November 2024
Downe House School met all required standards. Pupils enjoy learning and attain highly in public examinations due to well-planned teaching that meets their needs effectively.
Senior school
Downe House
Downe House is a traditional girls' boarding and day school with a modern twist, offering education for girls aged 11-18.
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Emma McKendrick
Gender
Girls
Pupils
535
Location
Newbury, West Berkshire
Rural setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
11 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1907
Entry points
11+, 12+, 13+, 16+
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Music, Art, Sport +2
Show 2 more factsShow fewer facts
A-level A*–A
67%
2025
GCSE 9–7
81%
2025
Overview
About Downe House
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. The school aims to ignite a love of learning and ensure that when the time comes to leave, she believes she can achieve anything. Downe House offers full boarding, flexi boarding, and day pupil options.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent girls senior school in West Berkshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier fees.
Best for
- 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 independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the independent 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.
- 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.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- Nov14Open dayNext
- TBCAssessmentTo be confirmedAssessment takes place in the Michaelmas (Autumn) term prior to entry yearAssessment Day for 11+ and 12+ Entry
Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£33,588per year · Day · 2026-27
Inc. VAT £33,588VAT TBC7 years: £265,288
vs London avg (£24,000)40% above
Extras: registration, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music lessons, exam fees.
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Quick answers about Downe House
Answered only from Downe House's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
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
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
SquashTennisSports coaching and trainingLacrosseNetballHockey
music
Music ChoirsChoirs and orchestrasMusic lessons and ensemblesOrchestralNational Youth Training Choir
drama
DramaNational Arts Programme Bronze Award (Arts Award)Musical Theatre
academic club
Psychology (Brainiacs)HistoryScience / Forensic Science
service
Charity
other
Lacrosse CampCreative ArtsCrafts and Ceramics ClubCaledonian SocietyDance ClassesArt ClubChristian UnionDanceTextile Art
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
Sports Facilities3G Pitch
arts
Performing Arts studioPerforming Arts Facilities
boarding
Boarding Houses
academic
Lecture and DH LINKS programmesLibraryScience LabsDining HallChapelSchool Uniform Shop
wellbeing
Wellbeing Centre
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes2025 A-LEVELS
55
of A-Level grades were A*-A87
of leavers secured places at preferred universities67%
A-level A*–A
81%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
3%
to Oxbridge (2025)
46%
to Russell Group
| 2025 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 92 | — |
| Oxbridge | 3 | 9 |
| Russell Group | 42 | 5 |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 |
| Medicine | 1 | 1 |
Top universities (2025)
Aberdeen1
Australia1
Bath1
Birmingham1
Bristol4
Brunel1
Canada – McGill1
Canada – U Toronto1
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA Level
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
August 2024
Downe House School reported that 75% of GCSE passes were graded 9-7, with nearly one-third of passes at grade 9.
2022
Downe House School reported that 100% of Music GCSEs were at grades 9-8 and 89% of Creative Arts (Art, Textiles and Design Technology) results were at grades 9-7.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Imogen Poots (actress)Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (royalty)Lady Antonia Fraser (historian and author)Dido Armstrong (singer-songwriter)Lady Sarah Chatto (member of the royal family)Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones (socialite)
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Fit for your child
Is Downe House right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
Pupils belong to houses.
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
CounsellingMental health support
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.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 12 Nov 2024
2 reports on file.
- Isi · Regulatory Compliance1 Nov 2024met
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
1 offer
Also considerSchools like Downe House
Also consider
Schools like Downe House
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Downe House best for?+
Downe House suits: 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 independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How much are the fees at Downe House?+
Day fees at Downe House are £11,196 a term in 2026-27 (£33,588 a year). Boarding fees are £20,304 a term in 2026-27 (£60,912 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Downe House?+
The next open day at Downe House is on 14 November 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
Downe House is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Downe House support SEND?+
Downe House offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does Downe House take?+
Downe House takes pupils from age 11 to 18.
Is Downe House a day or boarding school?+
Downe House offers both day and boarding places.
Is Downe House co-educational or single-sex?+
Downe House is a girls' school.
Where is Downe House?+
Downe House is in West Berkshire, RG18 9JJ.
How do I contact admissions at Downe House?+
Contact Downe House by email at registrar@downehouse.net or phone on 01635200286.
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