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
Join us on Friday 14th March for an exciting opportunity to explore life at Downsend! Meet our inspiring students, dedicated teachers, and our incoming Executive Head, Bex Tear. You’ll also be able to experience our exceptional learning environment and learn about our future skills vision and values.
Reserve your spot now via the link in our bio - we can’t wait to welcome you!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #independentschool #privateschool #futureready #openmorning #surreyschools #surreyhills #boxhill #cobham #balham #surbiton #tadworth #clapham #sixthform #juniorschool #seniorschool #wisley #ranmore
Recently, we welcomed our Year 2 students from Little Downsend Epsom and Leatherhead to Downsend School for an exciting Victorian-themed transition event! Designed to deepen their understanding of their current topic while helping them settle into their new surroundings, the day was full of discovery, creativity, and fun.
The children began their journey with a drama workshop led by the amazing Natalie from @perform_uk , where they travelled back to the 1800s. Together, they acted out key events from Queen Victoria’s reign such as the coronation, learned about historical figures like Mary Anning and Alexander Graham Bell, and explored what life was like for Victorian children.
Next, they stepped into their classrooms, which had been transformed, replicating life in an 1885 school. Victorian-style games, posing with a Dunce’s hat, and creating their own portraits made the morning both educational and unforgettable.
It was wonderful to watch their confidence grow and friendships blossom - a perfect way to prepare for their upcoming transition to Downsend this September!
#downsendschool #littledownsend #wearecognita #independentschool #privateschool #surreyschools #nursery #drama #creativelearning #futureready #surreyhills #surbiton #epsom
Just before the half term, our talented Senior School students lit up the Linford theatre stage in our Creative Arts Centre with an electrifying showcase! This thrilling series of performances once again offered an amazing opportunity to gather with friends and teachers over lunch, immersing in an afternoon filled with incredible music and captivating acting. It was the perfect celebration of our vibrant community and a fantastic chance for everyone to boost their confidence while shining on stage. Bravo to all the performers—what an unforgettable experience! Till the next Lunch Time Live!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #creativearts #surreyschools #privateschool #independentschool #surreyhills #boxhill #balham #clapham #surbiton #music #concert #acting #drama #creativelearning #acting
Discover Little Downsend: A Fun-Filled Morning for Pre-Reception Children
Join us for an exciting ‘Discover Little Downsend’ event, designed especially for pre-reception-aged children! Hosted at our Little Downsend School in Leatherhead, packed with engaging activities that showcase our award-winning approach to Early Years and Key Stage 1 education.
As recipients of the prestigious ISA 2024 Award for Excellence and Innovation in Early Years, we are proud of our focus on nurturing young learners with creativity, confidence, and curiosity.
This event will take place at our Little Downsend Leatherhead school on 14th March, 9:30–11:00am
Come and see how we make learning an adventure for every child. Spaces are limited, so book your place using Linktree link in our bio. Alternatively, please email our Admissions team on admissions@downsend.co.uk or call 01372 372311.
#downsendschool #littledownsend #wearecognita #nursery #juniorschool #seniorschool #sixthform #surreyschools #surreyhills #esher #claygate #oxshott #thamesditton #banstead #kingswood #headley #tyrrellswood #waltononhill #boxhill #painshill #wisley #surrey #surreydowns #isawinner
What a fantastic morning at Little Downsend Epsom! We loved welcoming prospective parents and children to our Discover Little Downsend event. We hope you enjoyed discovering more about our award-winning nursery and school and seeing firsthand how we nurture and inspire young learners to thrive.
From meeting our wonderful teachers to exploring our modern, spacious classrooms and beautiful garden, it was a joy to share our vibrant learning environment with you!
If you missed today’s event, don’t worry! Our next Open Morning is on 14th March at Little Downsend Leatherhead. There’s still time to secure your spot and experience the magic of Little Downsend for yourself.
Book now via the link in our bio - we can’t wait to meet you!
#downsendschool #littledownsend #wearecognita #nursery #school #epsom #ewell #openmorning #surreyschool #esher #surbiton #alexandrapark #epsomschools #surreyhills #worcesterpark #cheam
Last week, we were thrilled to welcome our Year 1 students from Little Downsend Epsom and Leatherhead for another exciting Transition Event at Downsend School. This time, they unleashed their creativity through two workshops inspired by Judith Kerr’s beloved book, “The Tiger That Came to Tea.”
In the drama workshop, led by Natalie from @perform_uk , the children brought the story to life by creating and retelling key scenes. They embraced every moment with enthusiasm, collaborating and having fun with their friends.
Over in our spacious Junior School Art Room, the Head of Year 3, Mr. Popham, guided the students through an art project focused on tigers and their habitats. Using leaves and a vibrant palette, some students even ventured into pop art with bold, bright tiger designs - showing hints of future artistic talent reminiscent of David Hockney and Elaine Sturtevant!
These transition events, in addition to their regular sports lessons at Downsend, help strengthen the bond between our young students and their future teachers, easing their journey into Year 3.
#downsendschool #littledownsend #nursery #juniorschoool #seniorschool #judithkerr #thetigerwhocametotea #surreyschools #boxhill
#cognitaschools #wearecognita
@wmcollinsbooks @perform_uk
Our Year 6 Digital Leaders are continuing to inspire and support our Junior School community. In preparation for yesterday’s Safer Internet Day, they delivered outstanding presentations during two assemblies for all Junior School year groups.
This year’s Safer Internet Day focuses on the issue of online scams. It provides guidance for young people on how to protect themselves from these scams and offers information about the support available to them.
Mrs. Carmody, Leader of Junior School Computing, said, “At Downsend, we take pride in fostering many wonderful aspects, including Building Digital Mastery and Shaping Incredible People. We are committed to promoting online safety and supporting the online safety curriculum all year round.”
#downsendschool #juniorschool #seniorschool #wearecognita #cognitaschools #saferinternetday #surreyschools #futureready #surreyhills #surbiton #esher #digitalmastery #independentschool
🥳🙌🏽💫Yesterday, the U13A team won their semi-final match and officially reached the final of the U13 ISFA Shield. It’s an amazing result and after the half-term break, they will play against Wolverhampton Grammar School. Good luck in the final!
#downsendschool #teamdownsend #wearecognita #footballteam #footballsurrey #surrey #seniorschool #isfa #independentschool #boxhill #epsomfootball #cobhamfootball #privateschool #football #balham #clapham #surbiton #ewell #surreyhills
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