About us
Our founder, Miss Olive Willis, set out to create a school that would be different. Downe House is grounded in tradition but maintains a clear focus on the future.
About us
Our founder, Miss Olive Willis, set out to create a school that would be different. Downe House is grounded in tradition but maintains a clear focus on the future.
The difference is Downe House
Disillusioned by the independent education that existed for girls at the time, our founder, Miss Olive Willis, held the strong belief that a school should meet the needs of young women by valuing and prizing individuals and engendering a strong sense of community.
She believed that excellence, excitement and enthusiasm for the world around should be hallmarks of that school community, that teachers should not be placed on pedestals and that girls should not be expected to rush around in a feverish attempt to behave like boys.
Consequently, Downe House was established as ‘a school where each individual within the community matters and where relationships between staff and pupils are normal’.
Our values have not changed since the School opened in 1907; kindness and respect for others are as valued today as they were when the School was founded. Downe House’s aim has always been to enable, encourage and prepare girls to play a full and positive part as citizens of a global community and as outstanding women of the future.
Wander around our calm, collected, extremely happy boarding school environment and you will see that those founding principles are very much in place today.
What others say about us
Downe House is an impressive blend of traditional and modern.
There are many new and exciting things going on at this Berkshire power-house.
Tatler Schools Guide 2019
The attention to detail for every individual is remarkable
Inside Scoop, School Notices 2019
A slick, well-run school with a refreshing balance of work and play.
Talk Education, 2020
Our History
Did you know that Downe House was founded in 1907 in the home of Charles Darwin in Kent and moved to Cold Ash in 1922?
Find out more about our history.
DiscoverTours & Open Mornings
The best way to find out more about Downe House is to experience it for yourself. Book a personal tour or join us at one of our Open Mornings, available throughout the year.
Discover