Independent SeniorgirlsBoardingOfsted · Not yet inspected

Downe House

Thatcham, Berkshire · RG18 9JJ

AAB+ A-level

39.6%

9–7 GCSE

79%

Day fees

£44k

Inspection

Not yet inspected

Downe House is a prestigious independent girls' boarding school near Thatcham in Berkshire, known for academic rigour balanced with a nurturing pastoral environment. Founded in 1907, it has established itself as one of the leading girls' schools in the South East, with a strong emphasis on developing confident, articulate young women. The school combines traditional values with contemporary education, fostering intellectual curiosity and independent thinking across a broad curriculum.

  • →Strong academic record and university destinations, particularly to Russell Group and Oxbridge institutions
  • →Excellent boarding facilities and pastoral care with a well-regarded house system
  • →Breadth of extracurricular opportunities including music, drama, sport, and outdoor education

Who thrives here

Academically able girls who thrive in a structured, supportive boarding environment and who value both intellectual challenge and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school suits pupils seeking strong female mentorship and a tight-knit community.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing50th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeIndependent Senior · Boarding
Founded1907
Number of pupils556
Pupils with SEND166
Age range11–18
GenderGirls
Day fees£43.5k/yr (inc. lunch)
Boarding fees£49.5k/yr (inc. meals)
AssociationsISC, GSA
Settingsuburban
LocationConvenient rail access to London Waterloo (c.1 hour) and mainline connections to wider UK. School offers coach transport from London for day pupils.
EthosChristian

Contact & visit

Cold Ash

Thatcham, Berkshire

RG18 9JJ

01635200286
Mrs Emma McKendrick, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Thatcham Railway Station3 min
Newbury Railway Station10 min

Notable alumni

Celia Imrie

Actress (Bridget Jones, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel)

Alice Temperley

Fashion designer and businesswoman

Recent investment

✓Refurbished science facilities (2020s)
✓Enhanced boarding accommodation and common rooms
✓Investment in digital learning infrastructure

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Downe House?

Day fees at Downe House are approximately £43,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Downe House?

Downe House admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Downe House's exam results?

At Downe House, 39.6% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 79% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Downe House a boarding school?

Downe House offers boarding as well as day places.

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Excellent pastoral care and house system creates strong sense of belonging

✓Academic rigour with individual support; girls feel challenged but not overwhelmed

✓Breadth of extracurricular activity and genuine pupil choice

✓Staff accessibility and genuine interest in individual girl's development

✓Strong female role models and leadership opportunities

✓Reliable university guidance and Oxbridge support

Common concerns

!Boarding fees are high; bursary availability limited relative to demand

!Limited tailoring for girls with SEND beyond mild support

!Some parents note boarding can feel isolating in early years for homesick pupils

!Weekend activities for day girls could be expanded to reduce sense of boarding-centric culture