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
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.
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.
Useful links
- Governors, Senior Leadership Team and Staff (governance)
- Downside School Events (calendar)
- External Events and Courses (calendar)
- Old Gregorian Events (calendar)
- Events (calendar)
- Key Dates (download)
- Admissions (other)
- International Admissions (other)
- Downside School Policies (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Finding Futures (37.9)
- Hilltop School (37.5)
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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