Downe House School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

Downe House is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, founded in 1907 in Kent and operating from its current premises since 1921. The school is run as a charitable trust, overseen by a board of governors. The school is home to 583 pupils, the great majority of whom are boarders. Most girls come from within the United Kingdom, whilst around one tenth are international pupils representing a wide variety of countries. The school community includes girls with a range of needs and talents, with specialist support available for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, additional help for those learning English as an additional language, and tailored provision for more able pupils. A considerable number of pupils also hold scholarships recognising particular talents in art, drama, music or sport. Downe House aims to offer a broad and balanced curriculum alongside a wide range of co-curricular activities, with a strong emphasis on preparing girls to engage confidently with the wider world. At its heart, the school seeks to provide a safe and supportive environment where every pupil is known, valued and encouraged to grow into a positive and capable young woman.