About the School

The Downs School is a co-educational, comprehensive school serving the scattered rural community of the Berkshire Downs and beyond. Many parents beyond the catchment area from Newbury, Thatcham and south Oxfordshire choose The Downs School in preference to others in the locality.

Why the Downs?

The school aims to develop in young people the capacity to live as independent, self-motivated adults and the ability to function as successful and contributing members of society. The educational programme leads pupils towards: achievement in literacy and numeracy, competence in a variety of learning and social skills, the development of a variety of sporting, artistic and practical talents to the highest level, the acquisition of social, spiritual and moral values, flexible attitudes and thus the ability to adapt to future change in modern society. The school was described by Ofsted in 2007 as "A good school with outstanding features." and exam results at both GCSE and A Level were again excellent this year. Over the past 20 years the school has established a growing reputation both locally and nationally and is now considered to be one of the top comprehensive schools in the country. Levels of academic achievement are continuing to rise and the school has been oversubscribed for many years.

360° Tour

Click here for a 360º snapshot tour of the school (note that it may take a few minutes to load).