What is Downe House School like?

Downe House is one of the top all-girls’ boarding and day schools in the UK, offering a world-class traditional independent education with a modern twist. With a focus on excellence and the individual, girls are encouraged to make the most of the exceptional academic, co-curricular, and enrichment opportunities on offer and to create their own paths, authentic to themselves.

Supported by personal tutors, girls excel not only in their studies but also in Sport, Creative and Performing Arts, and Music, going on to study at the top universities in the world. As a Microsoft Showcase school, girls are equipped with outstanding digital skills, preparing them for a fast-developing modern workplace.

The school has a strong global outlook that prepares its young women to be world-ready, offering them opportunities to study and work abroad. In Year 8, all girls spend a term at the school’s campus in France, and in Years 10 and 12, girls can take part in the Global Exchange Programme, which partners with 16 schools across five continents. The Sixth Form takes this further, offering global internships, which in 2023/24 featured more than 25 internships spanning five continents, alongside a Mini MBA, the Ivy House Leadership Award, and the Sixth Form Interview Training Programme, which uses VR and AI technology. Girls leave Downe House with confidence—empowered to succeed.

Sport is very strong, with lacrosse the main team sport, although hockey is also very popular and the tennis programme is one of the finest in the country. Performing Arts is also a strength with Trinity Arts Awards offered within the Drama curriculum as well as extra-curricular Speech and Drama and Dance opportunities, and high participation levels in Music outside the classroom too. There is a thriving Art department with textiles and photography also available in the Sixth Form.

Academically, the school encourages ambition and ignites a love of learning through a supportive community. Although personal triumphs and individual achievements are the most celebrated within the school, the foundation of academic success is evident from its GCSE and A Level results. In 2024, 75% of I/GCSE grades were 9-7, and remarkably, 53% achieved grades 9-8 (A**-A*). At A Level, 82% of pupils achieved A* to B grades, with the A* to A grade percentage remaining consistently high, at 60%. These outstanding results enabled the girls to secure places at some of the world’s top universities.

Would Downe House be suitable for my daughter?

Downe House offers a complete boarding school experience on a beautiful campus in a  safe location. The school offers idyllic accommodation on site, with a wealth of activities as part of the boarding model. Offering both boarding and day places, Downe House provides every pupil with the gift of time and space for extra-curricular activities balanced with important family time. Girls need to be academically strong and willing to take part in all that the school has to offer both inside and outside of the classroom.

How can I apply to Downe House?

Pupils may enter the school at 11+, 12+ or 13+ upon successful assessment, interview and Common Entrance. Pupils can also join the Sixth Form after completing an interview and entrance test. Application for entry should be made well in advance.

Please contact us for advice on entry to Downe House and one of our experienced consultants would be delighted to help.

For information about applying to this school, please submit an enquiry