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.
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.
Accreditations
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We’ve been shortlisted!
We’re thrilled to announce that Downsend School has been shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year (ISOTY) Award in the Performing Arts category!
This recognition reflects the strength of our Performing Arts provision, curriculum, teaching and exceptional extracurricular offering – all brought to life in our flagship Creative Arts Centre, now the buzzing hub of school life.
From centre-stage performances to behind-the-scenes creativity, the arts are truly at the heart of what we do – and we couldn’t be prouder.
#downsendschool #surreyschools #downsend
With their GCSE exams over, our Year 11 students are now enjoying an extremely well-deserved long summer break! We caught up with some of them before they left, to ask what advice, looking back, they would give to their Year 7 selves…
#downsendschool #wearecognita #seniorschool #futureready #gcse25
Real skills. Real Impact. Real Adventure.
That’s what we had in mind when we designed our D6 Global Impact Project - a life-changing experience that will take you further than you ever thought possible.
In part 1, you’ll sail the Solent - learning to lead, to work as a team, to be resilient in the face of challenge. You’ll learn how to sail, but you’ll also learn about yourself.
In part 2, we head to Borneo, for an adventure of a lifetime. As founding members, you plan and project manage it - deciding how you want to have the greatest impact.
It’s a journey to learn, to grow, and to remember - and is also fully funded for those who join us in Sept 25 and Sept 26.
Visit our link in bio to book a Campus Tour or join our Open Evening.
#DownsendSixth #FutureSkills #FutureReady #D6Core #Leadership #Innovation #Creativity #SixthForm #StudentSuccess #HolisticEducation #SixthReady #GlobalImpactProject
What a fantastic day of fun, teamwork, and sportsmanship!
We loved welcoming families from our Little Downsend schools last week for a fun-filled day of races, relays, jumps, and teamwork all in support of their houses: Headley, Wisley, Ranmore, and Norbury!
Huge thanks to our amazing Year 6 helpers and well done to all the children for showing such brilliant energy and team spirit!
#downsendschool #littledownsend #sportsday #wearecognita #community
Recently our Year 10 Geography students had the incredible opportunity to hear from Anja Nielsen. With experience at the UN, UNICEF, and Save the Children, Anja spoke about protecting schools from natural disasters and the global risks students face.
It was a powerful session connecting GCSE theory to real world impact and we’re proud to be working with Anja on Downsend’s own sustainability journey.
#downsendschool #wearecognita #futureskills #GeographyInAction #RealWorldLearning #Sustainability #StudentVoice #FutureReady #DownsendLife
New friendships, big smiles, and plenty of fun!
This week, our Year 2 pupils from Little Downsend and Year 5 pupils from Downsend School came together for a joyful buddy event.
It all began with handwritten letters from Year 2, lovingly replied to with thoughtful cards from their Year 5 buddies. The excitement reached a high as they finally met in person at Downsend School!
From a fun scavenger hunt around the junior school to classic playground games and colourful chalk art, the afternoon was filled with laughter, teamwork, and meaningful connections.
Teamwork, kindness, and lots of laughter — what a brilliant afternoon! Year 2 can’t wait to reunite with their buddies in September!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #juniorschool #privateschool #futureskills #newbeginnings #newfriendships
It was no ordinary Monday at Downsend last week!
Mr Thorpe handed over the reins to two very capable Co-Heads for the day — Adwin and Mya, Junior School pupils whose parents won this incredible experience through the Downsend Parents’ Association auction at our Summer Ball!
After collecting their staff passes and signing a few “official” documents, they joined Mrs Davies to lead Assembly, met with Mr Thorpe to learn more about his executive role, and set off on a learning walk around the school. From visiting classrooms to chatting with support staff, they gained a real insight into life behind the scenes at Downsend.
They even helped draft the school newsletter before enjoying a well-deserved (and delicious!) lunch with the team.
A fantastic day for two future leaders — well done, Adwin and Mya!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #headofschool #independentschool #privateschool #futureskills
We’re incredibly proud that the Independent Schools Association (ISA) has published a case study showcasing the outstanding Early Years provision at Little Downsend. This follows our national award for Excellence and Innovation in Early Years, recognising the passion, creativity and commitment of our amazing team.
This lovely video captures just a glimpse of the joy and discovery our youngest learners experience every day. Learning through creative, dexterous and sensory play is at the heart of everything we do.
A brilliant example of best practice in action. Well done, Team Downsend!
Read the full case study - link in bio.
#downsendschool #wearecognita #littledownsend #epsom #banstead #bansteadvillage #tadworth #cheam #sutton #isaawardwinner #nursery #preprep
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