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.

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.

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

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
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
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
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

Learn more.

Downsend School

Admissions: 01372 372311
General: 01372 372197