School Counsellor - August 2026 (Female Only)

About Downe House Riyadh:

Since opening its doors in September 2022, Downe House Riyadh has been delivering an outstanding British curriculum in collaboration with one of the UK’s most prestigious girls-only private schools. With over a century of excellence, Downe House UK consistently ranks among the top five all-girls’ schools in the country.

Located in the esteemed Aqeeq neighborhood in northern Riyadh, the school provides a British curriculum enriched by the traditions and expertise of Downe House UK. The program is carefully tailored for the Saudi Arabian context, ensuring that girls thrive in both Arabic and Islamic Studies alongside core subjects.

The strong partnership between the Riyadh and UK schools is evident in both philosophy and practices. Central to the Downe House ethos is a focus on the individual: each girl's strengths, challenges, and interests are recognized, with customized pathways designed to foster confidence and success.

Downe House Riyadh offers:

• A top-tier British education leading to IGCSEs and A Levels

• Excellence in girls’ education

• Exceptional pastoral care and opportunities for personal growth

• A wide range of co-curricular activities

The school nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, and respect for others through robust pastoral systems, personalized tutoring, and a commitment to every student’s development.

School Structure:

• Pre-Prep: Nursery to Year 2 (ages 2–7)

• Prep: Year 3 to Year 8 (ages 7–13)

• Senior: Year 9 to Year 13 (ages 13–18)

Boys and girls are welcomed from Pre-School to Year 4.

Our modern campus features dedicated libraries, central atriums, science and design laboratories, art studios, a 450-seat theatre, facilities for music, dance, and drama, IT labs, and both senior and learner swimming pools.

Key Responsibilities

School Values and Ethos

• Actively promote our distinctive vision and the Downe House Potential through enthusiastic participation in all facets of school life.

• Comply with the rules, policies, and procedures established by the school and the ministry of education.

• Set consistently high expectations that inspire, motivate, and challenge students.

• Always model English communication in the presence of students and in public areas of the school.

• Respect and support Saudi culture.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring any concerns are reported in accordance with policy.

• Show personal commitment to safeguarding and well-being.

• Engage fully in mandatory safeguarding training.

Management

• Effectively implement school policies and procedures.

• Maintain a safe, purposeful, and well-organized learning environment.

• Utilize teaching assistants effectively to enhance learning where appropriate.

• Build strong relationships with parents and positively contribute to the home–school partnership.

Professional Standards

• Attend assemblies, departmental meetings, parents’ evenings, school events, and staff meetings.

• Actively engage in professional development and training opportunities.

• Demonstrate exemplary behavior and uphold high standards of professionalism, punctuality, and presentation.

• Take responsibility for self-reflection, professional growth, and high-quality teaching practices.

• Cultivate productive and collaborative working relationships with colleagues.

Counselling Responsibilities

• Provide confidential counselling services to students as needed.

• Maintain appropriate and confidential records.

• Attend assemblies, departmental meetings, parents’ evenings, school events, and other staff meetings.

• Participate in professional development and staff training opportunities.

• Recognize the significance of being an exemplary role model for all students.

• Take personal responsibility for evaluating and reflecting on your teaching to continuously improve your practice.

• Maintain professional and constructive relationships with colleagues.

Person Specification

(E = Essential, D = Desired)

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s level in Counselling or Psychotherapy. (E)

• Additional therapeutic training or qualifications for working with children and young people. (D)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. (E)

• Ability to work independently and confidently. (E)

• Effective communication and listening abilities. (E)

• Patience, tolerance, and sensitivity. (E)

• A mature, non-judgmental perspective. (E)

We offer a supportive leadership team, excellent opportunities for professional development, and the chance to be part of a vibrant and dedicated school community.

Why Join Downe House Riyadh?

• Become part of a distinguished, globally connected institution known for its excellence.

• Collaborate within a supportive and professional team that values innovation and teamwork.

• Gain valuable experience in a dynamic international school environment while contributing to a significant short-term initiative.

Our Offer:

The successful candidate will receive an attractive tax-free salary, along with a strong commitment to supporting their professional development and career aspirations.

Applications should be submitted via the TES online application form; only complete applications will be considered. Please include your current, up-to-date CV with your submission.

Interviews may be conducted either online or in person.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates prior to the official closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

Thank you for considering Downe House Riyadh. Due to the expected volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Downe House Riyadh School and Cognita are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of children and young people and expect the same commitment from their employees. All new hires will undergo comprehensive pre-employment clearance, including identity verification, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to explore any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the past decade.