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.

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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

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 2022 for Innovation in Independent Education:

Finalist

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

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.

Little Downsend Ashtead

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

Two weeks ago, we came together as a global Cognita schools community to celebrate the 6th Cognita Be Well Day. This year’s theme was ‘Giving’, so let’s have a little look back at how we marked this special day together! Great effort from Cognita schools worldwide!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #globalbewellday #community #giving #juniorschool #seniorschool #surreyschools

Two weeks ago, we came together as a global Cognita schools community to celebrate the 6th Cognita Be Well Day. This year’s theme was ‘Giving’, so let’s have a little look back at how we marked this special day together! Great effort from Cognita schools worldwide!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #globalbewellday #community #giving #juniorschool #seniorschool #surreyschools

Last Friday, our Year 3 students participated in activities related to Health, Exercise, and Well-being. The children had the opportunity to perform high-skill manual tasks such as cutting and grating to prepare a healthy rainbow salad and expanded their knowledge about the importance of a good, balanced diet. They took part in a scooter workshop and had a breathing session where the children learned various breathing techniques. The day was supported by Accent our in-house catering company and the children thoroughly enjoyed learning about healthy living.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #juniorschool #privateschool #wellbeing #independentschool #healthyliving

Last Friday, our Year 3 students participated in activities related to Health, Exercise, and Well-being. The children had the opportunity to perform high-skill manual tasks such as cutting and grating to prepare a healthy rainbow salad and expanded their knowledge about the importance of a good, balanced diet. They took part in a scooter workshop and had a breathing session where the children learned various breathing techniques. The day was supported by Accent our in-house catering company and the children thoroughly enjoyed learning about healthy living.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #juniorschool #privateschool #wellbeing #independentschool #healthyliving

We were thrilled to welcome prospective parents and children to Little Downsend Epsom last Friday! We hope you enjoyed meeting our wonderful students and nurturing teachers, as well as exploring our modern, spacious classrooms. The walk through our beautiful back garden was a highlight, made even better by the lovely weather.

At Little Downsend, our innovative and forward-thinking approach to learning empowers young minds to embrace the future. By blending cutting-edge technology with traditional teaching, we encourage creativity and hands-on learning. From using iPads and bots to explore London`s landmarks to designing tracks for Lego trains, our students develop key motor skills throughout, that support their early writing and drawing abilities. And they`re also pretty great at baking and decorating colourful fish cookies!

If you missed us last week, don`t worry! Our next Open Morning is this Friday at Little Downsend Leatherhead. There’s still time to book your place and discover how we inspire young learners to thrive. The booking link is in our bio.

#downsendschool #littledownsend #openmorning #wearecognita #nursery #independentschool #privateschool #lego #moderneducation #london

We were thrilled to welcome prospective parents and children to Little Downsend Epsom last Friday! We hope you enjoyed meeting our wonderful students and nurturing teachers, as well as exploring our modern, spacious classrooms. The walk through our beautiful back garden was a highlight, made even better by the lovely weather.

At Little Downsend, our innovative and forward-thinking approach to learning empowers young minds to embrace the future. By blending cutting-edge technology with traditional teaching, we encourage creativity and hands-on learning. From using iPads and bots to explore London's landmarks to designing tracks for Lego trains, our students develop key motor skills throughout, that support their early writing and drawing abilities. And they're also pretty great at baking and decorating colourful fish cookies!

If you missed us last week, don't worry! Our next Open Morning is this Friday at Little Downsend Leatherhead. There’s still time to book your place and discover how we inspire young learners to thrive. The booking link is in our bio.

#downsendschool #littledownsend #openmorning #wearecognita #nursery #independentschool #privateschool #lego #moderneducation #london

Our Senior School rock band recently performed at the Arts Alive Festival in Leatherhead; a local event started by @molevalleydc to celebrate the arts. We’re thrilled to see our students take their talents beyond Downsend, showcasing their creativity and confidence. Claudia Cartwright, Arts and Development Officer at Mole Valley, said, “We were all blown away by the lads. The audience loved them – they stopped passers-by in their tracks, and we’re so honoured they chose the Arts Alive Festival launch as their first gig.” Huge thanks to @tomearly for starting the band, which has now become a true passion for them. Well done, boys!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #molevalley #artsalivefestival #musicband #seniorschool #independentschool

Our Senior School rock band recently performed at the Arts Alive Festival in Leatherhead; a local event started by @molevalleydc to celebrate the arts. We’re thrilled to see our students take their talents beyond Downsend, showcasing their creativity and confidence. Claudia Cartwright, Arts and Development Officer at Mole Valley, said, “We were all blown away by the lads. The audience loved them – they stopped passers-by in their tracks, and we’re so honoured they chose the Arts Alive Festival launch as their first gig.” Huge thanks to @tomearly for starting the band, which has now become a true passion for them. Well done, boys!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #molevalley #artsalivefestival #musicband #seniorschool #independentschool

Throughout the academic year, we host a series of transition events designed for all Year 2 students from Little Downsend Epsom and Leatherhead. These events help students get familiar with our school environment, meet our teachers, and further develop their collaborative skills.
Recently, we were delighted to welcome them to the first event of the year, featuring engaging digital and Design & Technology activities. In our Computer Science Suite, students used the `WordArt` app to create Wordles, experimenting with words, designs, layouts, and colours associated with Downsend. Our young digital designers loved expressing their creativity while sharpening their computer skills.

In the DT workshop, students crafted picture frames with vibrant designs, buzzing with ideas about gifting them to someone special. It was wonderful to see so much imagination and enthusiasm! We can’t wait to welcome them back for more fun and learning!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #littledownsend #surrey #independentschool #privateschool #kt22

Throughout the academic year, we host a series of transition events designed for all Year 2 students from Little Downsend Epsom and Leatherhead. These events help students get familiar with our school environment, meet our teachers, and further develop their collaborative skills.
Recently, we were delighted to welcome them to the first event of the year, featuring engaging digital and Design & Technology activities. In our Computer Science Suite, students used the 'WordArt' app to create Wordles, experimenting with words, designs, layouts, and colours associated with Downsend. Our young digital designers loved expressing their creativity while sharpening their computer skills.

In the DT workshop, students crafted picture frames with vibrant designs, buzzing with ideas about gifting them to someone special. It was wonderful to see so much imagination and enthusiasm! We can’t wait to welcome them back for more fun and learning!

#downsendschool #wearecognita #littledownsend #surrey #independentschool #privateschool #kt22

Last Saturday marked World Teachers’ Day 2024! We want to celebrate all Downsend’s and Little Downsend teachers’ incredible contributions to our school community. These dedicated educators are not only fantastic and hardworking mentors but also wonderful humans who can bring the best of our students Thank you for all you do every day!

#downsendschool #independentschool #worldteachersday #surreyschools #wearecognita #privateschool #seniorschool #juniorschool #littledownsend

Last Saturday marked World Teachers’ Day 2024! We want to celebrate all Downsend’s and Little Downsend teachers’ incredible contributions to our school community. These dedicated educators are not only fantastic and hardworking mentors but also wonderful humans who can bring the best of our students Thank you for all you do every day!

#downsendschool #independentschool #worldteachersday #surreyschools #wearecognita #privateschool #seniorschool #juniorschool #littledownsend

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

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

Earlier this week, our amazing Year 5 students dedicated themselves to earning their Bunsen Burner certificates in science. They safely heated various materials in the flame, observing whether they burned, melted, or remained unchanged. The children carefully followed all safety protocols and were fascinated to discover that not everything burns when exposed to a flame. Well done, everyone! We think we might have new Marie Curie-Sklodowska and Max Planck ready to change the world.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #juniorschool #privateschool #surreyschools #independentschool #kt22 #kt21 #welovescience

Earlier this week, our amazing Year 5 students dedicated themselves to earning their Bunsen Burner certificates in science. They safely heated various materials in the flame, observing whether they burned, melted, or remained unchanged. The children carefully followed all safety protocols and were fascinated to discover that not everything burns when exposed to a flame. Well done, everyone! We think we might have new Marie Curie-Sklodowska and Max Planck ready to change the world.

#downsendschool #wearecognita #juniorschool #privateschool #surreyschools #independentschool #kt22 #kt21 #welovescience

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