The Downs School
Charlton Drive, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PF
Pupils
267
Ages
4 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mrs Deborah Isaachsen
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£4,074 to £6,190
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Christian
Bursaries
Available
About The Downs School
The Downs School, located just five miles from Bristol, is a unique independent prep school that offers a nurturing and dynamic environment for children aged four to 13. Set in the picturesque Charlton House, a Victorian mansion surrounded by 60 acres of parkland, the school provides an idyllic setting for education. The school has recently expanded to include its own nursery, Bertie’s, catering for children from six months old, making it a comprehensive choice for early childhood education in the area.
The main entry point for pupils is at reception, although there is a growing trend of students joining from state schools in later years. The school is non-selective, with admissions based on a taster day that includes observation and informal assessment to identify strengths and areas for development. While the school is generally not oversubscribed, a few year groups do experience high demand.
The Downs School prides itself on its traditional yet progressive ethos. The school places a strong emphasis on manners and morals, which is highly valued by parents. The children are encouraged to be outdoorsy, with activities such as den making, orienteering, and pond dipping integrated into the curriculum. The addition of a wildflower meadow and a Forest School programme further enhances the outdoor learning experience.
Academically, the school caters to a wide range of abilities. Small class sizes, with an average of two classes of 15 per year group, ensure that each child receives individual attention. The school offers booster groups for those who need extra support, while high achievers are given opportunities to stretch their abilities. The focus on resilience, perseverance, collaboration, and risk-taking prepares students for future challenges.
The school has a strong track record of successful exits, with most pupils staying on until age 13. Popular destinations for leavers include Redmaids’ High School, Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, and Clifton College, with some even gaining scholarships. The headteacher plays an active role in guiding families through the transition to senior schools, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their next steps.
The Downs School offers a rich extra-curricular programme, with clubs ranging from drone and LEGO clubs to science experiments. The arts are well-represented, with extensive facilities including two art studios and a pottery and textiles room. Music is a significant part of school life, with three-quarters of pupils learning an instrument and participating in ensembles and choirs.
Sport is an integral part of the school experience, with rugby, hockey, cricket, and netball being the main sports. The school boasts extensive sports facilities, including an outdoor heated swimming pool. For those less inclined towards traditional sports, the Downs Award Scheme offers alternatives such as caving, climbing, and orienteering.
The pastoral care at the school is robust, with a dedicated team that includes a counsellor and matrons. The introduction of a school puppy, Wilf, adds to the nurturing environment. The school also has a strong house system and encourages charity work, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among pupils.
Parents are generally supportive of the school, although some mention the presence of tiger parenting. The school justifies its high fees with its extensive grounds, facilities, and the calibre of its teachers, many of whom are trained for secondary education. Means-tested bursaries are available for those who need financial assistance.
In conclusion, The Downs School offers a well-rounded education in a stunning setting, combining traditional values with a forward-thinking approach. Its focus on outdoor learning, academic rigour, and personal development makes it an attractive choice for families seeking a comprehensive prep school experience. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
The Downs School is an independent co-educational preparatory day school located in Wraxall, Bristol. Founded in 1894, the school has a long-standing history and moved to its current site in 1927. Governed by a charitable trust, the school opened a new nursery in 2018 for children aged six months to four years, which is operated by a commercial subsidiary and inspected separately. The current headteacher, Mrs. Debbie Isaachsen, was appointed in 2020. The school caters to pupils aged four to thirteen and is divided into two sections: the pre-prep, which includes the Reception Year of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Years 1 to 3, and the prep school for Years 4 to 8.
At the time of the inspection in June 2022, the school had a total of 258 pupils enrolled, including 31 in the EYFS, 168 in the juniors, and 59 in the seniors. The school serves a diverse population of pupils from local professional families, most of whom live within a 20-mile radius. The ability profile of the pupils is above average, with a wide range of abilities represented. Four pupils were identified as having English as an additional language, and 22 pupils were recognized as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, with 17 receiving additional support.
The school aims to foster a strong work ethic among its pupils and to help them achieve high standards through a modern education. It emphasizes the development of character by promoting traditional values and expectations. The inspection took into account the challenges faced by schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed by government guidance at various points during that time.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a compliance-only inspection to assess the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards as outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection also evaluated the school's accessibility plan under the Equality Act 2010 and compliance with the ban on corporal punishment. The report indicated that the school met all the standards and no further action was required as a result of the inspection.
The quality of education provided at The Downs School was found to be good. The school's assessment framework confirmed that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering the required breadth of material. Effective behavior management is in place, and suitable resources support teaching. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, in accordance with statutory guidance.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, facilitating their growth as responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has established principles and values that underpin this development. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote their well-being. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are taken to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety, and first aid provisions are available. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance registers.
The suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors is ensured through appropriate checks, and a register is maintained as required. The school provides suitable toilet and changing facilities, as well as accommodations for pupils' medical and therapy needs. The premises are well-maintained, with adequate acoustics, lighting, and water provision. Outdoor space is available for physical education and play.
The school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the proprietor, the school's ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission, behavior, and health and safety. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school's website.
Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a three-stage process, which includes informal, formal, and a hearing before an independent panel. Each stage has clear timelines, and records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately.
The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that the standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, contributing to a positive school environment.
Overall, the inspection concluded that The Downs School meets all the required standards, providing a quality education and a supportive environment for its pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement and the well-being of its students, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future educational endeavors. The positive findings of the inspection reflect the dedication of the staff and leadership in fostering an enriching educational experience for all pupils.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024