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
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Good luck to all the parents receiving Reception offers today!
Didn’t get the news you were hoping for? Don’t worry — we have Reception places available for September 2025!
Downsend is a through school with a big heart, offering a holistic education where every child can truly thrive. And exciting news — our brand new Sixth Form opens in September 2025.
Want to find out more or book a personal tour? Our lovely Admissions Team is here to help — just tap the link in our bio!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #cognitaschools #receptionclass #juniorschool #nationalofferday #surrey #surreyschools
Looking back on a remarkable Spring Term 2025. 💫
From growing our knowledge in vibrant classrooms to learning through adventures beyond school, this term has been one to remember.
We made an impact - championing charities, caring for our planet, and supporting causes close to our hearts. We stepped into the spotlight on stage, welcomed new families at our Open Morning and opened our classrooms to share learning with parents.
We were inspired by incredible guest speakers and performers who brought fresh ideas and energy to Downsend.
Oh – and we brought home medals too!🏅
#downsendschool #wearecognita #independentschool #surreyschools #privateschool #surreyhills #privateschool #juniorschool #seniorschool #cognitaschools #boxhill #sixthform #springterm
We’re cheering on our 20+ students (not all pictured) who are taking part in the Anthea Bell Young Translators Competition, run by Queens College at the University of Oxford!
Our talented linguists competed in French, Spanish, Russian, and German, embracing the creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking that translation requires.
Winners will be announced by the end of June 2025, stay tuned!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #antheabell #antheabellprizeforyoungtranslators #queenscollege #oxforduniversity #seniorschool #independentschool #futureskills #surreyschools
Huge congratulations to Joe, our Year 10 student, on his selection to represent England at the European Team Squash Championships in France this May!
Joe also played a key role recently in the Surrey U15 team`s victory at the National Inter County Championships!
Well done, Joe, and we wish you the best of luck in France!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #seniorschool #surreyschools #surreyhills
Today, after 8 incredible years at Downsend, we bid a fond farewell to Clare Kirkham.
Clare’s leadership, warmth, and dedication have been at the heart of our Junior School’s success, earning the trust of parents, inspiring staff, and shaping an environment where students thrive.
From navigating major milestones—like launching our Senior School and preparing for the opening of Downsend Sixth—Clare has been a driving force behind our school’s growth.
Winning the ‘Most Loved by Parents’ award in her penultimate term is a testament to the impact she’s made.
While we’ll miss her dearly, we couldn’t be happier for Clare as she takes on this exciting new chapter. Please join us in thanking her for everything she’s done for Downsend!
It might seem a bit early to think about next winter, but thanks to the Little Downsend Leatherhead Eco Council and Forest School leader Jay Bristow, we now have a hedgehog hibernation shelter in our Forest School! With 8 months ahead, our Downsend children will help create the perfect natural conditions inside, giving our prickly friends a safe, cosy home for hibernation later this year.
The Eco Committee is also busy planning some summer gardening projects and a local litter pick.
#downsendschool #wearecognita #cognitaschools #ecoschool #helphedgehogs #creativity #helpinganimals #littledownsend #independentschool #privateschool
We were thrilled to host and participate in an inspiring morning of debate and creativity at the Junior School Public Speaking Competition! Thank you to @feltonfleetschool and @danes_hill_school for joining us at Downsend for this event.
Each school brought three incredible teams who spoke with confidence and passion on thought-provoking topics, including:
‘The positives and negatives of devices’
‘Animal testing should be banned’
‘The arguments for and against a four-day week’
‘Why Chocolate Rules!’
Congratulations to the winning team from @feltonfleetschool who spoke convincingly about the motion ‘AI is a threat’.
Mrs Newberry, our Head of Junior School English, concluded:
"Congratulations to all of the Public Speaking competitors! Friday’s event was fabulous, showcasing the children’s confidence, performance, and articulation in front of a large audience. They were all very impressive indeed!"
Many thanks also to Mrs Vinsen- Tell from @stjohnsleatherhead , who was our wonderful judge for this event.
#downsendschool #wearecognita #cognitaschools #publicspeaking #juniorschool #privateschool #independentschool #boxhillsurrey #surreyschools #surreyhills #futureskills
Our Year 10 students recently completed another stage of their DofE Silver Practice Expedition. Through rain, mud, and a few blisters, they showed incredible resilience, teamwork, and determination to navigate their routes successfully. Along the way, they honed essential skills like map reading, problem-solving, and leadership, making this an unforgettable learning experience.
A huge well done to all participants for their hard work and commitment – you should be so proud! Now, onto the qualifying expedition!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #cognitaschools #dukeofedinburgh #dofe #dofesilver #boxhill #surrey #surreyschools #seniorschool #privateschool
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