Downe House School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Downe House School
• Location: Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 9JJ
• Type: Independent boarding and day school for girls
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Total Pupils: Approximately 559 students
• Head: Mrs Emma McKendrick
• Religious Affiliation: Church of England
• Boarding Options: Full boarding, flexi boarding, and day places
• Annual Fees: Boarding £47,760, Day £35,520

About Downe House School

Established in 1907 in the picturesque Berkshire countryside, Downe House School has cultivated a reputation for academic excellence and holistic education tailored specifically for girls. Set within 110 acres of stunning grounds in Cold Ash, near Newbury, the school provides an inspiring environment where young women develop confidence, intellectual curiosity, and leadership skills.

The school's distinctive approach centres on personalised learning pathways that recognise each girl's individual talents and aspirations. With small class sizes averaging 15 pupils, teachers can provide focused attention and support. Downe House offers an exceptional range of subjects including innovative programmes such as the Mini MBA for Sixth Form students and the Ivy House Leadership Award, preparing girls for success in competitive university applications and future careers.

The school's academic programme extends well beyond traditional subjects, incorporating cutting-edge facilities including a state-of-the-art science centre, digital media suites, and specialist art studios. Girls consistently achieve outstanding results, with over 85% securing places at their first-choice universities, including Russell Group institutions and prestigious international universities.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Downe House School publishes day fees of £11,621 per term for 2026/27, with boarding at Full Boarding £21,076; Flexi Boarding £17,625 per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. Assessment dates: Assessment Day held in the Michaelmas (Autumn) term one year before entry; UK candidates must also complete the ISEB Common Pre-Test by 30 November of that year. No specific calendar date is published. Assessment Day comprises an interview with the Headmistress, a piece of creative or persuasive writing, a range of activities (e.g. drama, design technology, team-building), a school tour and lunch with current pupils, followed by the ISEB Common Pre-Test taken at the candidate's current school. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Downe House

Downe House employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify academically able girls who will thrive in the school's challenging yet supportive environment. The school typically assesses candidates through their own entrance examinations rather than relying solely on Common Entrance.

Assessment Components:

• English paper focusing on comprehension, creative writing, and analytical skills
• Mathematics examination covering numerical reasoning and problem-solving
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessments
• Personal interview with senior staff to assess character and potential
• Current school report and teacher recommendations

The school particularly values girls who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the potential to contribute positively to the school community. Assessment takes place in January for September entry, with candidates typically sitting examinations at Downe House itself, allowing them to experience the school environment firsthand.

How to Apply to Downe House School

Application Timeline:

• Year 5 (Age 9-10): Register interest and attend Open Morning events
• September, Year 6: Submit completed application form with registration fee
• October-November: Arrange taster day or individual school visit
• January, Year 6: Attend assessment day and interview
• February: Receive admission decision and scholarship notifications
• March: Confirm acceptance and pay deposit

Required Documentation:

• Completed application form with personal statement
• Most recent school reports (typically two years)
• Character reference from current headteacher
• Birth certificate and passport photographs
• Registration fee of £150

The school actively encourages early registration, as places are highly sought after. Prospective families are strongly advised to visit during Open Morning events or arrange individual tours to fully appreciate the school's unique character and facilities.

Preparing for the Downe House School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Downe House School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.