School Counsellor - August 2026 (Female Only)

Downe House Riyadh is on the lookout for an outstanding and committed School Counsellor to join our expanding team starting in August 2026.

The role of School Counsellor will involve supporting the well-being of our school community and addressing issues related to student behavior, academic success, and social-emotional growth.

About Cognita:

Cognita is a prominent name in independent education globally. Established in 2004, we encompass a thriving network of over 100 schools across 16 countries, including Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, serving more than 85,000 students. Each school boasts its unique character, yet we share a common mission to cultivate an environment where every individual can "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world."

At Cognita, we recognize that each student possesses unique attributes. We nurture their individual strengths and personalities, providing support academically, socially, and emotionally, regardless of their starting point or location. We safeguard their individuality while providing them with rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices, ensuring they receive an education that is truly world-class.

About Downe House Riyadh:

Since its opening in September 2022, Downe House Riyadh has been delivering an exceptional British curriculum in partnership with one of the UK’s most renowned girls-only private schools. With over a hundred years of excellence, Downe House UK consistently ranks among the top five all-girls’ schools in the nation.

Situated in the prestigious Aqeeq neighbourhood in northern Riyadh, the school offers a British curriculum enhanced by Downe House UK’s rich traditions and expertise. The program is thoughtfully adapted for Saudi Arabia, ensuring that girls excel in both Arabic and Islamic Studies alongside core subjects.

The close collaboration between the Riyadh and UK schools is reflected in both philosophy and practices. Central to the Downe House ethos is the individual: every girl’s strengths, challenges, and interests are acknowledged, with tailored pathways that promote confidence and success.

Downe House Riyadh offers:

• A premier British education leading to IGCSEs and A Levels

• Excellence in girls’ education

• Outstanding pastoral care and avenues for personal development

• A diverse array of co-curricular activities

The school fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and respect for others through robust pastoral systems, personalized tutoring, and a focus on every student.

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 admitted from Pre-School to Year 4.

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

Key Responsibilities

School Values and Ethos

• Actively advocate for our unique vision and the Downe House Potential through enthusiastic involvement in all aspects of school life.

• Adhere to the rules, policies, and procedures set forth by the school and the ministry of education.

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

• Model English-speaking at all times in the presence of pupils and in public areas of the school.

• Respect and support Saudi culture.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring that any concerns are reported as per policy.

• Demonstrate a personal commitment to safeguarding and well-being.

• Engage fully in required safeguarding training.

Management

• Implement school policies and procedures effectively.

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

• Utilize teaching assistants effectively to enhance learning where applicable.

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

Professional Standards

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

• Actively participate in professional development and training opportunities.

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

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

• Foster productive and collaborative working relationships with colleagues.

Professional Standards

• Provide confidential counselling services to students as necessary.

• 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 importance of being an exemplary role model for all students in the school.

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

• Maintain professional and productive 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)

• Capability to work independently and confidently. (E)

• Effective communication and listening skills. (E)

• Patience, tolerance, and sensitivity. (E)

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

We provide 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 prestigious, globally connected institution renowned for 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 applicant will enjoy an attractive tax-free salary, along with a strong commitment to supporting their development and career aspirations.

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

Interviews may be conducted online or in person.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates ahead of the official closing date, so we encourage early applications.

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

Downe House Riyadh School and Cognita are dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of children and young people and expect the same commitment from their employees. All new staff will undergo thorough 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.