Welcome to Downsend School
Downsend is an innovative and forward-thinking independent school with a vision. A vision to inspire pupils to embrace the future, to create incredible people who make change in a rapidly evolving world.
From Nursery to Sixth Form, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation and we never hold back.
It is an exciting time to be a Downsendian as our brand new Sixth Form has now opened. Downsend Sixth completes the journey for pupils from the ages of 6 months to 18 and marks an exceptional moment in our history.
Downsend is future focused in a rapidly evolving world.
From Nursery through to Downsend Sixth, day to day life at Downsend is fast-paced, inspiring and immersive. We bring learning to life, providing opportunities for growth at every age.
We're passionate about providing the best, most innovative experience possible. Find out more about our Future Skills Vision below:
A new era for Downsend
Downsend Sixth is now open! Our brand new, purpose-designed, Sixth Form Centre offers the very best of both worlds. Our new campus offers young people the perfect environment for both academic success and personal growth.
Head's Welcome
Meet the Head.
Known for her forward-thinking approach, Rebecca Tear is passionate about preparing pupils not just for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom. Her leadership is grounded in strong relationships, high expectations and a belief in education as a platform for possibility.
At Downsend, Bex leads with purpose and ambition - guiding the school’s Future Skills vision and ensuring every child is equipped to thrive in a changing world.
Our Awards.
FACILITIES & LOCATION
Excellent learning locations.
Innovative modern spaces bring specialist teaching to life at the Main School, while Little Downsend offers a home from home for our littlest children, with outstanding outdoor spaces for exploring and learning.
Passionate and inspiring leadership, down to earth, fantastic facilities and a modern, forward-thinking approach.
– A Downsend Parent
Our Schools
Little Downsend Ashtead (age 0-4)
Little Downsend Ashtead is a Nursery and Pre-School for children aged 6 months to 4 years old.
A short walk from Ashtead Village, with its independent shops and cafes, Little Downsend Ashtead is perfectly located for new parents looking for a nursery within walking distance that has a quiet, welcoming presence.
Little Downsend Epsom (age 2-7)
Little Downsend Epsom is a Nursery and Pre-Prep for children aged 2 to 7.
Occupying a beautiful piece of land with a grassy field, garden and play areas, both children's and parent's needs are catered for in quiet surroundings.
Little Downsend Leatherhead (age 2-7)
Little Downsend Leatherhead is a Nursery and Pre-Prep for children aged 2 years to 7 years.
The largest of the three schools, Little Downsend Leatherhead benefits from a huge play area, an acre of grassy fields, forest school, stage and climbing equipment.
Downsend School (age 8-16)
Downsend School houses Year 3 to Year 11. Featuring a brand-new Creative Arts Centre, extensive sporting facilities, 25m pool and a wide range of specialist labs and studios, Downsend offers pupils an exciting place to learn. Conveniently located just outside Leatherhead, the campus has a leafy, suburban feel whilst being easy to get to by car, train or bus.
Downsend Sixth (age 16-18)
Launching in September 2025, Downsend Sixth will provide an outstanding A Level experience in a purpose-designed building a short walk from Leatherhead train station and opposite Leatherhead Leisure Centre. State of the art specialist teaching rooms including Science Labs and an Innovation Suite will complement contemporary quiet study spaces and a collaborative Common Room and Café.
Accreditations
Follow Downsend on Social Media
We’re proud to share that Little Downsend has once again been shortlisted as a finalist for the ISA Award for Future Readiness 🎉
Following our win last year, this recognition reaffirms our ongoing commitment to helping every child grow. We’re always thinking ahead to ensure our children are confident, curious and ready for their next step.
Come and see it in action.
Join us at one of our upcoming Open Events this autumn and discover how we’re shaping the future, one little learner at a time.
Leatherhead - Friday 10 October
Epsom - Thursday 16 October
Visit downsend.co.uk to book your place.
#DownsendSchool #LittleDownsend #Surrey #Leatherhead #IndependentSchool #DownsendSixth #ISAAwards2025 @isaschools

A big congratulations to our Year 10 student, Kenzo 🎉
Over the past year, he has competed across Europe - racing in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Denmark and Sweden in the Champion of the Future karting series, alongside 200 drivers from 48 countries.
We’re thrilled to share that Kenzo was crowned Champion of the entire competition last weekend in Sweden. 🏆
Well done, Kenzo!
#DownsendSchool #StudentSpotlight #WeAreCognita #DownsendSixth #TalentBeyondTheClassroom

Today, our Year 9 students embraced their Entrepreneurial Mindset at a dynamic Future Skills Day hosted at Downsend Sixth, a space designed to inspire innovation and forward thinking.
From designing toothbrushes for young children to reimagining essential services and creating the backpack of the future, pupils tackled real-world challenges that demanded creativity, collaboration and critical thinking - the very skills they’ll need to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
This exciting opportunity is part of our whole-school Future Skills programme, bringing learning to life in environments that feel more like modern workplaces than traditional classrooms.
There’s more to come, with every Senior School year group set to experience learning at Downsend Sixth over the months ahead.
#downsendschool #wearecognita #surreyschools #independentschool #downsendsixth

Welcome back!
We hope everyone had a refreshing summer break - and a special welcome to all the new families joining Downsend this year.
As we kick off the autumn term, we’re ready for new adventures, inspiring lessons and the chance to grow, achieve and shine. There’s so much ahead to look forward to - let’s make it a great one!
#DownsendSchool #DownsendSchoolSurrey #DownsendSixth #SixthFormSurrey #ACognitaSchool #AutumnTerm

This week, we welcomed our first families through the doors of our brand-new Sixth Form in Leatherhead.
Join us for our Open Evening on Thursday 25 September or book a personal tour to see how we’re preparing students for the future.
Visit downsend.co.uk to book.
#DownsendSchool #DownsendSchoolSurrey #DownsendSixth #SixthFormSurrey #ACognitaSchool

We`re thrilled to welcome Lea Blanchard to the Downsend Sixth team.
As Futures Coordinator, Lea will play a key role in helping our students explore next steps after sixth form, from UCAS applications to apprenticeships and everything in between.
With a keen eye on the evolving world of work, Lea will also support our Future Skills programme, helping students build confidence, develop connections and prepare for life beyond Downsend.
We can’t wait for our students to benefit from her knowledge, energy and support. Welcome, Lea!
#DownsendSixth #DownsendSchool #DownsendSchoolSurrey #SixthFormSurrey #ACognitaSchool

Following last week’s GCSE Results Day, we’re shining a light on four members of the Class of 2025 – Robbie, Lily, Oli and Darcey – whose journeys through Downsend reflect the dedication, individuality and progress we celebrate in all our students.
A huge well done to the entire Class of 2025. We’re so proud of all you’ve achieved and wish you the best of luck for your next chapter.
#DownsendSchool #DownsendSchoolSurrey #DownsendSixth #SixthFormSurrey #ACognitaSchool

The wait is finally over! Downsend Sixth is opening its doors - and there’s still time to join us this September.
We’re currently touring families and welcoming applications for Year 12.
Discover how we do Sixth Form - head to our website to book your personal tour, or book your place at our Sixth Form Open Evening.
#DownsendSchool #DownsendSchoolSurrey #DownsendSixth #SixthFormSurrey

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