The Downs School

Welcome to our School

The Downs School & Sixth Form is a co-educational, non-denominational school set in the heart of the West Berkshire Downs. We provide a balanced approach to the pursuit of excellence by offering an interesting, challenging and lively curriculum. Students gain academic, creative, sporting and social skills, both in and out of the classroom, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for all. We also place a strong emphasis on the partnership between staff, students and parents and respect the trust placed upon us by parents who actively choose our school for their children.

Our Sixth Form is vibrant, welcoming, all-inclusive and purposeful. Staff, students and parents work together to create an environment in which our young people are supported to realise their full potential and achieve their personal goals.

We have a proven track record of success, and our 2021 results maintained our strong tradition of excellence, making us very proud of our students’ achievements. At GCSE, 89% of our students achieved grades A*-C, with 79% of students achieving A*- strong pass and 40% of students achieving grades A*-A. Our A Level results were equally as impressive, with 91% of students achieving A*-C grades, 72% % A*-B grades and 50% A*-A grades.

Values and vision

Our staff are committed to excellence and achievement at all levels and we develop our students into well-rounded young adults, able to venture into a rapidly changing world with confidence and determination. These principles are summed up in our school vision ‘Educating today’s young people for the world of tomorrow.’ Ofsted has judged us as outstanding in every category but we are not a school that wants to stand still. We know that there is always more  to do to ensure that every child’s educational experience is rich, character building and of the highest possible standard. We are striving to beyond outstanding through our philosophy of “Learning together, learning for life.”

We work in partnership with our students who contribute to the decision-making in the school, ensuring they feel valued and confident. Despite our size, we pride ourselves on our small school feel.

Beyond the classroom

Learning extends beyond the classroom to extra-curricular activities and trips, both within the UK and overseas. Lessons are brought to life through a wide range of educational trips; from visiting theatres in London and New York for our Performing Arts students, an annual Geography trip to Iceland and exchange visits for our language students to France. Our Sixth Form students often choose to join the bi-annual skiing trip and there is the opportunity to take part in a major expedition. Past expeditions have travelled to Ecuador, Norway and India.

We also offer other opportunities including inter-house sporting competitions and a variety of lunchtime and after school sport clubs. For those interested in dance, music or drama we offer a number of house competitions through the year and the opportunity to take part in our annual productions which have included Les Miserables and Billy Elliott. We also offer opportunities in debating, public speaking, creative writing and more.

Ofsted

“Students make very rapid progress across all year groups and in a wide range of subjects. The proportions of current Year 11 students making more than expected progress from Key Stage 2 in English and mathematics are very high. Together with students’ very high levels of attainment, this represents outstanding and sustained high achievement throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4."