Downe House

In the classroom, on the pitch, on stage and everywhere in between, these values are the hope, aim and aspiration for every pupil in the School. Upon stepping through the School gates, every pupil is treated and celebrated as an individual. Whether she is an artist with an aptitude for mathematics, a scientist with a love of music, or an athlete with an interest in politics, Downe House will introduce, nurture and encourage every pupil’s passion.

The dynasty of Downe House women who preceded, and the sheer variety of the career paths and achievements of our alumnae is testimony to our ethos. They all carry with them the imprint of the Downe House DNA.

Widely recognised as one of the leading all-girls’ schools in the UK, Downe House also features in the independently researched Fortune/Statista list of 100 World’s Top Boardings Schools 2023.

Established in 1907, Downe House is a traditional boarding and day school with a modern approach for girls aged 11-18. Situated in a beautiful Berkshire 110-acre woodland estate, Downe House offers family-friendly boarding balanced with an exceptional range of opportunities. Downe House has been a Microsoft Showcase School since 2018.

Downe House honours an exceptional programme to nurture global citizens and expands the pupils’ cultural horizons. Every pupil in the Lower Fourth (Year 8) spends a term at our school in France, Downe House Sauveterre, a beautiful chateau that allows the students to experience French life, language and culture. Older pupils have the opportunity to take part in the Global Schools’ Exchange Programme, studying abroad in one of 15 partner schools across 6 continents. There is also a Global Internship Programme as well as DH LINKS, the School’s comprehensive networking and careers initiative, along with our World Ready Programme, which is layered into every aspect of School life, tailored for every stage of development as pupils progress up through the year groups, to prepare them for the wider world.

Pupils are also given the opportunity to stretch their learning beyond academic qualifications and traditional extra-curricular activities, to enable them to stand out from the crowd in the competitive recruitment world. Including the Wakefield Award, Mini MBA, Sixth Form Interview Programme using VR and AI technology, the Ivy House Leadership Award and so much more.

Although personal triumphs and individual achievements are the most celebrated within School, the foundation of academic success is evident from the GCSE and A Level statistics. In 2022, at I/GCSE 88% of grades were 9-7 and remarkably 34% achieved 9 or more grades 9-8 (A*-A**). At A Level 92% of pupils achieved A* to B grades with the A*/D1/D2 percentage remaining consistently high, at 75%. These outstanding results achieved places at some of the world’s top universities for our graduates.