Welcome to Downsend Junior
We believe that lessons should be fun and creative so that your child is excited to learn. Our teaching is immersive; it’s hands-on, positive, and enriching. It is not uncommon to see children at Downsend Junior learning about fractions by breaking chocolate into chunks, re-enacting the most challenging political rebellions using fruit, or walking around dressed as Egyptians. We find that active learning engages the children’s imagination, enriches the curriculum, and makes learning fun.
Our classes are small enabling our dedicated teachers to nurture and stretch every child and to help them to achieve their full academic potential.
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Meet the Head of Downsend Junior
Sally Johnston, Head of Downsend Junior, brings over 25 years of experience in primary education, having held a range of senior leadership positions including Deputy Head, Director of Studies, and Head of English. Prior to joining Downsend, Sally spent eight years as Deputy Head at Surbiton High Boys’ Preparatory School, where she led academic and pastoral development with a particular focus on preparing pupils for the transition to senior education.
Sally's expertise lies in fostering confident, independent learners through a curriculum that balances academic rigour with creativity and emotional intelligence. A passionate advocate for the richness of language and literature, Sally is deeply committed to ensuring all children leave us with the expressive tools, resilience, and curiosity they need to thrive.
Sally's vision for Downsend Junior aligns closely with Downsend’s ethos of future readiness - equipping pupils not only with academic proficiency, but also with the communication, adaptability and critical thinking skills required in an evolving world.
Brilliant basics
With excellent academic achievement from a wide range of starting points, we have high standards in reading, writing and numeracy and work hard to instil a foundation of excellence in these areas to ensure that children have the bedrock for building their learning as they progress throughout the school. Our academic achievement in Reading, Writing and Maths is excellent, exceeding both National and Surrey averages.
As an innovative and forward-thinking school, technology is embedded in our school as a natural and everyday feature of learning, supporting rather than supplanting the development of children’s basic skills.
Pastoral care
At Downsend Junior, pastoral care is at the heart of school life. We create a warm, supportive environment in which every child feels secure, valued and ready to learn. Through positive relationships, clear expectations and close partnership with families, we help pupils develop the confidence, resilience and character to flourish.
Our values help develop each pupil's moral compass and are embedded in daily school life, from lessons to the playground. They shape the way we behave, treat others and respond to challenges, giving pupils a strong sense of identity and belonging.
CALM, CLEAR & CONSISTENT EXPECTATIONS
The Downsend way
Our Downsend Way provides a shared language across the school. It is built around three clear principles: Ready to Learn, Respectful Interactions, and Ambition and Resilience. Every member of staff uses this language consistently across the school. This helps pupils understand what is expected of them and why, whether they are in a classroom, moving around the school or enjoying time in the playground. Shared expectations create a calm, purposeful environment where pupils can thrive.
Knowing every child
Strong pastoral care begins with knowing each child well. Staff get to really know every child, taking time to understand their individual strengths, interests, experiences and needs.
We track pupil wellbeing every week, while form tutors and class teachers build strong, trusting relationships with pupils. Pastoral leaders monitor individual pupils and coordinate support when needed. Through this close attention and careful communication, pupils are known, seen, heard and valued as individuals.
A safe place to learn
We use iSAMs to record rewards and sanctions, helping us to maintain a clear and consistent overview of each pupil's pastoral experience. School is a safe place to get things wrong, and we help educate and teach pupils how to get it right.
Rewards celebrate effort, kindness, progress and positive behaviour. Sanctions are restorative and educative in nature, giving pupils the opportunity to reflect, take responsibility and grow. In this way, our approach supports children to understand the impact of their choices and make positive decisions in the future.
Every experience is an opportunity to learn, reflect and grow.
A shared commitment
Partnership with parents
We recognise the importance of the relationship with parents. Open communication between school and home helps us understand each pupil fully and provide the right support at the right time. Regular updates and open communication help keep school and home connected. Parents are valued partners in their child’s pastoral journey, and we work together to support every pupil’s wellbeing, confidence and development. At Downsend Junior, pastoral care is a shared commitment: creating a community in which every child feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to thrive.