Welcome to Downsend School
Downsend is an innovative and forward-thinking independent school with a vision. A vision to inspire pupils to embrace the future, to create incredible people who make change in a rapidly evolving world.
From Nursery to Sixth Form, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation and we never hold back.
It is an exciting time to be a Downsendian as our Sixth Form opens in September 2025. Downsend Sixth will complete the journey for pupils from the ages of 6 months to 18 and marks an exceptional moment in our history.
A new era for Downsend
Downsend Sixth launches September 2025! Our brand new, purpose-designed, Sixth Form Centre will offer the very best of both worlds. Our new campus will offer young people the perfect environment for both academic success and personal growth.
Our Awards.
Highly Commended
FACILITIES & LOCATION
Excellent learning locations.
Innovative modern spaces bring specialist teaching to life at the Main School, while Little Downsend offers a home from home for our littlest children, with outstanding outdoor spaces for exploring and learning.
Accreditations
Follow Downsend on Social Media
We’re incredibly proud that the Independent Schools Association (ISA) has published a case study showcasing the outstanding Early Years provision at Little Downsend. This follows our national award for Excellence and Innovation in Early Years, recognising the passion, creativity and commitment of our amazing team.
This lovely video captures just a glimpse of the joy and discovery our youngest learners experience every day. Learning through creative, dexterous and sensory play is at the heart of everything we do.
A brilliant example of best practice in action. Well done, Team Downsend!
Read the full case study - link in bio.
#downsendschool #wearecognita #littledownsend #epsom #banstead #bansteadvillage #tadworth #cheam #sutton #isaawardwinner #nursery #preprep
Our Senior School Eco Leaders proudly represented Downsend at the Online Sustainability Innovation Symposium, collaborating with students from @chirecschool (India) and @elis.murcia (Spain) to shape the vision for the Sustainable School of the Future!
Inspired by speakers from Cognita Asia and Sustainability at School, these young changemakers worked across countries and time zones to develop ideas focused on three key pillars:
Values – embedding sustainability into the heart of school culture
Environment – creating greener, more eco-friendly campuses
Curriculum – integrating environmental education into everyday learning
It was a brilliant showcase of global teamwork, bold ideas, and a deep commitment to change. These students are the future and the future looks bright!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #futureskills #futureready #ecoschool
Last week Year 6 students completed some volunteering work at Ashtead Common to help remove invasive plant species threatening the area`s natural habitat. Armed with gloves and guided by the ranger, the children worked together to clear non-native plants and support the health of the woodland ecosystem.
#downsendschool #wearecognita #ashteadcommon #communityfirst
With the GCSE 2025 exam season now behind them, we caught up with our Year 11 students to reflect on their time at Downsend.
In this special reel series, they share their favourite memories, advice to their younger selves, what they’ll miss most, and their exciting next steps.
This is a milestone moment in their journey, and we couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve achieved!
So, what was their best memory at Downsend? Let’s find out…
#downsendschool #wearecognita #cognitaschools #futuready #gcse2025
An unforgettable production of theatre from our talented Year 7 & 8 students!
The night opened with a moving performance of Romeo and Juliet, where students brought Shakespeare’s words to life with confidence and emotion. After the break, laughter filled the room with Harlequinade, a fast-paced comedy that had the audience thoroughly entertained.
From powerful drama to brilliant comedy, the students demonstrated remarkable range, creativity, and collaboration. A huge congratulations to everyone involved — both on stage and behind the scenes!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #romeoandjuliet #futureskills #youngactors #dramaproduction #performingarts #schoolplay
A little rain couldn’t stop our Junior Girls at the annual Athletics Meeting here at Downsend — with sprints, long-distance runs, ball throw, long jump, and a high-energy team relay to finish! Incredible effort and team spirit all round!
Meanwhile, Alex (Y10) represented Surrey in the javelin at the Inter Counties Championships at K2 Crawley, smashing a new PB with a throw of over 45m!
#downsendschool #teamdownsend #wearecognita #sportingsuccess #surreyhills #k2crawley #schoolsathletics
We’re always innovating at Downsend and our D6 Core and D6 Future Ready Programme is designed to offer students a unique, holistic and future-focused experience.
The D6 Core combines academic studies with a unique curriculum – the building blocks of a truly future skills focused education. From our carefully curated electives programme, to a careers and life skills inspired calendar of guest speakers through to wellness and initiatives to support our local and global community.
The D6 Future Ready Programme is where it all comes to life - developing real skills for the real world, while experiencing an amazing adventure.
#DownsendSixth #FutureSkills #FutureReady #D6Core #Leadership #Innovation #Creativity #SixthForm #StudentSuccess #HolisticEducation #SixthReady
Learn more.
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