A number of Saudi students have achieved impressive results in a national assessment designed to identify academic giftedness, with several students earning opportunities at leading universities around the world.

Among the students from Downe House Riyadh recognized this year for their performance in the Mawhiba Multiple Cognitive Aptitude Test were Aseel Al-Bagieh (Year 8), Safanah Al-Homood (Year 5), Jodi Al-Rehaili (Year 9), and Lulwa Al-Habdan (Year 4).

The students’ achievements reflected not only strong academic performance but also skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and intellectual curiosity.

Year 13 student Leen Al-Yahyawi also reached an important milestone after receiving admission to University of California, Berkeley along with a full Saudi scholarship.

Another student, Yasmin Zaini, who serves as head girl at Downe House Riyadh, received several offers and scholarships from internationally recognized institutions, including IE University, Indiana University Bloomington, and University of Colorado Boulder.

Alongside her academic studies, Zaini also participated in an international training program for the Saudi national snowboarding team.

Student Haya Al-Abdulwahab also achieved an outstanding result in the Qudrat examinations used for university admissions.

In a statement, principal Deborah Sharifi said the school was proud of the students and their accomplishments, noting that their success reflected both their dedication and the academic support provided by the school.

The Mawhiba Multiple Cognitive Aptitude Test is a nationally recognized assessment organized by King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, commonly known as Mawhiba.

The test is available in both Arabic and English at more than 100 centers and evaluates mental flexibility, reasoning abilities, and comprehension skills.

Mawhiba has also achieved a Guinness World Record for the highest number of registrations for a cognitive aptitude test within a single month.

The national initiative aims to build a comprehensive database of gifted students, increase awareness about giftedness in society, and support talented students through specialized enrichment programs.