Address: Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Somerset BA3 4RJ
Website: downside.co.uk
Founded: 1814
Pupils: 300, coed aged 11-18
Fees: £8,070-£17,995 per term
Head: Mr Mike Randall (interim)
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic, but welcomes all faiths and none
Entrance Procedure: Selective via CAT4, current school’s reports and a school reference
School Visits: Onsite and virtual visits available
Contact: [email protected]
Curriculum
Downside has a well-balanced curriculum, offering a broad range of GSCEs, A levels and BTECs such as computer science, sport, enterprise and entrepreneurship, classical civilisation, design technology, and theatre studies. These are supported by extensive cocurricular options including Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, CCF, debating, sailing and community service.
Sport & The Arts
At Downside, sporting and arts cultures exists in harmony with the school’s academic values. The major sports on offer are rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, athletics and tennis alongside other popular activities such as football, table tennis, squash, golf and volleyball. The performing arts department (incorporating music, choir, theatre and dance) is expanding and is a hugely important part of the school. Downside’s CCF band leads the Bath Remembrance Parade each year.
Pastoral Care
Downside is known for high levels of pastoral care. It remains a 75 percent boarding school, which means that it is a seven-day-a-week international community, with all that brings in terms of friendships, esprit de corps and the sense of belonging that is at the very heart of the school’s pastoral care.
Exit Destinations
The majority of pupils achieve their first-choice university.
Head’s Philosophy
To work in partnership with families and to provide an environment which nurtures young people who can think for themselves, stand up for their beliefs and act to make a positive difference in the world. We strive to give give pupils the chance to embrace a life fully-lived.
