DOWNSIDE SCHOOL
Downside School, aims to offer shortterm programs for international secondary school students aged 11-16. These programs will focus on Academic learning, sports, cultural immersion, and off-site activities. Based in Plunkett House, the program will leverage the school’s facilities and provide a fully immersion experience.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Founded in 1606, Downside is a co-educational, forward-thinking Catholic school. The School stands within 500 acres of magnificent Somerset countryside and is home to over 350 boarding and day pupils, aged between 11 and 18 years who attend from the United Kingdom and from all over the world.
The School is a collection of beautiful buildings both old and new, the most magnificent of which is the Abbey Church, visible like a beacon for miles around. The School’s campus and facilities are everything you would expect from a major independent school in the Somerset countryside and are enjoyed by current pupils and the wider community through our partnerships.
DOWNSIDE
LOCATION
Located in south-west England, in the village of Stratton-on-the-Fosse, the School is close to the world heritage city of Bath. Easily accessible by train from London Paddington to Bath Spa in 1 hour 20 minutes and is just a 40 minute drive from Bristol Airport. Heathrow Airport is also conveniently located just 2 hours away.
•30 MINUTES FROM BATH
•40 MINUTES FROM BRISTOL AIRPORT
•1 HOUR 20 MINUTES FROM BATH SPA TO LONDON PADDINGTON BY TRAIN
•EXTENSIVE PARKING AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS
•BEAUTIFUL SECURE GROUNDS IN THE HEART OF SOMERSET
•2 1/2 HOURS FROM LONDON HEATHROW
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• 15 hours per week in classrooms with Downside pupils in a variety of lessons
• Sporting activities
• Outdoor education activities
• Airport transfers from London Heathrow or Bristol
• Minimum two excursions per week
• Boarding house accomodation
• Three meals a day
ACCOMODATION
Students will stay in Plunkett House, a comfortable residence offering up to 40 beds. Rooms are shared. Group leaders will also stay in Plunkett House to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
FOOD AT DOWNSIDE SCHOOL
Meals are provided in the main refectory, offering students a variety of nutritious and balanced options for breakfast, lunch, and supper. Our catering team ensures that all dietary needs are met, giving students the energy they need for their studies and activities, while providing a taste of British dining in a social and welcoming atmosphere.
EXCURSIONS
At Downside International, we believe in enriching learning through engaging activities and exciting excursions. Our program includes a diverse range of cultural experiences, and local trips designed to complement classroom learning and provide students with memorable experiences. From exploring historical landmarks to participating in team sports, students will have ample opportunities to apply their English skills in real-life contexts and build lasting friendships. Each activity is carefully planned to ensure safety, enjoyment, and educational value.
ONE WEEK SAMPLE PROGRAMME
DAY MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
• Arrive in the UK Transfer to Downside
• Breakfast in School
• Introduction to the programme – Welcome from the Head.
• Tour of Downside
• Light Breakfast in Plunkett House
• Mass
• Brunch
MONDAY
• Breakfast in School
• Academic Lessons with UK Students
• Arrive and settle into Plunkett House
• Lunch in School Games session, watch sports fixtures.
• Rest
TUESDAY
• Breakfast in School
• Academic Lessons with UK Students
• Visit We the Curious – Opportunity to shop in Bristol
• Dinner in School
• Rest
• Dinner in School Activities with Boarders
WEDNESDAY
• Breakfast in School
• Academic Lessons with UK Students
THURSDAY
• Breakfast in School
• Travel to Oxford
• Lunch in School
• Academic Lessons with UK Students
• Outdoor Education Masterclass
• Lunch in School
• Introduction to Tennis (Girls)/Cricket (Boys)
• Academic Lessons with UK Students
• Lunch in School
• Academic Lessons with UK Students
• Activities/CCF
• Packed lunch in Oxford
• Tour of Oxford
• Dinner in School Activities with Boarders
• Dinner in School Fitness Suite
• Dinner in School
• Bowling Trip
• Dinner in School
• Movie Night
• Dinner in School
• Activities with Boarders
STRATTON-ON-THE-FOSSE, RADSTOCK, BATH BA3 4RJ
admissions@downside.co.uk www.downside.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1761 235103
