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 Sixth Form opens in September 2025. Downsend Sixth will complete the journey for pupils from the ages of 6 months to 18 and marks an exceptional moment in our history.
Our Awards.
Highly Commended
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.
Accreditations
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We were thrilled to welcome over 200 visitors to Downsend today! Our students shone with pride as they guided you through our vibrant and inspiring school. It was a privilege to introduce our new Executive Head, Mrs. Bex Tear, and share her inspiring vision for the future. Alongside our passionate staff and new leadership team, she is shaping an exciting new chapter for Downsend, ensuring our students continue to thrive in a dynamic and nurturing environment. We hope you enjoyed exploring our school and meeting our wonderful students. If you have any questions at all, our Admissions Team - Hannah, Katherine, and Fern - are happy to help! Get in touch via the link in our bio.
#downsendschool #independentschool #surreyschools #wearecognita #privateschool #surreyhills #juniorschool #seniorschool #boxhill #cognitaschools #openmorning #boxhill #epsomdowns #london
Our Year 8 students had an amazing time at a workshop with The Japan Society recently! 
From mastering Japanese writing to crafting stunning origami, they explored the beauty of Japanese culture. A huge thank you for the insightful Q&A and an incredible experience!
#downsendschool #wearecognita ##JapanSociety #Origami #JapaneseWriting #seniorschool #privateschool #independentschool #surreyschools #surreyhills #boxhill #japan #globalcitizen #globalculture
Junior School Lunchtime Live – Another Huge Success!
Last week, our talented students lit up the stage once again! These creativity-filled events are a fantastic way to bring our school community together, foster teamwork and artistic expression, and build confidence through live performances.
From drummers to singers, actors to violinists, every performer was incredible! A huge well done to all the children who took part – you were fantastic!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #juniorschool #privateschool #independentschool #creativearts #music #surreyschools #performingarts #surreyhills #boxhill #epsomdowns
Champions!
Huge congratulations to our U13A football team for winning the ISFA National Shield! 
It was a tense first half with a 1-0 lead, but we dominated the second half, securing a 5-0 victory! 
Special shoutout to Harry E, our hat-trick hero! 
What a performance! 
#downsendschool #wearecognita #isfa #isfachampions #surreyschool #independentschool #football #footballcobham #cobham #surreyhills #london #boxhill #swlondon #selondon
Year 3 had an amazing day at the National Portrait Gallery recently! They explored incredible portraits from the Tudors through the Victorians and up to the most recent contemporary portraits, discovering new and historical figures. The highlight? A fun and hands-on workshop where they created their own masterpieces!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #juniorschool #privateschool #independentschools #ripley #surreyhills #surreyschools #davidbowie #nationalportraitgallery #art #london
British Science Week is here, and this year’s theme is ‘Change and Adapt’!
At Downsend, we nurture resilience and a passion for science from the very start! From exciting discoveries in Little Downsend to hands-on experiments in Junior School, and advanced exploration in Seniors—soon extending to Sixth Form—we inspire young scientists every step of the way.
#downsendschool #wearecognita #independentschool #surreyschools #privateschool #surreyhills #juniorschool #seniorschool #boxhill #cognitaschools #britishscienceassociation #britishscienceweek2025
Our Junior School Council recently organised a super successful ‘Bring & Buy Sale’—a fun and eco-friendly fundraising event! The JS community donated unwanted toys, games, books, and clothes, which were then sold during morning break. Huge thanks to our amazing Year 6 Prefects and our Eco Team for running the stalls! Together, we raised an incredible £193.55 for our school charities, @hillside_animal_sanctuary and @dementia_uk
A big thank you to our amazing school community for all your support with this event!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #juniorschool #charity #community #surreyschools #surreyhills #boxhill #learherhead #privateschool
Last Saturday was International Women’s Day – celebrating the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women—past, present, and future!
This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” was a powerful reminder— champion equal rights, unlock opportunities, and create a world where every woman and girl can dream, achieve, and lead.
At Downsend, we foster a learning environment where students are encouraged to be themselves, think big, and collaborate—so they can become the changemakers of tomorrow!
Here’s to lifting each other up and shaping a future where everyone thrives!
#downsendschool #wearecognita #independentschool #surreyschools #privateschool #surreyhills #boxhill #cognitaschools #seniorschool #juniorschool #happyinternationalwomensday
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