Downside School

Independent

National rank

266=

247=

Rank last year

65.2%

A-level

A-level

A*-B

46.2%

GCSE

GCSE

A*/A/9/8/7

Need to know

Head teacher

Andrew Hobbs

Gender of entry

Mixed

Total pupils

334 (11-18)

Head teacher

Andrew Hobbs

Gender of entry

Mixed

Total pupils

334 (11-18)

Head teacher

Andrew Hobbs

Gender of entry

Mixed

Total pupils

334 (11-18)

UK day fees per term*

£8,712-£10,548 (11-18) includes lunch

UK boarding fees per term*

£10,188-£17,388 (11-18)

*Fee correct as of November 21, 2024
Our methodology
Results

A-level 2024 rank: 264=

Grade

%

A*

13.9

A

23

B

28.3

A*/A

36.9

A*-B

65.2

GCSE 2024 rank: 265

Grade

%

A*/9/8

25.6

A/7

20.5

A*/A/9/8/7

46.2

What the school inspection says

Date of report
2018
Verdict
Excellent-good
“The school aims to provide a Catholic education for its pupils guided by the Rule of St Benedict. It aspires to educate each pupil so that they should achieve the highest academic and personal standards and develop all their gifts to become more fruitfully committed to Christ, his Church and the service of others. Pupils of all ages, including those with English as an additional language (EAL), achieve good levels of knowledge, skills and understanding … Pupils are enthusiastic and highly motivated learners … Pupils grow in confidence to reach the highest levels by the time they leave school, showing equally high levels of appropriate self-esteem.” There was a regulatory compliance visit in 2023.
Read the full report
Read report

About the school

  • Originally founded in France in 1606 by Benedictine monks, Downside School’s present-day campus is in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, near Bath in Somerset.
  • Downside is particularly noted for its Stem provision, drama and music, and its Grade I-listed abbey is a regular venue for student concerts and productions.
  • The co-educational school has its own Downside Ball Game, played with wooden bats on two large outdoor playing walls.
  • Day pupils can take advantage of the Day Plus policy, which permits them to stay at the school for two or three nights a week.
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