downside
Development Annual Report 2024
from the head
Each September we begin the new academic year by celebrating Mass in the Abbey Church. It is the first occasion on which we are together as a whole school community and at this Mass, it is the tradition for the Head to present new staff with a copy of the Rule of St. Benedict, inviting them to ‘listen carefully to the master’s instructions and attend to them with the ear of your heart.’ This tradition is not merely symbolic.
Whilst the Rule was written fifteen hundred years ago and some of the practices recommended may be specific to the sixth century in Italy, its spiritual advice and direction is timeless. St. Benedict directs us to the word of God and a relationship with Christ. He has a profound understanding of our human nature, and his advice is down to earth and practical. It provides a framework for community living which continues to be as relevant today as it was in the saint’s own lifetime, and it is on this foundation that our community at Downside is built. The Rule is not an ornament for the bookshelf but a well leafed manual, ensuring our school is a place “... in which the strong will have ideals to inspire them and the weak may not be frightened away by excessive demands.” (RSB 64:19).
It is essential that every individual feels encouraged to develop their unique gifts and make their distinct contribution. Within the Houses, diversity is celebrated, and each pupil is given the confidence to grow and develop, feeling a real sense of acceptance and belonging. I want to thank those who so kindly supported the House Appeal last year, which forms part of our Historic Restoration and Renewal Fund. The projects made possible by your generosity have provided an enormous boost to the pupils and staff, who care so passionately about their special House communities. As always, we remain so very grateful to you for your ongoing support of our Bursary Fund, which enables pupils who would not otherwise be able to attend Downside to play such a vital part in the life of our school.
On behalf of all at Downside, thank you for your generosity and unwavering support, ensuring that Downside remains a place where all pupils are encouraged to flourish within the rich tradition of St. Benedict. I never take for granted the privilege of belonging to this extraordinary community and remain committed to its Catholic and Benedictine foundation.
2023-24
Historic Restoration & Renewal
£27,866 Bursaries
£120,292
£180,837
TOTAL RAISED
449 GIFTS 145 DONORS
77%
Unrestricted £32,679 of gifts were eligible for Gift Aid
£22,587 Class of 2024 Bursary Fund raised
the difference you make…
Why I chose Downside was one of the most often asked questions during my time at School. It always led to a more complicated answer than the person asking would expect, for – I must admit – I did not choose it.
A place was offered to me as part of the Polish Scholarship Scheme that, since the 90s, has been allowing education abroad for promising Polish pupils. I could, however, be offered to join any other school involved in the programme. Today, after two wonderful years at Downside, I can confidently answer why I would choose it.
To say that the School allowed me to develop would not be enough – it changed me. Experiencing holistic education guided by Benedictine
principles is perhaps the best thing that could happen to a young man. Being able to try new things that I would not have even thought about had it not been for the School, for example, cross-country, ceramics, or singing, vastly broadened my interests. Yet, those experiences, however influential, are only an external expression of the School’s approach to its pupils. Being sunk into the strong ethos of Downside helped me to find a compass for life and led me closer to maturing.
No words can say enough about the impact Downside had on my life but following the right practice of judging works by their fruits, it becomes clear that it was good. Friendships formed for life, new academic curiosity, spiritual endeavours and deepening of faith are only some.
I can see that I owe a large part of my future to the generosity of donors who allowed the School to fund my
current parent
The Downside bursary our son has received has been nothing short of life changing. As all parents do, we only want the best for our children. The state school system had failed our son. A brilliant sportsman, musician and scientist he was overlooked and ignored and no longer wanted to go to school or to learn. We are a family of creatives, striving to make great work for audiences to enjoy and escape into when the financing of our industry has been drastically cut since streaming platforms have emerged. After
scholarship, and I remain immensely grateful for this. I would wish for everyone to experience such charity in their lives, for only then you can fully appreciate how transformative it can be.
In my heart, Downside will forever remain a living community and a signpost for life. I thank all those who allowed me to partake in its building.
Joszko
our industry completely shut down during Covid and then went on strike a year later we were helped by Downside. Our son is blossoming, academically, in sport and music and his faith in the Catholic Church is strong and a great comfort to him, something that we find incredibly hopeful for teenagers today. Downside’s bursary fund has enabled a bright young man to forge a strong future for himself, he wants to go to medical school! We are eternally grateful.
Suchan (B24), Polish Scholar
sill organ scholar
Last September, I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Sill Organ Scholarship at Downside school. I have always loved playing music and being given this opportunity helped me to enjoy and develop it even more. At Downside, music is an important part of all our daily lives, where we can practise our instruments, sing together in many choirs, and perform in Cloister Concerts. I have been able to have lessons on the organ, which I have always wanted to do, and been able to play the four different organs at the school, including the amazing one in the Abbey church. As well as playing the organ, I love to sing, and I am now able to sing in both the Schola Cantorum
and the chamber choir: it is great fun to sing with others. I have also been introduced to some really beautiful music which we get to sing in the Abbey church. In both choirs, I enjoy contributing to the Mass on Sundays and sometimes during the week and being able to express our Christian faith together as a community. At the start of term, I played the organ for House Mass in the Old Chapel, and got the opportunity to play the Abbey Church organ whilst the school went up for communion during Sunday Mass. In the chamber choirs, I have enjoyed the trips we made to London and Oxford to sing in different churches… and the pizza afterwards!
Emily, Current Pupil
current pupil
My parents work in the arts. I have grown up watching them passionately pursue their dreams and have learned from them to follow your heart. Things haven’t been easy for them though, with a large family and sometimes a long time to go between pay cheques they have struggled. They always try to do the absolute best for us kids while they follow their difficult paths. It’s not an easy juggle and sometimes they want to throw in the towel, but Mum says that now more than ever before people need stories and other worlds to escape to, so they will never give up. If they can touch people, allowing them to escape their problems for a while at least, I believe they should
carry on. When we heard I had been awarded a bursary from Downside School enabling me to attend I couldn’t believe it. I was unhappy at my old school, there were no teachers I could connect with and the kids were all local and very set in their friend groups. At Downside I have found teachers to be inspirational and the kids from such diverse backgrounds from all over the world everyone feels accepted and included. My lessons at Downside has sparked a passion in me to become a doctor, my parents can’t believe they now have an academic in the family. My wish is to be able to change people’s lives for the better and Downside has lit that fire in me. Thank you.
father laurence bursary fund
Scan to donate
Since the launch of the Father Laurence Bursary Fund in 2008, the School has supported just over 850 pupils, who have each received some level of means-tested financial aid.
since 2008
1865 GIFTS
491 DONORS
£4.2m RAISED
Bursary places have grown from 10% of our pupils to +30%
With the Government’s decision to impose VAT on school fees from January 2025, financial pressures have increased for both families and the School.
Downside has a proud tradition of offering meanstested bursaries to deserving pupils, many of which are truly transformational, providing fully funded places. These bursaries have long been a cornerstone of our commitment to making education accessible to all. However, without an endowment to sustain them long-term, they have been funded directly from our annual budgets, supplemented by the generosity of donors to the Father Laurence Bursary Fund.
Now, more than ever, we depend on the support of our community to continue this vital aspect of our charitable mission. Your contributions are essential in ensuring that these life-changing opportunities remain available. Without your help, we will be unable to maintain our current level of bursary provision.
We invite you to join us in making a difference. By donating to the Father Laurence Bursary Fund, you can help us continue to transform lives through education. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact.
different ways to support bursaries
One option to support the Bursary Fund is through single gift donations. There are several methods available, with the easiest being through the website’s online donation form (https://bit.ly/downside_donationform) or via BACS transfer. Cheques can also be posted to Downside. Additionally, at the end of this report, you will find information on tax-efficient ways to donate from the UK and overseas, ensuring your contribution has the greatest possible impact.
Named after our founding year in Somerset, Members of the 1814 Society form an important philanthropic group. The Society offers an accessible way to support bursaries through regular donations, that start at just £18.14 per month, through to the Patron Level, sponsoring a full bursary place, changing the lives of young children and future Old Gregorians. Join the Society here (https://bit.ly/ Join1814Society)
Our new Business Partnership Programme aims to build connections with businesses, which offers benefits to both parties.
As a Partner, your business will have brand exposure opportunities across a variety of mediums, with a vast reach. The Membership fee contributes to sponsoring pupils in receipt of a bursary.
bevan chorister award
To honour Rachel Bevan’s memory and build upon the Bevan legacy, we would like to make Downside more accessible for aspiring musicians, whilst enhancing the current programme for all and raising the profile of music at Downside.
The spiritual life of the School is central to all that we do, including sung mass in the Abbey Church and by attracting talented and enthusiastic individuals to join us as Bevan Choristers, we can build upon the foundations already in place.
Launched in September 2024, the Bevan Chorister Award will provide a financial award to ensure talented individuals have the opportunity to take part in this journey. They will be welcomed into the Chamber Choir, which represents our strongest vocalists and will receive a high level of professional guidance and experience.
OUR GOAL
To build the number of Bevan Chorister Awards to six per year by 2028, requiring £78,000 through donations per annum.
why i give…
And why I support the Father Laurence Bursary Fund
This is a bit like a surprise exam question as I have never really thought about it in depth; it just felt like the right thing to do. Father Laurence was my House Master and I the first female member of his House. From the very beginning Fr Laurence ensured that my membership of the House was not just a token, but that I was part of the Ramsay ‘family’, and he played a key role in making my time in the School a happy one.
I arrived at the school post GCSEs with only a vague idea of what I would do after I completed my schooling. But when I realised I wanted to study medicine there was a problem: I didn’t have the correct GSCEs (or O levels as they were in those days). As my timetable didn’t allow me to join an established class, the School arranged individual tuition for me. I gained the requisite qualification and the rest, as they say, is history! Ensuring that each young person in the School receives the educational support they need to follow their aspirations is one of the great strengths of a Downside education; by making a monthly donation to the School, I feel I am doing just a little bit to help others benefit as I did.
The changes in VAT exemption on private school fees will make it even more challenging for parents keen to ensure that their children have the best, personalised, education possible. I know that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my experiences at Downside, and I would encourage others who have similarly benefited from the unique experience that the School provides, to consider ways of demonstrating their gratitude in whatever way they are able.
For further details on how you can get involved, speak to Jess Newman, Director of Development on 01761 235194.
Mary Jane Platt (Ra76)
“I am quite convinced that this whole chapter in my life wouldn’t have happened without the grounding which my time at Downside afforded me. I am always very proud to tell people that I learned all I know from my time in the School.”
Daniel Justin (B08) – Bursary Recipient Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney
Learn more about Daniel’s journey in this year’s edition of The Raven
sixth form centre
OTHER PROJECTS
We are grateful to receive unrestricted funds each year, which allow us to focus on other projects within the School, such as facility enhancements or co-curricular equipment like the sailing boats and branded deck chairs.
You can see some of our wish list projects here. If you’d like to support one or more of these projects, please contact Jess Newman, Director of Development at jnewman@downside.co.uk
We are thrilled to announce that our new Sixth Form Centre officially opened in September 2024.
This beautiful and inspiring space is already making a significant impact on our Sixth Form pupils, providing them with a dedicated area for both study and social activities. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Abbey gardens, this centre promises to enhance the Downside experience, offering our pupils even more opportunities.
We are extremely grateful to Huckleberry, owned by Matt (S86) and Claire Podesta, current parents and Old Gregorian, for their invaluable involvement in the design and creation of the Centre. We would also like to thank the St Gregory’s Society for their generous grant, which contributed to the bespoke oak tables for the Centre.
This exciting development marks an important milestone for our School and its future, and we look forward to the continued growth and success it will bring to our Sixth Form pupils.
Scoreboards for Junior Rugby
COST £1,000
COST £12,000 Mountain Bike Trailer COST £3,000 All Weather Cricket Nets COST £48,000
Indoor Shooting Equipment
Fitness Suite Refurbishment COST £15,000
Choir
Robes
COST £2.500
Downside is fortunate to have a vast and historic estate, comprising not only the Boarding Houses and educational facilities but also, the magnificent Abbey Church and Old Chapel as places of worship.
Though the estate is owned by the Downside Abbey General Trust, the School bears the responsibility of restoring and maintaining the School site – a task that incurs considerable expense.
THE HOUSE APPEAL
Last year, we launched the House Appeal, raising much-needed funds to renew and restore the place our pupils call home. Pupils from each House shared their vision and plans for enhancing their social and living spaces.
We are extremely grateful to all who supported this Appeal, which has already resulted in various developments within the Houses taking place. We look forward to updating you with more progress throughout the year.
The easiest way to support the Historic Restoration and Renewal Fund is through regular donations. Alternatively, please contact Jess Newman, Director of Development for more information.
FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVENORS
Thank you to our parents for entrusting your children to us as we look forward to another year, all working collaboratively together in partnership, to ensure that Downside continues to be a bright light in the world of education.
Downside is a special place where pupils experience and become part of a Catholic and Benedictine community nurturing a faith-based purpose, values and behaviours in pupils. The exam results and university entrants clearly demonstrate that the education given achieves excellence and adds significant value at all levels of ability. The rich choice of extra-curricular activities develops competencies that give pupils the ability to take on the world. When combined, knowledge, competency and faith become a powerful springboard for our young adults to live a full and valuable life.
The Downside experience is made possible by all the staff at the School. I would very much like to thank them for all they do, which for most, is a vocation. In true Benedictine style, pupils are inspired to stretch themselves and everyone is supported when needed. We are academically non-selective and have a strong reputation for providing high-quality Special Educational Needs support to our pupils as needed. Our smaller class sizes and bespoke curriculum means that their individual requirements are met, and they can reach their full potential.
You will have heard about the application of VAT on school fees, and the effect this is having on schools generally. Downside School is no different. Whilst it does not have any bank loans outstanding, the trust does not own any property and does not have any reserves. Our fee income is spent on operational costs and bursaries. We rely on the generosity of many people and institutions to continue this work. As a result of the government’s decision our need for your support is greater than ever. Special thanks must go to the Downside Abbey General Trust, St Gregory’s Society, the Downside Association, members of the new business partnership programme launched this year, and all the individual OGs, parents and Governors that have given money and time to our School.
Opening this term, the new Sixth Form Centre will significantly enhance the lives of Sixth Formers and attract pupils to the School. There are many other projects that could help Downside regrow over the coming years, and whilst I appreciate that everyone is feeling the economic chill in the air, please consider joining the Petre Society, the 1814 Society or the new Business Partnership programme. Together we must secure the future of Downside by making it even more attractive so that future generations can enjoy what was given to us.
John Ludlow (C82)
The rich choice of extra-curricular activities develops competencies that give pupils the ability to take on the world.
ENSURING A LASTING LEGACY AT DOWNSIDE SCHOOL
A legacy gift is a deeply meaningful gesture, one that leaves a lasting impact on Downside School and future generations of pupils. We recognise the significance of such a decision, particularly as it often comes at a time of reflection on life and loved ones. Your family and friends are your first priority, and that’s why we consider every legacy gift a profound honour and responsibility.
For many, contributing significantly during their lifetime may not always be feasible. However, by including Downside in your Will, you have the unique opportunity to create an enduring legacy that continues to support the School’s mission far into the future. There are also potential financial benefits when leaving a gift to a registered charity like Downside School (Charity Number: 1184700), which can offer substantial tax advantages, making a significant impact on both your loved ones and the School.
JOIN OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Becoming a member of our Petre Society means that your legacy will be celebrated and remembered. Each year, we invite members to join us at Downside School, where we can personally thank you and acknowledge your incredible generosity.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
If you’re considering becoming a Member of the Petre Society or would like to learn more about how your legacy can make a lasting impact, please contact Jess Newman, Director of Development, on 01761 235194 or jnewman@downside.co.uk DID YOU KNOW?
Even just 1% can be left to Downside School in your Will so that those closest to you inherit 99%.
PETRE SOCIETY MEMBERS
Charles Atchley B58
Stanley Ball R58
David Barnett C55
Eddy Body
Patrick Branigan R58
Michael Callender C56
John Carter C63
Robert Cattell S62
David Clark S68
Augustine Clark
Tim Coghlan U65
John Cummings S51
Michael FitzGerald S54
Sean Fox-Slater R71
Robert Gibbons B54
Susie Gore
Anthony Greenwood U79
Christopher Grievson Ra62
William Griffiths S71
Edward Hallinan R55
George Harby R58
Daniela Harwood
Mark Heath R62
Sean Hughes S59
John Jackson R61
Oliver Jefferson R72
Ian Jessiman R49
Edwin Kemp R63
Michael Kennedy S55
Mervyn Langran B49
David Lawrence R54
Michael Leeming C74
Fiona Ludlow
John Ludlow C82
Nicholas Mander S67
Ian Norrington B54
John Nye
Cecilia Orchard
Rupert Orchard R74
Martin Powys-Lybbe B57
Edward Pryce S57
Richard Rimmer C62
John Scanlan S54
Nigel Sill S65
Charles Skjoldebrand U65
Kevin Smyth U67
Mark Steed C70
Michael Stokes B54
Christopher Tanfield
Carl Tantum R55
Chris von Patzelt S66
John Webb U60
Daphne Westlake
Michael Weston-Burt R59
Charles Wilcox S81
Elizabeth Williams
Peter Wilson B59
Peter Wright C53
Thank you also to those who wish to remain anonymous.
The above Members have pledged a legacy to Downside School and/or Downside Abbey
MANY THANKS
Peter Addington S66
Ayodele Aina
Okezie Uzodinma Akaniro
Charles Atchley B58
Freddy Ball B48
James Barrett B76
Ken Beedle R73
Robin Bennett B86
Christina Bergamasco
Michael Bernard
John Bone R55
Patrick Branigan R58
Richard Brumby
Mark Brunel-Cohen U67
Jan Buhagiar B58
Frank Buhagiar B89
David Burnand R58
Simon Butterfield R64
Michael Carbery R60
Francis Carr R58
Katie Carrick-Buchanan
John Carter C63
Paul Ceurvorst R78
David Clark S68
Bernard Clark Ra59
Robert Coke S90
Noah Couttolenc Brockmann
Patrick Craig-McFeely U76
Aidan Creedon R73
Add Denis Cross B55
John Cummings S51
Mary Daley
Herrn Davitt U89
Bernard De Graaf
Bernie de Haldevang S79
Charles Delmar Lindley B61
John Dillon B56
Maximilian Eckes
Peter Edbrooke S57
Dominic Evans-Freke R87
Leslie Fleischner
Guy Fulton C88
Andrew Galloway R74
Mark Gawel B63
Csaba Gogh
Susie Gore
Jonathan Grew C77
William Griffiths S71
Dominic Hall
Gloria Hatch
Henry Herbert S09
John Hickman B57
Francis Hobbs
Benjamin Hughes
Hing Wong Hui
Clare Hunter C11
Stephen Inchbald B58
Anthony Jamison R58
Paul Johnston R71
Christopher Jones-Parry B46
Miky Kambara
David Keeling B62
Mark Kemmis-Betty C54
Nicholas Kemp S56
Joe Keohane
Rebecca Keyte
Guy Knapton S58
Igor Korczagin S95
Joseph Krause U73
Piotr Krupa R08
Richard Lamb R69
Kevin Last S65
Richard Lethbridge R51
Philip Ling B62
John Ludlow C82
Martin Lueck C78
David Lumley R75
Elena Manen Martinez
Laurent Marinus
Paul Masters S70
Gerald McEnery C56
Nick Medlam R65
Tim Melhuish B54
Marybell Mellotte
Richard Michell C63
Jock Miller R69
Rafal Milczarski S95
Michael Morrissey B47
Dominic Murphy
Roger Nicholas
Richard Nugent B65
Moira O’Brien R62
Tim Orchard B80
Rupert Orchard R74
Ivan Oterino
Nathaniel Pearce B55
Christoper Pike
Mary Jane Platt Ra76
Anthony Pontifex S60
Ingrid Quaife
David Quinn B55
Graham Reid Ra67
Charles Rickards R80
Richard Rimmer C62
Hugh Rolfe B58
Alison Rothwell
Lutz Schildmann
Larry Scott B65
Nicholas Sibley B55
Nigel Sill S65
Charles Skjoldebrand U65
Christopher Skottowe C50
Anthony St.John Steiner B60
Andrea Standivan
Alvaro Suarez Mendez
Greg Sutch U88
Matthew Symes R75
John Tackaberry S58
Clodia Tomkins
Jesus Torre Laresgoiti
John Treanor S46
John Tully R02
Antony Tyndale S72
Reginald Tyrwhitt S65
Paul Walton Ra64
Peter Wilson B59
Matthew Wright C04
Downside Association
Holcombe Inn
Massey & Wilcox
St Gregory’s Society
TG Green & Co Ltd (CornishWare)
The Victorian Society
Thank you also to our donors who wish to remain anonymous.
SUPPORTING DOWNSIDE
BANK TRANSFER
Downside School
Sort Code: 20-47-06
Account Number: 00626031
INTERNATIONAL
To discuss the best tax-efficient option, such as the BSUF or Charities Trust, please contact the Development Office.
DIRECT DEBIT
Monthly, Quarterly or Annual donations allow us to plan for the future. Visit www.downside. co.uk/supporting-us/make-a-donation/ or scan the QR code
Jess Newman, Director of Development
Downisde School
Stratton-on-the-Fosse
BA3 4RJ
Registered Charity number: 1184700
ONLINE
Credit or Debit Card)
Visit www.downside.co.uk/supporting-us/ make-a-donation/ or scan the QR code
LEGACIES
To become or discuss becoming a Member of the Petre Society, please contact the Development Office.
CHEQUE
Downside School Development Account to: Downside Development Office, Stratton-on-the-Fosse BA3 4RJ
www.downside.co.uk/supporting-us/
