Welcome from our Head

Debbie Isaachsen welcomes you to The Downs Preparatory School

Finding the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child.

When parents choose The Downs, it is often for the benefit of our specialist team of teachers and our remarkable academic results. Some choose us for our strong sense of tradition coupled with an educational model that is modern and child-centred.

However, what all parents see the first time they arrive at the school via our beautiful drive, is the way their children's eyes light up, when they see our sensational gardens and breath-taking grounds, filled with tree houses, climbing frames, tropical plants and animals galore. It is this delight and wonder that we aim to capture and maintain throughout each child's time at The Downs regardless of their age or stage of education. As the children grow older their tastes become more defined and yet alongside our broad curriculum, we provide a vast and diverse selection of clubs and activities to keep them fully engaged as they prepare for furthering their studies at the senior school of their choice.

As important as academic excellence is to all of us, developing each pupil's individual character and talents is at the heart of The Downs experience. We want to instill in the children a confidence to face both the challenges and triumphs; to be adventurous and brave; to embrace all opportunities; and to be kind, supporting others and showing compassion at all times.

When you enter our gates and see for yourselves our beautiful school, you will learn how childhood is truly celebrated here and discover what makes The Downs Preparatory School so special.

We look forward to sharing The Downs School with you.

Debbie Isaachsen BEd (Hons), MEd

Headteacher


Admissions

Whether it is for a prospectus, to arrange a visit or to join us on one of our Open Days or to simply answer any question you may have about life at The Downs School - please do not hesitate to get in touch with our admissions department, who will be delighted to help.

Reviews 

Testimonials 

"Both our boys have amazing lasting memories of life at the Downs Preparatory School."
"From the moment we attended the Open Day, both our children have absolutely loved The Downs School. Two years on, they are up and ready each morning, both cheerful and eager at the thought of their day ahead. The teacher's commitment to the children is beyond excellent, and you can rely on a careful and considered response to any concerns you may have with your children’s progress."
"The pastoral care and overall support the school provide is thoroughly reassuring and professionally delivered. Whether it is sports, the arts or academic pursuits, your child will be helped to find their strengths very quickly and those strengths will be nurtured. I would have no hesitation in recommending The Downs to any prospective parent and have done so on many occasions."
"From the moment we attended the Open Day, both our children have absolutely loved The Downs School. Two years on, they are up and ready each morning, both cheerful and eager at the thought of their day ahead. The teacher's commitment to the children is beyond excellent, and you can rely on a careful and considered response to any concerns you may have with your children’s progress. The pastoral care and overall support the school provide is thoroughly reassuring and professionally delivered. Whether it is sports,the arts or academic pursuits, your child will be helped to find their strengths very quickly and those strengths will be nurtured. I would have no hesitation in recommending The Downs to any prospective parent and have done soon many occasions."
"Days at School are better than days at home."
A Pupil

An independent Prep School, The Downs enjoys healthy and constructive links with many senior schools.

“As a consequence the Headteacher is able to work closely with parents and in
doing so offer considered objective advice as to which senior schools most suit
the needs of their children.”
Parent xxxxx

“Over recent years our Year 8 pupils have successfully moved on to such schools as Badminton, Blundell’s, Bristol Grammar School, Bryanston, Clifton College, Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, King’s Taunton, King’s Bruton, Malvern College, Marlborough, Millfeld, Monmouth, Sherborne, Uppingham and Winchester.”
Parent xxxxx

“We take great care in preparing our pupils for their senior schools and we are delighted that the feedback is extremely complimentary. We expect all our pupils to pass into the school of their frst choice and it is gratifying that in recent years 60% have done so with scholarships.”

Click the logos below to read our independent reviews:
Student xxxxx