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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Accreditations

                                          

Follow Downsend on Social Media

It’s a wrap! What an amazing performance of Hitchcock’s ‘The 39 Steps’ play! Congratulations to all our Senior School actors, backstage crew, and Head of Drama, Mr. Bryant! Bravo!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #alfredhitchcock #creativearts #seniorschool #independentschools #surreyschools
Today, we celebrated National Poetry Day in an extraordinary way by attempting to break a Guinness World Record! Our students from Year 3 to Year 7 gathered in the Linford Theatre to participate in a live poetry lesson with the winner of the 2021 NSTBA Award for poetry and Author-in-Residence in the Department of Public Health & Primary Care at the @cambridgeuniversity, @lauramucha , along with 60000 students from across the country. It was a great experience, and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed it!

#downsendschool #juniorschool #seniorschool #wearecognita #surreyschools #independentschool #privateschool #surreyhills #poetryday #lauramucha #cambridgeuniversity #guinnessworldrecord
We are delighted to share that last month we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Simon Cotton to the Downsend School community! Mr. Cotton has joined our school as a Teacher of Mathematics and Sport, bringing with him over 25 years of teaching experience from both New Zealand and England. He began his educational journey at Otago University in New Zealand, where he completed a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Diploma in Teaching from Dunedin College of Education. Throughout his career, Mr. Cotton has taught Mathematics and Physical Education, demonstrating a commitment to helping students achieve their best academically and on the sports field. For the past 15 years, Mr. Cotton has served as Director of Sport, and most recently as an Assistant Head. Mr. Cotton expressed his enthusiasm: "I am thrilled to be part of the Downsend community and look forward to contributing to both academic and extracurricular programs, driven by my personal passions for sport and travel."

#downsendschool #seniorschool #wearecognita #privateschool #independentschool #surreyschools #surrey #surreyhills #epsom #swlondon #selondon
Today, we are celebrating the 6th annual Global Be Well Day. This special day in the Cognita calendar brings together our global community of over 100 schools worldwide to emphasize the importance of our students’ well-being and holistic education.
 
This year’s theme is ‘Giving’, which encompasses not only physical giving such as financial and food donations, but also giving of time, gratitude, kindness, and thoughtfulness. We engaged in a variety of activities to stimulate discussion and ideas to promote giving and its positive impact on the people and communities that receive these gestures.
 
In addition to these enriching activities, our wonderful DPA (Downsend Parents’ Association) organized another successful event in support of Macmillan. It’s heartwarming to see our community come together for such a great cause.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #gbwd2024 #independentschool #surreyschools #surbitonmums #privateschool #surreyhills

Downsend School

Admissions: 01372 372311

General: 01372 372197