Downside Propectus 2026

PROSPECTUS

OUR VISION DOWNSIDE’S VISION, AS A CATHOLIC AND BENEDICTINE SCHOOL WITH CHRIST AT ITS CENTRE, IS TO BE A BRIGHT LIGHT IN EDUCATION AND TO INSPIRE SERVICE IN OUR WORLD.

2 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

CONTENTS

WELCOME

4

ABOUT THE SCHOOL AND ETHOS

6

OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

8

L O C AT I O N

10

L I F E AT D OW N S I D E : B OA R D I N G

12

L I F E AT D OW N S I D E : DAY

14

C U R R I C U L U M OV E RV I E W

16

F I R S T, S E C O N D & T H I R D F O R M S

18

F O U RT H & F I F T H F O R M S

20

SIXTH FORM

22

THE WIDER CURRICULUM

24

A T RU LY I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O M M U N I T Y

28

L I F E A F T E R D OW N S I D E

30

TESTIMONIALS

31

ADMISSIONS

34

3

WELCOME At the heart of Downside is a belief that education is not a product to be consumed but a journey to be shared. It is a journey that leads not only to academic excellence but to service to others and to spiritual growth. Rooted in the Catholic and Benedictine tradition, Downside exists to form young people not just for exams but for life. We are here to help each pupil become the person they were created to be, wise, grounded, generous and whole.

Education here is not transactional, it is transformational. Downside is a place where we want all pupils to belong, not simply fit in. Every pupil is known and encouraged, formation is not an extra, it is our star ting point.

We believe that if you get the formation right, the outcomes follow, and we see that every day.

Our pupils come from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We are not a selective school because we believe in unlocking potential, not preselecting it. We are ambitious for every child and that ambition is not built on pressure but on purpose. It grows from self-understanding, from service to others and from the quiet confidence that comes from being par t of something greater than yourself.

Downside is a place where community matters, where conversation matters. Where tradition is not about nostalgia but about values that stand the test of time. Reverence, humility, discipline and love are not simply words, they shape how we live, how we learn and how we lead together. We believe education is not just about preparing for the future, it is about living well in the present.

In an age of noise and distraction, Downside offers clarity, in a world often marked by isolation, we offer community and in a culture that can sometimes seem to value the superficial, we offer meaning.

Whether you are exploring our website, visiting the School or considering joining us, I hope you will sense what makes this place different. Downside is not trying to be like anywhere else we are striving to become more fully ourselves and in doing so, we invite our pupils to do the same.

M I K E R A N DA L L Interim Head

4 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

5

ABOUT THE SCHOOL AND ETHOS D OW N S I D E I S A C O - E D U C AT I O N A L , F O RWA R D - T H I N K I N G C AT H O L I C S C H O O L T H AT W E L C O M E S P U P I L S A N D PA R E N T S O F A L L FA I T H S W H O S E T S TO R E B Y E M P H A S I S I N G T H E I M P O RTA N C E O F C O U R AG E , I N T E G R I T Y A N D S E RV I C E TO OT H E R S .

When the climate is one of personal growth and change, achievement happens, in all arenas, without becoming the be-all and end-all of life.

We all know that education is a long game – indeed the longest game possible. Our pupils will achieve the exam results necessary to get them to the next stage of their lives, but the Christian values learnt here will accompany them forever.

The extensive grounds include rugby, cricket and football pitches, tennis cour ts, cricket pavilion, hockey astroturf and cross country routes. Fur ther, the Spor ts Centre contains a fitness suite, indoor swimming pool, spor ts hall/ gymnasium and squash cour ts. The Performing Ar ts Centre contains a 400-seat theatre, dedicated Mac suite for music, dance studio and a recording studio.

The School, founded in 1606 is home to 350 boarders and day pupils, aged between 11 and 18 years of age. It is a collection of beautiful buildings, the most magnificent of which is the Abbey, visible like a beacon for miles around set in 500 acres of rolling Somerset countryside.

“

DOWNSIDE SCHOOL PROVIDES A HOLISTIC EDUCATION WHICH RESPECTS THE DIGNITY OF EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY AND IS UNDERPINNED BY ITS BENEDICTINE VALUES. Catholic Schools Inspectorate Repor t 2024

6 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

7

OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY B E I N G PA RT O F D OW N S I D E S C H O O L M E A N S B E L O N G I N G TO A C O M M U N I T Y I N W H I C H E AC H I N D I V I D UA L I S A S K E D TO L O O K TO T H E N E E D S O F OT H E R S .

It entails understanding that helping others in no way diminishes us, but instead leads to our achieving even higher standards – individually and as a community. Leadership at Downside can be best defined as the ability to bring out the best in others. From this perspective, we encourage each and every member of our community to be a leader.

It means that at Downside wisdom is where strength and compassion both live, so that in all facets of our lives – academic, spor ts, the ar ts – we strive to be as good as we can be, and support others to be as good as they can be. That goes for the whole community: all pupils, all staff, all parents.

So, whilst all schools will give learning, Downside gives a meaning – a meaning that brings purpose and positive consequences to life at, and after leaving school.

“

THE LEVEL OF PASTORAL CARE PROVIDED BY ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY IS EXEMPLARY AND IS AN OUTSTANDING STRENGTH OF THE SCHOOL WHICH ALLOWS STUDENTS TO FLOURISH. Catholic Schools Inspectorate Repor t 2024

8 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

“

I FEEL VALUED AT DOWNSIDE FOR WHO I AM. Current Pupil

9

LOCATION D OW N S I D E ’ S B E A U T Y A N D T R A N Q U I L L I T Y HAS A PO SIT IVE I N F L U E N C E O N H O W YO U R C H I L D E N LEARN AND GROW.

The School is set in 500 acres of glorious English countryside. The famous World Heritage City of Bath is a mere 25 minutes away and has direct train links to London. Bristol Airport is only 40 minutes away and we are also close to the M4, M5 and A303 road links. At the start and end of each term and half term breaks, there are shuttle buses to London Heathrow (2½ hours) and Richmond in South West London.

As well as historic Bath and cosmopolitan Bristol, our location enables us to offer a broad variety of ‘on the doorstep’ staff-supervised activities and excursions during the weekend and outside of lesson times. There is a plethora of nearby landmarks and attractions such as the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, the spectacular limestone caves and gorge of Cheddar, or Longleat House and Safari Park. Cinema, ten-pin bowling and shopping trips to Bath and Bristol are always popular, as are sailing at Cheddar Reservoir or kayaking on the River Avon.

10 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

“

THERE IS A WELL-ESTABLISHED CULTURE OF SUPPORT WHICH ENCOURAGES ALL STUDENTS TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES IN EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR LIVES. Catholic Schools Inspectorate Repor t 2024

11

12 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

LIFE AT DOWNSIDE: BOARDING O U R H O U S E S P L AY A S I G N I F I C A N T RO L E I N S C H O O L L I F E ( A N D L I F E A F T E R S C H O O L ) . T H E Y A R E P L AC E S O F F U N , H A P P I N E S S A N D R E L A X AT I O N F O L L OW I N G T H E F U L L E S T O F DAYS , B U T A L S O P L AY A N I M P O RTA N T PA RT I N U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E R E A L M E A N I N G O F D I V E R S I T Y, AC C E P TA N C E A N D E M PAT H Y. At Downside, having a role model and becoming a role model are both impor tant. Both can often star t in the House. This is why it is impor tant for us that we remain a 75% full boarding school. It means that, we are a sevenday-a-week community, with all that brings in terms of friendships, and the sense of belonging which is at the very hear t of pastoral care.

School life revolves around the six Houses: First, Second and Third Form boys join Powell House, before moving up to one of three senior boys’ Houses – Barlow, Rober ts or Smythe. Girls join Isabella in the First Form and stay there until the end of the Upper Sixth, or they can move to Caverel for the Third Form onwards. Each one of these Houses has its own unique spirit and traditions.

“

However, pupils integrate across the buildings, and with day pupils, who are also assigned to one of the Houses.

Socially, our boarders have an incredibly impor tant oppor tunity to relax with their friends. Enjoying time outside of classes together is fundamental for healthy friendships to be forged. Add spending weekends together on top of this and Downside nur tures friendships that last a lifetime. Boarding life also coaxes independence to blossom within all of our pupils.

PARENTS SPEAK ENTHUSIASTICALLY ABOUT THE SCHOOL’S CARING AND SUPPORTIVE ETHOS, ONE FAMILY DESCRIBING ‘A WONDERFUL SCHOOL WHICH PUTS SERVICE, GRACE AND VALUES AT ITS HEART’, AND ANOTHER COMMENTING THAT IT IS ‘A FANTASTIC SCHOOL WHERE CHILDREN FEEL HAPPY, SAFE AND ABLE TO DEVELOP BOTH SPIRITUALLY AND ACADEMICALLY’.

Catholic Schools Inspectorate Repor t 2024

13

LIFE AT DOWNSIDE: DAY

“

AT DOWNSIDE I FEEL MY CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: THE NURTURING OF THE HOUSE PLUS REGULAR FAMILY TIME AT HOME. THEY LOVE BEING DAY PUPILS AT DOWNSIDE AND REALLY BENEFIT FROM THE BOARDING STRUCTURE: LESS PRESSURE TO SQUEEZE IN ALL OF THE EXTRA ACTIVITIES IN THE NORMAL SCHOOL DAY, MORE DOWNTIME WITH THEIR FRIENDS AND SCHEDULED PREP TIME. Current Parent

14 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

Those who choose to be day pupils with us experience every element of ‘a life fully lived’, benefitting tremendously from being at a school that is primarily boarding. Day pupils are integrated seamlessly into a world of oppor tunity, mirroring all that a boarder will experience. They can even choose to sleep at School for two or three nights per week with our Day Plus option.

We believe we offer the best combination of academic focus, co-curricular breadth and pastoral care.

Our School day can dovetail seamlessly with the parental working day, with all activities on one beautiful rural campus, where rushing to after-school appointments can become a thing of the past.

This can give the family significant benefit at no extra cost; indeed parents tell us that this added freedom has a positive impact on the quality of family time at home. All meals, including supper, can be taken at School. Day pupils can stay until 9.00pm, meaning that prep and exam revision can be done in a supervised atmosphere.

We also have daily minibuses running to and from Bath, Frome, Castle Cary, Langpor t and the Chew Valley (with additional stops as required) to help with travel arrangements for day pupils.

15

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW L I F E R E WA R D S T H O S E T H AT D E F Y T H E N O R M .

D OW N S I D E H A S S T RO N G AC A D E M I C R E S U LT S B E C AU S E I T E S C H E W S T H E M A I N S T R E A M A N D A L L OW S P U P I L S TO D I S C OV E R T H E I R OW N P OT E N T I A L A N D PAT H .

A stellar set of A levels is, in many cases, the ‘price of entry’ into the best universities, here and abroad. It is no surprise that the vast majority of our pupils gain entry to their first choice of university, and a gratifying number of them achieve First Class Honours at their chosen place of study.

Deeply embedded in our philosophy of learning is the idea of transformation.

The purpose of education is to transform us into our best possible selves. It is, therefore, the magnitude of the change that matters, not the final result as measured in a comparative table.

Downside pays close attention to how your child will fare after leaving school.

The life-skills – practical, spiritual emotional and social – learnt through the minutiae of the everyday at school, allow pupils to flourish.

However, when our results – academic, spor ting, cultural – are measured comparatively, they prove to be excellent. You should expect growth and change in your child. You should expect their greatest talents to be identified and nur tured. Only in this way can they find themselves on the path to a ‘life fully lived’.

“

PUPILS ARE ENTHUSIASTIC AND HIGHLY MOTIVATED LEARNERS… A CLEAR AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO LEARNING PERMEATES THE WHOLE SCHOOL, ENABLED BY EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STAFF AND PUPILS. ISI Repor t

16 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

17

FIRST, SECOND & THIRD FORMS (YEARS 7, 8 & 9) C H A N G I N G S C H O O L S AT A N Y S TAG E I S A N E X C I T I N G T I M E B U T, A S W E A R E A L L AWA R E , C A N B E DA U N T I N G TO O. AT D OW N S I D E , W E P ROV I D E A WA R M W E L C O M E TO A L L O F O U R N E W P U P I L S A N D PA R E N T S W H I C H M E A N S T H E T R A N S I T I O N F RO M T H E I R C U R R E N T S C H O O L TO D OW N S I D E I S A S S M O OT H A N D A S R E WA R D I N G A S POSSIBLE. First Form (Year 7) or Second Form (Year 8) entry will provide your son or daughter with the opportunity to develop their intellectual curiosity through the breadth and depth of the academic curriculum available. Assigned to a dedicated tutor, pupils are not only supported in their academic studies, but also in their spor ts and in our vast array of co-curricular activities on offer which take place on the School’s 500 acre campus.

Third Form (Year 9) entry is a time when we welcome our largest number of pupils to the School from a variety of Prep Schools from around the country or indeed from overseas. It is a time for preparation, development and exploration prior to the two-year GCSE course that star ts in the Four th Form (Year 10).

We see the School’s role as much more than simply preparing pupils to win places at good Universities (although we do plenty of this too!). We are instilling standards for life – giving young people the qualities of character they need to become inspiring leaders, trusted employees and valued friends within the greater community.

18 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

“

DOWNSIDE SCHOOL HAS SUCCESSFULLY CREATED AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE STUDENTS CAN CELEBRATE TOGETHER WITH A DEEP SENSE OF JOY. Catholic Schools Inspectorate Repor t 2024

19

20 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

FOURTH & FIFTH FORMS (YEARS 10 & 11) T H RO U G H T H E E X P E R I E N C E O F A L L T H AT S C H O O L L I F E H A S TO O F F E R , B OT H I N A N D O U T S I D E T H E C L A S S RO O M , P U P I L S H E I G H T E N T H E I R AC A D E M I C C U R I O S I T Y A N D B E C O M E M OT I VAT E D TO E N H A N C E T H E I R OW N L E A R N I N G A N D E S TA B L I S H T H E I R I N D I V I D UA L P L AC E W I T H I N O U R S U P P O RT I V E A N D DY N A M I C C O M M U N I T Y. Downside’s GCSE curriculum in the Four th and Fifth Forms (Years 10 & 11) is one that provides the academic rigor to allow for continuing success. It bestows upon pupils the skills, experiences and work habits that are fundamental to progressing in a modern, competitive and globally-connected world.

The GCSE curriculum has its foundation in academic subjects, but pupils have a host of oppor tunities to build on this through joining academic societies, taking par t in co-curricular activities and making the most of the impressive pool of our subject specialist teachers, both within and outside of lessons.

added motivation to strive for success and to make the most of their individual gifts in whichever fields these lie.

Pupils will choose an enjoyable and intrinsically interesting mixture of subjects that will give them a grounding in key academic areas and enable them to continue on their educational journey with the confidence and knowledge that comes from a high quality and rounded education.

Our Head of First to Fifth Forms star ts the impor tant work of Sixth Form subject choices early to ensure a seamless transition into their final years at Downside.

During the Four th and Fifth Forms, we aim for pupils’ own ideas about possible future careers to germinate and grow through the use of an embedded careers programme. This helps pupils to gain a clear pathway to higher and fur ther education and will give them

“

PUPILS’ UNDERSTANDING AND USE OF TECHNICAL LANGUAGE ARE EXCELLENT, ESPECIALLY IN THE SCIENCES. ISI Repor t

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T O U R G C S E C O U R S E S C A N B E V I E W E D O N O U R W E B S I T E D OW N S I D E . C O. U K O R R E Q U E S T E D F RO M T H E A D M I S S I O N S D E PA RT M E N T ( S E E P 3 4 ) .

21

SIXTH FORM 2024 SAW THE OPENING OF THE NEW DOWNSIDE SIXTH FORM CENTRE WHICH OFFERS A STUNNING DEDIC ATED AREAS FOR STUDYING, SOCIALISING, EATING AND RELAXING OVERLOOKING A BEAUTIFUL C ALM GARDEN SPACE. The Sixth Form is a stepping stone to the next stage and a passpor t to life.

We welcome many new pupils from around the world into our Sixth Form.

It is a vibrant and inclusive community working collaboratively with teachers, and encouraging independent learning and thought. A wide range of subjects are on offer : Ar t, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Design Technology, Drama & Theatre, Economics, English Literature, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship (BTEC), Environmental Science, Geography, History, Information Technology (BTEC), Latin, Mathematics, Fur ther Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish), Music, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spor t (BTEC).* Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) can be completed in Lower Sixth.

These are challenging, in-depth pieces of work on a specific topic. As such,

“

they give a taste of the sor t of academic rigour that will be expected at university. The independent research, organisation and prioritisation of data, plus the detailed teacher feedback, all help enormously to prepare for life in higher education.

A level results are of great impor tance, and our pupils perform consistently well with the majority achieving entry into their first choice universities.

Fur thermore, we encourage parents to meet our Depar tment Heads to discuss the progress of their children in their chosen subjects. However, when seeking employment in their chosen career, there are qualities beyond academic qualifications that count.

These things include confidence and self-assured social interaction alongside exuding honesty and compassion – all of which are consciously and consistently at the forefront of life at Downside.

THE NEW SIXTH FORM CENTRE IS SUCH A PEACEFUL PLACE TO STUDY BUT ALSO A GREAT PLACE TO SOCIALISE WITH OTHERS FROM DIFFERENT HOUSES. IT HAS REALLY BROUGHT THE SIXTH FORM TOGETHER AND I FEEL INCREDIBLY LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO USE SUCH AN AMAZING SPACE. Current Sixth Form Pupil

* A Level/BTEC availability subject to minimum demand M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T O U R A L E V E L C O U R S E S C A N B E V I E W E D O N O U R W E B S I T E D OW N S I D E . C O. U K O R R E Q U E S T E D F RO M T H E A D M I S S I O N S D E PA RT M E N T ( S E E P 3 4 ) .

22 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

23

THE WIDER CURRICULUM E V E RY F I R E I S S TA RT E D W I T H A S I N G L E S PA R K . T H AT S I N G L E S PA R K C A N C O M E F RO M A N Y W H E R E – A N D L E A D YO U A N Y W H E R E .

“

PUPILS ACHIEVE WELL IN A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES ENABLED PARTICULARLY BY THE FOCUSED STAFFING OF ACTIVITIES AND THE OPENNESS SENIOR LEADERS SHOW TO PUPILS’ VIEWS ON SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES THEY WOULD LIKE TO DEVELOP. ISI Report

24 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

Taking advantage of one of the numerous and inspiring wider curriculum activities provided at Downside School could take your child on a journey that defines the rest of their life, create new friendships and help them to perfect new skills. There are so many activities on offer during the week and weekend - there is definitely something for everyone.

Joining the Combined Cadets Force (CCF), for example, or learning to play chess.

Other exciting activities include sailing – using our own fleet of boats – or taking par t in one of our many choirs who regularly sing in the magnificent Abbey Church, mountain biking, caving,

knitting, kayaking, Duke of Edinburgh, Ten Tors, debating (we have the oldest accredited debating society in the country)... there are over seventy activities to choose from. Pupils benefit greatly from being able to try their hand at anything, and are encouraged to do so.

We provide extended time slots every weekday afternoon for activities, clubs, societies, drama, music and spor t.

Weekends are busy and purposeful, where pupils are engaged in a wide variety of activity options: clubs, games, spor ting fixtures, socials, trips out and Sunday Mass. With all this on offer, there is always something to do.

25

“

THE SCHOOL HELPS TO DEVELOP THE CHARACTER AND CONFIDENCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH SPORT AND EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES Current pupil

26 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

“

A CONVERSATION CAN ONLY OCCUR WHEN YOU LET YOURSELF BE WRONG, WHEN YOU LISTEN MORE THAN YOU SPEAK… THAT’S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT DEBATE. Current pupil 27

28 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

“

PUPILS EMBRACE THE SCHOOL’S DIVERSE COMMUNITY WITH RELISH AND ENERGY. THIS IS EVIDENT IN THE WAY PUPILS ARE INTEGRATED IN LESSONS AND IN LIVELY CONVERSATIONS AT MEALTIMES, SUCH AS BETWEEN YOUNGER PUPILS FROM DIFFERING CONTINENTS. ISI Report

A TRULY INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIPS AT DOWNSIDE CUT ACROSS NATIONALITIES, AG E G RO U P S A N D I D E O L O G I E S , C R E AT I N G A G L O B A L N E T WO R K O F F R I E N D S F O R L I F E .

Our overseas pupils hail from many different corners of the world, each bringing with them their own cultural identities to share with the new friends they make here, as well as a willingness to appreciate British culture and the unique life we offer here at Downside. As a boarding school first and foremost, pupils can be confident that the School will be just as busy and purposeful at the weekends as during the week.

There are many reasons why overseas pupils join Downside: for some it’s about reaching their academic potential.

Others are looking for new life experiences, to gain independence, or to perfect their English. Your child will cer tainly broaden their mind during their time here and enjoy living in a vibrant, compassionate community.

Overseas pupils are fully incorporated within the School and live in the same boarding Houses as UK-based pupils, creating a strong sense of community spirit. There is a pupil-led International Committee which runs a variety of events including Oktoberfest, Chinese New Year and the mid-autumn Festival.

We offer extensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) suppor t for all pupils whose first language is not English. The ‘full immersion’ experience begins immediately and, in this way, natural language acquisition star ts to take place from day one. We also offer a recognised qualification in English as a Second Language (ESL) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

29

LIFE AFTER DOWNSIDE DOWNSIDE IS, AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN, SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PLACE OF EDUC ATI ON. IT HAS A HUGELY DISTINCTLY LOYAL AND SUPPORTIVE FAMILY OF ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD. When pupils leave Downside, they become Old Gregorians (OGs). The School has always facilitated ongoing interaction by organising reunions all over the world, as well keeping in touch with the School via newsletters, magazines, social media and the School website.

The breadth of connections amongst Old Gregorians is vast and is second to none as a highlight active and vibrant groups.

The values learned at Downside of welcome, concern for the individual, building community, listening and humility characterise an Old Gregorian. They are the ones most likely to raise money for charity or do the washing up after a party.

Getting on the career ladder or taking that next step in your professional development can be a daunting prospect and we try hard to facilitate professional networking for all our members. This provides a much broader network of support and experience than would otherwise be possible alone.

Starting at School, we hold a career seminar every year when OGs come back to speak to pupils about various career options, pathways to get them

there, and likely pitfalls on the way. As pupils go on to university and feel clearer about the direction they are likely to take, we can put them in touch with OGs willing to mentor them, provide work experience or just have an informal chat.

Once part of the world of work, we arrange professional networking events throughout the UK, serving a range of industries. The opportunity to share ideas and build relationships with people who live by the same code of conduct can be very valuable in so many ways in today’s turbulent and frantically busy world. They are also a great opportunity to chat over their old school days and reminisce about their wonderful memories of Downside.

“

PUPILS GROW IN CONFIDENCE TO REACH THE HIGHEST LEVELS BY THE TIME THEY LEAVE SCHOOL, SHOWING EQUALLY HIGH LEVELS OF SELF ESTEEM. THEY DEVELOP STRONGLY AS INDIVIDUALS, ENABLED BY THE VERY HIGH LEVEL OF PASTORAL CARE THEY RECEIVE. ISI Repor t

30 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

TESTIMONIALS

“

The more I look back on my time at Downside, the more I am struck by what a profound impact it has had on me as a person.

There’s not much, or any of who I am that hasn’t been shaped by the way in which Benedictine education allowed me to grow as an individual. Community was fundamental during my time at Downside and it was present in every aspect of my life. Every member of the community was valued for the unique contributions they had to make. In a great painting, the individual hues are beautiful in themselves, but this is nothing compared to what is created when they are brought together, each hue adding what only that hue can bring.

OWA I N ( R 2 0 ) – O L D G R E G O R I A N

“ “ “

Our youngest son has just joined the First Form and is not only loving it but thriving too. Downside put on fantastic extra curricular activities for the children, provide lots of sporting opportunities including matches against other schools and academically proving a hit with both him and us. We feel reassured that our three boys are very happy at Downside and continue to develop strong principles whilst flourishing academically and on the sports pitches thanks to a caring and dedicated staff - Thank you.

S A L LY - C U R R E N T PA R E N T

I chose Downside because I could see what a great place to learn it is - lots of activities, good facilities and welcoming people.

My House is very homely and fun, and the House staff are very nice. I don’t have a favourite lesson – they are all good. I like the small class sizes because everyone gets the attention they need and also the teachers know all our names – this all helps with our learning. Outside of the classroom I enjoy performing arts, Board Games club and I am also in the Schola Cantorum.

S E T H - F I F T H F O R M DAY P U P I L

What makes Downside special is the community around you, not just your friends, but the teachers and all the other staff. It really feels if there is something is on your mind, there’s always someone who is there to support you. Our teachers want us to learn and to really gain knowledge. They’re always asking questions and making sure that you feel that you are furthering yourself not just for that lesson, but for the rest of your life. When I chose to join Downside for Sixth Form, I was looking for a school that not only was looking out for the school itself but was somehow bettering the world around it.

Z A R A - S I X T H F O R M B OA R D E R

“

I can confidently say that the most amazing aspects of Downside are the variety of opportunities and our close community.

Through a wide range of extra curricular activities and events, Downside has given me the chance to develop, master and share my knowledge. In my case, I have taken an interest in debating and public speaking. I have participated in inter-school competitions such as Model United Nations and Oxford School’s Debating. Being part of these events has allowed me to be more confident. Besides academic passions, Downside also lets pupils pursue sports and music. As a rugby player, this is where the strength of our community lies. Whether it be strong leadership and commitment displayed, or kind reassurance and guidance by peers, it is ensured that no one is left out. Ultimately, these pursuits have taught us responsibility and humility, which I will carry on with me even after leaving Downside.

A R I S TO - S I X T H F O R M B OA R D E R

“

A wonderfully inclusive school where all pupils are accepted and celebrated for being themselves. We were struck not only by the wonderful architecture and buildings but particularly by the inclusive, respectful culture. Whether between pupils of different year groups, pupils and staff or even pupils and headmaster, this school lives up to its Catholic - small ‘c’ as well as big ‘C’ - principles and values of kindness, inclusivity and service to others.

C H A R L I E - E D U C AT I O N C O N S U LTA N T 31

THREE WORDS PUPILS WERE INTERVIEWED AND ASKED TO CHOOSE THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE DOWNSIDE:

32 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

33

ADMISSIONS AT D OW N S I D E , W E U N D E R S TA N D T H AT T H E A D M I S S I O N S J O U R N E Y TO A S E N I O R S C H O O L C A N B E AT F I R S T A DAU N T I N G O N E , W H E T H E R YO U A R E B A S E D I N T H E U K O R L I V I N G OV E R S E A S .

It is our pleasure to work with families to ensure that the admissions process is a personal journey, which supports you and your child every step of the way.

visit to the School on a normal working day to meet the Head, talk with current pupils and tour our extensive facilities and stunning grounds.

Admission for boys and girls to Downside is normally at 11+ into the First Form (Year 7), at 13+ into the Third Form (Year 9), or at 16+ into the Lower Sixth Form (Year 12). Places occasionally become available for boys and girls for admission at 12+ into the Second Form (Year 8) or at 14+ into the Four th Form (Year 10).

If you then wish to proceed with the admissions process we will ask you to register your child for entry. Once registered, we will arrange for your son or daughter to complete our entrance assessments and to have an interview.

We will also obtain school repor ts and references from your child’s current school. Successful completion of the entry assessments will be followed by an offer of an unconditional or conditional place. We then ask parents to sign a contract with the School and to make a deposit payment, as acceptance of the offer.

Downside School is pleased to offer a range of scholarships to pupils at 11+, 13+ and 16+. We believe a scholarship should be a recognition of your child’s achievements to-date and potential, and a bursary should be there as financial suppor t.

Prospective parents and children are encouraged to attend one of our Open Mornings, and see the entire School at work. Or, if you would prefer, we can arrange an individual on-site or vir tual

Downside School aims to ensure that boys and girls who join the School are able to be happy, successful and secure within its academic, cultural, pastoral and spiritual environment, whether they are boarders or day pupils.

To find out more about our admissions process or to visit the School, please contact us on +44 (0)1761 235103 or admissions@downside.co.uk

I N D I V I D UA L O N - S I T E O R V I RT UA L V I S I T S TA K E P L AC E DA I LY, A N D O U R O N - S I T E O P E N M O R N I N G S TA K E P L AC E I N M A R C H , M AY A N D O C TO B E R .

W E A L S O H O L D V I RT UA L O P E N M O R N I N G S T H RO U G H O U T T H E Y E A R .

34 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

Downside prospectus 2025 (2).indd 34

04/02/2026 12:36

“

AT DOWNSIDE, PUPILS ARE ENCOURAGED FROM THE START TO LOOK OUTWARD, BEYOND THEIR OWN CARES. THIS IS EVIDENT IN THE HOUSES WHERE THE OLDER PUPILS SEEM TO RELISH THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THE YOUNGER ONES. TOGETHER WITH A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY, PUPILS LEAVE WITH A UNIQUE CARING QUALITY THAT ENDURES FAR BEYOND THEIR SCHOOL DAYS. Current Day & Day Plus Parent

35

S T R AT TO N - O N - T H E - F O S S E , R A D S TO C K , B AT H B A 3 4 R J admissions@downside.co.uk www.downside.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1761 235103

Spine.pdf

1

03/09/20