Bright World Partner School Profile

Downside is an independent Catholic co-educational boarding school for pupils aged 9 to 18. Founded in 1606 in Douai, Downside today is a school of some 430 pupils, housed in magnificent buildings at the foot of the Mendip Hills, twelve miles south of the historic City of Bath. While Downside welcomes families and children from other Christian denominations,they ask them always to remember their distinctively Catholic nature. 85% of pupils at Downside are seven-day-a-week boarders and we are committed to remaining a traditional boarding school, not a flexi-boarding school or a day school with some boarders. The opportunities open to boarders at Downside - academic, sporting, in music, drama and extra-curricular activities - are immeasurable. Weekends for boarders are full, busy and purposeful. The academic life of Downside School is one of constant effort and enthusiasm. This enables pupils to exceed their own academic expectations. Parents expect children to achieve their academic potential. At Downside our aim is that every pupil should achieve more than was originally anticipated. In order for this to happen, the highest levels of motivation are expected and systems are in place to ensure that both pupils and staff perform to their utmost. Sports thrive at Downside. Rugby is the major sport for boys in the Michaelmas Term, hockey and football in the Lent Term, athletics, cricket and tennis in the Summer Term. Hockey is the major sport for girls in the Michaelmas Term, netball in the Lent Term, tennis and rounders in the Summer Term. The School has outstanding facilities for all major sports, and also possesses an indoor swimming pool, an all-weather hockey surface, squash, tennis, badminton, volleyball, netball and basketball courts.