
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
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
Throughout October, we have been celebrating Black History Month, exploring this year’s theme: "Standing Strong in Power and Pride."
In the Junior School, pupils have been enjoying a brilliant selection of books celebrating Black authors and changemakers. They have also been creating vibrant artwork inspired by Alma Thomas, exploring colour, shape and expression.
In the Senior School, students have been exploring the lives and legacies of people such as Walter Tull and Claudia Jones in assembly and continued through form-time discussions. Year 7 also have been working on powerful portraits inspired by their stories in Art lessons.
At Downsend, we believe in recognising the voices, stories and contributions that have shaped, and continue to shape our world. Empowering our students to value diversity and inclusion every day.
#DownsendSchool #cognitaschools #Downsend #blackhistorymonth #blackhistorymonth2025
A huge congratulations to Mrs Ludlam, who has been named People’s Choice ‘Unsung Hero’ at this year’s Education Estates Awards! 🎉
Alongside her full teaching role in the Junior School, Mrs Ludlam leads the charge on sustainability at Downsend - running eco clubs, caring for the school garden, and creating a brilliant programme of green initiatives across the school.
Well done, Mrs Ludlam! 👏
#EducationEstatesAwards #Downsend #IndependentSchool #Surrey #SustainabilityInSchools #DownsendSchool
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Little Downsend Epsom this morning!
It was a pleasure to welcome families into our school and give a glimpse into our nurturing, creative and future-focused early years environment. We hope you enjoyed exploring our spaces and meeting our passionate team.
#LittleDownsend #Downsend #DownsendSchool #IndependentSchool
Recently, our Year 6 students enjoyed an exciting Experience Day in the Senior School.
While parents explored the school on guided tours and heard from staff in an introduction talk, students took part in taster lessons and teamed up with Year 8 buddies to get a real feel for life in the Senior School.
In the afternoon, they explored the question ‘Does height determine how far you can jump?’ - working with their buddies to test it out, take measurements and compare their results.
#downsendschool #downsend #juniorschoolsurrey #seniorschoolsurrey #independentschoolsurrey
Huge congratulations to our U11 Girls’ Hockey team, winners of the Plate Competition at the IAPS Hockey Qualifiers!
The team has shown real determination and teamwork, overcoming injury setbacks and growing stronger together with each match.
A fantastic result and a brilliant display of Downsend spirit – well done to everyone involved! 👏
#downsend #downsendschool #schoolsport #acognitaschool
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Little Downsend Leatherhead Open Morning last week!
It was a lovely to welcome so many families into our vibrant school and give a glimpse into how we nurture curiosity, creativity and confidence from the very beginning.
If you missed it, not to worry - our Little Downsend Epsom Open Morning is this Thursday, 16th October.
Visit downsend.co.uk to find out more and book your place.
#downsend #littledownsend #downsendschool #acognitaschool
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay
At Downsend, we believe mental wellbeing is just as important as academic success.
In this video, some of our students share the ways they look after their wellbeing - from spending time with friends to playing sport and getting fresh air.
Because when we feel well in body and mind, we`re better equipped to learn, grow and thrive - in the classroom and beyond.
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025 #DownsendSchool #WeAreCognita #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalWellbeing
Learn more.
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