Downside School

England , United Kingdom

  • Day School

  • 1617

  • £ 19.1K-19.1K

    • British

School History & Details

English and Welsh monks in exile established the Benedictine community of St. Gregory the Great at Douai, France, in 1606. They inaugurated the School eight years later.

The School was so highly regarded in England by the early 18th century that Queen Anne instructed the Duke of Marlborough to spare it when he stormed Douai in 1710. The Priory and School were looted by French revolutionaries in the 1790s, but in February 1795, the monks and lads were given permission to flee to England.

    School Values

  • Academic excellence
  • Resilience
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork

    • Downside School values academic excellence, personal development, and spiritual growth. Its mission is to provide a Catholic education that enables students to develop their full potential, to become responsible citizens, and to live out the values of the Gospel.

School Achievements

Achievements

Downside School has a strong academic record, with a high percentage of its students going on to study at top universities in the UK and around the world. In 2020, 82% of A-Level grades were A*-B, and 52% of GCSE grades were 9-8 (equivalent to A*). The school has a rigorous academic program with a focus on individualized learning and pastoral care.
School Achievements

Non-Academic Achievements

Downside School has a rich and diverse range of non-academic achievements, including a strong commitment to music and the arts. The school has a renowned choral tradition, with a choir that performs regularly at the Abbey Church and around the world. Downside also has a strong sports program, with teams that have competed at national and international levels. The school places a strong emphasis on community service and social responsibility, encouraging students to make a positive impact in the world.
Notable Alumni

Notable Alumni

Downside School has a distinguished list of alumni, including politicians, authors, academics, and business leaders. Notable alumni include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, author and journalist Christopher Hitchens, historian Simon Schama, and actor Hugh Bonneville. Downside alumni have also made significant contributions to the arts, sciences, and charitable organizations around the world.

School Information

Downside School's campus is located in a beautiful rural setting of 500 acres in Somerset, England. It includes historic buildings such as the Abbey Church, a Grade I listed building, and modern fac...View moreView Less

ANDREW HOBBS

Link

+44(0)1761 235100

Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Somerset, BA3 4RJ

Subjects & Curriculum Offered

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Arabic
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Business Studies
  • History
  • Sociology
  • Geography
  • Accounting
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Physical Education
  • Art & Design
  • Environmental Management (EVM)
  • English – Language & Literature 
  • Ancient History
  • Food Preparation & Nutrition
  • Geology
  • Marine Science
  • Moral Education
  • Science
  • English
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Social Studies
  • Foreign Languages
  • Islamic Studies
  • Design Technology
  • Music

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