At the end of a long meandering drive, away from the frantic turmoil of urban life, approximately two hundred and fifty children excel in the tranquil, stunning rural environment of The Downs School.
The older children of the Prep School (Year Four to Year Eight) enjoy the excellent facilities of Charlton House, and the surrounding classrooms. Simultaneously the younger children (Reception to Year Three) thrive in the security of the striking independent Pre-Prep Department. The extensive playing fields and woodland, the impressive sports facilities that include a Swimming Pool and first class Sport Hall and various academic resources that include two ICT suites and a Theatre, are used for the benefit of all the children.
A small school, each child is very well known to us. No one is overlooked. Everyone is valued. Ideally we aim to have no more than a maximum of eighteen children in a class, there being two classes in each Year Group. The academic profile of the school is well above the national average nevertheless, exceptional support is provided for the gifted and for those who find the demands of the classroom more challenging.
Our children are well grounded in knowledge, skills and understanding. They demonstrate sustained concentration and they put significant effort into their work and play. They enjoy an unusual amount of success both in and out of the classroom, many of our Year Eight Leavers being awarded scholarships to their senior schools.
