School Day

The Middle School Day

We believe firmly that if children enjoy their days at school they will be successful and achieve their full potential. With this in mind, the school day is vibrant and active, refreshingly different from the traditional prep school day.

Classrooms are open each morning from 8.30 am and the pupils are expected to arrive before registration at 8.45 am. Some parents prefer to leave their children earlier than this and provision is made to supervise their arrival from 8.00 am.

There is a Middle School assembly every morning, except when there is an extended form period and on Friday, when there is a whole school assembly.

All children stay to a two-course lunch, which is freshly prepared on the premises. The menu is varied and well balanced, with a wide choice of main course options, including vegetarian and two desserts. Special diets are catered for if possible.

The Middle School day finishes at 4.05 pm, but there is plenty of flexibility for remaining in school after this time. Clubs run every day and form part of the school's extra-curricular programme. There are usually several sports practice sessions as well. Downsend's Extended Day Club  is also available for a small extra charge.

Homework is kept to a minimum as children seldom give of their best at the end of a busy day. The length of time spent on homework per night will depend on the individual, but will usually take about 20 minutes per subject.