Downside School

Since 2018, Andrew Hobbs BA, previously deputy head. A product of Worth Abbey, not unlike the school he now heads, Mr Hobbs read classics at Cambridge before a couple of years teaching at Hurstpierpoint, 16 at Canford, where he was also in charge

A few into year 7 but mainly into year 9 and about 25 into sixth form. Year 7 entry is by online CAT tests plus an assessment and interview held in January each year. For year 9, the process is more formal and starts earlier, with ISEB pre-tests o

A handful leave after GCSEs (we wonder if it will be even fewer in future, since opening of the new sixth form centre in 2024). After A levels, Downside students depart to eg Bath, Newcastle, UCL, Exeter, Loughborough, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff

In 2024, 39 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 39 per cent A*/A at A level (65 per cent A*-B).

The academic life (and it is academic) of the school is bound up with the Benedictine idea of transformation, so the journey is as important as the destination. The curriculum is broad from the start. A modern language is encouraged rather than en

The department comprises five members of staff whose expertise seems to be concentrated on literacy. All new junior arrivals are screened on entry and the school clearly states that learning support is open to all. Students with specific learning

First out of fabulous facilities must be the Grade I listed abbey church, not only the physical centre of the religious life of the school, but also a visually and acoustically stunning venue, particularly for music. Very strong here, with four au

Known for its sport and easily spotted on any pitch or Astro with its distinctive - not to say garish - maroon and mustard kit. Beautiful green spaces seem to run in all directions with Astros discreetly sited away from the main buildings. ‘But pl

Eighty per cent full boarders (no weekly) housed in one of six houses: one for junior boys up until the end of year 9, three for senior boys and two for girls of all ages. The latter are purpose-built and fit modern expectations of boarding accomm

Highly thought of by students and parents alike, and plenty of people to turn to when the going gets tough. As well as tutors, housemasters/mistresses (HsMs) and house mothers (matrons), there’s an independent listener and a strong chaplaincy team

About 70 per cent Catholic, many local, some seeking a more spiritual education if not actually Catholic; 26 nationalities (majority from Hong Kong and Poland) and 14 languages spoken. Not particularly affluent, as independent school families go -

Fees broadly in line with comparable schools, although years 7 and 8 are notably cheaper. Usual array of scholarships at usual entry points although more options for year 9 admissions. Choral exhibitions and product design awards also, as well as

It would be hard to leave Downside without a sense of the ‘poetry of life’, whether that comes from the setting, the imposing buildings, the music or the ancient scholarship which the walls seem to exhale. A singular education, with its focus on t