Downe House School is a GCSE / A-Level school in Cold Ash, United Kingdom. Founded in 1907. It serves 575 students for students aged 11–18. Annual tuition ranges from $45,110 to $60,655 USD.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Rural Berkshire setting near Newbury, secluded boarding school countryside, yet convenient for international families—1 hour to London, 40 minutes to Heathrow.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | 57 km | ~84 min | LHR — gateway for Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai |
| Luton | 79 km | ~113 min | LTN — European and budget carriers |
| Gatwick | 82 km | ~117 min | LGW — good for SE Asia, Middle East via BA/EK/QR |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Academic scholarships available for 11+, 12+, 13+, and Sixth Form entry. Candidates identified by test scores sit scholarship papers in January with interviews in February.
Academic Performance
ISI Inspection Report
All applicable Independent School Standards are met across all five regulatory areas: leadership and governance, quality of education, pupils' physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding. The school demonstrates exemplary governance focused on pupil wellbeing, effective teaching with good academic progress and high examination attainment, high-standard boarding provision, and comprehensive safeguarding arrangements. The primary recommendation is to strengthen careers education for pupils in Years 7 to 9.
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Full Boarding | £20,304 | £60,912 |
| Flexi Boarding (4 nights per week) | £16,980 | £50,940 |
| Day Boarding | £15,108 | £45,324 |
| Day | £11,196 | £33,588 |
Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee (Day) | One-time | £240 |
| Registration fee (Boarding/Flexi) | One-time | £395 |
| Acceptance Deposit (Full/Flexi Boarding, UK residents) | Per year | £3,000 |
| Acceptance Deposit (Overseas residents) | Per year | £10,000 |
| Acceptance Deposit (Day, UK residents) | Per year | £2,000 |
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
Merit-based scholarships (2 types)
ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.
About
Downe House is a traditional boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, founded in 1907 and set on a 110-acre woodland estate in Berkshire. The school combines academic excellence with comprehensive pastoral care and a global outlook, offering exchange programs to 15 partner schools across 6 continents. Over 90% of pupils are boarders, and the school has been a Microsoft Showcase School since 2018.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ | Assessment Day featuring interviews with Headmistress, creative/persuasive writing, school tour, and team building activities; followed by ISEB Common Pre-Test | Michaelmas (Autumn) Term | ISEB Common Pre-Test by 30 November |
| 12+ | Assessment Day featuring interviews with Headmistress, creative/persuasive writing, school tour, and team building activities; followed by ISEB Common Pre-Test | Michaelmas (Autumn) Term | ISEB Common Pre-Test by 30 November |
| 13+ | ISEB Common Pre-Test followed by Assessment Day with Headmistress interview, collaborative task, creative/persuasive writing; 13+ Common Entrance exam in June of Year 8 for setting purposes only | October/November (Pre-Test); Michaelmas term (Assessment Day); June Year 8 (Common Entrance) | ISEB Common Pre-Test by 30 November; offers by end of December |
| 16+ Sixth Form | Three examination papers in subjects of study and General paper; interview with Head of Sixth Form and Headmistress. Minimum requirement: seven I/GCSE at Grade 6 (B) or above. | First week of November (year prior to entry) | Early registration strongly recommended; all offers and places completed by April of year prior to entry |
How to apply
- Complete online registration form
- Pay registration fee
- For 11+/12+/13+: Sit ISEB Common Pre-Test by 30 November at current school or local testing centre
- Attend Assessment Day (Autumn term)
- Receive offers by end of December
- Potential Academic Scholars sit scholarship papers in January with interviews in February
- For Sixth Form: Sit examination papers in November; interviews at end of November; offers in December
What you'll need to submit
- Online registration form
- Current Headteacher's report (for 11+, 12+, 13+ candidates)
- ISEB Common Pre-Test results
- For Sixth Form: transcript of grades and previous school records if not following formal examination system
Open events
- Open Days: 16 May 2026, 12 September 2026, 14 November 2026
- Open Morning for 11+ entry: 6 June 2026
- Personal tours available throughout the year
- Virtual events held each year
Scholarships: Academic Scholarship candidates identified by test scores; Academic Scholarship papers sat in January with interviews in February. Sports scholarships also available.
Admissions contact: Registrar Miss Angela Nutt: [email protected], 01635 204701; Admissions: 01635 204701
Registration recommended well in advance as open events have limited capacity. For Sixth Form, availability of places very limited.
Why Families Choose
- Global exchange programs to 15 partner schools across 6 continents
- Academic excellence with 84% A* to B at A-Level and 81% grades 9-7 at GCSE
- Strong pastoral care and comprehensive boarding model
- Microsoft Showcase School designation
- Leadership and career development programs including Mini MBA and Ivy House Leadership Award
- French immersion term at Downe House Sauveterre
Fees & Financials
Original currency: Full boarding £15,920 per term; Day £11,840 per term.
Admissions Details
Boarding Life
110-acre woodland estate with onsite accommodation and extensive boarding activities
Full boarding with idyllic accommodation onsite and a wealth of activities as part of the boarding model
Facilities & Programmes
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent
Microsoft Showcase School since 2018