Downside School

URN: 123910 • Radstock BA3 4RJ

Overview

Name
Downside School
URN
123910
Type
Other independent school
Phase
Not applicable
Status
Open
Gender
Mixed
Religious
Roman Catholic
Admissions
Not applicable
Trust
Private
Yes
Ofsted rating
n/a
Ranking score
42.3 / 100
School thumbnail

Leadership & Contact

Headteacher
Andrew Hobbs (since 2025) , Head Master
Telephone
01761235100
Website
Visit
Address
, Radstock BA3 4RJ

Summary

Downside School is an independent co-educational boarding and day school located near Bath, Somerset, catering to students aged 11-18. With a current enrolment of 273 pupils and a capacity of 420, the school is recognised as the top Catholic independent school in the South West by the Catholic Good Schools Guide. In May 2024, it received an 'outstanding' rating across all categories from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate.

Rooted in Catholic and Benedictine traditions, Downside School emphasises holistic education that fosters academic excellence alongside personal and spiritual growth. The school aims to nurture each pupil's potential through a supportive community that values humility, integrity, and service. The ethos promotes a culture where every student is known and encouraged, focusing on character development through both academic and co-curricular opportunities.

Downside School prioritises the formation of young people for life, not just exams, and seeks to create a sense of belonging within its community. The leadership is committed to providing a transformative educational experience that prepares students to live meaningfully in the present while aspiring for future success.

Key details

LA
Somerset
Age range
11 - 18
Boarders
Boarding school
Sixth form
Has a sixth form
Trust
Capacity
420
Pupils
273
Boys
155
Girls
118
FSM %
Open date
1945-01-01
Close date
Last Ofsted
Next inspection
Data snapshot
2025-07-14
County
Somerset

Trends

DatePupilsBoysGirlsCapacityFSM%
2025-07-14 273 155 118 420
2024-09-11 334 197 137 420
2023-09-11 359 212 147 420 0.00
2022-09-11 359 212 147 420 0.00
2021-09-11 317 198 119 420 0.00
2020-09-11 334 216 118 420 0.00

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Add a review

Please sign in to post a review. Go to login

Are you the school owner?

Claim this profile to reply to reviews and add details.

Requires login