Downsend School

Downsend School, an independent co-educational day school located in Leatherhead, Surrey, has a rich history dating back to its founding as a boys' preparatory school in Hampstead in 1891. The school moved to its current site in 1918 and became fully co-educational in the mid-1990s. In 2006, it was acquired by Cognita Schools Limited, which oversees its operations. The school caters to pupils aged 6 to 16, with a current enrollment of 659 students, divided into 335 juniors and 324 seniors.

The school's mission is to inspire pupils to develop a global perspective, fostering an awareness and understanding of the world around them. It aims to cultivate emotional intelligence, encouraging students to become curious, innovative, creative, and critical thinkers. The school emphasizes the importance of building relationships, leading teams, and mastering digital skills to navigate an ever-changing world.

The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional backgrounds, primarily from local families. Assessment data indicates that most students possess average abilities, with 101 identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), of which 45 receive additional support. The school also accommodates 22 pupils for whom English is an additional language (EAL). The curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of the most able students, ensuring that all pupils receive appropriate educational support.

The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted in March 2023 by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Downsend School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection evaluated various aspects of the school's operations, including the quality of education, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, welfare, health and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.

The quality of education provided at Downsend School is commendable, with teaching enabling pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering a broad range of subjects. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance. The inspectors noted that the standards related to the quality of education were met.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that help pupils become responsible and tolerant citizens. The standards in this area were also met, reflecting the school's commitment to fostering a well-rounded education.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote their well-being. The school meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety, and provides first aid. The inspectors confirmed that the standards related to welfare, health, and safety were met.

The school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. The standards regarding staff suitability were also met. The premises and accommodation provided for pupils are suitable, with adequate facilities for medical and therapy needs, and the school maintains a high standard of health and safety.

Downsend School publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, and policies on behavior and bullying. The inspectors found that the standard related to the provision of information was met.

Parental complaints are handled effectively through a structured three-stage process, ensuring that concerns are addressed in a timely manner. The inspectors confirmed that the standard related to complaints handling was met.

The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The standard related to leadership and management was also met, indicating a strong governance structure.

The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, attributing their success to knowledgeable and focused teaching. Pupils are recognized as excellent communicators, with highly developed information and communication technology (ICT) skills applied throughout the curriculum. The school fosters a positive attitude towards learning, with pupils demonstrating outstanding engagement and enthusiasm.

Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent, with exceptional self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-confidence. They exhibit excellent decision-making skills and a strong sense of responsibility. However, the inspectors noted that the development of spiritual awareness and broader diversity issues could be enhanced.

The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, with various councils and initiatives promoting community engagement and social awareness. Pupils actively participate in charity events and demonstrate respect for others, celebrating the successes of their peers.

Overall, Downsend School provides a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence and personal growth. The recent inspections affirm the school's commitment to maintaining high standards in education, welfare, and leadership, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The school continues to strive for improvement, focusing on enhancing spiritual development and awareness of diversity issues among its pupils.