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.

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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

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.

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.

From September 2025

Meet the Incoming Head.

As one door closes another opens, and we are delighted to welcome Mrs Rebecca Tear as the incoming Executive Head of Downsend School. Joining us in September 2025, Mrs Tear is an experienced and inspiring leader, with a wealth of expertise. Known for her innovative and forward-thinking approach, Bex has guided academic success, developed broad and engaging curricula, and built strong relationships with school communities.

With her energy, passion for life-long learning and focus on preparing pupils for the future, Mrs Tear is ready to lead Downsend into an exciting new chapter, perfectly aligned with our Future Skills vision.

Our Awards.

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

Shortlisted

ISA Awards 2024 for Excellence and Innovation in Early Years

Winner

Microsoft Showcase Schools Incubator Pathway

Muddy Stilettos 2022 Awards for Most Creative Learning Through Play:

Highly Commended

Common Sense Media School: 2021-2023

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.

Facilities and Locations

Our cutting-edge Creative Arts Centre opened in June 2022.

Little Downsend Ashtead

Little Downsend Epsom

Little Downsend Leatherhead

Downsend Main Campus

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.

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.

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.

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.

Downsend Sixth (16-18 years)

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, we had the pleasure of hosting @surreywildlifetrust for an inspiring workshop with our Year 4 students. Together, we explored how wild birds survive cold winters and learned practical ways to support them with food and water.

The students then headed to our school forest area, where they measured soil temperature and examined its condition as part of their plans to create a wildflower meadow. This project aims to enhance local wildlife habitats and support biodiversity right here at Downsend.

To top it all off, our very own Eco Lead, Natasha Ludlam, was interviewed for an upcoming feature in Surrey Wildlife magazine! We’ll be sure to share the article as soon as it’s published.

A huge thank you to @surreywildlifetrust for another brilliant session that deepened our understanding of wildlife and the importance of conservation.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #surreywildlifetrust #juniorschool #surreyschools #independentschool #eco #ecofriendly #helpingwildlife #surreyhills

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Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hosting @surreywildlifetrust for an inspiring workshop with our Year 4 students. Together, we explored how wild birds survive cold winters and learned practical ways to support them with food and water.

The students then headed to our school forest area, where they measured soil temperature and examined its condition as part of their plans to create a wildflower meadow. This project aims to enhance local wildlife habitats and support biodiversity right here at Downsend.

To top it all off, our very own Eco Lead, Natasha Ludlam, was interviewed for an upcoming feature in Surrey Wildlife magazine! We’ll be sure to share the article as soon as it’s published.

A huge thank you to @surreywildlifetrust for another brilliant session that deepened our understanding of wildlife and the importance of conservation.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #surreywildlifetrust #juniorschool #surreyschools #independentschool #eco #ecofriendly #helpingwildlife #surreyhills

2025 is going to be a big year for Downsend! As one door closes, another opens, and so we are thrilled to introduce our new Executive Head from September 2025, Mrs Rebecca Tear.

Picking up the reins from Ian Thorpe after 12 years in post, Bex brings incredible experience and passion for education, having led Fulham School as Executive Head and previously transforming Badminton School as Headmistress. Her innovative approach, focus on academic excellence, and dedication to helping students thrive align perfectly with our Future Skills vision.

Rebecca’s energy, enthusiasm, and leadership will guide Downsend into an exciting new chapter, and we can’t wait to welcome her into our community. We have a number of opportunities for current and prospective parents to meet with Bex in the Spring and Summer Terms. Check Cognita Connect for details, or follow the link in our bio to book to attend our Open Morning on 14 March.

#NewChapter #Leadership #FutureSkills #DownsendSchool #EducationMatters #WeAreCognita

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2025 is going to be a big year for Downsend! As one door closes, another opens, and so we are thrilled to introduce our new Executive Head from September 2025, Mrs Rebecca Tear.

Picking up the reins from Ian Thorpe after 12 years in post, Bex brings incredible experience and passion for education, having led Fulham School as Executive Head and previously transforming Badminton School as Headmistress. Her innovative approach, focus on academic excellence, and dedication to helping students thrive align perfectly with our Future Skills vision.

Rebecca’s energy, enthusiasm, and leadership will guide Downsend into an exciting new chapter, and we can’t wait to welcome her into our community. We have a number of opportunities for current and prospective parents to meet with Bex in the Spring and Summer Terms. Check Cognita Connect for details, or follow the link in our bio to book to attend our Open Morning on 14 March.

#NewChapter #Leadership #FutureSkills #DownsendSchool #EducationMatters #WeAreCognita

As we welcome the New Year, our amazing Year 1 and Year 2 students at Little Downsend have been reflecting on their proudest achievements and sharing their exciting goals for 2025 and beyond. With their boundless imagination and determination, the possibilities are endless! Let’s encourage them to dream big - because this could be the start of something extraordinary. So, what are their goals? Watch to find out!

#downsendschool #littledownsend #wearecognita #independentschool #privateschool #juniorschool #seniorschool #surreyschools #nursery #epsom #ashtead #surreyhills #banstead #epsomdowns #tadworth #surreydowns #nonsuchpark #clandonpark #wisley #boxhill #ranmorecommon #kingswood

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As we welcome the New Year, our amazing Year 1 and Year 2 students at Little Downsend have been reflecting on their proudest achievements and sharing their exciting goals for 2025 and beyond. With their boundless imagination and determination, the possibilities are endless! Let’s encourage them to dream big - because this could be the start of something extraordinary. So, what are their goals? Watch to find out!

#downsendschool #littledownsend #wearecognita #independentschool #privateschool #juniorschool #seniorschool #surreyschools #nursery #epsom #ashtead #surreyhills #banstead #epsomdowns #tadworth #surreydowns #nonsuchpark #clandonpark #wisley #boxhill #ranmorecommon #kingswood

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 Schools in Epsom and Leatherhead, these mornings are 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. Activities will include:

- Write Dance, Message Centres, and Talk 4 Writing: Fun ways to inspire early writing skills.
- Digital Mastery: Explore programmable robots, Lego Express, and animation to develop digital confidence.
- Global Perspective: Embrace outdoor learning with Forest School adventures and planting activities.

Event Dates:
- Epsom: 14th February, 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 #epsom #epsomdowns

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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 Schools in Epsom and Leatherhead, these mornings are 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. Activities will include:

- Write Dance, Message Centres, and Talk 4 Writing: Fun ways to inspire early writing skills.
- Digital Mastery: Explore programmable robots, Lego Express, and animation to develop digital confidence.
- Global Perspective: Embrace outdoor learning with Forest School adventures and planting activities.

Event Dates:
- Epsom: 14th February, 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 #epsom #epsomdowns

💫` Life at the Littles’ 💫 - This half-term, our Year 2 students at Little Downsend travel 150 years back to the Victorian era. This week, they are learning about life as a Victorian child. As part of this hands-on experience, they prepared and tasted a delightful Victorian treat: a cored baked apple filled with stewed raisins, cranberries, butter, and sugar. A far cry from your usual supermarket sweet treat, but tasty all the same!

Next month, the students will visit Downsend School for a Victorian workshop as part of a series of welcoming transition events to the Junior School.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #nursery #preprep #juniorschool #surreyschools #nursery #boxhill #esher #surbiton #cobham #thamesditton #banstead #clermont #surreyhills #oxshott

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💫' Life at the Littles’ 💫 - This half-term, our Year 2 students at Little Downsend travel 150 years back to the Victorian era. This week, they are learning about life as a Victorian child. As part of this hands-on experience, they prepared and tasted a delightful Victorian treat: a cored baked apple filled with stewed raisins, cranberries, butter, and sugar. A far cry from your usual supermarket sweet treat, but tasty all the same!

Next month, the students will visit Downsend School for a Victorian workshop as part of a series of welcoming transition events to the Junior School.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #nursery #preprep #juniorschool #surreyschools #nursery #boxhill #esher #surbiton #cobham #thamesditton #banstead #clermont #surreyhills #oxshott

An exciting day, Maris Interiors agreeing the fine details of the Downsend Sixth campus.
It’s going to be an exceptional place to learn.

#DownsendSixth
#WeAreCognita
#FutureSkills
#DownsendSchool

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An exciting day, Maris Interiors agreeing the fine details of the Downsend Sixth campus.
It’s going to be an exceptional place to learn.

#DownsendSixth
#WeAreCognita
#FutureSkills
#DownsendSchool

Our Year 10 Design and Technology students had a fantastic day yesterday learning what it is to be a Blacksmith! They all got hands-on experience making their own metal hook and understanding the properties of materials, tools, and processes used in blacksmithing. They managed their own individual furnaces and acted like true professionals! Thank you, Quinell School of Ironmongery. You were fantastic tutors!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #seniorschool #esher #surbiton #banstead #tadworth #surreyhills #wisley #boxhill #secondaryschool #seniorschool #independentschool #surreyschools #balham #swlondon #selondon #artanddesign #blacksmith #rowhurstforge @fireandirongallery

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Our Year 10 Design and Technology students had a fantastic day yesterday learning what it is to be a Blacksmith! They all got hands-on experience making their own metal hook and understanding the properties of materials, tools, and processes used in blacksmithing. They managed their own individual furnaces and acted like true professionals! Thank you, Quinell School of Ironmongery. You were fantastic tutors!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #seniorschool #esher #surbiton #banstead #tadworth #surreyhills #wisley #boxhill #secondaryschool #seniorschool #independentschool #surreyschools #balham #swlondon #selondon #artanddesign #blacksmith #rowhurstforge @fireandirongallery

Happy New Year from Downsend! Wishing all our families and friends a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025! We can’t wait to welcome you back in January for another exciting term filled with learning, growth, and enrichment adventures.

#downsendschool #independentschool #privateschool #surreyschools #wearecognita #surreyhills #banstead #tadworth #cheam #balham #juniorschool #seniorschool #nursery #nurserysurrey

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Happy New Year from Downsend! Wishing all our families and friends a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025! We can’t wait to welcome you back in January for another exciting term filled with learning, growth, and enrichment adventures.

#downsendschool #independentschool #privateschool #surreyschools #wearecognita #surreyhills #banstead #tadworth #cheam #balham #juniorschool #seniorschool #nursery #nurserysurrey

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