Set in 55 acres nestling in the beautiful Malvern Hills, The Downs is home for about 50 boarding boys and girls. In addition, there are about 50 day children and a Junior Department of 40 or so under 7's. Day and boarding pupils live and work together in a family atmosphere where each child is valued as an individual and where caring attitudes for one another are encouraged.
In the curriculum English, Mathematics and Science have high priority supported by French, History, Geography, Latin, Divinity, Physical Education, Art and Craft, Computer Studies, Pottery, Drama and Music. Pupils are encouraged to strive for high standards. Our pupils go on to a wide variety of top Public Schools and our record of successful entry to the school of first choice is excellent, helped by our pupil teacher ratio of 10:1, an important contributory factor. Good behaviour is encouraged at all times through sensible discipline and supportive pastoral and tutorial systems. There are outstanding facilities for music making in our purpose built music school with 18 practice rooms and six teaching rooms. Pupils take part in the orchestra, Jazz group, a Big Band, string ensembles and even a rock group. Most children learn at least one musical instrument, the arrangements being such that lessons are timetabled out of academic time. A wide range of extra-curricular hobbies and clubs are offered, including our own unique narrow gauge railway, where pupils are taught the rudiments of engineering, as well as eventually how to drive a steam locomotive.
The school has three large sports fields, an 'all-weather' hockey pitch, heated outdoor swimming pool and several hard areas for tennis and netball. There is also a small golf course. Pupils are coached in Rugby, hockey, football, cricket, netball, rounders and tennis and take part in regular fixtures against other schools. The girls have a separate boarding house with resident Houseparents, whilst the boys are looked after by a resident Housemaster, matrons, as well as by the head and her husband who are in residence in the main school and play a full pastoral role.
All of the foregoing tells nothing of the warmth and friendly spirit that pervades The Downs - do come and see us in action.
