Downe House is set in 100 acres of wooded grounds near Newbury in Berkshire, conveniently situated close to London Airport. The close proximity to the Universities of Oxford along with easy access to London allows girls to participate in a rich variety of interests and cultural amenities outside the school.
The school comprises of 600 girls from 11 to 18, mostly boarders with a few day girls. The school aims for high academic achievement as well as a broad education. Girls are prepared for GCSE and A Level Examinations. All go on to university or some form of further education, with 15% obtaining places at Oxford or Cambridge.
There are two Junior Houses for girls aged 11 and five Houses for those between 12 and 16. Sixth Formers enjoy all the benefits of a newly built centre and accommodation comprising of single or double study bedrooms offering good training for University-style studying. All Housemistresses are members of the teaching staff and are responsible for the co-ordination of the girls' academic, social and moral development. The school prides itself on its caring and friendly atmosphere.
The buildings include a Science Block built in 1990, two Concert Halls, (Art, Music and Drama play an important role in the school) and a Sports Complex which includes an indoor swimming pool. Girls compete at national level in sport and in International competitions in a wide range of activities.
Links with Europe are encouraged. The school has a Boarding House in France where all girls spend a term at the age of 12 and there are many opportunities for study tours overseas.
The curriculum offers a rich variety of subjects, as well as core subjects, including Photography, Theatre Studies, History of Art, Economics, Business Studies, Russian, Politics and Classical Civilisation at A Level. The Sixth Form offers a selection of complementary studies, alongside the A Level courses. A wide range of weekend and evening activities are encouraged. Careers' Guidance is offered throughout the school.
All Denominations are welcome.
Scholarships and Bursaries are available at all levels including the Sixth Form.
Prospective parents are given tours of the school. Entry is by 11+, 12+ or 13+ Common Entrance set by the school. Scholarship entry examinations are sat in January with the exception of the 16+ Scholarship examinations which take place in November.
