The Downs Preparatory School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

The Downs School is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 4 to 13, founded in 1894 and situated in a Victorian building set within 60 acres of parkland, around 5 miles south of Bristol. The school moved to its current home in 1927 and is governed by a charitable trust. The Early Years Foundation Stage has its own purpose-built facility on the same site, and the school is organised into two sections: a pre-prep covering the EYFS and Years 1 to 3, and a prep school for Years 4 to 8. The school welcomes pupils of all backgrounds and does not select by ability, with most children coming from north Somerset. It aims to provide a modern education that embraces traditional core values, supporting every child to develop their creative, physical and intellectual potential in an engaging and stimulating environment. Support is available for pupils with a range of needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, those for whom English is an additional language, and those identified as more able. The school works to ensure that each child receives the encouragement and assistance they need to flourish.