Sport at Downe House
Sport plays a major part in life at Downe House.
Physical Education lessons as part of the curriculum provide an introduction to a wide range of activities, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and a life-long involvement in physical activity. We offer a diverse curriculum and girls follow rotations of activities in the Lower School and then can choose their options as they move up the School.
Striving for success
We are proud of our exceptionally high standard of sporting achievements across a diverse range of sports.
Our lacrosse programme has an excellent reputation and we have won the National Schools Tournament five times. Currently we have three girls in a national programme and twelve girls in regional talent pathways. During the 2018-19 season, our 1st XI Lacrosse won 18 out of 21 matches. In netball and hockey our top players are nominated for club and county trials and we also have one of the finest school tennis programmes in the country. Our coaches have played on the professional tennis circuit themselves and over 350 girls have lessons weekly. In squash, we regularly place top four nationally in the National Schools Squash Competition. You can find out about each sport in our sports directory.
Sports fixtures and results (SOCS)
View our upcoming fixtures, check team lists and read our latest results for every sport.
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Our ethos is ‘sport for all’
The benefits of sport and exercise cannot be underestimated and we are proud to promote a strong ‘Sport for All’ ethos regardless of whether girls are selected for matches regularly or otherwise. Sport at Downe House is not simply about physical activity but is crucial for personal development. Girls learn team and leadership skills, how to win and lose graciously and how to develop a positive mindset in order to overcome challenges.
Girls are mentored, trained and coached by a dedicated team of sports specialists who can expertly navigate the range of ability and experience in a school setting – from introducing girls to new sports to developing girls’ talents at regional, national and international levels.
For more information on Sport at Downe House, please contact Mrs Katie Lauder (Director of Sport).
Sports Scholarship Programme
We are committed to developing talent and striving for the best. Sports Scholars and Exhibitioners are allocated a mentor depending on her main sport who they meet regularly to discuss targets, progress, training and injuries. On top of this, we run a dedicated and holistic scholarship programme including visits from external speakers, scholars’ fitness sessions and a personalised strength and conditioning programme.
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Diverse onsite sports facilities
We are privileged to have a range of excellent sports facilities onsite including hard tennis courts, floodlit AstroTurf, squash courts, a multi-purpose sports hall with gym, spin bikes, 25m heated indoor pool, a dance studio, field and athletics grass track.
Our beautiful site also boasts a number of cross country routes through the woodland.
“Great facilities, including playing fields galore, tennis courts, huge sports hall and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.”
Good Schools Guide, 2019
Read more about Sport at Downe House in our brochure:
Sporting News
Tours & 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.
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