Downe House
Downe House is a traditional girls' boarding and day school with a modern twist, offering education for girls aged 11-18.
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Our take
Independent girls senior school in Berkshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
- Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
- Single-sex (girls). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
About the head
Every girl at Downe House is valued, supported and challenged as an individual and provided with an exceptional range of opportunities to explore and develop her strengths.
Distinctive features
Flexible boarding options (full, flexi, day)
Strong pastoral care
Girls-only education
Focus on academic and all-round development
International outlook and global partnerships
Activities & co-curricular
sport
music
drama
academic club
service
other
Facilities
sports
arts
boarding
academic
wellbeing
Latest exam results
In 2025, and 81% of GCSE grades were 9-7 (A*-A)
Where leavers go
| 2025 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 92 | — |
| Oxbridge | 3 | 9 |
| Russell Group | 42 | 5 |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 |
| Medicine | 1 | 1 |
Recent coverage
In November 2024, Downe House School underwent an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection, which acknowledged the school's high standards in teaching and pastoral care. The report highlighted that the school met all required standards, with pupils enjoying learning and attaining highly in public examinations. In August 2024, the school reported that 75% of GCSE passes were graded 9-7 (equivalent to A* or A), with nearly one-third of passes at grade 9. Notably, 100% of Textile Design pupils achieved an A* equivalent, and all Music candidates received Grade 9 or 8. In the 2024/25 academic year, Downe House Riyadh achieved a 100% pass rate in A Levels, enabling students to secure places at universities in the UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. At the GCSE level, 18% of grades were awarded at 9–8 (A*), with one student recognized as a Pearson High Achiever for attaining five Grade 9–8 (A*) results. Financially, the school's fee income, net of bursaries and scholarships, exceeded £22.8 million in the year ending 31 August 2025, an increase from £20.8 million in 2021. The total resources expended rose from £20.7 million to £23.2 million during the same period.
Notable alumni
Open-day dates not yet published
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How well does Downe House match?
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Check fit for my childApplication timeline
No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.
| Year | Opens | Closes | Reply by | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 1 May 2024 | 15 Oct 2025 | TBC | Closed |
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
House system
Pupils are organised into houses for pastoral and competitive life.
Wellbeing
Downe House offers a comprehensive pastoral care system including a house system, dedicated pastoral care, counselling, and mental health support to ensure pupil welfare and wellbeing. Every girl is valued and supported individually throughout her school journey.
Inspection
Isi — 12 Nov 2024
2 inspection reports on file.
- Isi · Regulatory Compliance1 Nov 2024met
Term dates 2025-26
Feeder schools
Schools like Downe House
Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Questions parents ask
Common questions about Downe House, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is Downe House best for?+
Independent girls senior school in Berkshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.
How does admissions work?+
Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.
Are fees published?+
Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.
Does the school support SEND?+
Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.
Are there open days?+
3 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
email at registrar@downehouse.net or phone on 01635 204701. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.
What similar schools should I compare?+
We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Downe House — see the "Schools like Downe House" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Reviews
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