Who we are
Downsend is a co-educational, all-through independent school with campuses in Leatherhead and Ashtead in Surrey, for pupils aged six months to 18 years.
Where we are
Our youngest pupils start at Little Downsend, in Ashtead and Leatherhead. Downsend Junior and Downsend Senior share our main site, and Downsend Sixth has its own campus in the centre of Leatherhead.
We're the only school locally to offer an independent education all the way from nursery to Sixth Form, so pupils move up through each stage without ever changing schools.
What we believe in
Every pupil has something they shine at, and our job is to help them find it. That starts with staff who really know them, how they think, what they love and what holds them back.
We give pupils room to try new things, get things wrong and have another go. We expect a lot of them, because we know what they're capable of. And we want them to leave as kind, curious and confident people.
WHO LEADS DOWNSEND |
|---|
| Rebecca Tear - Executive Head |
| James McCarthy-Mitchell - Head of Little Downsend |
| Sally Johnston - Head of Downsend Junior |
| Jo Hawes - Head of Downsend Senior |
| Charlie Gibbons - Head of Downsend Sixth |
Our heritage
Downsend School was founded in 1898 and led by the Linford family for three generations.
Some things have changed a lot since then. Others, like knowing every pupil well, haven’t changed at all.
OUR COGNITA GLOBAL FAMILY
By being part of the Cognita family, we open the door to a global community of over 100 schools that’s rich in knowledge, opportunities, and best practices, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
We are proud to be part of this community and actively help to shape it. Each school within the Cognita family preserves its distinct character and remains deeply rooted in its local community. Crucially, these diverse experiences across the world foster inspiration, shared support, and growth opportunities for every school within our group.
Our students and teachers are more than just learners and educators; they are active global citizens. Together, they are exposed to a variety of perspectives from diverse cultures, sharing and gaining insights that transcend traditional classroom boundaries. This dynamic exchange fosters a learning space where young minds, guided by their teachers, are encouraged to express their unique ideas and talents, while instilling the value of respect and embracing the spirit of collaboration.
It’s an individual approach that empowers our school, every teacher, and each student to discover what they truly do best. And thrive.
Proprietor:
Cognita
41-42 Eastcastle Street,
London,
W1W 8DY
Phone: +44 (0)20 7636 8444
Chief Executive Officer: David Baldwin
Director of Education (DE): Sarah Reynolds
Chair of Govenors (DE): James Carroll
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