Basic Information / Location
Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey, Downsend School stands as a prestigious private day school renowned for its exceptional education. It caters to students aged 6 months to 16 years, spanning from Nursery to Year 11. The school operates across four campuses: Little Downsend Ashtead, Little Downsend Epsom, Little Downsend Leatherhead, and Downsend School. These campuses work in unison to provide students with a seamless educational journey.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate has awarded all four campuses an ‘excellent in all areas’ rating, solidifying the school’s unwavering dedication to delivering a high-quality education. Downsend School prides itself on its comprehensive educational system, which not only prepares students for academic accomplishments but also nurtures personal growth. The school equips students with the necessary skills to excel in all facets of their lives.
Mission
Downsend School is deeply committed to fostering innovation and forward-thinking in the field of education. With a clear vision, the school aims to equip young individuals with the essential skills needed for the future, employing creative and problem-solving approaches. From Nursery to Senior School, Downsend’s students actively engage in a vibrant and immersive educational experience that thrives on a fast-paced environment designed to inspire and motivate.
The school’s curriculum is dynamic and thoughtfully tailored to offer growth opportunities to students across different age groups. This approach encourages students to develop their skills and expand their knowledge in exciting and meaningful ways. In essence, Downsend School remains steadfast in its dedication to providing a stimulating and challenging education that effectively prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world.
Academic Development
Downsend School underwent a significant transformation in September 2020, adopting a ‘through-school’ model that enables the first complete GCSE cohort to sit their exams in the summer term of 2023. In a remarkable achievement, eight Year 10 students took their GCSE exams a year earlier in 2022 and excelled with all students securing impressive A*-B grades.
To ensure personalized learning, Downsend School utilizes GL Assessments, which enables the creation of tailored learning plans for each student. It is noteworthy that 44% of primary school students achieved scores classified as ‘above average or well above average’ in English, while an equally impressive 43% accomplished the same in Maths. This exemplifies the school’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and providing individualized support for students across various subjects.
Pastoral Care
Downsend School provides students with a strong sense of belonging through innovative education. Parents also consider Downsend an excellent school that enables their children to be happy and thrive.
Extracurricular Activities and Personal Development
At Downsend School, sports hold a significant place, woven into the very fabric of its identity. The school actively supports students with potential in pursuing elite sports pathways, providing them with opportunities to participate in competitions. This commitment aims to promote positive physical and mental well-being while fostering the development of character and resilience synonymous with sports engagement.
The spectrum of extracurricular activities at Downsend School is diverse, encompassing athletics, gymnastics, badminton, basketball, cross-country skiing, triathlon, tennis, football, rugby, cricket, hockey, and swimming. The school’s sporting achievements in 2022 were truly exceptional, with a multitude of national championships earned. Notable accolades include the U12 Girls IAPS National Hockey Champions, U13 Boys IAPS National Football Champions, and IAPS National Swimming Champions, among other notable accomplishments.
