Admissions: 01372 372311
General: 01372 372197

Welcome to Downsend School

Inspiring Young Minds. Creating Incredible Futures.

Downsend is an innovative and forward-thinking independent school, with a new vision; to inspire a generation to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will make change in our world.

At Downsend, 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.

All four schools in the Downsend family have been judged to be ‘excellent in all areas’ by the Independent School Inspectorate and we are delighted to have been shortlisted as 'Co-educational Independent School of the Year' in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2024.

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Downsend is future focused in a rapidly evolving world.

From Nursery through to the Senior School, 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:

Future Skills Vision

Head's Welcome

Meet the Head.

Described by the Good Schools Guide as ‘refreshingly candid, with a knack for getting what he wants’, Ian Thorpe has been Head at Downsend for 10 years. A forward-thinking Head, Ian has been responsible for significant change at Downsend.

His can-do attitude, relentless energy and good humour, coupled with an impressive track record from Chinthurst, City of London Freemen's and Caterham School, mean that Downsend benefits from the best of both worlds – the ability to choose the best of the sector, whilst also innovating to do things differently.

Our Awards.

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ISA Awards 2024: 'Co-educational Independent School of the Year'

Shortlisted

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ISA Awards 2022 for Innovation in Independent Education:

Finalist

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Microsoft Showcase Schools Incubator Pathway
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Muddy Stilettos 2022 Awards for Most Creative Learning Through Play:

Highly Commended

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Common Sense Media School: 2021-2023
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Eco-Schools Green Flag Award: July 2022

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.

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Our cutting-edge Creative Arts Centre opened in June 2022.
Little Downsend Ashtead
Little Downsend Epsom
Little Downsend Leatherhead
Downsend Main Campus

A NEW ERA

A new era for Downsend, welcoming babies to the family.

We are delighted to now welcome babies to the Downsend family. Little Downsend Ashtead is proud to provide an exceptional foundation for children aged 6 months to 4 years.

Little Downsend Ashtead
Passionate and inspiring leadership, down to earth, fantastic facilities and a modern, forward-thinking approach.

 – A Downsend Parent

Our Schools

Little Downsend Ashtead (0 - 4 years)

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.

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Little Downsend Epsom (2-7 years)

Little Downsend Epsom is a Nursery and Pre-Prep for children aged 2 years to 7 years.

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.

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Little Downsend Leatherhead (2-7 years)

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.

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Downsend School (8 - 16 years)

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.

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Accreditations

                                          

Follow Downsend on Social Media

Just before half term, our Head of Senior School, Mr. Dolan, hosted a special “Welcome to the Senior School” event, where our Year 7 and Year 8 students proudly shared their experiences transitioning from Junior to Senior Downsend. They spoke about their learning journeys, highlighting our innovative curriculum, outstanding pastoral care, and wide range of enrichment opportunities.

If you’re considering joining our vibrant school community, we still have a few places available! Our next assessment days will be held in the first week after half term. To learn more about Downsend and secure a place for your child, simply contact our Admissions Team through the link in our Linktree.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #independentschool #surreyschools #privateschool #surreyhills #juniorschool #seniorschool #littledownsend

Open
Just before half term, our Head of Senior School, Mr. Dolan, hosted a special “Welcome to the Senior School” event, where our Year 7 and Year 8 students proudly shared their experiences transitioning from Junior to Senior Downsend. They spoke about their learning journeys, highlighting our innovative curriculum, outstanding pastoral care, and wide range of enrichment opportunities. If you’re considering joining our vibrant school community, we still have a few places available! Our next assessment days will be held in the first week after half term. To learn more about Downsend and secure a place for your child, simply contact our Admissions Team through the link in our Linktree. #downsendschool #wearecognita #independentschool #surreyschools #privateschool #surreyhills #juniorschool #seniorschool #littledownsend

We are delighted to share that we recently welcomed Lea Blanchard to our Science Department Team at Downsend.

Last July, Lea graduated from the University of Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. She has joined us as a Science Technician and brings with her a deep passion for science, particularly Biology. In her own words, she expressed, "I am incredibly excited to be joining the wonderful science department where I hope to demonstrate my enthusiasm for the subjects!" In her leisure time, Lea enjoys unwinding through activities such as crocheting and sewing.

Lea, we are thrilled to have you join the Downsend family and we look forward to the valuable contributions you will make to our school!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #science #seniorschool #surreyschools #privateschool #birminghamuniversity #independentschool #boxhillsurrey

Open
We are delighted to share that we recently welcomed Lea Blanchard to our Science Department Team at Downsend. Last July, Lea graduated from the University of Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. She has joined us as a Science Technician and brings with her a deep passion for science, particularly Biology. In her own words, she expressed, "I am incredibly excited to be joining the wonderful science department where I hope to demonstrate my enthusiasm for the subjects!" In her leisure time, Lea enjoys unwinding through activities such as crocheting and sewing. Lea, we are thrilled to have you join the Downsend family and we look forward to the valuable contributions you will make to our school! #downsendschool #wearecognita #science #seniorschool #surreyschools #privateschool #birminghamuniversity #independentschool #boxhillsurrey

Earlier this month, our Year 4 students had an unforgettable trip to Fishbourne Roman Palace. The children were amazed by the well-preserved Roman mosaics, which are over 2000 years old, and they enjoyed exploring the beautiful palace gardens. We visited the museum where the children could view a range of artefacts uncovered at this historic site. The children acted as archaeologists when examining the Roman coins, pottery, and jewellery on display, discussing the clues these relics give us about life in Roman times.

The highlight of the day was the incredible workshop, where the children were transported back in time to experience life as the Romans did. They eagerly took part in a range of hands-on activities, from making their own mosaics and writing on wax tablets to handling Roman kitchen tools and even dressing up in traditional Roman attire!

#downsendschool #juniorschool #wearecognita #fishbourneromanpalace #surreyschools #privateschools #independendentschool #banstead #kingswood #couriousminds #tadworth

Open
Earlier this month, our Year 4 students had an unforgettable trip to Fishbourne Roman Palace. The children were amazed by the well-preserved Roman mosaics, which are over 2000 years old, and they enjoyed exploring the beautiful palace gardens. We visited the museum where the children could view a range of artefacts uncovered at this historic site. The children acted as archaeologists when examining the Roman coins, pottery, and jewellery on display, discussing the clues these relics give us about life in Roman times. The highlight of the day was the incredible workshop, where the children were transported back in time to experience life as the Romans did. They eagerly took part in a range of hands-on activities, from making their own mosaics and writing on wax tablets to handling Roman kitchen tools and even dressing up in traditional Roman attire! #downsendschool #juniorschool #wearecognita #fishbourneromanpalace #surreyschools #privateschools #independendentschool #banstead #kingswood #couriousminds #tadworth

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Downsend School

Admissions: 01372 372311

General: 01372 372197