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.

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

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

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

Spotlight on...Downsend Sixth’s Library and Quiet study zones. Our beautiful library is the epitome of the ‘sophisticated natural’ brief. A thoughtfully designed environment that blends traditional study with contemporary technology and a relaxing, calm feel. Designed for comfort and to be practical – a light and airy space featuring ergonomic furniture and a calm and serene aesthetic, it will also be equipped with charging stations, high speed internet and large screens to connect devices to. Quiet zones will be created for silent study, with soundproofed acoustic panels to aid focus and concentration in addition to small study pods. This space is going to be so much more than just a library..!

To find out more about Downsend Sixth, join us at our Preview Event on 5th December at 6pm. Link in bio to book your place.

#DownsendSixth #DownsendSchool
#NextChapter
#FutureSkills
#WeAreCognita
#independentschool
#privateschool
#surreyhills
#surreyindependentschool
#surreyschools
#ewell #ewellvillage #banstead
#wisley #ripley #boxhill

Spotlight on...Downsend Sixth’s Library and Quiet study zones. Our beautiful library is the epitome of the ‘sophisticated natural’ brief. A thoughtfully designed environment that blends traditional study with contemporary technology and a relaxing, calm feel. Designed for comfort and to be practical – a light and airy space featuring ergonomic furniture and a calm and serene aesthetic, it will also be equipped with charging stations, high speed internet and large screens to connect devices to. Quiet zones will be created for silent study, with soundproofed acoustic panels to aid focus and concentration in addition to small study pods. This space is going to be so much more than just a library..!

To find out more about Downsend Sixth, join us at our Preview Event on 5th December at 6pm. Link in bio to book your place.

#DownsendSixth #DownsendSchool
#NextChapter
#FutureSkills
#WeAreCognita
#independentschool
#privateschool
#surreyhills
#surreyindependentschool
#surreyschools
#ewell #ewellvillage #banstead
#wisley #ripley #boxhill

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

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

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

Spotlight on...Downsend Sixth’s Innovation Suite. As a school that has Future Skills at its heart, Downsend Sixth had to be designed to ensure those same principles can live and breathe throughout our A Level experience. This is a space that will be used by small groups specifically when working on real-life interdisciplinary projects – when they need to collaborate on a task, use design thinking, or pitch ideas. With writeable walls, interactive technology and with seating and standing areas that change the dynamic of the classroom, students will get a glimpse into what life at university, or the workplace may look and feel like.

To find out more about Downsend Sixth, join us at our Preview Event on 5th December at 6pm. Link in bio to book your place.

#DownsendSixth #DownsendSchool
#NextChapter
#FutureSkills
#WeAreCognita
#independentschool
#privateschool
#surreyhills
#surreyindependentschool
#surreyschools
#ewell #ewellvillage #banstead
#wisley #ripley #boxhill

Spotlight on...Downsend Sixth’s Innovation Suite. As a school that has Future Skills at its heart, Downsend Sixth had to be designed to ensure those same principles can live and breathe throughout our A Level experience. This is a space that will be used by small groups specifically when working on real-life interdisciplinary projects – when they need to collaborate on a task, use design thinking, or pitch ideas. With writeable walls, interactive technology and with seating and standing areas that change the dynamic of the classroom, students will get a glimpse into what life at university, or the workplace may look and feel like.

To find out more about Downsend Sixth, join us at our Preview Event on 5th December at 6pm. Link in bio to book your place.

#DownsendSixth #DownsendSchool
#NextChapter
#FutureSkills
#WeAreCognita
#independentschool
#privateschool
#surreyhills
#surreyindependentschool
#surreyschools
#ewell #ewellvillage #banstead
#wisley #ripley #boxhill

Last week, our Senior School students took the stage at the Linford Theatre to launch the first ‘Lunchtime Live!’ series of this academic year. The venue was packed with students and staff, including the Head of the Senior School, Mr. Dolan. The event featured a fantastic repertoire that included two solo piano pieces, group drama acts and three amplifying and vibrant rock performances. It was very impressive event, but what was equally admirable was the support provided by peers, who packed out the Linford Theatre to support those on stage. The sense of community was heartwarming. Bravo to all involved!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #seniorschool #independentschool #seniorschoolsurrey #privateschool #surreyhills #boxhill #headley #creativearts #musicperformance #dramaperformance #acting #surrey #performance #community

Last week, our Senior School students took the stage at the Linford Theatre to launch the first ‘Lunchtime Live!’ series of this academic year. The venue was packed with students and staff, including the Head of the Senior School, Mr. Dolan. The event featured a fantastic repertoire that included two solo piano pieces, group drama acts and three amplifying and vibrant rock performances. It was very impressive event, but what was equally admirable was the support provided by peers, who packed out the Linford Theatre to support those on stage. The sense of community was heartwarming. Bravo to all involved!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #seniorschool #independentschool #seniorschoolsurrey #privateschool #surreyhills #boxhill #headley #creativearts #musicperformance #dramaperformance #acting #surrey #performance #community

Recently, our Year 3 students participated in the Feet First Walking Training programme organised by the Surrey County Council. Over the past few weeks, they completed pre-training digital modules covering the following topics: the Green Cross Code, understanding how to use different types of road signs and pedestrian crossings, recognising safe and unsafe places to cross, how to cross between parked cars and the benefits of active travel. Last week, they concluded their programme with on-site training led by trained Walking Instructors. The students listened attentively to the instructions and recalled everything they had learned about crossings, signs, being visible, and staying safe while crossing the road. Well done, everyone!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #surrey #surreylife #surreycountryside #surreycountycouncil #privateschool #juniorschool #independentschool #surreyhills #surreyindependentschool

Recently, our Year 3 students participated in the Feet First Walking Training programme organised by the Surrey County Council. Over the past few weeks, they completed pre-training digital modules covering the following topics: the Green Cross Code, understanding how to use different types of road signs and pedestrian crossings, recognising safe and unsafe places to cross, how to cross between parked cars and the benefits of active travel. Last week, they concluded their programme with on-site training led by trained Walking Instructors. The students listened attentively to the instructions and recalled everything they had learned about crossings, signs, being visible, and staying safe while crossing the road. Well done, everyone!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #surrey #surreylife #surreycountryside #surreycountycouncil #privateschool #juniorschool #independentschool #surreyhills #surreyindependentschool

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

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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