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 brand new Sixth Form has now opened. Downsend Sixth completes the journey for pupils from the ages of 6 months to 18 and marks an exceptional moment in our history.
Downsend is future focused in a rapidly evolving world.
From Nursery through to Downsend Sixth, day to day life at Downsend is fast-paced, inspiring and immersive. We bring learning to life, providing opportunities for growth at every age.
We're passionate about providing the best, most innovative experience possible. Find out more about our Future Skills Vision below:
Downsend Sixth
A new era for Downsend
Downsend Sixth is now open! Our brand new, purpose-designed, Sixth Form Centre offers the very best of both worlds. Our new campus offers young people the perfect environment for both academic success and personal growth.
Head's Welcome
Meet the Head.
Known for her forward-thinking approach, Rebecca Tear is passionate about preparing pupils not just for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom. Her leadership is grounded in strong relationships, high expectations and a belief in education as a platform for possibility.
At Downsend, Bex leads with purpose and ambition - guiding the school’s Future Skills vision and ensuring every child is equipped to thrive in a changing world.
Our Awards.
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.
Passionate and inspiring leadership, down to earth, fantastic facilities and a modern, forward-thinking approach.
– A Downsend Parent
Our Schools
Little Downsend Ashtead (age 0-4)
Little Downsend Ashtead is a Nursery and Pre-School for children aged 6 months to 4 years old.
A short walk from Ashtead Village, with its independent shops and cafes, Little Downsend Ashtead is perfectly located for new parents looking for a nursery within walking distance that has a quiet, welcoming presence.
Little Downsend Epsom (age 2-7)
Little Downsend Epsom is a Nursery and Pre-Prep for children aged 2 to 7.
Occupying a beautiful piece of land with a grassy field, garden and play areas, both children's and parent's needs are catered for in quiet surroundings.
Little Downsend Leatherhead (age 2-7)
Little Downsend Leatherhead is a Nursery and Pre-Prep for children aged 2 years to 7 years.
The largest of the three schools, Little Downsend Leatherhead benefits from a huge play area, an acre of grassy fields, forest school, stage and climbing equipment.
Downsend School (age 8-16)
Downsend School houses Year 3 to Year 11. Featuring a brand-new Creative Arts Centre, extensive sporting facilities, 25m pool and a wide range of specialist labs and studios, Downsend offers pupils an exciting place to learn. Conveniently located just outside Leatherhead, the campus has a leafy, suburban feel whilst being easy to get to by car, train or bus.
Downsend Sixth (age 16-18)
Launching in September 2025, Downsend Sixth will provide an outstanding A Level experience in a purpose-designed building a short walk from Leatherhead train station and opposite Leatherhead Leisure Centre. State of the art specialist teaching rooms including Science Labs and an Innovation Suite will complement contemporary quiet study spaces and a collaborative Common Room and Café.
Accreditations
Follow Downsend on Social Media
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Little Downsend Epsom this morning!
It was a pleasure to welcome families into our school and give a glimpse into our nurturing, creative and future-focused early years environment. We hope you enjoyed exploring our spaces and meeting our passionate team.
#LittleDownsend #Downsend #DownsendSchool #IndependentSchool

Recently, our Year 6 students enjoyed an exciting Experience Day in the Senior School.
While parents explored the school on guided tours and heard from staff in an introduction talk, students took part in taster lessons and teamed up with Year 8 buddies to get a real feel for life in the Senior School.
In the afternoon, they explored the question ‘Does height determine how far you can jump?’ - working with their buddies to test it out, take measurements and compare their results.
#downsendschool #downsend #juniorschoolsurrey #seniorschoolsurrey #independentschoolsurrey

Huge congratulations to our U11 Girls’ Hockey team, winners of the Plate Competition at the IAPS Hockey Qualifiers!
The team has shown real determination and teamwork, overcoming injury setbacks and growing stronger together with each match.
A fantastic result and a brilliant display of Downsend spirit – well done to everyone involved! 👏
#downsend #downsendschool #schoolsport #acognitaschool

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Little Downsend Leatherhead Open Morning last week!
It was a lovely to welcome so many families into our vibrant school and give a glimpse into how we nurture curiosity, creativity and confidence from the very beginning.
If you missed it, not to worry - our Little Downsend Epsom Open Morning is this Thursday, 16th October.
Visit downsend.co.uk to find out more and book your place.
#downsend #littledownsend #downsendschool #acognitaschool

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay
At Downsend, we believe mental wellbeing is just as important as academic success.
In this video, some of our students share the ways they look after their wellbeing - from spending time with friends to playing sport and getting fresh air.
Because when we feel well in body and mind, we`re better equipped to learn, grow and thrive - in the classroom and beyond.
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025 #DownsendSchool #WeAreCognita #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalWellbeing

Elsie in Year 9 has been selected to represent Great Britain in an artistic gymnastics competition in Switzerland over half term. 👏
It’s her first international call up and she will be competing against gymnasts from France, Germany and Switzerland!
Well done Elsie, everyone at Downsend is right behind you and wishing you the best of luck!
#downsendschool #studentachievement #britishgymnastics #downsend #acognitaschool

Today, our Year 2 children from Little Downsend Leatherhead and Epsom visited Downsend Main for a morning full of exciting activities!
They enjoyed a music session with Mrs Gray, learning keyboard skills with help from some of our Year 5 pupils.
In art, they worked with Mr Gardiner, our Junior School Head of Art and DT, to create autumnal prints using clay and stamping techniques.
A brilliant morning - and we’re looking forward to welcoming Year 1 after half term for their science-themed workshop!
#Downsend #Leatherhead #DownsendSixth #DownsendSchool #IndependentSchool

Join us this October for a morning of hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, digital discovery and plenty more!
Little Downsend Leatherhead - Friday 10 October
Little Downsend Epsom - Thursday 16 October
9:30-11:00am
Book now by calling 01372 372311 or visiting downsend.co.uk - we can’t wait to welcome you!

Learn more.
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