“There is an incredible feeling of positivity at Downe. You are teaching the girls so much more than academic excellence. All the staff not only manage to make them feel valued but also teach them, by example, the most kind behaviour. Downe consistently goes above and beyond.” (DH parent 2025)
Downe House is a leading UK independent school for girls aged 11–18, offering full and flexi-boarding and day options. Downe is recognised for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral support, and rich co-curricular opportunities - all with a focus on the individual. Downe has been inspiring girls to succeed since it opened in 1907. The founding principles - that a school should meet the needs of young women by prizing individuals and engendering a strong sense of community – remain core to the School’s values today. Whilst proud of its traditions, Downe is innovative in approach and ambitious in outlook – with this reflected in personalised curricula, exceptional teaching, and first-class facilities.
Focus on the Individual
Every student is known and valued as an individual - supported to forge her own path to success, with the confidence to be herself, whilst part of a warm, collaborative community. Each girl has an academic tutor, with whom they meet weekly for guidance, support and encouragement. The School’s core values are enshrined within the ‘Downe House DNA’: collaboration, resilience, aspiration, creativity, compassion, communication, and global-mindedness – a framework of expectations for students.
A Global Education
Downe firmly believes that global awareness and experience matter and offers a sector-leading programme of opportunities to make students ‘world-ready’. In addition to delivering an outward-looking academic curriculum with a focus on digital expertise, the School offers the Mini MBA, Ivy House Leadership Award, and electives, enabling students to gain valuable knowledge such as law and coding. Leadership qualities are also a focus, with girls able to take on roles of responsibility within every section of the School. The Global Schools Exchange gives girls the opportunity to study at one of 17 partner schools overseas. Students can also join the Global Internships Programme, which offers work placements with 40 companies across five continents. Students in Years 7 and 8 take part in the new Exploring Europe Programme, which includes a series of five trips to European countries, supported by cross-curricular studies.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
At Downe House, girls thrive within a strong, supportive community. Student wellbeing is paramount, and the school offers exceptional pastoral care, working in partnership with parents to ensure that every girl feels supported. The network of support in place for every girl is backed up by the services offered by the highly experienced team in the Medical Centre.
Academic Success
Students are encouraged and supported to be ambitious in their learning, and the foundation of academic success is evident in the strong results achieved in public examinations each year at both GCSE and A Level. An outstanding programme of preparation supports students in their applications for further study, with girls gaining places at top-ranking universities in the UK and overseas. Girls leave the school as confident leaders—empowered to succeed and part of an active and impressive network of alumnae, which provides them with connections and friendships for life.
Music, Performing Arts, Sport & Co-curricular
Downe excels in its Music, Drama and Dance provision, with a wide range of opportunities available for girls of every age and level of experience – participation rates are high, and there are numerous concerts, performances and productions put on throughout the year. The Sports Department offers an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, aimed at fostering a lifelong love of sport and physical activity. Lacrosse is the main sport, but high-level coaching applies to a wide range of team and individual sports and the School posts impressive results every year. Downe offers an immersive experience to its pupils, with an extensive and impressive range of co-curricular activities, societies and trips, allowing students to explore their interests and develop their talents to a high level.
Boarding & Day. Downe offers options three options: full boarding, flexi-boarding (up to four nights per week) and day. All pupils have the opportunity to take part in the plethora of evening and weekend activities on offer.
Fees per term (2025-2026). £20,304 full boarding, £16,980 flexi boarding (4 nights), £11,196 day.
Admissions. Entry at 11+, 12+ or 13+ following assessment, interview and ISEB Common Pre-Test. 16+ entry at Sixth Form after completing an interview and entrance test.
Location. The School campus is set on a beautiful 110 acre woodland estate in Berkshire, overlooking the historic Berkshire Downs and providing a safe, tranquil environment for the School community. We operate a bus service to/from London and the local area.
Charitable status. Downe House School is a Registered Charity, number 1015059. Our aim is the provision of a sound and broadly based education for pupils, which will equip them for university entrance and beyond.
Governors & Staff:
Governors:
Ms Fru Hazlitt, BA (Chair of Governors)
Senior Leadership Team:
Headmistress: Mrs Emma McKendrick, BA, PGCE, FRSA
Deputy Head: Mr Matthew Godfrey, BA, MA Ed, PGCE
Deputy Head (Academic): Mr Hugh Grant, MA, PGCE
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Mrs Genevieve Ford
Admissions:
Director of Admissions: Mrs Tara Reeve
Registrar: Miss Angela Nutt registrar@downehouse.net