Downe House School

Downe House School is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, in Cold Ash in Berkshire. The school was opened in 1907 and the school's aim has always been 'to enable, encourage and prepare girls to play a full and positive part as citizens of a global community and as outstanding women of the future'.

Key facts about Downe House School

  • Downe House School is a girls-only senior school, offering both day and boarding places.
  • The school welcomes approximately 500 girls aged from 11 to 18 years.
  • Downe House School is located at Thatcham in Berkshire.

Why choose Downe House School?

Headmistress Emma McKendrick says: 'I believe that as a school, we have a responsibility to provide our pupils with as many opportunities as possible – academic, co-curricular and pastoral – to allow every girl to grow and develop, and to discover and build on her individual strengths.'

'It is our aim that girls should be fully prepared for life beyond Downe House and leave us with the confidence to take up places at top universities in the UK and overseas and then move on to embark successfully on the widest range of careers across the globe.'

Attain asked the school, what makes Downe House different – and why should parents consider it?

What makes Downe House? The answer is in the Downe House DNA: Collaboration, Resilience, Creativity, Aspiration, Compassion, Communication, Outward looking, Digital ready.

In the classroom, on the pitch, on stage and everywhere in between, these values are the hope, aim and aspiration for every pupil in the school. Upon stepping through the school gates, every pupil is treated and celebrated as an individual. Whether she is an artist with an aptitude for Mathematics, a scientist with a love of Music, or an athlete with an interest in Politics, Downe House will introduce, nurture and encourage every student's passion. The dynasty of Downe House women who preceded, and the sheer variety of the career paths and achievements of our alumnae is testimony to our ethos. They all carry with them the imprint of the Downe House DNA.

Established in 1907, Downe House is a traditional school with a modern approach for girls aged 11-18 and situated in a beautiful Berkshire 110-acre woodland estate. We honour an exceptional programme to nurture global citizens and expands the pupils' cultural horizons. Every pupil in the Lower Fourth (Year 8) spends a term at our school in France, Downe House Sauveterre. Older pupils can take part in the Global Schools' Exchange Programme, studying abroad in one of 15 partner schools across six continents. There is also a Global Internship Programme as well as DH LINKS, the School's comprehensive networking and career initiative, along with our World Ready programme, which is layered into every aspect of school life, tailored for every stage of development as pupils progress up through the year groups, to prepare them for the wider world.

What makes Downe House School different?

Attain asked the school, what makes Downe House School different – and why should parents consider it?

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Head, Governance and Inspections

When reviewing details about a particular school, prospective parents should always ensure they have looked at the governance details, reviewed recent inspections and read about the Head's vision for the school. Find out more about how to read an inspection report, the role of the Head (and whether you need to like him or her!), the school's pastoral care provision, looking at what is taught through the curriculum and assessing the extracurricular opportunities on offer.

Head

Emma McKendrick is Headmistress of Downe House School.

Governance

The school is a registered charity managed by trustees. Read more about the charity structure and how it is run on the Charity Commission website.

Inspections

Downe House School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) on behalf of the Department for Education. Routine inspections take place once every three years.

Downe House School Open Days

Open Days provide a wonderful opportunity to visit a school and discover more about the community, values and ethos. Read more about the questions to ask at an Open Day and the things you can expect to see.
Jan
18

Open Morning

Hear from current pupils who will give you a real sense of what it is like to be a pupil at Downe House. Parents can book to attend via the school website.
Mar
22

Open Morning

Hear from current pupils who will give you a real sense of what it is like to be a pupil at Downe House. Parents can book to attend via the school website.

More about Downe House School

Downe House School location map

Downe House School
Hermitage Road, Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 9JJ.

Girls, 11-18 · Day & Boarding

To discover more, visit the Downe House School website.

Have you considered these Berkshire catchment area schools?

Scroll right to see all the details about the schools below, including type and location.
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Wellington College
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Would you like to explore other local and regional schools?

Discover more Berkshire private schools – or look further afield at indepedent schools across the South East area.