialogue. Our pastoral care team, peer mentoring system, and Compassion-driven school culture ensure that every girl has a strong support network. We encourage pupils to be upstanders, not bystanders, fostering a safe and respectful environment where kindness and integrity define our community.

7. How do you help pupils build the skills they need for life after graduation?

Our mission is to prepare young women to be leaders, innovators, and changemakers. We embed critical thinking, leadership, and communication into our curriculum, ensuring that our pupils leave Downe House Riyadh with the confidence to succeed in any field. Aspiration is a key pillar of our DNA—we encourage girls to set ambitious goals and strive for excellence. From public speaking and debating to entrepreneurship and problem-solving challenges, we provide opportunities that develop independence and resilience. Our global network with Downe House UK and alumnae worldwide ensures that our pupils are connected to a powerful community of inspiring women.

8. How involved are parents and the community in making the school better?

Education is a partnership, and we value the role of parents in their daughters’ success. We actively engage with parents through workshops, leadership panels, and regular feedback sessions. By fostering Collaboration between school and home, we create an environment where our pupils can flourish academically and personally. We also connect with the wider community, offering internships, guest lectures, and local outreach programs, ensuring our girls gain exposure to real-world experiences.

9. How do you develop a school culture that attracts and keeps great teachers?

The best schools are built on the passion and expertise of their teachers. We create a culture of Collaboration, where teachers share best practices and innovate together and our ties with Downe House UK offer unique opportunities for career progression, research, and international exchange, ensuring that our educators remain at the forefront of girls’ education. In December I visited Downe House UK to conduct interviews for new teachers arriving in August 2025. Conducting face-to-face interviews alongside my colleagues from Downe House UK supports our vision of recruiting the very best talent from the UK to bring the British curriculum alive in the Kingdom.

10. Do teachers at your school have growth opportunities for leadership roles?

Absolutely. We believe in nurturing leadership at every level—not just for our pupils but for our staff as well. We offer mentorship programs, professional development workshops, and opportunities to take on leadership roles within academic and co-curricular programs. Our teachers are encouraged to lead initiatives, drive innovation, and contribute to shaping the future of the school.

11. Which after-school activity would you say has the biggest positive impact on a pupil’s future?

Extracurricular activities build confidence, leadership, and character. While every activity has value, those that emphasize Communication, Collaboration, and Resilience tend to have the greatest impact. Debating, performing arts, sports, and Model United Nations encourage pupils to develop public speaking skills, teamwork, and strategic thinking—essential qualities for future success. Community service projects also instill Compassion, teaching our girls the importance of giving back and making a difference in the world.

12. As Head of School, what is your definition of success?

Success, for me, is seeing our pupils leave Downe House Riyadh as confident, kind, and capable young women. It is not just about academic achievements but about developing the character, courage, and curiosity to lead fulfilling lives. A successful pupil is one who aspires to greatness, embraces challenges, and uplifts those around her. If we can instill a love of learning, a sense of purpose, and an unwavering belief in her own potential, then we have truly succeeded.

13. If you had the opportunity to inspire the world in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

“Educating a girl means empowering a future—because when young women lead, the world transforms-The future is hers”