Excellent
NATIONAL AVG.
2.09
Little Downsend Epsom
Catchment Area, Reviews and Key Information
Primary
Independent preparatory schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum or submit test results to the Department for Education so there is no individual school performance data or star rating.
Visit the school's website to learn more about their unique curriculum, policies on testing and common leaver destinations (a good indicator of pupil progress). See our About page for information on Choosing A Prep School.
School Description
We have three Little Downsend schools, located in Ashtead, Epsom, and Leatherhead.
Based in beautiful Victorian buildings with exceptional landscaped play areas, our children benefit from large, airy rooms with high ceilings, equipped with the latest technology. Each school has a unique outdoor space, with covered play areas, sandpits, mud kitchens, race tracks, climbing equipment, vegetable patches, and large open fields for simply running about!
All around us at Little Downsend, children are happily settling into school life and starting to explore their exciting surroundings with great delight. Whatever age your child joins us, they and you, will be welcomed as part of the Downsend community. We pride ourselves on our friendly, family-feel where children feel comfortable and supported.
Alongside this, our children thrive on our problem-solving and thinking-based approach to learning. Their levels of confidence, perseverance, and resilience continue to rise, along with academic achievement, which is a delight to see. Learn more about our innovative Teaching and Learning approach here.
Downsend is a unique group of schools that has innate creativity and a love of life. We would love to welcome you to each of the schools so we can share our enthusiasm and for you to see the schools at their best – full of life with children playing, laughing, and learning.
In recognition of our forward-thinking and innovative approach, we are delighted to have received the following awards:
ISA Awards 2022 for Innovation in Independent Education: Finalist
Independent School of the Year Awards 2022 for Independent Pre-Prep of the Year: Shortlisted
Microsoft Showcase Schools Incubator Pathway
Common Sense Media School: 2021-2023
Eco-Schools Green Flag Award: July 2022
ISA Awards 2021 for Innovation and Excellence in Early Years: Finalist
An experienced teacher of 25 years, the last 10 in headship, Vanessa is a graduate of the University of Southampton where she obtained a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education with Music.
Vanessa has taught in a range of schools throughout her career, including Lonesome Primary, Ashford Park Primary, Epsom Primary, Beecholme Primary and Liberty Middle School. Vanessa’s strengths lie in teaching, learning and assessment and she is passionate about the Early Years in particular. Vanessa is a mother of 2 energetic young boys, both at Downsend, and is a Harlequins Rugby club season ticket holder who loves to travel, camp and listen to live music.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
The inspiration came from somewhere within! There isn't anything tangible I can put my finger on, from a young age it was always something I wanted to do. I have 2 younger siblings and my mum tells many stories of me making them play schools.
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
Our recent achievement at Little Downsend for our innovative approach to the use of technology, even for our littlest people.
Achievements for me are never about awards and recognition, they are always about the impact on the children but being nominated for 2 innovation awards and being accepted into the Microsoft Showcase School Incubator Pathway really celebrates the amazing work of the Little Downsend team in delivering a truly excellent curriculum for our incredible little people.
What does a successful school look like to you?
A successful school is a school where everyone is thriving and growing, both children and staff. It is a happy school where everyone is working together and aiming high for a common purpose.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
I want every child to have a true love and passion for reading - to take both joy and comfort from it and to use it as a tool to continue to nurture their curiosity, understanding that books are the key to unlock the world around them.
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
Innovative
Inclusive
Incredible
Inspiring
Go getting
This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.
24/7 Customer Service: [email protected]
