A very warm welcome! We understand that the admissions journey to a senior school can be at first a daunting one, whether you are based in the UK or overseas.
It is our pleasure to work with families to ensure that the admissions process is a personal journey, which supports you and your child every step of the way. Admission for boys and girls to Downside is normally at 11+ into the First Form (Year 7), at 13+ into the Third Form (Year 9), or at 16+ into the Lower Sixth Form (Year 12).
Places occasionally become available for boys and girls for admission at 12+ into the Second Form (Year 8) or at 14+ into the Fourth Form (Year 10). Downside School is pleased to offer a range of scholar ships to pupils at 11+, 13+ and 16+. We believe a scholar ship should be a recognition of your child’s achievements to date and potential, and a bursary should be there as financial support.
Prospective parents and children are encouraged to attend one of our Open Mornings, and see the entire School at work. Or, if you would prefer, we can arrange an individual on-site or virtual visit to the School on a normal working day to meet the Head, talk with current pupils and tour our extensive facilities and stunning grounds.
If you then wish to proceed with the admissions process we will ask you to register your child for entry. Once registered, we will arrange for your son or daughter to complete our entrance assessments and to have an interview.
We will also obtain school reports and references from your child’s current school. Successful completion of the entry assessments will be followed by an offer of an unconditional or conditional place. We then ask parents to sign a contract with the School and to make a deposit payment, as acceptance of the offer.
Downside School aims to ensure that boys and girls who join the School are able to be happy, successful and secure within its academic, cultural, pastoral and spiritual environment, whether they are boarders or day pupils.
We very much look forward to meeting you.
With all good wishes,
Claire Low
Director of Admissions
_________________________
We look forward to welcoming you to Downside. Please do feel free to make contact at any time if you have any questions.
By Car
We’re situated on the A367 Fosse Way, a short journey from the A37 or A361. We are accessible via the A303, M4 and M5. Map
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are Bath Spa (20 mins), Castle Cary (20 mins)Â and Frome (20 mins).
By Plane
The nearest airports are Bristol (30 mins), Cardiff (90 mins) and London Heathrow (2 hours)
Postal Address
Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Somerset, BA3 4RJ
