Downe House School

Girls, 11-18
Day & Boarding
Berkshire

"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'."

  • 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.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Downe House School.
Age
Girls, 11-18
Type
Senior
Category
Day & Boarding
Size
500 pupils
Downe House School

Emma McKendrick is Headmistress of Downe House School.

Ethos of 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.
Source: Downe House School
Downe House School

Visiting Downe House School

Open Events provide a wonderful opportunity to visit a school and discover more about the community, values and ethos. Find out more about open mornings at Downe House School.

Sep
6

Open Morning

Nov
15

Open Morning

Downe House School

Downe House School Fees, Inspections & Governance

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.

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.

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Downe House School Admissions

To find out more about Downe House School, contact the Admissions team at the school.

Downe House School location map
DHS

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.

Downe House School Leavers' Destinations

At the end of their time at Downe House School, pupils go on to a number of leading senior schools. Recent destinations include:

Scroll right to see all the details about the schools below, including type and location.

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