Downe House Riyadh Students Shine in Mawhiba Assessment and Secure Offers from Leading Global Universities
Students at Downe House Riyadh have achieved major academic milestones this year, excelling in the nationally recognised Mawhiba Multiple Cognitive Aptitude Test while also securing offers from prestigious universities across the UK, US, and Europe.
The school announced that four students delivered outstanding performances in the Mawhiba assessment, administered by King Abdulaziz & His Companions Foundation for Giftedness & Creativity, commonly known as Mawhiba. The programme identifies and supports academically gifted students across Saudi Arabia.
The students recognised this year include Aseel AlBagieh from Year 8, Safanah Alhomood from Year 5, Jodi Alrehaili from Year 9, and Lulwa Alhabdan from Year 4.
School officials said the achievement reflects not only academic excellence but also strong critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and problem-solving abilities that are central to the school’s educational approach.
The academic success extended into the Sixth Form cohort, where Year 13 students secured offers from several leading international universities. These include UK Russell Group institutions such as the University of Southampton, University of Nottingham, and University of Sheffield, alongside universities in the United States and Europe.
Among the standout achievements was Saudi student Leen Alyahyawi, who received acceptance to University of California, Berkeley along with a full Saudi scholarship.
Another student, Yasmin Zaini, the school’s Head Girl, secured multiple university offers and scholarships from globally recognised institutions including IE University, Indiana University Bloomington, and University of Colorado Boulder.
Alongside her academic achievements, Yasmin has also participated in an international training programme with the Saudi National Snowboarding Team, reflecting the school’s emphasis on balancing academic and extracurricular development.
Deborah Sharifi, Principal of Downe House Riyadh, said the achievements highlighted both the students’ dedication and the strength of the school’s personalised academic support system.
“We are incredibly proud of our girls and all they have achieved. Their success reflects not only their individual dedication, but also the strength of the academic pathways and personalised support that makes the difference at Downe House Riyadh,” she said.
The school said students receive tailored university guidance throughout their academic journey, including dedicated support from Sixth Form advisers, scholarship assistance, and access to international university partnerships.
The institution also highlighted the achievements of students pursuing higher education opportunities within Saudi Arabia. Student Haya Alabdulwahab achieved a high score in the Qudrat examinations, supporting her pathway toward admission to a leading Saudi university.
Downe House Riyadh said its educational model combines British academic standards with Saudi cultural values, aiming to prepare students for both local and international opportunities.
