Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that families may have questions at different points throughout the academic year. This section offers clear answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, helping you feel informed and confident in all aspects of school life at Downe House Muscat.
Please click on the headings below to explore the full range of questions and answers.
Families complete an enquiry form, attend a school tour and submit an application. All students are assessed on entry. The process varies depending on the year group.
We are a non-selective school. In KG1 to Grade 4, children meet with a member of our teaching team and complete age-appropriate activities to assess readiness, communication and basic skills. From Grade 5 upwards, students sit a CAT4 assessment. CAT4 is a Cognitive Abilities Test that measures reasoning ability across verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial areas. It does not assess curriculum knowledge. It helps us understand how a student learns and whether we are able to provide the right level of challenge and support. Assessments are used to ensure appropriate placement and support.
Yes. We accept boys from KG to Grade 4. From Grade 5 onwards, the school is single-sex.
Yes. We welcome EAL students and provide structured support to ensure they thrive academically.
We support students with mild to moderate learning needs. Our dedicated SENCO oversees learning support provision. If you have specific concerns, we are happy to arrange a conversation with the appropriate member of staff.
From KG to Grade 8, students follow the Cambridge curriculum. Students then commence IGCSE courses, with examinations offered through Cambridge, Pearson and Oxford AQA. From Grade 10, students may progress to A Level qualifications or follow the Omani GED pathway in Grades 11 and 12.
Our students consistently achieve strong outcomes at IGCSE, A Level and GED. Please visit our Results page for detailed information.
We use internal assessment, CAT4 baseline data and ongoing tracking to monitor academic progress and ensure appropriate challenge and support.
We work closely with professional careers providers and deliver a tailored careers programme. Students receive personalised guidance to support applications to universities locally and internationally, as well as alternative pathways aligned to their ambitions.
Each student is supported by a tutor. We also have a dedicated on-site school counsellor and a qualified school nurse. Safeguarding and wellbeing are central to school life.
We prioritise a culture of respect, belonging and high expectation. Students are known individually and supported both academically and personally.
Student leadership is central to our ethos. From Grade 3, students may serve as Class Captains and Deputy Class Captains. In Grade 12, students may be appointed Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl. We also operate a Student Council, ensuring student voice is represented across the school. As a single-sex school from Grade 5 upwards, we place strong emphasis on developing confident, capable female leaders.
Students participate in sport, creative arts, academic enrichment and leadership initiatives.
In the Junior School, we use ClassDojo for day-to-day communication and for regular updates, including photos of your children. In the Secondary School, we use Microsoft Teams. All families receive updates through the Downe House Muscat app, including notifications and our weekly newsletter. We also hold regular parent meetings and reporting cycles to maintain strong partnership with families.
Please visit the term dates page on our website for the School Academic Calendar.