At 12+, every girl spends a term in the beautiful Périgord Noir, at our smaller ‘farmhouse’ school in the quaint rural commune of Veyrines-de-Domme.

Designed to encourage each girl to feel part of a community, the Veyrines term isn’t simply about improving spoken French in an idyllic setting; it is about persuading young minds to totally immerse themselves in a new culture.

Located just a few minutes’ drive from the picturesque valley of the Dordogne, this beautiful area is rich in art, history and geography – all of which provide a natural extension to the classroom.

Totally enriching, the Veyrines term includes charity work, an exchange with pupils from a local school and the opportunity to spend a day at the Lycée HÔtelier Quercy-Périgord Cookery School.

During each term, carefully planned sorties encourage independent study and fire the imagination.  Examples of sorties include the opportunity to meet local experts, such as an internationally famous truffle hunter, a chocolate maker and a jeweller.

Living in beautifully restored and cosy farm buildings that nestle around a pretty courtyard, all girls are cared for by the school head, her husband and their team, the majority of whom are French.

In addition to their term in France, during their time at Downe House girls take part in curriculum trips locally, nationally and internationally.  Theatre visits, concert trips, and journeys to Italy, France, Germany and Spain, further enrich the school curriculum.