Downe House

Downe House is everything you would expect from a girls' school and indeed so much more. Music, photography, pottery and art are popular. In addition to the usual lacrosse, netball and hockey, girls are also able to play touch rugby and football! In fact all sports are incredibly well provided for. There are 17 tennis courts, a sports hall with fitness and dance studios, as well as the opportunity to take up rowing and sailing. PE is compulsory. Alongside this very sporty environment Downe House is clearly an academically focused school providing excellent results. During a girl's second year at Downe House (age 12+) a full term will be spent in France at Veyrine-de-Domme where all lessons are taught in French and the girls work on local community-based projects. Pupils are all in the care of Downe House staff and what a wonderful way to become fluent in French. Downe House is a Church of England school although all faiths are very much welcome. Morning prayers daily and a Sunday service are conducted. Located in Berkshire most girls are from very well-heeled families in London and the Home Counties. There are a few scholarships available but they are for very nominal amounts.

Extract taken from Cradles of success: Britain's traditional Public Schools by Mario Di Monaco