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.

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.