The Downs School

The Downs School, located in Newbury, West Berkshire, is a mixed foundation secondary school with a current enrolment of 1,437 students, surpassing its capacity of 1,307. The school prides itself on fostering a strong sense of community and a supportive learning environment, guided by core values of courage, responsibility, equality, ambition, resilience, creativity, and integrity. These principles shape the educational experience, encouraging students to develop into well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges.

The curriculum at The Downs School is designed to be rich and diverse, promoting equality of access and achievement for all students. The school has demonstrated high academic performance, being the best-performing non-selective school in West Berkshire, with notable GCSE and A-Level results. In recent assessments, 18% of GCSE entries achieved the highest grades (8 or 9), and a significant proportion of A-Level entries attained A*-C grades.

In addition to academic success, The Downs School emphasizes community engagement and personal development, encouraging students to participate in volunteering and enrichment opportunities. This holistic approach aims to cultivate confident, responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.