About Downe House
We aim to ignite a love of learning and ensure that when the time comes to leave, she believes she can achieve anything.
Downe House is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, offering a nurturing environment that values individuality and personal growth. The school combines traditional values with modern educational practices to prepare students for success in a global community.
Core Values
Teaching Philosophy
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. So many things make the difference at Downe – we aim to ignite a love of learning and ensure that when the time comes to leave, she believes she can achieve anything.
What Makes Downe House Special
- Financial aid & scholarships offered
- 119+ years of heritage (est. 1907)
- 7 arts & creative programs
Academics
Curriculum
Downe House offers Traditional and Other curriculums, with specializations in Arts, Languages, and Sports.
Academic Environment
Languages of Instruction
Programs & Extracurriculars
Arts Programs
7 programsSports
6 programsClubs & Activities
8 programsCampus & Facilities
Downe House features a campus with Library.
Photo Gallery
Tuition & Financial Aid
£42,756
per year
£76,616
per year
Admissions
Requirements
- Application form
- Report cards
- Interview
- Reference letters
- Entrance exam
- Essay
- Standardized test
- Other
Community & Culture
Downe House cultivates a warm, inclusive community where each girl is valued as an individual and encouraged to explore her strengths. The school balances traditional values with modern thinking, fostering a culture of service and academic endeavor. Life at the school is dynamic and varied—whether a student is a science-loving athlete or an aspiring performer—with girls supported through extensive co-curricular programs including music, performing arts, sport, and creative activities. The community comes together through traditions like House Music competitions, the annual Funfair, and global exchange programs, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Diversity & Inclusion
Downe House welcomes girls from every continent and describes its student body as reflective of the world around it. The school provides tailored support for international students, including English as an additional language assistance, dedicated Global Ambassadors, and mentoring systems to help overseas pupils adjust and thrive. The school also partners with the Royal National Children's SpringBoard Foundation, a social mobility charity, and offers means-tested bursaries to talented girls regardless of financial means, with 48 girls benefiting from full or partial bursaries in 2024-25. However, a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion statement addressing broader DEI initiatives is not prominently featured on the website.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement details are not prominently featured on the website. The site mentions a Parent Portal and references parents' roles in the admissions process, but specific information about parent committees, volunteer opportunities, or regular engagement programs is not described. Families are encouraged to visit through Open Mornings and personal tours, and the Admissions team emphasizes partnership with parents throughout the application journey.
Dress Code
Uniform required
Accreditations & Recognition
Contact Downe House
Address
Downe House, Hermitage Rd, Cold Ash, Thatcham, Thatcham, England, United Kingdom
Phone
01635 200286
Website
Visit School Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Downe House
Downe House serves students in grades 11-12.
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