As one of England’s foremost girls’ schools, Downe House delivers an experience tailored to how girls learn and grow best. Academically, it is very strong but not narrowly focused on league tables – the school often says it “doesn’t hang its self-esteem on being academic, it’s about developing your character,” according to parents. In practice, Downe House achieves excellent GCSE and A Level outcomes (in 2024, over 59% of A Level grades were A*–A) by combining small classes, inspiring teaching and a culture of intellectual curiosity without undue pressure. The curriculum is enriched well beyond exam syllabi: girls can study three separate sciences, multiple languages (with strong French and Spanish departments, for example), and choose from a wide array of A Levels (from Economics to Textiles). Pastoral care and personal development are the heart of Downe House. As a full boarding school, it operates 24/7 with a network of Housemistresses, tutors and support staff ensuring each girl feels at home. Year 7 (called the Lower Fourth) begins with the iconic “Remove” year – all new 11+ entrants spend their first year in a special Lower School boarding house to bond and transition into senior school life together. Friendships forged here are strong, and older girls become “big sisters” and mentors. Quaker values historically influence the ethos to an extent (the school values silence, reflection – each morning there’s a quiet time or assembly in the Chapel). Opportunities for growth abound: Downe House is renowned for its Global Exchange programme – around half the Year 10 students swap places for several weeks with peers at partner schools in countries like India, Australia, South Africa, and the USA. These exchanges broaden horizons immensely and the girls return with maturity and perspective. The school’s extracurricular programme is huge: Sports are very successful (lacrosse and netball in particular are “very strong,” often reaching national finals, and year-round tennis and swimming are offered). Performing arts are stellar – Downe House has a rich tradition of music, a large choir and orchestra, and hosts an annual arts week. The house drama competition is legendary fun. Beyond that, one finds over 50 clubs, from robotics to debating to charity fundraising. Downe House encourages each girl to try new things and discover her passions. The sense of community is often cited by students and parents as a top reason to choose Downe. Girls learn to be supportive, not competitive – they celebrate each other’s achievements, whether it’s a successful Oxbridge offer or a house athletic victory. By Sixth Form, Downe House girls are articulate, compassionate and resilient; the school provides leadership opportunities (Prefect roles, running societies) and a comprehensive university preparation programme. Year after year, virtually all Downe House leavers proceed to their first-choice universities including a healthy number to Oxbridge, Ivy League and medical schools. Perhaps equally important, they carry forward the Downe House spirit – a quiet confidence and an ethos of service. Choosing Downe House means joining not just a school, but a lifelong “sisterhood” of alumnae who support one another well beyond graduation.
Why Choose Downe House?
- Full Boarding Experience: Downe House is one of the few remaining all-girls full boarding schools in the UK (about 98% board). This creates a vibrant campus life on evenings and weekends – full of bonding, activities, and supervised independence. Girls don’t feel like they are “staying at school” rather, they live in a close-knit community that becomes a second family. For families seeking true boarding (rather than weekly or flexi), Downe House is ideal.
- Focus on the Individual Girl: With around 570 pupils, Downe House is mid-sized, which means every girl is known personally. Pastoral care is exceptional – “people and pastoral care…underpin all achievement,” says the school. Each girl has a tutor monitoring her well-being and progress. There’s also a big emphasis on building character: qualities like empathy, resilience and leadership are deliberately cultivated through programs like the DH Award in Lower School and Headmistress’s Project in Sixth Form.
- Strong Academics (Without the Hot-house): Downe House gets excellent academic results, but what stands out is that girls achieve these in a balanced way. The teaching is high quality and caters to different learning styles (girls frequently comment that teachers are always available to help one-on-one). The school offers both depth and breadth – from Additional Maths GCSE to humanities research projects – so bright girls are fully stretched. Yet, Downe is not overly pressurized; its philosophy is to encourage intrinsic motivation and a love of learning. This often leads to better outcomes in the long run.
- Global Outlook and Exchanges: A unique selling point – Downe House’s Global Schools Exchange for Year 10. Few schools offer something as extensive: about 25 girls each year spend a term abroad at partner schools in countries like India, New Zealand, France, etc., while Downe House welcomes exchange students in return. This develops independence and cultural awareness. Additionally, Downe has language immersion trips and cultural tours. For example, a group visits Annecy (France) annually and there are sports tours overseas. In an increasingly global society, Downe House girls have a head start in understanding the world.
- Leadership in Girls’ Sport: The school has a national reputation in several sports. It’s frequently among the top lacrosse schools in Britain (recently producing England U19 players), has excellent netball, and offers an array of sports so every girl finds an activity – from dance and yoga to fencing and riding. The coaching is first-rate and facilities include a large sports centre, indoor pool, fitness gym, squash courts and vast outdoor pitches on the scenic campus. Downe House firmly believes in sport for teamwork, fitness and fun, not just for winning – though they do that too!
- Alumnae Network and Support: Downe House old girls (Old Seniors) maintain a strong alumnae network akin to schools like Benenden or Cheltenham Ladies’. The school runs a career mentoring scheme linking Sixth Formers with alumnae in fields from law to fashion. There are reunions and regional get-togethers ensuring that the sisterhood endures. Choosing Downe House means your daughter joins this supportive lifelong community.
