
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.
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:
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.

Highly Commended
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.
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.
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
Last week, our Year 1 children from Little Downsend Leatherhead visited Downsend Main for a fun and creative afternoon.
They enjoyed a weather-themed Drama class with Mrs Friend-Haynes, followed by a weather-inspired Art class with Mr Gardiner.
A wonderful afternoon of creativity and confidence-building!
#Downsend #Leatherhead #DownsendSchool #IndependentSchool #EarlyYears
We’re delighted to share some wonderful news from our Downsend community.
Selma, one of our Year 5 students, has recently performed with the Royal British Legion Youth Band, taking part in two major national events - The Lord Mayor’s Show and the Remembrance Sunday Parade.
We are also incredibly proud to announce that Selma has been awarded the Bronze Prize (Performance Grade 4 – Piano) in the London Young Musician 2025–26 Season 2 Competition.
What fantastic achievements and a real testament to your dedication and talent, Selma! 👏
#DownsendSchool #Downsend #Leatherhead #IndependentSchool #juniorschool #CognitaSchools
This #AntiBullyingWeek, some of our Year 10 students have been spreading kindness through this ‘Passing the Phone’ challenge, recognising and appreciating one another with a few thoughtful words.
#ActsOfRandomKindness #DownsendSchool #SeniorSchoolSurrey #PowerForGood
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
This morning, our whole school came together to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served - and continue to serve - in conflicts past and present. ❤️
#RemembranceDay #WeWillRememberThem #LestWeForget #DownsendSchool
Odd Socks Day marked the start of #AntiBullyingWeek at Downsend. 🧦
We’ll be continuing to celebrate throughout the week with our ARK theme – Acts of Random Kindness.
Keep an eye out for more!
#OddSocksDay #ARK #ActsOfRandomKindness #DownsendSchool
This week in the Junior School, we’ve been opening our doors to families for Open Classrooms.
Parents were invited in to take a look at their child’s work, explore classroom displays, and celebrate all the fantastic learning that’s been happening this term.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us!
#DownsendSchool #Downsend #Leatherhead #IndependentSchool #JuniorSchoolSurrey
Yesterday, Year 8 put their maths skills into action at @bletchleyparkuk - exploring how logic, teamwork, and problem-solving helped change the course of history. Here’s what they got up to…
#DownsendSchool #Downsend #Leatherhead #IndependentSchool #SixthFormSurrey
Learn more.
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