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:
Downsend Sixth
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)
Downsend Sixth provides 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 complement contemporary quiet study spaces and a collaborative Common Room and Café.
Accreditations

Follow Downsend on Social Media
At Downsend, many of the most powerful lessons happen outside the classroom.
On the pitch, in the pool and on the court, where our students test themselves, push through setbacks, support one another and discover what they’re capable of.
This #WomensHistoryMonth we’re celebrating the girls across our school who step forward, take on the challenge and quietly prove something important every day: when opportunity is equal, ambition grows naturally.
#DownsendSchool #SportSurrey #SurreySchools #Downsend
What a fantastic World Book Day at Downsend, with some brilliant costumes across the school.
Our students arrived as a whole host of favourite book characters - from Alice in Wonderland and Willy Wonka, to Cruella De Vil and Rodrick from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and many more.
Even our teachers got involved - with Mrs Tear and Mrs Edginton as a duo bringing The Tiger Who Came to Tea to life as Sophie and the tiger.
And in the cafe, things took a wonderfully Wonderland-inspired twist complete with “drink me” potions!
#WorldBookDay #Downsend #DownsendSchool #CognitaSchools
Celebrating Lunar New Year at Little Downsend Leatherhead!
Last week, pupils recreated the famous Great Race of the zodiac animals, discovering the story behind the Chinese zodiac, before each class proudly paraded their own dragon creations around the school! 🐉
A fantastic way for our pupils to explore different cultures, traditions and stories together as a school community.
#LittleDownsend #DownsendSchool #LunarNewYear #CognitaSchools #SurreySchools
We’re proud to share that Darcey, Eloise, Georgie, Grace and Honey represented Epsom U14s in the National Cup Quarter Final at Reading Hockey Club, securing an outstanding 7-1 win, allowing them to progress to the Semi-Finals!
A fantastic achievement at national level - we look forward to the Semi-Finals on the 22nd March.
Well done, girls!
#Downsend #SeniorSchool #Hockey #CognitaSchools #DownsendSchool
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