Admissions: 01372 372311
General: 01372 372197
Header strapline image

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.

Open Days & Visits
Make an Enquiry

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.

Explore
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.

Explore
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.

Explore
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.

Explore

Accreditations

                                          

Follow Downsend on Social Media

As part of Anti-Bullying Week, some of our Year 3 students have been thinking about the little things we can all do to be kind…

#ActsOfRandomKindness #DownsendSchool #AntiBullyingWeek #JuniorSchoolSurrey

29 2
Open
As part of Anti-Bullying Week, some of our Year 3 students have been thinking about the little things we can all do to be kind… #ActsOfRandomKindness #DownsendSchool #AntiBullyingWeek #JuniorSchoolSurrey

Elsie in Year 9 had her first international competition representing Great Britain in artistic gymnastics last weekend.

Travelling to Switzerland without her personal coach, Elsie held her own among a field of more experienced gymnasts - delivering standout performances that helped Team GB bring home the bronze! 🥉

Everyone at Downsend are super proud of her achievements. Keep up the great work, Elsie!

#downsendschool #studentachievement #downsend #independentschoolsurrey #cognitaschools

149 6
Open
Elsie in Year 9 had her first international competition representing Great Britain in artistic gymnastics last weekend. Travelling to Switzerland without her personal coach, Elsie held her own among a field of more experienced gymnasts - delivering standout performances that helped Team GB bring home the bronze! 🥉 Everyone at Downsend are super proud of her achievements. Keep up the great work, Elsie! #downsendschool #studentachievement #downsend #independentschoolsurrey #cognitaschools

Congratulations, Jessica! 🎶

We’re incredibly proud to share that one of our students, Jessica, has been selected to join the National Youth Orchestra 2026, performing in the Double Bass section.

"It is important to me that I can share my love of classical music and be able to share different ideas and perspectives about the music with other young people.” - Jessica

What an achievement, Jessica - we can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next! 👏

Read Jessica`s full article here: https://www.nyo.org.uk/the-orchestra/meet-the-musicians

#downsendschool #downsend #juniorschoolsurrey #seniorschoolsurrey #independentschoolsurrey

99 0
Open
Congratulations, Jessica! 🎶 We’re incredibly proud to share that one of our students, Jessica, has been selected to join the National Youth Orchestra 2026, performing in the Double Bass section. "It is important to me that I can share my love of classical music and be able to share different ideas and perspectives about the music with other young people.” - Jessica What an achievement, Jessica - we can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next! 👏 Read Jessica's full article here: https://www.nyo.org.uk/the-orchestra/meet-the-musicians #downsendschool #downsend #juniorschoolsurrey #seniorschoolsurrey #independentschoolsurrey

Looking for something fun to do this half term?

This week, DownsendPlus has been transformed into a Carnevil - a Halloween themed activity week full of crafts, adventure and spooky fun!

There’s still time to join us, book now at plus.downsend.co.uk 



Or contact us at:

📞 07909 861 280 
📧 bookings@plus.downsend.co.uk

13 0
Open
Looking for something fun to do this half term? This week, DownsendPlus has been transformed into a Carnevil - a Halloween themed activity week full of crafts, adventure and spooky fun! There’s still time to join us, book now at plus.downsend.co.uk 

 Or contact us at: 📞 07909 861 280  📧 bookings@plus.downsend.co.uk

Learn more.

Request our brochure

NEXT STEPS

Academic Excellence
Facilities & Location
Contact Us

Downsend School

Sixth Form Enquiries: 013723 85400
General: 01372 372197