Brave beginnings. For an exciting future.
Welcome to Little Downsend
Little Downsend is where the Downsend journey begins. Children can join us from 6 months old and stay until the end of Year 2, so there’s no need to look for a new school at four. It’s one Pre-Prep across two homes in Ashtead and Leatherhead, each in a charming Victorian townhouse. Small enough to feel like family, with big gardens and plenty of room to explore.
One Pre-Prep, two homes
Little Downsend Ashtead is where our youngest children find their feet. Days are full of play, stories, mud and new friends, with a team who quickly get to know each child and what makes them smile.
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Little Downsend Leatherhead is where children grow in confidence and independence as the join us aged 2. There’s a forest school, a big grassy space to run around in, and Downsend Junior is just a five minute walk away.
Little Downsend Ashtead
Little Downsend Leatherhead
Learning that feels like play
Children here learn by doing. They build, ask questions, try things out and work together, picking up the skills they’ll use for years to come.
Meet the Head of Little Downsend,
James McCarthy-Mitchell
James McCarthy-Mitchell is the Headteacher of Little Downsend, overseeing the Leatherhead and Ashtead sites. He has a strong background in early years and primary education, having previously served as Headteacher of a London based Pre-Prep school.
James is an experienced school leader with a particular interest in high-quality teaching, curriculum development and creating positive, nurturing environments where children can thrive.
He is passionate about building strong school communities, working closely with staff, pupils and families to ensure every child feels known, supported and challenged to achieve their best.
Ready for what comes next
At the end of Year 2, children move up to Downsend Junior on our main site. Because it’s one school, they already know the faces, the buildings and the way we do things, so it feels like the next step rather than a big change.
NEXT STEPS: