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.

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:

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.

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 (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

Christmas has officially arrived at Downsend, and we are excited to launch our annual Christmas countdown for 2024! Follow us to see what we are up to here at Downsend and Little Downsend Schools and Nursery over the coming weeks. 

#downsendschool #independentschool #surreyschools #privateschool #wearecognita #surreyhills #littledownsend #christmas #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #surrey #christmasdecorations
At Downsend, we regularly welcome our Year 1 and 2 students from Little Downsend Epsom and Leatherhead schools for special educational events. This initiative aims to enhance their learning experiences and help them become familiar with our environment, subject teachers, and our campus and community before they transition to Year 3. 
 
Recently, the students enjoyed an exciting afternoon collaborating on art and science lessons centred around the theme of Extreme Weather. They were taught by Mr. Gardiner, Teacher of Art and DT in the Junior School, and Ms. Temlett, our Head of Junior School Science. 
 
In Art, the theme was clouds, where the children transformed grey clay into colourful and cheerful representations of clouds. They used various clay tools to roll out, carve, and decorate their creations. 
 
During their science lesson, the children learned about the Van de Graaff generator and static electricity, exploring its connections to thunder and lightning. The practical side of the lessons was so thrilling that their hair stood on end!
 
If you’d like to learn more about education at Downsend, from nursery to Downsend Sixth, please contact our Admissions Team via the link in our bio.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #independentschool #surreyschools #privateschool #surreyhills #surreyhills #littledownsend #welovescience #science #juniorschool #art #youngartist
We did it! Downsend School has won the prestigious @citykidsmagazine Green Award 2024 in the “Best Student Initiative” category for our “Zero-Waste Snack” drive. Led by our students, the initiative focuses on reducing waste by eliminating single-use packaging from snacks consumed at school. 
 
This accomplishment is a testament to the collective efforts of our students, parents, and staff!  We are not stopping here, we will continue raising awareness about sustainable practices and collaborating to protect our planet. Thank you all!
 
#downsendschool #wearecognita #independentschool #privateschool #surreyschool #ecoschool #sustainability #planetearth #cutthewaste #citykids #gretathunberg #surreyhills #boxhill #schoolawards
Today was Downsend Sixth show and tell day! A chance for staff and students to meet our designer, see how the spaces will look – and give their opinions on flooring, colours and fabrics. Exciting times for Downsend 🥳
 
#DownsendSixth #DownsendSchool
#NextChapter
#FutureSkills
#WeAreCognita
#independentschool
#privateschool
#surreyhills
#surreyindependentschool
#surreyschools
#ewell #ewellvillage #banstead
#wisley #ripley #boxhill
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Downsend School

Admissions: 01372 372311

General: 01372 372197