Downe House School
Christian
Updated July 2026
Downe House is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18 that blends traditional values with a modern, forward-thinking approach. It is located on a 110-acre estate in rural Berkshire and focuses on providing a holistic education that prepares students for life beyond school.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Founded in 1907, the school is built on the belief that education should value the individual and foster a strong sense of community. It emphasizes kindness, respect, and a partnership between staff and pupils, aiming to nurture confident, caring trailblazers with a global outlook. The school seeks to provide an immersive education that allows girls the freedom to develop their talents at their own pace.
Programmes
The academic offering is supported by the World Ready Programme, a structured framework that evolves as students progress through the school. In the Lower School, the focus is on developing characteristics such as compassion, collaboration, resilience, and creativity, while the Upper School encourages the pursuit of individual interests through electives and super-curricular activities. The Sixth Form curriculum includes leadership awards like the Mini MBA or Ivy House Leadership Award, and opportunities for Microsoft Office Specialist certification.
Outcomes
The school aims to prepare girls to be confident, caring citizens of a global community. Students have access to the DH LINKS initiative, which connects them with a global network of alumnae for mentoring and work placements, and the Higher Education department provides a supportive pathway for university applications. Sixth Form students also benefit from lecture programmes and workshops on CV writing and interview skills.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides holistic pastoral support, described as a "home from home," to ensure each girl is nurtured. This includes a 24-hour onsite health centre staffed by trained nurses and a structured framework of support through the World Ready Programme, which focuses on personal development and wellbeing.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- How much is tuition at Downe House School?
- Annual tuition at Downe House School is £33.6K–£60.9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Downe House School a day or boarding school?
- Downe House School is a day and boarding school.
- Is Downe House School co-educational?
- Downe House School is a girls school.
- Where is Downe House School located?
- Downe House School is an international school in Newbury, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025/26| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Full Boarding | 11–18 | £60.9K |
| Flexi Boarding | 11–18 | £50.9K |
| Day Boarding | 11–18 | £45.3K |
| Day | 11–18 | £33.6K |
Other fees(5)
| Registration fee· Day (inclusive of VAT) | £240 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Boarding/Flexi (inclusive of VAT) | £395 |
| Deposit· Full & Flexi Boarding pupils whose parents reside within the UK (paid on acceptance of offer) | £3K |
| Deposit· All other pupils / overseas (paid on acceptance of offer) | £10K |
| Deposit· Day pupils whose parents reside within the UK (paid on acceptance of offer) | £2K |
Admissions
The admissions process is designed to be straightforward, with a dedicated team supporting families from the initial enquiry through to the student's first day. Prospective families are encouraged to book a personal tour or attend an Open Morning to experience the school environment. Online registration is available, and the school provides specific reading lists for 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry to help students prepare.
Calendar
The school operates on a termly basis, with a full list of term dates available on the school's website and the parent portal. The academic year is divided into three terms, with dates provided for several years in advance to assist with planning.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is set on a 110-acre woodland estate in Berkshire, featuring a mix of historic buildings like the Cloisters and Chapel alongside modern developments such as the Murray Centre, which houses a library and 250-seat auditorium. Sports facilities include a 25-metre heated swimming pool, a multi-purpose sports hall (the Farr Centre) with a fitness suite and dance studio, seven netball courts, ten hard tennis courts, and Astro pitches. Creative and academic facilities include a dedicated science block, a performing arts centre with a 500-seat theatre, and specialized workshops for art, pottery, textiles, design technology, and photography.
Co-curriculars
The co-curricular programme is extensive, offering students the opportunity to pursue multiple passions through various initiatives. Offerings include sports teams, music ensembles, debating and public speaking via the Phoenix Society, and a super-curricular Elective Programme. Students can also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, global internships, and various clubs and societies.
- Mrs Emma McKendrickHeadmistress
Emma has been the Headmistress of Downe House School for over twenty-five years. A linguist educated at the Universities of Liverpool and Birmingham, she previously served as Headmistress of the Royal School Bath from 1994-97.
- Mr Matthew GodfreyDeputy Head
Matthew joined Downe House in September 2021. He is a graduate of Durham University, holds a Master’s Degree in Education, and previously served as Deputy Head (External Relations) at Caterham School and Director of Boarding at Brighton College.
- Mrs Genevieve FordDeputy Head (Pastoral)
Genevieve became Deputy Head (Pastoral) after serving as Housemistress of AGS and Head of Upper School. She holds a degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Bristol and is the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Mr Hugh GrantDeputy Head (Academic)
Hugh joined Downe House in 2023. He graduated from New College, Oxford, completed his PGCE at Homerton College, Cambridge, and has extensive teaching experience in Biology and Science across Dubai, South Korea, and Tonbridge School.
- Mrs Philippa ToogoodDeputy Head (Operations & Co-Curricular)
Philippa joined Downe House in 2003 as a teacher of Religious Studies and has held various roles including Head of Religious Studies, Examinations Officer, Director of Studies, and Director of the Murray Centre. She holds a degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Leeds.
- Mrs Tara ReeveDirector of Admissions
Tara leads the Admissions team at Downe House. She was previously a Sixth Form Housemistress and teacher at the school.
- Mrs Julia BurnettDirector of Finance and Operations
Julia is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants with a background in audit, management consulting, and as a Bursar at a local prep school. Her focus is on the efficient running of the school's finance function and diversifying revenue streams.