Downe House

Downe House School is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, located in Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire. Founded in 1907 in Kent, the school moved to its current premises in 1921 and operates as a charitable trust governed by a board of governors. The school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum alongside a wide range of co-curricular activities, fostering an environment where pupils feel known, valued, and well-supported. The school seeks to prepare its students to engage positively in the global community as outstanding young women.

Currently, Downe House has 583 pupils, with 557 of them being boarders. The majority of the student body comes from the United Kingdom, while approximately one-tenth are international students from various countries. Most pupils hail from business or professional families, and national standardized tests indicate that the school's ability profile is above average. The school has identified 64 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including dyslexia and dyspraxia, with 58 receiving specialist support. Additionally, 61 pupils have English as an additional language, with 17 receiving extra assistance for their English studies. The school also recognizes 69 pupils as more able, modifying the curriculum to meet their needs, and 131 pupils hold scholarships for their talents in art, drama, music, or sport.

The previous full inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) took place in February 2011, with recommendations to promote the best features of outstanding teaching across the school. The school has successfully addressed this recommendation, as well as a subsequent one from an intermediate boarding inspection in February 2013 regarding the formal monitoring of central records.

The quality of pupils' academic and other achievements at Downe House is deemed excellent. The school meets its stated aims effectively, with pupils demonstrating high levels of knowledge, skills, and understanding. Academic progress and achievement in public examinations are outstanding, with results at GCSE well above the national average and IGCSE results exceeding worldwide norms. Pupils with special educational needs and those with English as an additional language perform in line with their peers, often exceeding expectations. Approximately four-fifths of sixth form leavers proceed to universities with demanding entry requirements, and parents express satisfaction with their children's academic progress.

Pupils exhibit high levels of engagement and articulate their thoughts confidently and persuasively. They benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities, achieving notable success in various pursuits. The school encourages a spirited approach to academic and other challenges, although it recognizes that not all opportunities for utilizing information and communication technology (ICT) are fully exploited.

The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent. They display exemplary behavior, showing genuine concern and respect for one another. Pupils make significant progress in developing self-confidence and resilience through engaging in imaginative and challenging activities. They are reflective and possess a well-developed sense of well-being. Positive relationships with staff and strong friendships foster an environment where pupils feel empowered to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. The school promotes awareness of global issues, and pupils actively participate in charity work both locally and internationally.

The boarding provision at Downe House is of very high quality, providing pupils with a supportive and nurturing environment. Boarders feel at home and appreciate the opportunity to personalize their living spaces. The school emphasizes pastoral care, ensuring that pupils can seek support from various staff members when needed. The community atmosphere is characterized by fun and collaboration, with pupils engaging in activities that foster independence and personal growth.

Pupils develop a strong sense of community and social responsibility, participating in leadership and service opportunities. They demonstrate commitment to charitable initiatives, both through fundraising and direct support. The school council serves as an effective platform for pupils to voice their opinions and contribute to school improvements. The diverse student body enriches the school community, promoting cultural understanding and acceptance.

Health and safety education is a priority, with pupils receiving thorough instruction on online safety and the potential dangers of social media. The school provides nutritious meals and a wide-ranging program of physical activities, balancing energetic pursuits with reflective practices like yoga and mindfulness. As they prepare to leave the school, pupils are equipped with the confidence and skills necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities of modern life.

In summary, Downe House School excels in providing a comprehensive education that fosters academic achievement, personal development, and social responsibility. The school's commitment to nurturing its pupils in a supportive environment prepares them to thrive as confident, capable young women ready to engage with the world. The combination of high academic standards, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a strong sense of community contributes to the overall success and well-being of its students.