Location – Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Somerset, BA3 4RJ
Website – https://www.downside.co.uk/
Contact – + 44 1761 235100
At Downside School, we are deeply committed to providing an education that goes beyond traditional academics. Our approach focuses on the individual, stimulating academic interests both inside and outside the classroom. Through dedicated scholarship programs, a wealth of academic societies, and student-led school communities, we foster a learning environment that is engaging, instructive, and inspirational. Our teachers, passionate about their subjects, utilize innovative teaching resources to enhance the classroom experience, fully embracing the digital natives in our pupil population. This holistic education, emphasizing the dignity of every community member, is at the heart of Downside’s philosophy.
Fostering Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
At Downside, we believe that welcome and hospitality are key elements in building a kind, mutually supportive community. Our school community is enriched by the presence of 27 different nationalities, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our school culture. We celebrate this diversity through international cuisine, themed food nights, and special scholarship schemes for students from countries such as Mexico and Poland. We welcome pupils from a broad spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds, with one-third of our pupils receiving financial support through scholarships and means-tested bursaries.
Parents consistently praise Downside’s caring and supportive ethos, describing it as a “wonderful school which puts service, grace, and values at its heart” and a place where children feel “happy, safe, and able to develop both spiritually and academically.” Our alumni network, spread across the globe, regularly hosts social events in Asia, Europe, Africa, and America, offering a supportive and embracing friendship to all its members.
Collaborations and Community Engagement
Downside’s educational experience is enriched through numerous collaborations with local schools, businesses, and organizations. Each year, we welcome hundreds of pupils from local primary schools to participate in our Experience Days, which encompass art, sport, design technology, languages, science, and classics. Our commitment to community work is evident in our pupils’ regular volunteering with charities like Help For Homeless, visiting residents at local care homes, and supporting pupils with special needs.
The heart of our school is Downside Abbey Church, one of only four minor basilicas in England, where Mass is held every Sunday for all to join. Our theatre productions and concerts in the Abbey Church are open to the wider community, making Downside a hub of education and collaboration. These activities not only enrich our pupils but also create a strong bond between the school and the community.
Effective Communication Strategies
At Downside, effective communication between faculty, staff, students, and parents is a cornerstone of our educational approach. Parents receive weekly updates from the Head, fortnightly newsletters, and regular communications from House parents and tutors. Pupils meet with their tutors daily, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed. The close relationship between House parents, pupils, and parents fosters an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Addressing Individual Learning Needs
Respecting the dignity of every community member is central to Downside’s educational philosophy. Our Learning Support and English as an Additional Language departments are well-equipped to address the diverse learning needs of our pupils. Individual and small group lessons are tailored to meet each student’s needs, ensuring that they receive the best possible education. All pupils are assessed on entry to ascertain the level of support required, with close collaboration between parents and teachers to provide personalized education plans.
Promoting Student Well-being and Mental Health
The well-being and mental health of our pupils are of utmost importance at Downside. Our Health and Wellbeing Centre, located in the heart of the school, supports a wide range of health and emotional needs. Staffed by registered nurses, a Health Centre Administrator, and two counsellors, the centre provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel cherished and supported. The 2024 inspection report highlighted our exemplary pastoral care, which allows students to flourish both emotionally and academically.
Fostering Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving
Downside is committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among our pupils. Our cross-curricular themed weeks, such as Food Week, Tree Week, and Science Week, provide opportunities for students to explore these skills in depth. The Abingdon Debating Society, the oldest school debating society in the UK, offers a platform for pupils to discuss topical issues at an intellectual level. Other societies, such as the Medical Society, the Wallingford Society, and the Knowles Society, provide opportunities for pupils to delve into specific areas of interest and engage in scholarly discussions.
Integrating Technology into the Curriculum
Technology is an integral part of the curriculum at Downside, enhancing teaching and learning experiences. Our BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy ensures that all prep work is set electronically, and pupils use electronic textbooks and resources. Our extensive IT infrastructure supports classroom learning, and our thriving Computer Science department offers A-level courses, one of the few schools in the South West to do so. Our digital strategy team continually
explores innovative ways to integrate technology into the curriculum, while our well-stocked libraries provide ample resources for study and research.
Maintaining Academic Rigor and Excellence
Downside is highly ambitious for our pupils, encouraging them to seek out challenges and view failure as a valuable learning opportunity. Our rigorous quality assurance program maintains and improves standards within the school, setting aspirational and challenging targets for pupils. We foster independent learning skills, preparing pupils for lifelong learning and success beyond the classroom. Intellectual curiosity is promoted alongside academic achievement, ensuring that the journey is as important as the destination.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Downside is committed to a programme of continuous improvement, investment and innovation. In September 2024, we will open our Sixth Form Centre, providing a dedicated space for older pupils to relax, study, and socialize. Our Academic Leadership Team regularly review and develop the school curriculum to include new subjects, such as Environmental Science, Classical Civilisation, and Politics. We are also expanding our vocational qualifications to offer a broader range of educational opportunities.
In the words of the latest Catholic Schools Inspectorate (May 2024), “Downside School has successfully created an environment where students can celebrate together with a deep sense of joy.” This joy, combined with our commitment to academic excellence, cultural diversity, community engagement, and pupil well-being, defines the unique and enriching educational experience at Downside School. Downside School’s commitment to a holistic education that values every individual ensures that pupils not only achieve academically but also grow into well-rounded, compassionate individuals. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, integrating technology into the curriculum, and maintaining rigorous academic standards, Downside prepares its pupils for success in an ever-changing world.