Downsend School

The school’s educational philosophy is built on the 'Future Skills' vision, which aims to prepare pupils for a rapidly evolving world by fostering creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. The core values of 'Thrive', 'Innovate', and 'Endeavour' guide the community, encouraging pupils to develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and a curious mindset. The school utilizes a transformational teaching approach that prioritizes deep conceptual understanding over rote learning.

The school offers an integrated curriculum spanning from nursery (ages 6 months) to GCSEs and A Levels. The academic programme is structured across Little Downsend (nursery and pre-prep), the Junior School (ages 7–11), the Senior School (ages 11–16), and Downsend Sixth (ages 16–18). The curriculum integrates core subjects with STEAM and digital mastery, supported by 1-to-1 devices for pupils from Reception onwards.

The school tracks academic achievement against national and Surrey averages annually to ensure high standards. Pupils move on to a variety of educational destinations, including St John’s, Reigate Grammar, Epsom College, and the school's own Downsend Sixth. The school emphasizes that student success is measured by both academic results and the development of essential future-ready skills.

Downsend employs a dedicated Learning Support Team that works closely with pupils to create personalised action plans for those requiring additional support. The school also operates a 'Gifted and Talented' scheme, known as RAISE, which provides stretch and challenge opportunities for high-achieving students. Progress is meticulously tracked using baseline assessments such as MidYis and Yellis to identify individual strengths and areas for improvement.

Downsend School offers a range of admissions events, including personal tours and small-group 'Talk and Tour' sessions led by the Heads of School or the Executive Head. Prospective families can book these visits online for the Main School, Little Downsend settings, and the Downsend Sixth campus. The admissions process involves a non-refundable registration fee—£80 for Little Downsend and £180 for Reception through Year 13—followed by a refundable deposit to secure a place.

The school operates on a three-term academic year. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the Autumn Term begins on 3 September 2026 and ends on 10 December 2026, with a half-term break from 19 to 30 October. The Spring Term runs from 5 January 2027 to 24 March 2027, and the Summer Term runs from 13 April 2027 to 7 July 2027.

The school maintains extensive facilities across its sites, including a Creative Arts Centre with a 200-seat performance auditorium, a black box drama and dance studio, and a professional recording studio. Sporting facilities feature a 25m indoor swimming pool, a full-size sports hall, all-weather Astro turf, athletics tracks, and various pitches for football, rugby, and cricket. The main site also houses specialist science laboratories, Design and Technology studios, Food Technology rooms, and IT suites, while the purpose-built Downsend Sixth campus includes an innovation suite, library, and café.

The school provides a wide range of clubs and enrichment activities across all stages, including Junior and Senior School. These programmes are designed to complement the academic curriculum, offering opportunities for pupils to explore interests outside the classroom. Additionally, the school operates a holiday club, 'Downsend Early Years +', which provides flexible, pay-as-you-go childcare during school holidays.