Admission

Navigating Admissions at Downe House School

In the serene Berkshire landscape, Downe House School stands as a beacon of holistic education for girls, offering a journey that balances academic achievement with personal growth and leadership. Here’s how students describe their path through the comprehensive admissions process at this esteemed institution, available at critical junctures such as 11+, 13+, and 16+.

The Initial Steps: 11 Plus Entry Exam

At the age of 11, students first encounter the Downe House journey through an Assessment Day designed to gauge more than just academic prowess. This day is packed with activities ranging from drama and design technology to team-building exercises, capped off with an interview with the Head and a tour of the school.

The academic test that follows combines an English writing task, testing creativity and comprehension, and the ISEB Common Pre-Test, which covers Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, completed online. To support access to Downe House’s exceptional education, scholarships and bursaries are made available, based on both academic achievements and talents in art, sport, music, and drama.

Advancing to 13 Plus

For those entering at 13+, the assessment is similarly thorough but tailored to accommodate students from a variety of educational backgrounds through an adaptive computerized exam. In addition to the ISEB Common Pre-Test or an equivalent, candidates undergo an in-depth evaluation on an Assessment Day three years prior to entry. This careful selection process also considers performance during the day, test scores, and recommendations from the candidate’s current Headteacher.

As part of setting for classes, the 13+ entry students are asked to sit the Common Entrance examination, which includes subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Modern Foreign Languages, solely for setting purposes.

Beyond Academics: Specialist Assessments

Downe House’s commitment to nurturing diverse talents extends to Assessment Days dedicated to Drama, Sport, Art, and Music, held between January and May after offers have been made. This is an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities in their areas of passion, highlighting the school’s inclusive recognition of multiple intelligences.

The Registration Process and Beyond

The admissions journey begins with an online registration, after which families receive detailed information about the Assessment Day and the steps that follow. Importantly, Downe House also warmly welcomes day pupils, integrating them fully into the school’s rich tapestry of community life and learning.

With a similar admissions process mirrored in Downe House Muscat, the school’s ethos of providing a well-rounded education shines on a global scale, welcoming girls worldwide to be part of a nurturing yet challenging educational environment.

Conclusion: A Community of Aspiring Learners

Downe House School’s admissions process is more than a series of exams and interviews; it’s a gateway to a vibrant community dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and global awareness. It seeks students who not only have the potential to excel academically but also possess the character to contribute meaningfully to the school community and beyond.