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
Yesterday, Year 8 put their maths skills into action at @bletchleyparkuk - exploring how logic, teamwork, and problem-solving helped change the course of history. Here’s what they got up to…
#DownsendSchool #Downsend #Leatherhead #IndependentSchool #SixthFormSurrey
Elsie in Year 9 had her first international competition representing Great Britain in artistic gymnastics last weekend.
Travelling to Switzerland without her personal coach, Elsie held her own among a field of more experienced gymnasts - delivering standout performances that helped Team GB bring home the bronze! 🥉
Everyone at Downsend are super proud of her achievements. Keep up the great work, Elsie!
#downsendschool #studentachievement #downsend #independentschoolsurrey #cognitaschools
Congratulations, Jessica! 🎶
We’re incredibly proud to share that one of our students, Jessica, has been selected to join the National Youth Orchestra 2026, performing in the Double Bass section.
"It is important to me that I can share my love of classical music and be able to share different ideas and perspectives about the music with other young people.” - Jessica
What an achievement, Jessica - we can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next! 👏
Read Jessica`s full article here: https://www.nyo.org.uk/the-orchestra/meet-the-musicians
#downsendschool #downsend #juniorschoolsurrey #seniorschoolsurrey #independentschoolsurrey
Looking for something fun to do this half term?
This week, DownsendPlus has been transformed into a Carnevil - a Halloween themed activity week full of crafts, adventure and spooky fun!
There’s still time to join us, book now at plus.downsend.co.uk
Or contact us at:
📞 07909 861 280
📧 bookings@plus.downsend.co.uk
Throughout October, we have been celebrating Black History Month, exploring this year’s theme: "Standing Strong in Power and Pride."
In the Junior School, pupils have been enjoying a brilliant selection of books celebrating Black authors and changemakers. They have also been creating vibrant artwork inspired by Alma Thomas, exploring colour, shape and expression.
In the Senior School, students have been exploring the lives and legacies of people such as Walter Tull and Claudia Jones in assembly and continued through form-time discussions. Year 7 also have been working on powerful portraits inspired by their stories in Art lessons.
At Downsend, we believe in recognising the voices, stories and contributions that have shaped, and continue to shape our world. Empowering our students to value diversity and inclusion every day.
#DownsendSchool #cognitaschools #Downsend #blackhistorymonth #blackhistorymonth2025
A huge congratulations to Mrs Ludlam, who has been named People’s Choice ‘Unsung Hero’ at this year’s Education Estates Awards! 🎉
Alongside her full teaching role in the Junior School, Mrs Ludlam leads the charge on sustainability at Downsend - running eco clubs, caring for the school garden, and creating a brilliant programme of green initiatives across the school.
Well done, Mrs Ludlam! 👏
#EducationEstatesAwards #Downsend #IndependentSchool #Surrey #SustainabilityInSchools #DownsendSchool
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
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