The Downs Preparatory School Logo
outdoor learning gardening lesson enrichment

School life

Everything you need to know. From academic subjects to clubs and the massive variety of opportunities as you journey through our school.

Nik Nak Explore 2

The journey

A voyage of self discovery

With natural creativity and curiosity, each child at The Downs creates their own unique journey, from Reception right through to Year 8. It’s our job to guide and support them, so that they can find the confidence to flourish.

Forest School 15
Art

Age 4-8 Years

Pre-Prep: Reception to Year 3

Helping our children create strong foundations is what Pre-Prep is all about. It’s a safe, warm, nurturing environment which encourages intuitive exploration. As children grow, so do the opportunities on offer and we see an incredible appetite to embrace these challenges.

Pre-Prep magnet play
Science

Age 8-13 Years

Prep School: Years 4 to 8

Freedom and responsibility gradually increase as children step up into Prep school. They meet it head on, showing us just how far they’ve already come. Our curriculum is as broad as it is exciting and there’s almost unlimited opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities. 

science explosion fire lab prep school learning
Twiglet Excel 3

Year 7 & 8

Nurturing confidence, fostering success.

Navigating senior school is particularly difficult today with the additional stresses that social media and technology bring. We believe continuity and familiar, warm surroundings have a huge impact on children’s confidence and long-term wellbeing. These two years are the gift of time, to extend childhood and let them discover more about who they are before they transition to their next school.

Explore Years 7 & 8
Senior school girls
Coding

Academic

Expanding academics

Our children shine when it comes to academic success but what we celebrate the most is the care and determination with which they approach any challenge.

Discover more
Prep School geography

Express yourself

Performing Arts

As well as music, drama and dance, children can explore technical and creative jobs behind the scenes in our Performing Arts department.

Discover more
Piano playing
Untitled design 2

Extra curricular

Beyond the curriculum

A wealth of extra-curricular activities offer everyone the chance to get stuck into something they love.

Discover more
Rugby team talk 2

Keep your finger on the pulse